Electronic apparatus and exchange module

Abstract

To easily detach and attach an exchange module having a different operation member, and realize a small size and a low cost.SOLUTION: A digital camera 100 is constructed so that a dial module 74 and a button module 76 can be exchanged with respect to a concave part 301a provided in a back surface housing 301. The dial module 74 includes; an annular dial 742; an annular-shaped magnet 748 that is integrally rotated with the dial 742; and a set button 741 that is arranged at an almost center of the dial 742. Across a bottom surface portion of the concave part 301a on an inner side of the back surface housing 301, an alternating detection magnet sensor 306 that detects a change in magnet flux in accordance with the rotation of the dial 742 is arranged at a position that is opposite to the annular-shaped magnet 748, and a three-axis magnet sensor 305 that detects the change in magnet flux of the magnet 752 in accordance with a depression of a set button 741 is arranged at a position opposite to the set button 741.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device in which an operation member is configured to be detachable as a replaceable module. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known electronic devices in which an operating member can be attached to and detached from the device body. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a switch module in which an input switch operating unit is configured as a separate unit and is attached to an electronic device for use. Patent Document 2 describes a joystick in which an operation panel equipped with slide switches and operation buttons can be arranged in a position where the user can easily operate the slide switches and operation buttons. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-158569 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2002-358133 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, each of the multiple input operation keys of the switch module has a magnet that moves up and down in response to pressing, and a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the magnet is provided for each magnet on the device body. Therefore, it is necessary to place a magnetic sensor at a position corresponding to each of the multiple input operation keys, and since many magnetic sensors and placement space are required, it is not easy to reduce the size of the device body and the product cost also increases.

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 2, the operation panel is held in one of four patterns rotated by 90 degrees each, but it is time-consuming to rotate the operation panel because the casing must be disassembled. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not mention the attachment and detachment of an operation panel with different operation members.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that allows easy attachment and detachment of replaceable modules having different operating members, and that can achieve miniaturization and low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device in which a replacement module constituting a part of an operation unit is attachable to and detachable from a recess provided in a device body, and a first replacement module and a second replacement module as the replacement module can be selectively attached and used, the first replacement module having an annular rotation type operation member, an annular magnet that rotates integrally with the rotation type operation member, a first press type operation member disposed approximately at the center of the rotation type operation member, and a first magnet that moves in response to a press operation on the first press type operation member, the second replacement module having a plurality of second press type operation members and a magnet that moves in response to a press operation provided on each of the plurality of second press type operation members. and a second magnet, and the device main body has a housing with the recess integrally formed therein, a first magnetic sensor provided on the inside of the housing at a position facing the first magnet across the bottom portion of the recess, and a second magnetic sensor provided on the inside of the housing at a position facing the annular magnet via the bottom portion, and when the first replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying pressing of the first press-type operating member, and the second magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying rotation of the rotation-type operating member, and when the second replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying pressing of the plurality of second press-type operating members. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, replacement modules having different operating members can be easily attached and detached, and reduction in size and cost can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera and a lens unit. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a removable replacement module attachment section of a digital camera and a removable replacement module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a dial module. [Diagram 5] 2 is a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the dial module. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the button module. [Figure 8] 1A is a front view of a button module and a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the button module. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rear housing of the digital camera. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a configuration for detecting an operation on a dial module. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a configuration for detecting an operation on a button module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, a digital camera (imaging device) will be taken up as an example of an electronic device according to the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a digital camera 100 according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 1(a) is a front perspective view and FIG. 1(b) is a rear perspective view. For convenience of explanation, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are mutually orthogonal are defined as shown in FIG. 1. The Z-axis is orthogonal to the imaging surface of the imaging element 22a, and the direction from the digital camera 100 to a subject (not shown) is defined as a positive direction (+Z). The X-axis is orthogonal to the Z-axis in a horizontal plane when the Z-axis is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the direction from left to right when the digital camera 100 is viewed from the +Z side is defined as a positive direction (+X). The Y-axis is parallel to the vertical direction when the X-axis and the Z-axis are in a horizontal plane, and the direction from bottom to top when the digital camera 100 is viewed from the +Z side is defined as a positive direction (+Y). The X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction are the width direction, the height direction, and the thickness (depth) direction of the digital camera 100, respectively.

[0012] Digital camera 100 has a display unit 28, touch panel 70a, outside viewfinder display unit 43, shutter button 61, mode switch 60, main electronic dial 71, power switch 72, top dial 73, dial 742, and set button 741. Digital camera 100 also has an AE lock button 77, a magnification button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, a communication terminal 10, an eyepiece unit 16, an eyepiece detection unit 57, a card cover 41, a terminal cover 40, and a grip unit 90.

[0013] The display unit 28 is a liquid crystal display device or the like provided on the back surface of the digital camera 100, and displays images and various information. The touch panel 70a is disposed on top of the display unit 28, and detects touch operations on the display surface (operation surface) of the display unit 28. The outside-finder display unit 43 is a liquid crystal display device or the like provided on the top surface of the digital camera 100, and various setting values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the outside-finder display unit 43. The shutter button 61 is an operating member for issuing shooting instructions. The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operating member, and the user can change setting values ​​such as shutter speed and aperture by rotating the main electronic dial 71.

[0014] The power switch 72 is an operating member for switching the power of the digital camera 100 on / off. The top dial 73 is a rotary operating member. The mode changeover switch 60 is an operating member for switching between various modes. A user can switch the operation mode of the digital camera 100 to a still image shooting mode, a video shooting mode, or the like by pressing the mode changeover switch 60 and then rotating the top dial 73. Note that the still image shooting mode includes an auto shooting mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), a program AE mode (P mode), and the like. The still image shooting mode also includes various scene modes and a custom mode that are shooting settings for different shooting scenes.

[0015] The dial 742 is a rotation-type operating member, and the user can move the selection frame, advance images, etc. by rotating the dial 742. The set button 741 is a press-type operating member, and is mainly used to confirm a selected item, etc. The dial 742 and the set button 741 are part of a dial module 74 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later.

[0016] The AE lock button 77 is an operation member for fixing the exposure state by pressing it in the shooting standby state. The enlargement button 78 is an operation member for switching the enlargement mode on / off in the live view display in the shooting mode. The user can enlarge or reduce the live view image by operating the main electronic dial 71 in the enlargement mode on state. The playback button 79 is an operation member for switching between the shooting mode and the playback mode. When the playback button 79 is pressed during the shooting mode, the mode is switched to the playback mode, and the latest image among the images stored in the storage medium 200 (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the display unit 28. In addition, the user can enlarge / reduce the playback image by operating the main electronic dial 71 in the playback mode state. The menu button 81 is an operation member for displaying a menu screen on the display unit 28 where various settings can be made. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the dial 742, and the set button 741.

[0017] The communication terminal 10 is an electrical component for communicating between the digital camera 100 and the lens unit 150 (see FIG. 2). By bringing the user's eye close to the eyepiece 16, the user can view an image displayed on the EVF 29 (in-finder display (see FIG. 2)) provided inside the digital camera 100 through an eyepiece finder (a peer-type finder). The eyepiece detection unit 57 is a sensor that detects the approach (approach to the eye) and departure (away from the eye) of the eye (object) 161 (see FIG. 2) to the eyepiece 16.

[0018] The card lid 41 is a lid that protects a slot (not shown) that stores the storage medium 200. The terminal cover 40 is a component that protects a connector (not shown) that connects a connection cable with an external device to the digital camera 100. The grip section 90 is formed in a shape that makes it easy for a user to hold the digital camera 100 with his or her right hand. When the user holds the grip section 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are located at positions that can be operated by the index finger of the right hand, and the top dial 73 is located at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 100 and a lens unit 150 that is detachable from the digital camera 100. As shown in FIG.

[0020] The lens unit 150 includes a lens 103 , an aperture 1 , an aperture driving circuit 2 , an AF driving circuit 3 , a lens system control unit 4 , and a communication terminal 6 .

[0021] Although only one lens 103 is shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, the lens 103 is actually made up of multiple lenses such as a focus lens, a zoom lens, and an image stabilization lens. The aperture 1 adjusts the amount of light passing through the lens unit 150. The aperture drive circuit 2 drives the aperture 1. The AF drive circuit 3 drives the focus lens. The lens system control unit 4 controls the aperture drive circuit 2 and the AF drive circuit 3. The communication terminal 6 is connected to the communication terminal 10 of the digital camera 100 when the lens unit 150 is attached to the digital camera 100, and enables communication between the digital camera 100 and the lens unit 150. Thus, the lens system control unit 4 communicates with the camera system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100, controls the drive of the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2, and also controls the drive of the focus lens via the AF drive circuit 3.

[0022] The digital camera 100 includes a communication terminal 10, a shutter 101, an imaging unit 22, an A / D converter 23, an image processing unit 24, a camera system control unit 50, a memory control unit 15, a memory 32, a display unit 28, an EVF 29, an eyepiece unit 16, and an eyepiece detection unit 57. The digital camera 100 also includes an outside-finder display unit 43, an outside-finder display unit drive circuit 44, a non-volatile memory 56, a system memory 52, a system timer 53, an operation unit 70, a power control unit 80, and a power supply unit 30. The digital camera 100 also includes a storage medium I / F 18, a storage medium 200, a communication unit 54, an attitude detection unit 55, and an audio input unit 58. Note that, among the components of the digital camera 100, those that have already been described with reference to FIG. 1 will not be described here.

[0023] The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that controls the exposure time in the imaging unit 22 under the control of the camera system control unit 50. The imaging unit 22 has an imaging element 22a such as a CCD or CMOS that converts an optical image into an electric signal. The A / D converter 23 converts an analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into image data consisting of a digital signal. The image processing unit 24 performs pixel interpolation processing, reduction processing (resizing processing), color conversion processing, etc. on the image data output from the A / D converter 23 and the image data acquired from the memory control unit 15. In addition, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 23, and the camera system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation result. This allows AF processing, AE processing, and EF processing of the TTL method to be performed. The image processing unit 24 further performs a predetermined calculation processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 23, and performs AWB processing of the TTL method based on the obtained calculation result.

[0024] The memory control unit 15 controls data exchange between the A / D converter 23, the image processing unit 24, and the memory 32. The digital image signal output from the A / D converter 23 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 24 and then stored in the memory 32 via the memory control unit 15, or via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity and stores still images, moving images, and audio. The memory 32 also serves as an image display memory (video memory).

[0025] The display image data written in the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 or EVF 29 via the memory control unit 15. The display unit 28 or EVF 29 performs display according to a signal from the memory control unit 15. A live view display can be performed by sequentially transferring and displaying the image data output from the A / D converter 23 and stored in the memory 32 to the display unit 28 or EVF 29. The outside-finder display unit drive circuit 44 controls the display on the outside-finder display unit 43.

[0026] The non-volatile memory 56 is a memory that can be electrically erased and stored, and for example, a flash ROM is used. Constants and programs for the operation of the camera system control unit 50 are stored in the non-volatile memory 56. The camera system control unit 50 is composed of at least one processor or circuit, and performs overall control of the digital camera 100 by executing the programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 56. For example, a RAM is used for the system memory 52. ​​Constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the camera system control unit 50 are read from the non-volatile memory 56 and deployed in the system memory 52. ​​The camera system control unit 50 also functions as a display control means. That is, the camera system control unit 50 switches the display state / non-display state of the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 according to the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57 by controlling the memory 32, the display unit 28, the EVF 29, etc. The system timer 53 measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock (not shown).

[0027] The operation unit 70 includes the touch panel 70a, the shutter button 61, the mode change switch 60, and the power switch 72 shown in FIG. 2, as well as various other operation components described with reference to FIG. 1, and provides various instructions to the camera system control unit 50.

[0028] The shutter button 61 has a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is halfway pressed (so-called halfway down) and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The camera system control unit 50, which has received the first shutter switch signal SW1, starts preparation operations for shooting, such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. The second shutter switch 64 is turned on when the shutter button 61 is completely pressed (so-called full down) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2. The camera system control unit 50, which has received the second shutter switch signal SW2, executes a series of shooting operations from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 22 to storing developed image data in the storage medium 200.

[0029] The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching current-carrying blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery, which is an example of the power supply unit 30, is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the camera system control unit 50, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit including the storage medium 200. The power supply unit 30 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, etc.

[0030] The storage medium I / F 18 is an interface for communication between the memory 32 and the camera system control unit 50 and the storage medium 200. The storage medium 200 is a memory card or the like that stores image data of captured still images and videos, and is insertable and removable from the digital camera 100. However, the storage medium 200 may be built into the digital camera 100, and is not limited to a memory card, and may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0031] The communication unit 54 is connected to an external device (not shown) by wireless communication or wired communication, and transmits and receives video signals and audio signals. The communication unit 54 may be directly connected to the external device, or may be connected via a LAN or the Internet. Specifically, the audio input unit 58 is a microphone that acquires audio around the digital camera 100. The attitude detection unit 55 is composed of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc., and detects the attitude of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity and the movement of the digital camera 100 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether or not it is stationary, etc.). The camera system control unit 50 adds orientation information according to the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55 to the captured image file, and also rotates and stores the image.

[0032] In the digital camera 100, at least a part of the operation unit 70 is configured as an exchange module that can be attached and replaced. Next, a dial module 74 and a button module 76 as an example of the exchange module will be described.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an attachment / detachment section of an exchange module in the digital camera 100 and an example of a detachable exchange module. In the rear housing 301 constituting the exterior of the digital camera 100, a recess 301a is formed as an attachment / detachment section for the exchange module, which has a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction and has a bottom surface (see FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 12(b) as appropriate). The recess 301a is formed integrally with the rear housing 301 (see FIG. 10 as appropriate), so that dust and raindrops do not enter the inside of the digital camera 100 through the recess 301a. In addition, a protrusion (hereinafter referred to as "engagement protrusion 301b") extending in the Z direction, which is the attachment / detachment direction of the dial module 74 and the button module 76 to the recess 301a, is provided at one location on the inner peripheral surface of the recess 301a.

[0034] One example of an exchange module that can be attached to the recess 301a is the dial module 74, and an engagement groove 74a is provided on the side of the dial module 74. By engaging the engagement protrusion 301b provided on the rear housing 301 with the engagement groove 74a provided on the dial module 74, the dial module 74 is inserted into the recess 301a of the rear housing 301 and positioned, and its rotation is restricted. In other words, the engagement of the engagement protrusion 301b with the engagement groove 74a prevents the entire dial module 74 from rotating when the dial 742 is rotated. As a result, the relative positions of the magnet arranged inside the dial module 74 and the magnetic sensor arranged inside the digital camera 100 are determined, as will be described in detail later, and it is possible to ensure detection accuracy.

[0035] Another example of an exchange module that can be attached to the recess 301a of the rear housing 301 is the button module 76. The dial module 74 and the button module 76 cannot be attached to the rear housing 301 at the same time, and are used selectively. In other words, the user selects the exchange module that is more comfortable for the user, attaches it, and uses it.

[0036] An engagement groove 76a is provided on the outer periphery of the button module 76, similar to the dial module 74. By engaging the engagement protrusion 301b provided on the rear housing 301 with the engagement groove 76a provided on the button module 76, the button module 76 is inserted into the recess 301a of the rear housing 301 and its rotation is restricted.

[0037] As described above, recess 301a is integrally molded with rear housing 301, so water or static electricity will not enter digital camera 100 from recess 301a. Furthermore, the replacement modules (dial module 74, button module 76), which will be described in detail later, do not have electric elements inside, and no electronic components are arranged inside recess 301a (the portion that appears externally in FIG. 3). Therefore, even if static electricity acts on the replacement module and recess 301a, there is no decrease in detection accuracy. In this way, digital camera 100 has excellent dust-proof, drip-proof, and static electricity resistance.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the dial module 74 will be described in detail. Fig. 4 is an external perspective view of the dial module 74, Fig. 4(a) is a front perspective view, and Fig. 4(b) is a rear perspective view. Fig. 5(a) is a front view of the dial module 74, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA shown in Fig. 5(a). Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the dial module 74, Fig. 6(a) is a front perspective view, and Fig. 6(b) is a rear perspective view.

[0039] The dial module 74 has a set button 741 , a dial 742 , an upper case 743 , a lower case 744 , a holding member 747 , an annular magnet 748 , a stopper 749 , and silicone rubber 751 .

[0040] The dial 742 is an operating member that is rotated by the user. A protrusion 742a is provided at the center of the back side of the dial 742 (the +Z side when the dial module 74 is attached to the digital camera 100). The protrusion 742a is inserted through an upper case hole 743a provided in the upper case 743 and engages with the center hole of the holding member 747. As a result, the holding member 747 is fixed to the dial 742 and rotates integrally with the dial 742. A holding member protrusion 747a is formed on the surface of the holding member 747 (the surface on the -Z side when the dial module 74 is attached to the digital camera 100). In addition, a spring hole 743b is formed on the back side of the upper case 743. A click spring 745 is inserted into the spring hole 743b, and the click spring 745 presses the metal ball 746 against the holding member protrusion 747a. As a result, a clicking sensation occurs when the dial 742 is rotated. The annular magnet 748 is fitted into a holding member recess 747 b provided in the holding member 747 , and therefore rotates integrally with the dial 742 and the holding member 747 .

[0041] A set button 741, which is a push-down type operating member, is disposed in the center of the dial module 74 and is inserted into the center hole of the dial 742. A stopper 749 is fixed to the set button 741 with a screw 750 to prevent it from falling off.

[0042] Silicon rubber 751 is disposed directly below the screw 750 (on the +Z side when dial module 74 is attached to digital camera 100) by fitting rubber hole 751a of silicon rubber 751 into lower case protrusion 744a of lower case 744. Magnet 752 is fixed to the inside of silicon rubber 751 (the surface of silicon rubber 751 opposite to the surface facing screw 750). Silicon rubber 751 generates a reaction force when set button 741 is pressed down. When set button 741 is pressed down with a certain amount of force or more, silicon rubber 751 buckles and deforms, and magnet 752 moves to the lower case 744 side (on the +Z side when dial module 74 is attached to digital camera 100).

[0043] The number of the engagement protrusion 301b provided on the rear housing 301 and the engagement groove 74a provided on the dial module 74 is not limited to one each, and may be two or more. The shape of the upper case 743 and the lower case 744 when viewed from the Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the "Z direction shape") is not limited to a circle, and may be a polygon such as a square as long as it includes other members. In that case, the shape of the recess 301a provided on the rear housing 301 is changed according to the Z direction shapes of the upper case 743 and the lower case 744. If the Z direction shapes of the upper case 743 and the lower case 744 are polygonal, the engagement protrusion 301b and the engagement groove 74a are not necessary. The same applies to the button module 76.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the button module 76 will be described in detail. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view of the button module 76, Fig. 7(a) is a front perspective view, and Fig. 7(b) is a rear perspective view. Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the button module 76, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB shown in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the button module 76, Fig. 9(a) is a front perspective view, and Fig. 9(b) is a rear perspective view.

[0045] The button module 76 has four buttons 761, an upper case 762, a lower case 763, four magnets 764, and silicon rubber 765. The button 761 is a pressing type operating member that is pressed by the user. In the button module 76, the four buttons 761 are disposed at equal intervals on one arc on the projection surface in the pressing direction, i.e., on the Z direction projection surface, and are therefore disposed at equal distances from the three-axis magnetic sensor 305. The number of buttons 761 can be set according to the resolution of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 (see FIG. 10) provided in the rear housing 301, and is not limited to four.

[0046] Buttons 761 are inserted into upper case holes 762a provided in upper case 762 from the rear side of upper case 762 (the +Z side when button module 76 is attached to digital camera 100) and are configured not to come out from the front side of upper case 762. Magnets 764 are inserted into and fixed to each of the four buttons 761.

[0047] Silicon rubber 765 is held in lower case 763 by fitting rubber hole 765a provided in silicone rubber 765 into lower case protrusion 763a provided in lower case 763. Protrusion 765b is provided in silicone rubber 765 at a position facing button 761. Protrusion 765b generates a reaction force when button 761 is pressed down. When button 761 is pressed down with a force equal to or greater than a certain level, protrusion 765b of silicone rubber 765 buckles and deforms, and magnet 764 held by button 761 moves towards lower case 763 ((the +Z side when button module 76 is attached to digital camera 100)).

[0048] Magnet 764 is disposed at an angle with the magnetic flux oriented in the direction of the sensitivity center of triaxial magnetic sensor 305 (see FIG. 10) provided on rear housing 301. This causes the magnetic flux direction to shift from the sensor center of triaxial magnetic sensor 305 when button 761 is pressed, increasing the amount of change in magnetic flux density, thereby improving the sensitivity of triaxial magnetic sensor 305 to changes in magnetic flux of magnet 764 associated with movement. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of buttons 761 to be laid out, or to reduce the size of magnet 764 and thereby reduce costs.

[0049] Next, the structure in the vicinity of recess 301a provided in rear housing 301 of digital camera 100 will be described.

[0050] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rear housing 301. As described above, the rear housing 301 is an exterior cover to which the dial module 74 and the button module 76 are attached, and the recess 301a and the engagement protrusion 301b are integrally molded in the rear housing 301. At a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the recess 301a on the +Z side, which is the inside of the rear housing 301, a holding metal plate 303 to which a sheet-shaped wiring member 302 is fixed with a double-sided tape (not shown) or the like is fixed with a screw 304. A three-axis magnetic sensor 305 is mounted in the approximate center of the wiring member 302 (a position that overlaps with the approximate center of the recess 301a when viewed from the Z direction), and an alternating current magnetic sensor 306 is mounted near the outer periphery of the wiring member 302. The arrangement of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 and the alternating current magnetic sensor 306 and the operation detection by the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 and the alternating current magnetic sensor 306 when the dial module 74 and the button module 76 are operated will be described later.

[0051] Next, a mechanism for detecting the depression of the set button 741 and the rotation of the dial 742 when the dial module 74 is attached to the digital camera 100 will be described.

[0052] Fig. 11(a) is a rear view of a portion of the digital camera 100, showing the dial module 74 and its vicinity. Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows C1-C1 in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(c) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the triaxial magnetic sensor 305 and the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 and the annular magnet 748. Fig. 11(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows C2-C2 in Fig. 11(c).

[0053] When the set button 741 is pressed, the magnet 752 fixed to the silicon rubber 751 approaches the triaxial magnetic sensor 305. The triaxial magnetic sensor 305 detects the direction and strength of the magnetic flux in space, and outputs a signal according to the detected magnetic flux density to the camera system control unit 50. When the magnet 752 approaches within a certain distance of the triaxial magnetic sensor 305 and a signal indicating that the detected magnetic flux density has exceeded a predetermined value is output to the camera system control unit 50, the camera system control unit 50 detects that the set button 741 has been pressed.

[0054] In the wiring member 302, the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 is disposed at a position overlapping with the annular magnet 748 of the dial module 74 when viewed from the thrust direction (Z direction when the dial module 74 is attached to the digital camera 100). The annular magnet 748 has a circular ring shape, and is a magnet in which S poles and N poles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. When the annular magnet 748 rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of the dial 742, an alternating N / S magnetic pole change occurs in the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306. The alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 outputs a signal that detects the change in the direction and density of the magnetic flux to the camera system control unit 50, and the camera system control unit 50 detects the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the dial 742 based on the signal received from the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306.

[0055] By arranging the alternating current detecting magnetic sensor 306 on the outer periphery of the wiring member 302, the inner diameter of the annular magnet 748 can be increased, which facilitates alternating current magnetization in the manufacturing process of the annular magnet 748 and also makes it possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the amount of rotation. In addition, by arranging the triaxial magnetic sensor 305 approximately in the center of the wiring member 302 and arranging the alternating current detecting magnetic sensor 306 near the outer periphery of the wiring member 302, the sensor interval can be increased, which makes it less likely that erroneous detection will occur.

[0056] 11(d), in digital camera 100, the annular magnet 748 is disposed so that the distance L1 to the annular magnet 748 is smaller than the distance L2 from the surface of wiring member 302 to magnet 752. This allows the magnetic force of the annular magnet 748 to be set weaker than that of magnet 752 within a range that can be detected by alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306. As a result, a configuration can be achieved in which the change in magnetic flux when annular magnet 748 rotates does not exceed the detection threshold value of triaxial magnetic sensor 305 (the signal value at which it is determined that set button 741 has been pressed), making it possible to prevent malfunction of triaxial magnetic sensor 305 due to annular magnet 748.

[0057] A metal plate made of a magnetic material is used for the holding sheet metal 303. As a result, the magnetic force of the annular magnet 748 close to the holding sheet metal 303 attracts the annular magnet 748 and the holding sheet metal 303, so that the dial module 74 is held in the recess 301a. Therefore, no special member is required to hold the dial module 74 in the recess 301a.

[0058] Finally, a mechanism for detecting pressing of button 761 when button module 76 is attached to digital camera 100 will be described.

[0059] Fig. 12(a) is a rear view of a portion of the digital camera 100, showing the button module 76 and its vicinity. Fig. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows D1-D1 in Fig. 12(a). Fig. 12(c) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 and the alternating current magnetic sensor 306 and the magnet 764. Fig. 12(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows D2-D2 in Fig. 12(c).

[0060] The three-axis magnetic sensor 305 detects the direction and strength of the magnetic flux in space, and outputs a signal according to the direction and strength of the detected magnetic flux to the camera system control unit 50. Since a magnet 764 is fixed to the button 761, when the button 761 is pressed, the magnet 764 approaches the three-axis magnetic sensor 305. When the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 outputs a signal indicating that the magnitude of the magnetic flux has exceeded a predetermined value to the camera system control unit 50, the camera system control unit 50 detects the pressing of the button 761. Here, the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 is provided so as to face the approximate center of a figure (specifically, a square) connecting the positions of the four buttons 761 projected onto the bottom surface of the recess 301a, with the bottom surface of the recess 301a in between. In addition, the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 can detect the direction of the magnetic flux change. Therefore, the camera system control unit 50 can identify which of the four buttons 761 has been pressed, based on the signal output from the three-axis magnetic sensor 305.

[0061] In order to increase the number of buttons 761, it is necessary to increase the resolution of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 or increase the magnetic force of the magnet 764. However, if the magnetic force of the magnet 764 is made too large, the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 may easily cause erroneous detection. Therefore, in this embodiment, the button lower hole 761a into which the magnet 764 is inserted is opened toward the sensitivity center of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305, and the direction of the magnetic force of the magnet 764 is aligned with the sensitivity center direction of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305. This makes it possible to improve the resolution of the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 with respect to the change in magnetic flux when the button 761 is pressed, without increasing the magnetic force of the magnet 764, and as a result, it becomes possible to arrange more buttons 761. In addition, the four buttons 761 are provided at positions that do not overlap with the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 when viewed from the thrust direction, so that the alternating current detection magnetic sensor 306 does not cause erroneous detection when the button 761 is pressed.

[0062] In addition, since the three-axis magnetic sensor 305 and the alternating current magnetic sensor 306 detect operations only by changes in magnetic force, there is no need to identify whether the dial module 74 or the button module 76 is attached. This makes it possible to realize functions assigned to predetermined operations on the dial module 74 and the button module 76 with simple control.

[0063] 11 and 12, digital camera 100 allows replacement modules with different operation members, such as dial module 74 and button module 76, to be easily attached and detached without the need to disassemble digital camera 100. Furthermore, detection of operations on set button 741 and each of four buttons 761 can be performed by one sensor (axial magnetic sensor 305), and there is no need to provide a sensor for each operation member, which allows reduction in cost and size of digital camera 100. Furthermore, if a problem occurs in a replacement module during use, it is only necessary to replace the replacement module with a functioning one, and there is also the convenience of not having to disassemble digital camera 100 to replace parts.

[0064] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An electronic device in which an exchange module constituting a part of an operation unit is attachable to and detachable from a recess provided in a device body, and a first exchange module and a second exchange module as the exchange module can be selectively attached and used, the first exchange module having an annular rotation type operation member, an annular magnet that rotates integrally with the rotation type operation member, a first press-down type operation member disposed approximately at the center of the rotation type operation member, and a first magnet that moves in response to a press-down operation on the first press-down type operation member, the second exchange module having a plurality of second press-down type operation members, and a second magnet that is provided on each of the plurality of second press-down type operation members and moves in response to a press-down operation, , wherein the device main body has a housing with the recess integrally formed therein, a first magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position facing the first magnet across a bottom portion of the recess, and a second magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position facing the annular magnet across the bottom portion, wherein when the first replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying the pressing of the first press-type operating member, and the second magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying the rotation of the rotation-type operating member, and when the second replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying the pressing of the second press-type operating members. (Configuration 2) The electronic device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that in the second replacement module, each of the multiple second depress-type operating members is provided in a position that does not face the second magnetic sensor across the bottom surface portion. (Configuration 3) In the second replacement module, each of the plurality of second depression-type operating members has a hole portion having an opening facing a sensitivity center of the first magnetic sensor, 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the second magnet is fixed to the hole. (Configuration 4) The device body has a sheet-like wiring member on which the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are mounted, 4. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the distance from a surface of the wiring member to the annular magnet is smaller than the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the first magnet. (Configuration 5) An electronic device as described in Configuration 4, characterized in that it has a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member, the first replacement module is held in the recess by the first magnet and the annular magnet attracting the metal plate, and the second replacement module is held in the recess by the second magnet attracting the metal plate. (Configuration 6) An electronic device comprising: a device main body; and an exchange module that can be attached to and detached from the device main body and is attached to the device main body to form a part of an operation unit, wherein the exchange module has a ring-shaped rotation-type operating member, a ring-shaped magnet that rotates integrally with the rotation-type operating member, a press-type operating member that is disposed approximately at the center of the rotation-type operating member, and a magnet that moves in response to a press-down operation of the press-down type operating member, and the device main body has a housing that is integrally formed with a recess into which the exchange module is attached and detached, a first magnetic sensor that is provided inside the housing at a position facing the magnet across a bottom portion of the recess, and that detects a change in magnetic flux that occurs when the press-down type operating member is pressed, and a second magnetic sensor that is provided inside the housing at a position facing the ring-shaped magnet across the bottom portion, and that detects a change in magnetic flux that occurs when the rotation-type operating member is rotated. (Configuration 7) The electronic device described in Configuration 6, wherein the device body has a sheet-shaped wiring member having the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor mounted on its surface, and the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the annular magnet is shorter than the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the magnet. (Configuration 8) The electronic device described in Configuration 7, further comprising a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member, and wherein the annular magnet and the metal plate are attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the annular magnet, thereby holding the replacement module in the recess. (Configuration 9) An electronic device comprising: a device main body; and an exchange module that can be attached and detached to the device main body and is attached to the device main body to form a part of an operation unit, wherein the exchange module has a plurality of press-down type operating members, and a magnet that is provided on each of the plurality of press-down type operating members and moves in response to a press-down operation, and the device main body comprises a housing having a recess into which the exchange module is attached and detached integrally formed, a first magnetic sensor that is provided on the inside of the housing so as to face approximately the center of a figure connecting the positions of the plurality of press-down type operating members projected onto a bottom surface portion of the recess, across the bottom surface portion, and that detects a change in magnetic flux that occurs when the plurality of press-down type operating members are pressed, and a second magnetic sensor that is provided on the inside of the housing at a position not facing the plurality of press-down type operating members across the bottom surface portion. (Configuration 10) The electronic device described in Configuration 9, characterized in that in the replacement module, each of the multiple press-type operating members has a hole portion with an opening facing the sensitivity center of the first magnetic sensor, and the magnet is fixed to the hole portion. (Configuration 11) The electronic device described in configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that the device main body has a sheet-shaped wiring member having the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor mounted on its surface, and a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member, and the replacement module is held in the recess by the magnetic force of the magnet attracting the magnet and the metal plate to each other. (Configuration 12) An electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that a protrusion extending in a direction for attaching and detaching the replacement module to the recess is provided on the inner circumference of the recess, and a groove portion for engaging with the protrusion is provided on the replacement module. (Configuration 13) An electronic device in which at least a portion of an operating unit can be attached and detached as a replacement module, comprising: a housing having an integrally formed recess into which the replacement module is attached and detached; a wiring member arranged inside the housing so as to face a bottom portion of the recess; a first sensor mounted on the wiring member at a position facing approximately the center of the bottom portion; and a second sensor mounted on the wiring member at a position facing the outer periphery of the bottom portion. (Configuration 14) An exchange module that is detachable from an electronic device and that constitutes at least a part of an operation unit of the electronic device when attached to the electronic device, comprising: a ring-shaped rotation-type operation member; a ring-shaped magnet that rotates integrally with the rotation-type operation member; a first press-type operation member that is positioned approximately at the center of the rotation-type operation member; a magnet that moves in response to a press operation on the first press-type operation member; and a positioning unit for positioning the exchange module with respect to the electronic device. (Configuration 15) An exchange module that is detachable from an electronic device and that constitutes at least a part of an operating unit of the electronic device when attached to the electronic device, comprising a plurality of press-type operating members and a magnet provided on each of the plurality of press-type operating members that moves in response to a press operation, wherein the plurality of press-type operating members are equally spaced on a single arc on a projection surface in the direction of the press operation.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on the preferred embodiments, 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-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, a digital camera is taken up as an example of an electronic device according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to being applicable to digital cameras. In other words, the present invention can be applied to any electronic device in which an operating member can be attached to, detached from, and replaced as an exchange module with respect to the device body, and can be applied to, for example, a game controller, an operating unit of industrial equipment, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 70 Operation section 74 Dial Module 76 Button Module 100 Digital Camera 301 Rear case 301a Recess 302 Wiring materials 303 Retaining plate 305 3-axis magnetic sensor 305 306 Bipolar Magnetic Sensor 742 Dial 747 Retaining member 748 Ring Magnet 752 Magnet 761 Button 764 Magnet

Claims

1. An electronic device in which a replacement module constituting a part of an operation unit is detachable from a recess provided in a device body, and a first replacement module and a second replacement module as the replacement module can be selectively attached and used, The first replacement module comprises: An annular rotary operation type operating member; An annular magnet that rotates integrally with the rotary operation type operating member; a first depression type operating member disposed at substantially the center of the rotation type operating member; a first magnet that moves in response to a depression operation of the first depression-type operating member; The second replacement module comprises: A plurality of second depression-type operating members; a second magnet provided on each of the plurality of second depression type operating members and moving in response to a depression operation; The device body includes: a housing integrally formed with the recess; a first magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position facing the first magnet across a bottom surface of the recess; a second magnetic sensor provided on the inside of the housing at a position facing the annular magnet with the bottom surface portion interposed therebetween; When the first replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux caused by pressing the first pressing type operating member, and the second magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux caused by rotating the rotating type operating member; An electronic device characterized in that, when the second replacement module is attached, the first magnetic sensor detects a change in magnetic flux that accompanies pressing of the plurality of second press-type operating members.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the second replacement module, each of the multiple second press-type operating members is provided in a position that does not face the second magnetic sensor across the bottom surface portion.

3. In the second replacement module, each of the plurality of second depression-type operating members has a hole portion having an opening facing a sensitivity center of the first magnetic sensor, 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second magnet is fixed to the hole.

4. the device body has a sheet-like wiring member on whose surface the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are mounted, 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the annular magnet is smaller than the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the first magnet.

5. a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member; the first replacement module is held in the recess by the first magnet and the annular magnet attracting the metal plate; 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the second replacement module is held in the recess by the second magnet and the metal plate attracting each other.

6. The device body, an exchange module that is detachable from the device body and that is attached to the device body to form a part of an operation unit, The replacement module comprises: An annular rotary operation type operating member; An annular magnet that rotates integrally with the rotary operation type operating member; a depression type operating member disposed at substantially the center of the rotation type operating member; a magnet that moves in response to a depression operation of the depression-type operating member; The device body includes: a housing having a recess integrally formed therewith into which the replacement module is attached and detached; a first magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position facing the magnet across a bottom surface of the recess, the first magnetic sensor detecting a change in magnetic flux caused by pressing down the pressing-down type operating member; and a second magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position facing the annular magnet across the bottom surface, the second magnetic sensor detecting a change in magnetic flux associated with rotation of the rotary operating member.

7. the device body has a sheet-like wiring member on whose surface the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are mounted, 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the annular magnet is smaller than the distance from the surface of the wiring member to the magnet.

8. a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member; 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the replacement module is held in the recess by the magnetic force of the annular magnet attracting the annular magnet and the metal plate to each other.

9. The device body, an exchange module that is detachable from the device body and that is attached to the device body to form a part of an operation unit, The replacement module comprises: A plurality of depression-type operating members; a magnet provided on each of the plurality of depression type operation members and moving in response to a depression operation; The device body includes: a housing having a recess integrally formed therewith into which the replacement module is attached and detached; a first magnetic sensor that is provided inside the housing so as to face an approximate center of a figure that connects positions where the plurality of depression-type operation members are projected onto a bottom surface portion of the recess, across the bottom surface portion, and that detects a change in magnetic flux accompanying depression of the plurality of depression-type operation members; a second magnetic sensor provided inside the housing at a position not facing the plurality of depression-type operating members across the bottom surface portion.

10. each of the plurality of depression-type operating members in the replacement module has a hole having an opening facing a sensitivity center of the first magnetic sensor; 10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the magnet is fixed to the hole.

11. the device body includes a sheet-like wiring member having the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor mounted on a surface thereof; a metal plate made of a magnetic material that holds the wiring member; 11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the magnet and the metal plate are attracted to each other by a magnetic force of the magnet, thereby holding the replacement module in the recess.

12. A protrusion is provided on an inner periphery of the recess, the protrusion extending in a direction in which the replacement module is attached to and detached from the recess, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the replacement module is provided with a groove that engages with the protrusion.

13. An electronic device in which at least a part of an operation unit can be attached and detached as a replacement module, a housing having a recess integrally formed therewith into which the replacement module is attached and detached; a wiring member disposed inside the housing so as to face a bottom portion of the recess; a first sensor mounted on the wiring member at a position facing substantially the center of the bottom surface portion; a second sensor mounted on the wiring member at a position facing an outer periphery of the bottom surface portion.

14. An exchange module that is detachable from an electronic device and that constitutes at least a part of an operation unit of the electronic device when attached to the electronic device, An annular rotary operation type operating member; An annular magnet that rotates integrally with the rotary operation type operating member; a first depression type operating member disposed at substantially the center of the rotation type operating member; a magnet that moves in response to a depression operation on the first depression-type operating member; a positioning portion for positioning the replacement module relative to the electronic device.

15. An exchange module that is detachable from an electronic device and that constitutes at least a part of an operation unit of the electronic device when attached to the electronic device, A plurality of depression-type operating members; a magnet provided on each of the plurality of depression type operation members and moving in response to a depression operation; The replacement module is characterized in that the plurality of depression type operating members are arranged at equal intervals on a single arc on a projection plane in a direction of depression.

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