Electronic device

Abstract

As the number of functions of the imaging apparatus increases, it is required to improve the convenience of the operation button.SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes a first operation means 122 and a second operation means 123 which can be operated by fingers of a hand holding a body. The first operation means has a configuration in which a state of at least one switch is changed by performing an operation. The second operation means has a configuration in which the state of the first switch is changed by performing a first operation, and the state of the second switch is changed by performing a second operation with an operating force larger than that of the first operation following the first operation. The maximum value of the operation force required for the second operation is larger than the maximum operation force required for the operation of the first operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device such as an imaging device having a plurality of operation buttons. [Background technology]

[0002] Some imaging devices have an AF start button as an operation button for instructing AF. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device having an AF start button that is located near the release button in a position that can be operated by the user's thumb, and that is operated to start AF. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-18382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As imaging devices become more multifunctional, there is a demand for improved convenience of operation buttons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention has a first operating means and a second operating means, each operable with the fingers of a hand holding the main body. The first operating means is configured to change the state of at least one switch when operated. The second operating means is configured to change the state of the first switch when a first operation is performed, and to change the state of the second switch when a second operation is performed following the first operation with a greater operating force than the first operation. The electronic device is characterized in that the maximum operating force required for the second operation of the second operating means is different from the maximum operating force required for operating the first operating means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device in which the maximum operating force required for operating the first operating means and the maximum operating force required for the second operation of the second operating means are different from each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the camera of the first embodiment in a grip state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera of the first embodiment in a grip state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the AF start button according to the first embodiment and a graph showing the relationship between the pressing load and the pressing amount. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a release button according to the first embodiment and a graph showing the relationship between the pressing load and the pressing amount. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of an AF start button according to a second embodiment and a graph showing the relationship between the pressing load and the pressing amount. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of an AF start button according to a third embodiment and a graph showing the relationship between the pressing load and the pressing amount. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a release button in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the AF start button settings list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0009] 1 shows the configuration of a camera system including an interchangeable lens digital camera (hereinafter referred to as camera body) 101 as an electronic device (imaging device) of Example 1, and an interchangeable lens 201 detachably attached to the camera body 101. The interchangeable lens 201 is attached to the camera body 101 by mechanically and electrically connecting its mount 206 to a mount 102 of the camera body 101. The camera body 101 can supply power to the interchangeable lens 201, and can send and receive various commands and data to and from the interchangeable lens 201.

[0010] The interchangeable lens 201 has an imaging lens 202, a lens switch 204, and a lens control unit 205. The imaging lens 202 forms an optical image of a subject. A focus lens 202a included in the imaging lens 202 is driven in the optical axis direction (indicated by a dashed line in the figure) by a focus actuator 203 that operates in response to a drive signal from the lens control unit 205. The focus actuator 203 is composed of a stepping motor, a lead screw that converts the rotation of the stepping motor into a drive force in the optical axis direction, and a rack. However, other motors such as a vibration motor, a DC motor, and a voice coil motor (VCM) may also be used for the focus actuator 203. The interchangeable lens 201 has a lens switch 204 that allows the user to input a predetermined signal to the lens control unit 205.

[0011] The camera body 101 has an image sensor (image pickup element) 105 as a CMOS sensor that photoelectrically converts (captures) a subject image as an optical image formed by an imaging lens 202, and a shutter 104 that controls the exposure amount of the image sensor 105.

[0012] An imaging signal generated by photoelectric conversion by the imaging sensor 105 is input to the CPU 112. Using the memory unit 110, the CPU 112 controls the camera body 101 and the interchangeable lens 201 and performs various processes on the imaging signal to generate image data. The CPU 112 outputs the generated image data to the display control unit 08 and the recording / output unit 124. The recording / output unit 124 records the image data on a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, or outputs the image data to the outside via wired or wireless communication.

[0013] In response to an autofocus (AF) instruction, the CPU 112 acquires information required for AF (hereinafter referred to as AF information) from the imaging sensor 105 and outputs the AF information to the focus control unit 109. The focus control unit 109 calculates the drive amount of the focus lens 202a for AF (hereinafter referred to as focus drive amount). The CPU 112 transmits a focus command including the focus drive amount input from the focus control unit 109 to the lens control unit 205. The lens control unit 205 causes the focus actuator 203 to drive the focus lens 202a in accordance with the focus command. This performs AF.

[0014] The AF information in this embodiment is a defocus amount acquired through focus detection pixels that perform so-called pupil division and are arranged on some or all of the pixels of the image sensor 105. However, the AF information may also be a contrast evaluation value based on high-frequency components contained in the image data, in which case the focus lens 202a is driven to a position where the contrast evaluation value reaches its peak.

[0015] A display control unit 108 converts the image data into display data and displays it on an electronic viewfinder (EVF) unit 103 or a display monitor 107 provided on the back of the camera body 101. This allows the image to be displayed as a live view image before capture or as a recorded image generated by capture.

[0016] The camera body 101 is provided with a number of switches that are operated by the user to give various instructions and make various settings. The operation of these switches is detected by a switch circuit 111, which outputs a signal corresponding to the operated switch to a CPU 112.

[0017] When the power switch 113 is turned on, it supplies power from the power supply 106 to each component in the camera body 101 (and the interchangeable lens 201). The switch 114 is configured, for example, by an optical pointing device (described later), and its operation signal is detected by the switch circuit 111.

[0018] Furthermore, camera body 101 is provided with a release button 122 as a first operating means (first operating unit), and an AF start button 123 as a second operating means (second operating unit). Both release button 122 and AF start button 123 have a two-stage switch configuration in which a halfway press (first operation) changes the state of a switch (for example, an ON / OFF state), and a full press (second operation) following the halfway press changes the state of another switch. A full press operation requires a greater operating force than a halfway press operation.

[0019] Specifically, when the release button 122 is pressed halfway from an unoperated state, a first release switch (third switch) 116 is brought into conduction and turned ON, and when the release button 122 is pressed halfway to a full press, a second release switch (fourth switch) 117 is brought into conduction and turned ON. When the AF start button 123 is pressed halfway from an unoperated state, an AF first switch 118 is brought into conduction and turned ON, and when the release button 122 is pressed halfway to a full press, an AF second switch 119 is brought into conduction and turned ON.

[0020] The operation amounts of the release button 122 and the AF start button 123 when pressed halfway may be the same or different. Similarly, the operation amounts of the release button 122 and the AF start button 123 when pressed halfway and then pressed all the way may be the same or different. Furthermore, each of the first switches and each of the second switches may be turned ON by being brought into conduction as described above by a halfway press and a full press, or may be turned ON by being brought into non-conduction. In other words, it is sufficient that the state is switched by each of a halfway press and a full press.

[0021] CPU 112 starts image capture preparation operations such as AF and AE in response to the first release switch 116 of release button 122 being turned ON, and starts image capture operations in response to the second release switch 117 being turned ON. The operation that CPU 112 performs in response to the first release switch 116 being turned ON can be set or changed by the user.

[0022] Furthermore, CPU 112 starts AF in response to the turning on of first AF switch 118. At this time, it may be set so that imaging preparation operations other than AF are started in response to the turning on of first release switch 116 of release button 122. Furthermore, CPU 112 changes the continuous imaging speed (continuous shooting speed) in response to the turning on of second AF switch 119 during continuous imaging.

[0023] For example, the user half-presses the AF start button 123 with their thumb at the timing to start AF, causing the camera body 101 to start AF, and then fully presses the release button 122 at an appropriate timing thereafter to perform an image capture operation. Continuous image capture is performed by continuing to fully press the release button 122 at this time. If the user then fully presses the AF start button 123 during continuous image capture, the continuous shooting speed during the full press operation can be increased or decreased. Specifically, the continuous shooting speed can be temporarily increased during slow continuous image capture.

[0024] Note that various functions can be assigned to the full press of the AF start button 123 (turning the second AF switch 119 ON), such as a function to change the image quality or AF-related functions such as stopping AF and reselecting the AF start timing, in addition to the function to change the continuous shooting speed described above. Also, the start of AF may be assigned to the full press of the AF start button 123, and another function may be assigned to the half press. That is, it is sufficient to assign an AF-related function to at least one of the half press and full press of the AF start button 123. Furthermore, although this button is referred to as the AF start button 123 here, it is also possible to assign a function unrelated to AF to this button.

[0025] 11(a) and 11(b) will be used to explain the settings that can be assigned to the halfway press and full press operations of the AF start button 123. Fig. 11(a) shows a list of settings for the AF start button 123. Five settings, from setting S001 to setting S005, are available for the halfway press and full press operations of the AF start button 123.

[0026] In setting S001, metering and AF start operations are assigned to half-press operations, and disabled to full-press operations. For metering and AF start operations, AE and AF operations are started by operating the AF start button 123. Disabled is a state in which no function is activated by operation. In setting S002, disable is assigned to half-press operations, and metering and AF start operations are assigned to full-press operations. This setting is suitable for users who are concerned about the possibility of operating erroneously due to settings that start metering and AF operations when the button is pressed halfway.

[0027] In setting S003, metering and AF start operations are assigned to half-press operations, and user-defined settings are assigned to full-press operations. User-defined settings allow the user to freely set the functions to be assigned when operating the buttons. The details of the user-defined settings will be described later using Figure 11(b). In setting S004, user-defined settings are assigned to half-press operations, and metering and AF start operations are assigned to full-press operations. In setting S005, user-defined settings are assigned to both half-press operations and full-press operations.

[0028] Figure 11(b) shows an example of user-defined function assignment. Function K001 is the AF stop operation. AF operation in progress can be stopped by pressing the button. No operation occurs when AF operation is not in progress. This function is used, for example, to avoid undesired operations such as focusing on an obstacle that suddenly appears in the frame. Function K002 is the AE lock and AF stop operation. In addition to function K001, button operation can also hold the exposure setting at the time the button is pressed for a certain period of time. This function is used, for example, when you want to maintain a desired exposure state even when the exposure conditions on the screen change.

[0029] Function K003 is the center return operation for the AF area. When the AF area is in a position other than the center due to user settings or camera operation, the AF area can be returned to the center of the screen by operating a button. If the AF area is in the center when the button is operated, the position of the AF area will not be moved. Furthermore, with this function, the location to which the AF area is returned is not limited to the center, and it can also be returned to any location by prior setting.

[0030] Function K004 is the AF area change function. By pressing the button, you can switch to a pre-set AF area regardless of the setting before pressing the button. This function allows you to change the size and shape of the AF area. You can also choose whether to switch only while the button is pressed or to maintain the switched state until the button is pressed again.

[0031] Function K005 switches the registered AF area. By operating the button, you can switch to a pre-set AF area condition, regardless of the settings before pressing the button. This function allows you to pre-set the position, size, and shape of the AF area as you like. You can also choose whether to switch only while the button is pressed, or to maintain the switched state until the button is pressed again.

[0032] Function K006 is the implementation of subject detection. By operating the button, it is possible to detect whether a specific subject is present within the frame. The types of subjects to be detected include, for example, a person in their entirety, a person's face, a person's eyes, a bird, an animal other than a bird, a car, a train, or other vehicles. These subjects may be specified by the user, or the camera may select them automatically. Birds and animals other than birds may also be prioritized or limited to the entirety, face, or eyes. It is possible to select whether detection is performed only while the button is pressed, or whether detection continues until the button is pressed again. In addition to detection, it may also be possible to set the camera to perform AF operation on the detected subject.

[0033] Function K007 is the start and stop operation of subject tracking. By operating the button, it is possible to change the setting so that the subject within the screen is detected and the detected subject is tracked and the AF operation continues. It is also possible to limit the subject tracking area within the screen, change the subject tracking target, and change the priority of which subject to track. It is also possible to change the tracking characteristics of subject tracking and the tracking ability in response to changes in the subject's speed. It is also possible to select whether to switch only while the button is pressed or to maintain the switched state until the button is pressed again.

[0034] Function K008 is a function for switching between one-shot (single) AF and servo (continuous) AF. By operating the button, you can switch between one-shot (single) AF operation, which performs AF once and then stops lens operation after focusing, and servo (continuous) AF operation, which continues to focus on the subject within the AF area while the AF operation command is being issued. You can also select whether the switch occurs only while the button is pressed, or whether the switch state remains until the button is pressed again.

[0035] Function K009 allows a camera with a so-called eye-gaze input function, which allows selection of an AF area by eye-gaze input, to perform AF operation on a subject that the user's gaze is focused on at the time the button is pressed by operating the button. Function K010 switches to a registered AF function. A button operation allows switching to a pre-registered AF function. Specifically, the switchable AF functions are some or all of the AF-related functions described in functions K003 to K009, but other functions may also be switchable. In addition, it is possible to select whether the switch occurs only while the button is pressed or whether the switch state remains until the button is pressed again.

[0036] Function K011 is a focus preset operation. By operating the button, AF operation is performed to focus on a preset distance. Function K012 is an AE lock function. It is an operation of the aforementioned function K002 that does not stop AF. It only performs the operation of maintaining the exposure setting at the time the button is pressed for a certain period of time. Function K013 is an exposure compensation operation. When operating the button, exposure compensation can be performed by operating a dial or lever attached to the camera. It is also possible to change to a predetermined exposure compensation amount in advance or to a state where exposure compensation is not performed.

[0037] Function K014 changes the continuous shooting speed. A predetermined continuous shooting speed can be set while the button is pressed. For example, the AF start button 123 is set as setting S003, and a user-specified setting is set as function K014. Let's say the continuous shooting speed during normal operation is 10 frames per second, and function K014 sets the continuous shooting speed during button operation to 30 frames per second. In this case, images are captured at 10 frames per second before and while the AF start button 123 is pressed halfway, and at 30 frames per second only while the AF start button 123 is pressed all the way. It is possible to change the continuous shooting speed only while the button is pressed, or to maintain the changed continuous shooting speed until the button is pressed again.

[0038] Function K015 is a partial screen magnification function. By operating a button, a specific area of ​​the EVF unit 103 or the display monitor 107 can be enlarged and displayed. The enlarged area can be set to, for example, the center of the screen, the AF area, or the area the user is looking at as captured by the eye-gaze input function. It is also possible to select whether the image will be enlarged only while the button is pressed, or whether the enlarged state will be maintained until the button is pressed again.

[0039] Function K016 is the calling of a registered imaging function. By operating the button, a predetermined function of the camera that has been set in advance can be called and applied. The predetermined function can be some or all of the functions described in functions K001 to K015, but it can also be other functions. It is also possible to select whether the function is applied only while the button is pressed, or whether it remains applied until the button is pressed again.

[0040] Settings S001 to S005 and functions K001 to K016 are examples of function settings for the AF start button 123, and other functions not described above may also be set.

[0041] Fig. 2(a) shows the appearance of the camera system as seen from the diagonal front side, and Fig. 2(b) shows the appearance of the camera system as seen from the diagonal rear side. As shown in Fig. 2(b), the lens switch 204 described above is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the interchangeable lens 201.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the camera body 101 has a normal position grip 121a and a vertical position grip 121b that protrude forward from the left side when viewed from the front side (the right side when viewed from the rear side) and the bottom, respectively. The user can hold the camera body 101 stably in the normal position by holding the normal position grip 121a with the right hand when the camera body 101 is in a horizontal position (a state in which the long side of the image sensor 105 extends horizontally). Also, by holding the vertical position grip 121b with the right hand when the camera body 101 is in a vertical position (a state in which the long side of the image sensor 105 extends vertically), the user can hold the camera body 101 stably in the vertical position. As shown in FIG. 2(b), an EVF unit 103, a display monitor 107, and a power switch 113 are arranged on the back of the camera body 101.

[0043] A normal position release button 122a, which is the release button 122, is located on the top surface of camera body 101 near the index finger (first finger) of the user's right hand holding normal position grip 121a. Furthermore, a normal position AF start button 123a, which is the AF start button 123, is located on the back surface of camera body 101 near the thumb (second finger) of the user's right hand holding normal position grip 121a. Furthermore, a vertical position release button 122b, which is the release button 122, is located on the side surface of camera body 101 (but on the top surface in the vertical position) near the position of the index finger of the right hand holding vertical position grip 121b. Furthermore, a vertical position AF start button 123b, which is the AF start button 123, is located on the back surface of camera body 101 near the thumb of the right hand holding vertical position grip 121b.

[0044] Figure 3(a) shows the appearance of the camera system in the normal position as seen from the diagonal front side and the user's right hand, while Figure 3(b) shows the appearance of the camera system in the vertical position as seen from the diagonal front side and the user's right hand. Figure 4(a) shows the appearance of the camera system in the normal position as seen from the diagonal rear side and the user's right hand, while Figure 4(b) shows the appearance of the camera system in the vertical position as seen from the diagonal rear side and the user's right hand.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3(a), normal position release button 122a is positioned so that it can be operated with the index finger 990a of right hand 990 gripping normal position grip 121a. When camera body 101 in the normal position is viewed from above, normal position release button 122a is positioned so that it overlaps with normal position grip 121a protruding forward. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(b), vertical position release button 122b is positioned so that it can be operated with the index finger 990a of right hand 990 gripping vertical position grip 121b. When camera body 101 in the vertical position is viewed from above, vertical position release button 122b is positioned so that it overlaps with vertical position grip 121b protruding forward.

[0046] 4(a) and (b) show the arrangement of the normal position AF start button 123a and the vertical position AF start button 123b on the camera body 101 as seen from the diagonally rear side. The normal position AF start button 123a is located on the rear of the camera body 101 in a position that can be operated with the thumb 990b of the right hand 990 holding the normal position grip 121a. The vertical position AF start button 123b is located on the rear of the camera body 101 in a position that can be operated with the thumb 990b of the right hand 990 holding the vertical position grip 121b.

[0047] The user holds the normal position grip 121a or the vertical position grip 121b with their middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, and holds the camera body 101 from both the front and the back by pressing the ball of the foot 990c at the base of the thumb 990b against the back of the camera body 101. In this state, the user operates the normal position AF start button 123a or the vertical position AF start button 123b with the thumb 990b of their right hand 990.

[0048] 5(a) and 5(b) show the locations of the normal position AF start button 123a and the vertical position AF start button 123b on the camera body 101 as viewed from the rear side. When the camera body 101 is in the normal position as shown in FIG. 5(a) and viewed from the rear side, the normal position AF start button 123a is located above the center in the up-down (vertical) direction of the normal position grip 121a. In other words, it is located closer to the normal position release button 122a, which is hidden in FIG. 5(a), than the center. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(a), it is desirable to locate the normal position AF start button 123a closer to the normal position grip 121a than the center line of the left-right (horizontal) direction of the display monitor 107, and in an area A001 within the dashed line that avoids the convex portion 115 where the EVF unit 103 protrudes toward the rear side.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the vertical position AF start button 123b is located above the vertical center of the vertical position grip 121b when the camera body 101 is viewed from the rear side in the vertical position. In other words, it is located closer to the vertical position release button 122b, which is hidden in FIG. 5(b), than the center. It is also desirable to locate the vertical position AF start button 123b in area A002, enclosed by a dashed line, closer to the vertical position grip 121b than the horizontal center line of the display monitor 107, as shown in FIG. 5(b). In this embodiment, there is no convex portion 115 within area A002. However, if there were a convex portion 115, it is desirable to design area A002 to avoid that convex portion 115.

[0050] Next, the structure of the AF start button 123 (123a, 123b) with a two-stage switch structure will be described using Fig. 6(a). Fig. 6(a) shows a cross section of the AF start button 123 provided on the camera body 101. Fig. 6(b) shows the relationship between the depression load F (vertical axis), which is the operating force when the AF start button 123 is pressed, and the depression amount L (horizontal axis), which is the amount of operation.

[0051] Here, the normal position AF start button 123a and the vertical position AF start button 123b will be described as having the same structure. However, the normal position AF start button 123a and the vertical position AF start button 123b may have different structures. However, even in this case, it is desirable that the relationship between the pressing load and pressing amount of the normal position AF start button 123a and the vertical position AF start button 123b be as close as possible to each other so that the user can capture images with an operation feel that is as similar as possible between the normal position and the vertical position.

[0052] 6(a) shows the AF start button 123 in its initial state (unoperated state) where it has not been pressed down. A ring-shaped waterproof rubber 513 made of silicone rubber or the like is fitted into an exterior cover 514 made of metal or plastic, and the AF start button 123 is disposed inside the waterproof rubber 513.

[0053] The button section 500 serving as an operating member is formed by bonding together a molded button top 501 and a button pusher 502. The button pusher 502 is held in place by inserting its button shaft 502a into a button fitting hole 503a in a button base 503, which is fixed to an exterior cover 514 with a screw (not shown). A washer 504 is connected to the button pusher 502 near a button depressor 502b at its tip to prevent it from coming loose. A waterproof section 513a of a waterproof rubber 513 is in pressed contact with the entire circumference of a portion of the button pusher 502, thereby ensuring the waterproof performance of the AF start button 123.

[0054] An optical pointing device 512 serving as the switch 114 shown in FIG. 1 is provided inside the button section 500. The optical pointing device 512 optically reads the finger of the user touching the button top 501 and calculates the direction of finger movement. Signals indicating the finger contact and movement direction are detected by the switch circuit 111 described above. Note that the optical pointing device 512 does not necessarily have to be provided on the AF start button 123.

[0055] A spring holder 508, which is a plastic molded part, is disposed below the button part 500. The spring holder 508 is disposed on a base metal plate 506 made of an aluminum or stainless steel metal plate. A switch flexible printed circuit (FPC) 507 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the spring holder 508 and the base metal plate 506.

[0056] A plurality of exposed metal portions (contact points) that are part of the signal pattern are provided on switch FPC 507. These contact points are in contact with two first coil springs 509, two second coil springs 510a and 510b, and one third coil spring 511, which are each conductive coil springs arranged inside spring holder 508.

[0057] Specifically, the two first coil springs 509 are in contact with and conductively connected to two contacts 507a provided on the switch FPC 507. The two contacts 507a are both at ground potential. The two second coil springs 510a and 510b are used as coil spring A (GND) 510a as a first elastic member and coil spring B (AF first switch ON) 510b as a second elastic member, which have different mechanical and electrical functions. The coil spring A 510a is in contact with and conductively connected to contact 507b of the switch FPC 507, and the coil spring B 510b is in contact with and conductively connected to contact 507c. The contact 507b is at ground potential, and the contact 507c is a contact for outputting an ON signal for the AF first switch 118. The third coil spring 511 is in contact with and conductively connected to contact 507d of the switch FPC 507. The contact 507d is a contact for outputting an ON signal to the AF second switch 119.

[0058] Switch shaft 505 made of conductive metal is disposed within spring holder 508. Switch shaft 505 receives an upward biasing force from first coil spring 509. First coil spring 509, second coil springs 510a and 510b, and third coil spring 511 apply a reaction force to the depression of button portion 500. As this reaction force increases, the operating force required for half-pressing and full-pressing increases.

[0059] The relationship between the pressing load F and the pressing amount L shown in Fig. 6(b) will be described. In the initial state shown in Fig. 6(a), the switch shaft 505 abuts against the shaft pressing portion 505b provided on the ceiling of the spring holder 508. When the button portion 500 receives the pressing load from this initial state and begins to move downward, the play between the parts is first absorbed. Then, when the pressing load F reaches Fa0 and the pressing amount L becomes La0, the switch shaft 505 begins to compress (charge) the first coil spring 509.

[0060] As the depression load F increases, switch shaft 505 moves downward while charging first coil spring 509, and when depression load F reaches Fa1 (first operating force) and the depression amount reaches La1 (first operating amount), switch shaft 505 comes into contact with second coil springs 510a and 510b. At this time, second coil springs 510a and 510b are in contact with contacts 507b and 507c, respectively, so the potential of contact 507c drops to ground via switch shaft 505, and as a result, an ON signal of AF first switch 118 is output.

[0061] When the depression load F further increases, the switch shaft 505 moves downward while charging the first coil spring 509 and the second coil springs 510a and 510b. Then, when the depression load F reaches Fa2 (second operating force) and the depression amount L reaches La2 (second operating amount), the switch shaft 505 comes into contact with the third coil spring 511. At this time, because the third coil spring 511 is in contact with the contact point 507d, the potential of the contact point 507d also drops to ground via the switch shaft 505, and as a result, an ON signal of the AF second switch 119 is output.

[0062] Thereafter, when the push-down load F increases, the switch shaft 505 reaches the mechanical end at the push-down amount La3 and stops.

[0063] The minimum pressing load required when the pressing amount L of the button section 500 changes from pressing amount La1 to pressing amount La2 is Fap1, and the maximum pressing load (maximum operating force) is Fap2. The main parameters of the operating feel (pressing feel) of the AF start button 123 are the absolute values ​​of the minimum pressing load Fap1 and the maximum pressing load Fap2, and the maximum-to-minimum load ratio Ra calculated by the following formula (1):

[0064] Ra = (Fap2) / (Fap1) Equation (1) In the AF start button 123, which has a two-stage switch configuration using a coil spring, the depression load Fa1 is equal to the minimum depression load Fap1, and the depression load Fa2 is equal to the maximum depression load Fap2. This is because, in principle, the depression load increases as the depression amount increases. Therefore, the maximum-to-minimum load ratio Ra is equal to the ratio of the maximum depression load Fap2 to the minimum depression load Fap1.

[0065] Next, the structure of release button 122 (122a, 122b) with a two-stage switch structure will be described using Figure 7(a). Figure 7(a) shows a cross section of release button 122 provided on camera body 101. Figure 7(b) shows the relationship between depression load F (vertical axis), which is the operating force when release button 122 is pressed, and depression amount L (horizontal axis).

[0066] Here, the normal position release button 122a and the vertical position release button 122b will be described as having the same structure. However, the normal position release button 122a and the vertical position release button 122b may have different structures. Even in this case, it is desirable that the relationship between the pressing load and pressing amount of the normal position release button 122a and the vertical position release button 122b be as close as possible to each other so that the user can capture images with an operation feel as similar as possible in the normal position and the vertical position.

[0067] In addition, here, the components of the release button 122 that have similar functions to the AF start button 123 are designated by the same last two digits, and some of the description will be omitted. For example, the components of the AF start button 123 designated by the reference numeral 5xx have similar functions to the components of the release button 122 designated by the reference numeral 4xx.

[0068] Figure 7(a) shows the release button 122 in its initial state, where it has not been pressed down. A button 400 serving as an operating member is attached to an exterior cover 414 (514). The button 400 is held by inserting its button stem 400a into a button fitting hole 414a provided in the exterior cover 414. The gap between the button stem 400a and the button fitting hole 414a is surrounded by a drip-proof rubber boot 413. This ensures the drip-proof performance of the release button 122. A washer 404 is attached to the button 400 near the button pusher 400b at its tip to prevent it from coming off.

[0069] A spring holder 408 is disposed below the button 400. A first leaf spring 409, a second leaf spring 410, and a third leaf spring 411, which are conductive metal leaf springs (flat springs), are fixed to the spring holder 408 with leaf spring fixing screws 415. The first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411 apply a reaction force to the depression of the button 400. As this reaction force increases, the operating force required for half-pressing and full-pressing increases. In the initial state, the first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411 are spaced apart from each other.

[0070] A switch FPC 407 is sandwiched near the screw-fastened portions of the first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411. Contacts that are part of the signal pattern of the switch FPC 407 are exposed in the portions of the switch FPC 407 sandwiched between the first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411, and these contacts are electrically connected to each leaf spring. Specifically, the first leaf spring 409 is in contact with and electrically connected to a contact 407a whose potential is ground. The second leaf spring 410 is in contact with and electrically connected to a contact 407c for outputting an ON signal of the first release switch 116. The third leaf spring 411 is in contact with and electrically connected to a contact 407d for outputting an ON signal of the second release switch 117.

[0071] The relationship between the pressing load F and the depression amount L shown in FIG. 7(b) will be explained. In the initial state shown in FIG. 7(a), the first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411 are not in contact with one another, as described above. When the button 400 receives the pressing load and begins to move downward, the backlash between the components is first absorbed. When the pressing load F reaches Fr0 and the depression amount L reaches Lr0, the button pusher 400b comes into contact with the first leaf spring 409, and the first leaf spring 409 begins to deform. The pressing load Fr0 corresponds to the reaction force from the waterproof rubber boot 413, as well as the backlash and friction between the components.

[0072] As the pressing load F increases, the first leaf spring 409 deforms while increasing its reaction force, and when the pressing load F reaches Fr1 (third operating force) and the pressing amount L reaches Lr1 (fourth operating amount), the contact 409a at the tip of the first leaf spring 409 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second leaf spring 410. When the first leaf spring 409 comes into contact with the second leaf spring 410 and becomes conductive, the potential of the second leaf spring 410 drops to ground, causing the first leaf switch 116 to output an ON signal.

[0073] As the pressing force F increases further and the button 400 is pressed further, the first leaf spring 409 and the second leaf spring 410, which are in contact and integrated, deform while further increasing their reaction force. Then, when the pressing force F reaches Fr2 (fourth operating force) and the pressing amount L reaches Lr2 (fourth operating amount), the bottom surface of the second leaf spring 410 comes into contact with the contact portion 411a of the third leaf spring 411. The third leaf spring 411, which is in contact with the contact point 407d, comes into contact with the second leaf spring 410, which is integrated with the first leaf spring 409, and conducts electricity, causing the potential of the third leaf spring 411 to drop to ground, which causes the AF second switch 119 to output an ON signal. After this, as the pressing force F increases, the button 400 reaches its mechanical end at the pressing amount Lr3 and stops.

[0074] The minimum and maximum pressing loads required when the depression amount L of the button 400 changes from depression amount Lr1 to depression amount Lr2 are designated as Frp1 and Frp2, respectively. The operational feel of the release button 122 (the feeling of pressing) is determined mainly by the absolute values ​​of the minimum and maximum pressing loads Frp1 and Frp2, and the maximum-to-minimum load ratio Rr calculated by the following equation (2):

[0075] Rr = (Frp2) / (Frp1) Equation (2) In the release button 122 with a two-stage switch configuration using a leaf spring, the depression load Fr1 is equal to the minimum depression load Frp1, and the depression load Fr2 is equal to the maximum depression load Frp2. This is because, in principle, the depression load increases as the depression amount increases, just as in the case of using a coil spring. Therefore, the maximum-to-minimum load ratio Rr is equal to the ratio of the maximum depression load Frp2 to the minimum depression load Frp1.

[0076] Next, we will explain the appropriate load settings for the release button 122 and the AF start button 123. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) and Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the user holds the grips (121a and 121b) with their right hand and operates the release button 122 (122a and 122b) with their index finger 990a and the AF start button 123 (122a and 122b) with their thumb 990b. At this time, the thumb 990b and the index finger 990a have the following characteristics.

[0077] The first characteristic is that the thumb is shorter than the index finger. When using the thumb to hold a grip, it tends to be more likely to be a pressing motion with the pad of the finger or the entire finger rather than a bending motion at the fingertip.

[0078] The second feature is that the right hand holding the grip supports the camera body near the ball of the foot 990c, which, in addition to the first feature, makes it even more difficult to bend the pad of the thumb, making it more likely to push down with the pad of the finger or the entire finger.

[0079] The third feature is that it is easier to apply force to a pressing operation with the thumb than with the index finger. For example, a user who is engrossed in operating the camera will often grip the grip tightly, and if their index finger and thumb are placed on the release button 122 and AF start button 123, which are located on opposite sides of the camera body, they tend to grip the grip even tighter.

[0080] These three characteristics make it more difficult to finely adjust the operating force with the thumb than with the index finger, and the operating force is also more likely to be strong. As a result, the user must use their thumb to control the halfway and full-press operation of the AF start button 123 while generating enough force with the index finger to fully press the release button 122. This can distract the user and make it difficult for them to concentrate on capturing images. In particular, when users are engrossed in capturing images, they tend to use a stronger operating force with their thumb. For this reason, the AF start button 123 needs to be configured to allow quick operation with the thumb while also allowing the user to concentrate on capturing images. In other words, it is preferable to set the operating force required to operate the AF start button 123 greater than the operating force required to operate the release button 122, so that the AF start button 123 is less likely to be accidentally operated by the thumb when both the index finger and thumb are tense.

[0081] 6(c) shows a comparison between the pressing load F (vertical axis) and pressing amount L (horizontal axis) of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122. In FIG. 6(c), the pressing loads of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122 are indicated by a solid line and a dashed line, respectively. In this embodiment, the pressing load Fa2 (maximum pressing load Fap2) at which the AF start button 123 turns on the AF second switch 119 is greater than the pressing load Fr2 at which the release button 122 turns on the second release switch 117. In other words, the operating force (maximum value) required to fully press the AF start button 123 is greater than the operating force required to fully press the release button 122.

[0082] 6(c), the depression amounts of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122 are shown as La1=Lr1 and La2=Lr2, but these depression amounts may be different. Furthermore, in FIG. 6(c), the depression load Fa1 at which the AF start button 123 turns on the AF first switch 118 is greater than the depression load Fr1 at which the release button 122 turns on the first release switch 116. However, these may be the same, or Fa1 may be smaller than Fr1.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the maximum depression load Fap2 is equal to the depression load Fa2. Therefore, the fact that the maximum depression load Fap2 of the AF start button 123 is greater than the depression load Fr2 of the release button 122 can be rephrased as the load Fa2 of the AF start button 123 being greater than the depression load Fr2 of the release button 122. However, depending on the configuration of the AF start button 123, there are cases where the maximum depression load Fap2 does not equal the depression load Fa2. This case will be described in embodiment 2.

[0084] Furthermore, the sense of difference in level between halfway pressing and full pressing can be reduced by setting the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra shown in equation (1) to a certain value or greater. In particular, if an AF start instruction is assigned to halfway pressing the AF start button 123, halfway pressing will tend to be performed frequently and may continue for a long period of time. For this reason, to facilitate frequent halfway pressing and continuous halfway pressing for a long period of time, it is desirable that the pressing load Fa1 required to turn on the AF first switch 118 be light.

[0085] On the other hand, it is necessary to prevent an erroneous operation in which the user presses the AF start button 123 all the way down when he or she intended to press it halfway down. It is also necessary to prevent an erroneous full press due to a slight increase in the operating force while pressing the AF start button 123 halfway down for a long period of time. For this reason, the maximum depression load Fap2 from turning on the AF first switch 118 to turning on the AF second switch 119 must be sufficiently larger than the depression load Fa1 (i.e., the minimum depression load Fap1) required to keep the AF first switch 118 on. In other words, the value of the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra must be greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0086] Specifically, it has been experimentally found that a maximum pressure load Fap2 of 2.0 N or more is effective in suppressing the above-mentioned erroneous operation. Therefore, a maximum pressure load Fap2 of 2.5 N or more is more effective, and a maximum pressure load Fap2 of 3.0 N or more is even more effective. However, it has also been found that if the maximum pressure load Fap2 is too large when the AF start button 123 is fully pressed for a long period of time, fatigue may occur in the area around the thumb 990b and the ball of the foot 990c. For this reason, it is desirable to set the maximum pressure load Fap2 depending on whether the function set for the full press of the AF start button 123 is a function that will be pressed for a long period of time.

[0087] Furthermore, it has been experimentally proven that a maximum-minimum load ratio Ra of 2.0 or more is effective in suppressing erroneous operations, and that a maximum-minimum load ratio Ra of 2.5 or more or 3.0 or more is even more effective in suppressing erroneous operations.

[0088] In this way, by increasing the maximum pressing load Fap2 within the range that can be pressed down with the thumb and increasing the maximum-to-minimum load ratio Ra, it is possible to achieve a good operational feel for the AF start button 123.

[0089] The preferred relationship between the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra and the maximum-minimum load ratio Rr is as follows: For the release button 122, which initiates an image capture operation when fully pressed, a relatively large maximum-minimum load ratio Rr is required to prevent erroneous operation of the first release switch 116 and the second release switch 117. However, compared to the AF start button 123, the release button 122 is required to be fully pressed as quickly as possible from its initial state or halfway-pressed state. For this reason, it is not preferred to set the maximum-minimum load ratio Rr too high. Therefore, taking into account the first to third features described above, it is desirable for the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra, which is preferably higher, and the maximum-minimum load ratio Rr, which is preferably not too high, to satisfy the following formula (3):

[0090] Ra>Rr formula (3) In other words, it is desirable that the ratio (Ra) of the maximum operating force to the minimum operating force required to fully press the AF start button 123 is greater than the ratio (Rr) of the maximum operating force to the minimum operating force required to fully press the release button 122. [Example]

[0091] Fig. 8(a) shows a cross section of the AF start button 123 in Example 2. Fig. 8(b) shows the relationship between the pressing load F (vertical axis) and the pressing amount L (horizontal axis) of the AF start button 123.

[0092] In this embodiment, the same members as the AF start button 123 in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted, and similar members are assigned the same reference numerals with the same last two digits and their descriptions are omitted. For example, members in this embodiment assigned the reference numerals 6xx have similar functions to members in the first embodiment assigned the reference numerals 5xx.

[0093] 8(a) shows the AF start button 123 in its initial state, i.e., when it is not being pressed down. A two-stage metal dome switch 608 mounted on a switch FPC 607 is disposed below the button presser portion 502b of the button pusher 502.

[0094] Inside the metal dome switch 608, there are disposed a first metal dome 609 and a second metal dome 610, each formed into a dome shape from a conductive elastic member such as a metal plate. A bottom contact 611, which is formed by exposing a metal contact or a metal pattern, is provided on the bottom of the metal dome switch 608. The first metal dome 609 is electrically connected to a contact 607a provided on the switch FPC 607 and is at ground potential. The second metal dome 610 is electrically connected to a contact 607c provided on the switch FPC 607. The contact 607c is a contact for outputting an ON signal for the AF first switch 118. The bottom contact 611 is electrically connected to a contact 607d provided on the switch FPC 607. The contact 607d is a contact for outputting an ON signal for the AF second switch 119.

[0095] The relationship between the pressing load F and the pressing amount L shown in FIG. 8(b) will be described. When the button section 500 is pressed from the initial state shown in FIG. 8(a), first, the play between the components is absorbed. Thereafter, when the pressing load F becomes Fa0 and the pressing amount becomes La0, the button presser section 502b comes into contact with the first metal dome 609. As the pressing load F increases, the button presser section 502b moves downward while compressing the first metal dome 609, and when the pressing load F becomes Fa1 (first operating force) and the pressing amount L becomes La1 (first operating amount), the first metal dome 609 comes into contact with the second metal dome 610. As a result, the potential of the contact point 607c drops to ground, and an ON signal is output from the AF first switch 118.

[0096] When the button part 500 further moves downward, the first metal dome 609 and the second metal dome 610, which have come into contact with each other and become one body, contact the bottom surface 611 as the pressing load F becomes Fa2 (second operating force) and the pressing amount L becomes La2 (second operating amount). As a result, the potential of the contact point 607d drops to ground, and the AF second switch 119 outputs an ON signal.

[0097] In this embodiment, the dome shape of the compressed first metal dome 609 is inverted at a depression amount La4 between depression amounts La0 and La1. As a result, the depression load F required to move the button unit 500 downward reaches a peak at a depression load Fa4 at depression amount La4 and then temporarily decreases. This change in the depression load F allows the user to feel a click sensation from the time the button unit 500 starts to be pressed down until the half-press operation is completed at depression amount La1 (the AF first switch 118 turns ON).

[0098] Furthermore, at a depression amount La5, which is between depression amounts La1 and La2, the dome shape of the compressed second metal dome 610 is inverted. As a result, the depression load F required to move the button part 500 downward reaches a peak at a depression load Fa5 at depression amount La5 and then temporarily decreases. This change in depression load F allows the user to feel a click sensation from the time of half-pressing the button until the full-press operation is completed at depression amount La2 (the AF second switch 119 turns ON). The click sensation felt at depression amount La5 is preferable because it serves as a guide for when the user wants to hold the AF start button 123 in a half-pressed state for a long period of time.

[0099] In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the maximum value Fa4 of the pressing load F until the AF first switch 118 is turned ON does not match the pressing load Fa1 when the AF first switch 118 is turned ON, and so Fa4>Fa1. Also, the maximum value Fa5 of the pressing load F from when the AF first switch 118 is turned ON until the AF second switch 119 is turned ON does not match the pressing load Fa2 when the AF second switch 119 is turned ON, and so Fa5>Fa2. In such a case, the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra, which is a parameter related to the operational feel of the AF start button 123, is calculated as shown in the following equation (4) because Fap1=Fa1 and Fap2=Fa5 in equation (1).

[0100] Maximum and minimum load ratio Ra=(Fa5) / (Fa1) Formula (4) In this embodiment, it is more important to be able to prevent the user from unintentionally pressing the AF second switch 119 down to a depression amount La2 that turns ON the AF second switch 119 than to the depression load Fa2 that turns ON the AF second switch 119. In other words, it is important to set the maximum depression load Fap2 (Fa5) from ON of the AF first switch 118 to ON of the AF second switch 119 to be appropriately larger than the minimum depression load Fap1 (Fa1).

[0101] FIG. 8(c) compares the pressing force F (vertical axis) and pressing amount L (horizontal axis) of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122. In FIG. 8(c), the pressing forces of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122 are indicated by a solid line and a dashed line, respectively. In this embodiment, the pressing force Fa2 at which the AF start button 123 turns on the AF second switch 119 is equal to the pressing force Fr2 at which the release button 122 turns on the second release switch 117. However, the maximum pressing force Fap2 (Fa5) of the AF start button 123 is greater than the pressing force Fr2 of the release button 122. In other words, in this embodiment, the operating force required to fully press the AF start button 123 is greater than the operating force required to fully press the release button 122.

[0102] 8(c), the depression amounts of the AF start button 123 and the release button 122 are shown as La1=Lr1 and La2=Lr2, but these depression amounts may be different. Furthermore, in FIG. 8(c), the depression load Fa1 at which the AF start button 123 turns on the AF first switch 118 is greater than the depression load Fr1 at which the release button 122 turns on the first release switch 116. However, these may be the same, or Fa1 may be smaller than Fr1.

[0103] The preferred values ​​of the maximum push-down load Fap2 and the maximum-minimum load ratio Ra in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. [Example]

[0104] Fig. 9(a) shows a cross section of a portion of the AF start button 123 in Example 3. Fig. 9(b) shows the relationship between the pressing load F (vertical axis) and the pressing amount L (horizontal axis) of the AF start button 123. In this Example, the same members as those in the AF start button 123 in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Example 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0105] Fig. 9(a) shows the AF start button 123 in the initial state where no pressing operation is performed. Under the button part 500, a spring holder 508 is provided and arranged on the base sheet metal 506. A switch FPC 507 arranged to be sandwiched between the spring holder 508 and the base sheet metal 506 has a plurality of contacts. Among the plurality of contacts, two contacts 507a contact two first coil springs 509, contacts 507b and 507c contact second coil springs 510a and 510b respectively, and contact 507d contacts the third coil spring 511.

[0106] The switch shaft 505 arranged in the spring holder 508 receives an upward biasing force from the first coil spring 509.

[0107] In this embodiment, inside the spring holder 508, the upper end of the second coil spring 510a is arranged at a position higher than the upper end of the second coil spring 510b. Thereby, the switch shaft 505 that has moved downward due to the pressing operation of the button part 500 first contacts the second coil spring (coil spring A (GND)) 510a, and then contacts the second coil spring (coil spring B (AF first switch ON)) 510b. And the switch shaft 505 that has moved further downward contacts the third coil spring 511. That is, by pressing the button part 500, the switch shaft 505 contacts and charges these in the order of the second coil spring (coil spring A) 510a → the second coil spring (coil spring B) 510b → the third coil spring 511. Thereby, as the reaction force received from each coil spring increases, the operating force required for the half-press operation and the full-press operation increases.

[0108] In this embodiment, the height difference AA between the second coil spring 510a and the second coil spring 510b is set smaller than the height difference BB between the second coil spring B 510b and the third coil spring 511. That is, AA < BB. Thereby, as will be described in detail below, the operating feeling can be changed without increasing the click step when the button part 500 is pressed.

[0109] The relationship between the pressing load F and the pressing amount L shown in Fig. 9(b) will be described. In the initial state shown in Fig. 9(a), the switch shaft 505 abuts against a shaft pressing portion 505b provided on the ceiling of the spring holder 508. When the button portion 500 receives the pressing load and moves downward from this initial state, the play between the parts is first absorbed. Then, when the pressing load F reaches Fa0 and the pressing amount L reaches La0, the switch shaft 505 starts to charge the first coil spring 509.

[0110] As the downward load F increases, switch shaft 505 moves downward while charging first coil spring 509. Then, when downward load F becomes Fa1' and depression amount L becomes La1', switch shaft 505 comes into contact with second coil spring (coil spring A) 510a. From here, downward load F becomes Fa1 and depression amount L becomes La1, and switch shaft 505, which has moved downward by difference AA, comes into contact with second coil spring (coil spring B) 510b. At this time, second coil springs 510a and 510b are in contact with contacts 507b and 507c, respectively, so the potential of contact 507c drops to ground via switch shaft 505, and as a result, an ON signal is output from AF first switch 118.

[0111] As described above, in this embodiment, a difference AA is provided between the depression amounts (i.e., timing) at which the switch shaft 505 contacts the second coil spring 510a and the second coil spring 510b. As a result, the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation within the first operating range (AA) from the specific operation amount (La1') to the completion of the half-press operation can be increased relative to the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation up to the specific operation amount. This provides the user with an operating sensation in which the force required for the depression operation changes twice within the short stroke from the start of the depression operation to the completion of the half-press operation (depression amount La1), making it easier for the user to stop the depression operation at the position where the half-press operation is completed. In other words, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally performing a depression operation (full depression operation) beyond the position where the half-press operation is completed.

[0112] As the depression load F increases further, the switch shaft 505 moves downward while charging the first coil spring 509 and the second coil springs 510a and 510b. Then, as the depression load F becomes Fa2 and the depression amount L becomes La2, the switch shaft 505, which has moved downward by the difference BB, comes into contact with the third coil spring 511. As a result, the potential of the contact 507d with which the third coil spring 511 is in contact, drops to ground via the switch shaft 505, and the ON signal of the AF second switch 119 is output.

[0113] The depression amount from depression amount La1' to depression amount La1 corresponds to the difference AA in height between second coil spring 510a and second coil spring 510b. The depression amount from depression amount La1 to depression amount La2 corresponds to the difference BB in height between second coil spring 510b and third coil spring 511. As described above, the difference AA is smaller than the difference BB. In other words, the first operation range (AA) in the half-press operation is smaller than the full operation range (second operation range: BB) in the full-press operation. This makes it possible to change the operation feel without increasing the click step when pressing button unit 500.

[0114] Thereafter, when the push-down load F increases, the switch shaft 505 reaches the mechanical end at the push-down amount La3 and stops.

[0115] [Variations] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the release button 122 shown in Figure 7(a) in Example 1. In this modification, the same members as in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0116] A spring holder 408 is disposed below the button 400. A first leaf spring 409, a second leaf spring 410, and a third leaf spring 411 are fixed to the spring holder 408 by leaf spring fixing screws 415. The first leaf spring 409, the second leaf spring 410, and the third leaf spring 411 are separated from each other in the initial state.

[0117] In this modified example, the tip side portion of the second leaf spring 410 is vertically separated into a leaf spring A 410a as the first elastic member and a leaf spring B 410b as the second elastic member. When the button 400 is pushed down to deform the first leaf spring 409 downward, the first leaf spring 409 first contacts the leaf spring A 410a, and then contacts the leaf spring B 410b. When the button 400 is further pushed down, the integrated first leaf spring 409 and second leaf spring 410 contact the third leaf spring 411. In this way, by pushing down the button 400, the first leaf spring 409 contacts the leaf spring A 410a of the second leaf spring 410 → the leaf spring B 410b of the second leaf spring 410 → the third leaf spring 411 in this order to charge them. As a result, as the reaction force received from each leaf spring increases, the operating force required for the half-press operation and the full-press operation increases.

[0118] In the second leaf spring 410, the height difference AA between the leaf spring A 410a and the leaf spring B 410b is smaller than the height difference BB between the leaf spring B 410b and the third leaf spring 411. That is, AA < BB. Thereby, it is possible to change the operating feeling in the same manner as in FIG. 9(b) without increasing the click step when the release button 122 is pushed down.

[0119] Note that the configuration of the AF start button 123 described in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and any configuration may be used as long as it can switch between a plurality of switch states by being pushed down. The plurality of stages is not limited to two stages, and may be three stages or more. Also, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration of setting the operating force using the reaction force of the spring has been described, but the operating force may be set using a force other than the spring reaction force such as magnetic force. Also, instead of the push-down type switch as in the embodiment, a switch in which a plurality of switch states are switched according to the operating force (pressure) like a pressure-sensitive switch may be used.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the release button 122 as the first operating means has a two-stage switch configuration, but the first operating means may have a single-stage switch configuration instead of a two-stage switch configuration.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the release button and AF start switch are provided on the body of an interchangeable lens camera, but these switches may also be provided on an integrated lens camera. The first operating means and second operating means may also be provided on an electronic device other than a camera (especially one having an image sensor).

[0122] In addition, in the above embodiment, two operating means operated with the index finger and thumb have been described, but the operating force of two operating means operated with two fingers other than the combination of the index finger and thumb (first finger and second finger) may also be set as in the embodiment.

[0123] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0124] (Configuration 1) An electronic device having a first operating means and a second operating means that can be operated by the fingers of a hand holding a main body, the first operating means has a configuration in which the state of at least one switch is changed by being operated, the second operating means has a configuration in which a state of a first switch is changed when a first operation is performed, and a state of a second switch is changed when a second operation is performed following the first operation with an operating force greater than that of the first operation, An electronic device, wherein a maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation of the second operating means is different from a maximum operating force required for the operation of the first operating means. (Configuration 2) 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is greater than the maximum operating force required for the operation of the first operating means. (Configuration 3) 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first operating means can be operated with a first finger and a second finger that are different from each other on the hand. (Configuration 4) 4. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second operating means has a configuration that changes the state of the second switch when the operating force required for the second operation reaches the maximum value. (Configuration 5) 5. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second operating means is configured to change the operating force required for the second operation so that it reaches the maximum value before the state of the second switch changes. (Configuration 6) the first operating means has a configuration in which a state of a third switch is changed when a third operation is performed, and a state of a fourth switch is changed when a fourth operation is performed following the third operation with an operating force greater than that of the third operation, 6. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is greater than the operating force required for the fourth operation. (Configuration 7) 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the ratio of the maximum operating force to the minimum operating force required for the second operation is greater than the ratio of the maximum operating force to the minimum operating force required for the fourth operation. (Configuration 8) 8. The electronic device according to configuration 7, wherein the ratio for the second operation is 2.0 or greater. (Configuration 9) 9. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is 2.0 N or more. (Configuration 10) The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the second operating means further has a configuration that increases the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation within a first operating range from a specific operating amount in the first operation relative to the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation up to the specific operating amount. (Configuration 11) 11. The electronic device according to configuration 10, wherein the first operation range is smaller than a second operation range in which the second operation is performed. (Configuration 12) the electronic device is an imaging device, 12. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein an operation relating to imaging is performed in response to an operation of the first operating means and the first and second operations of the second operating means, respectively. (Configuration 13) 13. The electronic device according to configuration 12, wherein at least an image capturing operation is performed in response to operation of the first operating means. (Configuration 14) 14. The electronic device according to configuration 12 or 13, wherein autofocus is started in response to the first operation of the second operation means. (Configuration 15) 15. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 12 to 14, wherein an operation related to autofocus or a change in continuous image capturing speed is performed in response to the second operation. (Configuration 16) the electronic device is an imaging device, 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein an image capture preparation operation is performed in response to the third operation of the first operation means, and an image capture operation is performed in response to the fourth operation. (Configuration 17) 17. The electronic device of any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the first operating means is provided on the top surface of the main body, and the second operating means is provided on the back surface of the main body. (Configuration 18) An electronic device having a first operating means and a second operating means that can be operated by the fingers of a hand holding a main body, At least one of the first operating means and the second operating means is The state of the first switch is changed by a first operation, and the state of the second switch is changed by a second operation performed following the first operation with an operating force greater than that of the first operation, The electronic device further has a configuration that increases the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation within a first operating range from a specific operating amount in the first operation relative to the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation up to the specific operating amount. (Configuration 19) 19. The electronic device according to configuration 18, wherein the first operation range is smaller than a second operation range in which the second operation is performed. (Configuration 20) The at least one operating means is a first elastic member and a second elastic member that generate a reaction force against the first operation; The electronic device described in configuration 18 or 19 is characterized in that the first elastic member generates the reaction force up to the specific operation amount in the first operation, and the first and second elastic members generate the reaction force in the first operation range. (Configuration 21) the electronic device is an imaging device, 20. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 18 to 19, wherein an operation relating to imaging is performed in response to an operation of the first operating means and an operation of the second operating means.

[0125] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 101 Camera body 116 Release 1 switch 117 Release 2 switch 118 AF 1st switch 119 AF 2nd switch 122(122a,122b) Release button 123(123a,123b) AF start button

Claims

1. An electronic device having a first operating means and a second operating means that can be operated by the fingers of a hand holding a main body, the first operating means has a configuration in which the state of at least one switch is changed by being operated, the second operating means has a configuration in which a state of a first switch is changed by a first operation, and a state of a second switch is changed by a second operation performed following the first operation with an operating force greater than that of the first operation, An electronic device, wherein a maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation of the second operating means is different from a maximum operating force required for the operation of the first operating means.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is greater than the maximum operating force required for the operation of the first operating means.

3. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation means can be operated by a first finger and a second finger of the hand, which are different from each other.

4. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second operation means is configured to change the state of the second switch when the operating force required for the second operation reaches the maximum value.

5. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second operation means is configured to change the operating force required for the second operation so that the operating force reaches the maximum value before the state of the second switch changes.

6. the first operating means has a configuration in which a state of a third switch is changed when a third operation is performed, and a state of a fourth switch is changed when a fourth operation is performed following the third operation with an operating force greater than that of the third operation, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is greater than the operating force required for the fourth operation.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of a maximum operating force to a minimum operating force required for the second operation is greater than a ratio of a maximum operating force to a minimum operating force required for the fourth operation.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7 , wherein the ratio for the second operation is 2.0 or greater.

9. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum value of the operating force required for the second operation is 2.0 N or more.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating means further has a configuration that increases the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation within a first operating range from a specific operating amount in the first operation relative to the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation up to the specific operating amount.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10 , wherein the first operation range is smaller than a second operation range in which the second operation is performed.

12. the electronic device is an imaging device, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an operation relating to imaging is performed in response to an operation of the first operating means and the first and second operations of the second operating means.

13. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein at least an image capturing operation is performed in response to an operation of the first operating means.

14. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein autofocus is initiated in response to the first operation of the second operation means.

15. 13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein an operation related to autofocus or a change in continuous image capturing speed is performed in response to the second operation.

16. the electronic device is an imaging device, 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein an image capture preparation operation is performed in response to the third operation of the first operation means, and an image capture operation is performed in response to the fourth operation of the first operation means.

17. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first operating means is provided on an upper surface of the main body, and the second operating means is provided on a rear surface of the main body.

18. An electronic device having a first operation means and a second operation means that can be operated by the fingers of a hand holding a main body, At least one of the first operating means and the second operating means is The state of the first switch is changed by a first operation, and the state of the second switch is changed by a second operation performed following the first operation with an operating force greater than that of the first operation, The electronic device further has a configuration that increases the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation within a first operating range from a specific operating amount in the first operation relative to the rate of increase in the operating force required for operation up to the specific operating amount.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18 , wherein the first operation range is smaller than a second operation range in which the second operation is performed.

20. The at least one operating means is a first elastic member and a second elastic member that generate a reaction force against the first operation; The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the first elastic member generates the reaction force up to the specific operation amount in the first operation, and the first and second elastic members generate the reaction force within the first operation range.

21. the electronic device is an imaging device, 19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein an operation relating to imaging is performed in response to an operation of the first operating means and an operation of the second operating means.

Images