Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device capable of stably performing rotation operation on a rotation operation member while the electronic device is stably held in a configuration including a finger placing portion and the rotation operation member on which rotation operation can be performed.SOLUTION: An electronic device (100) comprises a rotation operation unit (200) including a rotation operation member (210), and a finger placing portion (300) on which a finger is placed when the electronic device is gripped. The rotation operation unit and the finger placing portion are arranged close to each other on a surface on a user side of the electronic device. The rotation operation unit is tilted with respect to the electronic device toward the finger placing portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the demand for miniaturization of electronic devices, the proximity of operation members to each other and the miniaturization of operation members have become remarkable. On the other hand, for multifunctional devices, many operation members are required to facilitate operations. When a multifunctional device is miniaturized, the proximity of operation members to each other and the complication due to the increase in members may highly likely deteriorate the operability of the user.

[0003] In addition, when arranging a plurality of operation members after miniaturization, the space for gripping (holding) the electronic device decreases. Therefore, it becomes difficult to stably hold the electronic device. Thus, it is difficult to achieve both high operability and stable holding of a multifunctional electronic device.

[0004] As operation members that enable many operations in a space-saving manner, there is an operation device in which a rotatable dial operation member that can quickly select many selection items and a tilt switch operation member that can be tilted in multiple directions for performing operations such as up, down, left, right, and determination are arranged coaxially. By mounting such an operation device on an electronic device, it is possible to minimize the movement of fingers when performing various operations on the electronic device. However, since such an operation device is composed of many parts, the operation device itself becomes large-sized.

[0005] When using an electronic device equipped with such an operation device, when holding the electronic device, the finger is placed in a finger placement part (space to be gripped by the finger) for stable holding. When operating the electronic device, the finger is moved to the operation device for operation. However, considering the arrangement of the finger placement part for improving the holding property of the electronic device and the arrangement of the operation device for improving the operability, the finger placement part and the operation device are separated, and the transition between holding and operation cannot be smoothly performed.

[0006] To solve such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses an arrangement in which an operation device having a finger placement portion and a rotation operation member are arranged adjacent to each other, with a height difference provided between the finger placement portion and the operation device. This makes it possible to improve the operability by minimizing the movement of the finger when holding and operating the electronic device. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an arrangement in which the rotation operation member is arranged on the extension of the finger placement portion. This makes it possible to operate the rotation operation member while holding the electronic device with a part of the finger, enabling both holding and operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, in the configuration where the operation device is arranged with a height difference at a position close to the finger placement portion as in Patent Document 1, when operating the rotation operation member while placing a finger on the finger placement portion and holding the electronic device, the operability of the rotation operation member deteriorates. When operating a portion of the rotation operation member close to the finger placement portion, the amount of finger movement is small, so the impact on operability is small. However, when operating a portion of the rotation operation member far from the finger placement portion, it is necessary to bend the finger significantly or change the hand holding position to perform the rotation operation.

[0009] Further, in the configuration where the rotation operation member is arranged on the extension of the finger placement portion in Patent Document 2, although the rotation operation member can be operated while holding the electronic device, continuous rotation operations cannot be performed. Also, since only the rotation operation member is arranged, determination and up / down / left / right operations cannot be performed.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device having a finger placement portion and a rotatable rotation operation member, capable of stably performing a rotation operation of the rotation operation member while maintaining the holding property of the electronic device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic device having a rotation operation unit including a rotation operation member, having a finger placement portion for placing a finger when gripping the electronic device, and the rotation operation unit and the finger placement portion are disposed close to the user side surface of the electronic device, and the rotation operation unit is tilted toward the finger placement portion with respect to the electronic device The rotation operation unit includes a switch disposed coaxially with the rotation operation member and a pusher member for pressing the switch, and an operation surface of the pusher member is tilted in a direction opposite to a tilting direction of the rotation operation unit. and is characterized in that.

[0012] Other objects and features of the present invention will be described in the following embodiments.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in a configuration including a finger placement portion and a rotatable rotation operation member, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of stably performing a rotation operation of the rotation operation member while maintaining the holding property of the electronic device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the electronic device according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following description. In particular, well-known techniques or publicly known techniques in the relevant technical field can be applied to configurations and processes that are not particularly illustrated or described. Also, duplicate explanations may be omitted. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used between the drawings to indicate the same or functionally similar elements.

Embodiment

[0016] The electronic device in Embodiment 1 will be described by taking an imaging device such as a mirrorless digital camera 100 as an example, but it is not limited thereto.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the digital camera (imaging device) 100 as seen from the back. On the back surface corresponding to the photographer side (user side) of the digital camera 100, a rotation operation unit 200 for operating the digital camera 100 is provided. The rotation operation unit 200 is composed of a rotation operation member 210 and a tilt operation member (pusher member) 220.

[0018] In the vicinity of the rotation operation unit 200, a finger placement portion 300 for placing fingers when gripping the digital camera 100 is provided. The digital camera 100 in this embodiment is configured to be gripped with the right hand. Therefore, the finger placement portion 300 is arranged at a position where the digital camera 100 can be gripped with the thumb of the right hand. The finger placement portion 300 is preferably made of an elastic material (such as rubber or silicon) so that the fingers and the digital camera 100 are not likely to slip when the digital camera 100 is held. The rotation operation unit 200 is arranged in a direction away from the finger placement portion 300 (the X direction in FIG. 1). The finger placement portion 300 and the rotation operation unit 200 are arranged at positions close to each other on the back surface portion of the digital camera 100. Further, at a position on the opposite side of the rotation operation unit 200 with the finger placement portion 300 interposed therebetween, a finger hook convex portion 400 is provided. The finger hook convex portion 400 protrudes more than the finger placement portion 300 in the digital camera 100 as will be described later. Therefore, when a photographer (user) grips the digital camera 100, a finger is hooked on the finger hook convex portion 400, and the photographer can stably hold the digital camera 100.

[0019] On the back surface portion of the digital camera 100, at a location adjacent to the rotation operation unit 200 in the X direction, a viewfinder unit 500 is provided. Inside the viewfinder unit 500, an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as EVF) (not shown) that performs display by a display element such as an organic EL panel (not shown) is mounted. The photographer can visually observe the video displayed on the EVF through the viewfinder portion 501. An eye cup 502 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the viewfinder unit 500. When the photographer looks into the viewfinder portion 501, the photographer's face abuts against the eye cup 502. Therefore, the eye cup 502 is made of an elastic member such as silicon and has cushioning properties. Further, on the outer appearance portion of the digital camera 100, a convex portion 110 to which the viewfinder unit 500 is attached is provided. Inside the convex portion 110, the above-described EVF is arranged.

[0020] In this embodiment, a mirrorless configuration is adopted in which an image input to an imaging sensor through an optical lens is displayed on an electronic viewfinder. Therefore, an electronic viewfinder is mounted inside the viewfinder unit 501. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and a single-lens reflex configuration in which light passing through the lens can be confirmed by an optical viewfinder in the viewfinder unit 501 may also be used.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of the digital camera 100 as seen from above. On the front side of the digital camera 100, a front grip portion 120 for gripping the front side is provided. By gripping the front grip portion 120 on the front side and the finger rest portion 300 on the back side of the digital camera 100 with the right hand, the photographer holds the digital camera 100.

[0022] The finger hook convex portion 400 that forms part of the exterior of the digital camera 100 is disposed on the side surface of the finger rest portion 300, and in the digital camera 100, the finger hook convex portion 400 protrudes in the Z direction in the drawing from the finger rest portion 300. Also, the eyecup 502 included in the viewfinder unit 500 protrudes from the finger rest portion 300 and the rotation operation unit 200 in the digital camera 100.

[0023] In this embodiment, the finger rest portion 300 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the digital camera 100 and faces substantially the same direction as the optical axis direction (T direction in the drawing) of the digital camera 100. Thereby, the photographer can stably hold the digital camera 100 with the front grip portion 120 and the finger rest portion 300.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the rotation operation unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the rotation operation unit 200. The rotation operation unit 200 of this embodiment is composed of a rotation operation system that performs a rotation operation, a tilt operation system that performs a tilt operation, and other members that hold the unit.

[0025] The rotation operation system is composed of a rotation operation member 210, a unit elastic member 231, a sliding sheet 232, a holding member 235, a detection sheet 236, and a photo-reflector 241 mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown). The rotation operation member 210 is formed in an annular shape. By rotating the rotation operation member 210, operations such as changing settings and selecting images in the digital camera 100 are performed. The rotation operation member 210 is rotatably supported by a base member 234. The base member 234 is sandwiched between the rotation operation member 210 and the holding member 235. A unit elastic member 231 that abuts against the exterior member of the digital camera 100 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the rotation operation member 210. In the unit elastic member 231, an adhesive (not shown) is provided at the portion that contacts the rotation operation member 210, and the rotation operation member 210 and the unit elastic member 231 are fixed. When the rotation operation unit 200 is attached to the digital camera 100, the exterior of the digital camera 100 and the unit elastic member 231 come into contact. Then, when the rotation operation member 210 is rotated, the unit elastic member 231 rotates integrally with the rotation operation member 210. A sliding sheet 232 is fixed to the back surface of the rotation operation member 210 with an adhesive (not shown), and when the rotation operation member 210 is rotated, the sliding sheet 232 rotates integrally with the rotation operation member 210. A holding member 235 fixed to the rotation operation member 210 is provided at the lower part of the base member 234. A detection sheet 236 is fixed to the back surface of the holding member 235 with an adhesive (not shown). When the rotation operation member 210 is rotated, the holding member 235 and the detection sheet 236 rotate integrally. A photo-reflector 241 is disposed at a position facing the detection sheet 236. In this embodiment, the detection sheet 236 is printed in white and black, and the rotation is detected by the photo-reflector 241 detecting the printed portion of the detection sheet 236 that rotates integrally when the rotation operation member 210 is operated.

[0026] The tilting operation system of the rotation operation unit 200 includes a tilting operation member 220, a sealing member 233, and a movable switch (switch) 240. The tilting operation member 220 is formed coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotation operation member 210 and is provided in the rotation operation unit 200 as an operation member for tilting. In this embodiment, although the tilting operation member 220 is formed coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotation operation member 210, it is not necessarily formed coaxially in a strict sense. As long as the tilting operation member 220 functions properly, the tilting operation member 220 may be formed substantially coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotation operation member 210. The tilting operation member 220 is fitted to the switch shaft portion 240a of the movable switch 240 mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown). The movable switch 240 detects when the switch shaft portion 240a tilts in eight directions: up, down, left, right, and diagonally, and when it is pushed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the movable switch 240 is a switch capable of eight-direction input and push-in input, but this is not the limit, and any detection switch based on a tilting operation may be used. When performing an input operation on the digital camera 100, when the tilting operation member 220 is operated, the movable switch 240 detects the tilting via the fitted switch shaft portion 240a. In the recess 220a of the tilting operation member 220, the inner diameter portion 233a of the sealing member 233, which is the inner diameter portion of the sealing member, is fitted. The sealing member 233 is made of an elastic member. When the tilting operation member 220 is tilted, the sealing member 233 also moves and maintains the fitted state. Further, the outer shape portion 233b of the sealing member 233 abuts against the inner diameter portion of the rotation operation member 210 and seals the gap between the rotation operation member 210 and the tilting operation member 220.

[0027] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the system configuration of the digital camera 100 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the digital camera 100 in this embodiment.

[0028] The shutter 4100 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the imaging unit 4110 described later. The control is performed by the system control unit 4200 described later.

[0029] The imaging unit 4110 has an imaging surface on which the subject image (optical image) that has passed through the lens 5010 is formed, and is an imaging device that outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) corresponding to the optical image on the imaging surface by photoelectric conversion. As the imaging unit 4110, a CCD (Charge Couple Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) sensor is used. The A / D converter 4120 is signal conversion means used to convert the analog signal output from the imaging unit 4110 into a digital signal.

[0030] The image processing unit 4130 is image calculation means that performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing, resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the digital signal from the A / D converter 4120 or the digital signal from the memory control unit 4220 described later, and generates image data. Based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing unit 4130, the system control unit 4200 controls the aperture position and the lens position. The image processing unit 4130 further performs arithmetic processing using the image data, and performs TTL-based AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

[0031] The system control unit 4200 is a control unit composed of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 4200 realizes each process by executing a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 4230 described later. The memory 4210 is storage means that temporarily records the digital signal obtained by the imaging unit 4110 and converted by the A / D converter 4120, and the image data generated by the image processing unit 4130. The memory 4210 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a moving image for a predetermined time, and audio.

[0032] The memory control unit 4220 is memory control means for controlling the transmission and reception between the A / D converter 4120, the image processing unit 4130, and the memory 4210 of data controlled by the system control unit 4200. The digital signal output from the A / D converter 4120 is directly written into the memory 4210 via the image processing unit 4130 and the memory control unit 4220, or via the memory control unit 4220 only. The non-volatile memory 4230 is electrically erasable and recordable read-only storage means for storing constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 4200.

[0033] The system memory 4240 is storage means capable of reading and writing where constants, variables for the operation of the system control unit 4200, programs read from the non-volatile memory 4230, etc. are stored. The system timer 4250 is a timing unit that measures the time until the auto power-off that turns off various display members described later to prevent battery depletion when the photographer is determined not to be operating the digital camera 100, and also measures the exposure time.

[0034] The power supply unit 4300 consists of 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. The power supply control unit 4310 is composed of a circuit for detecting the power supply unit 4300 that serves as the power supply for driving the digital camera 100, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching the power supply destination, etc., and detects the presence or absence of battery installation, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. Also, based on the above detection results and the instructions of the system control unit 4200, the power supply control unit 4310 controls the DC-DC converter and supplies the necessary voltage to the supply destination at the necessary timing.

[0035] The communication terminal 4400 is provided in the digital camera 100 and is electrically connected to the lens communication terminal 5060 described later. When the communication terminal 4400 is electrically connected, the system control unit 4200 that controls the entire digital camera 100 can communicate with the lens 5000 described later. The storage medium I / F 4410 is an interface with the recording medium 6000 described later.

[0036] The posture detection unit 4420 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the detected posture, the posture detection unit 4420 can output orientation information indicating whether the image captured by the imaging unit 4110 is an image captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 4200 can add the orientation information output by the posture detection unit 4420 to the image data. As the posture detection unit 4420, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used. When an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor is used as the posture detection unit 4420, it is also possible to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (such as panning, tilting, lifting, and whether it is stationary or not).

[0037] The viewfinder unit 500 is a location where the eye (object) 6100 of the photographer approaches (looks through) the digital camera 100. The eye approach detection unit 4440 is a proximity or eye approach detection sensor that detects the approach (eye approach) and departure (eye departure) of the eye 6100 with respect to the eyepiece unit 4430. The eye approach detection unit 4440 performs eye approach detection of the eye 6100 to the eyepiece unit 4430 based on the presence or absence of light reception by a light receiving unit (not shown) of an infrared proximity sensor. After eye approach is detected, the system control unit 4200 determines that it is in the eye approach state until eye departure is detected. After eye departure is detected, the system control unit 4200 determines that it is in the non-eye approach state until eye approach is detected. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is an example, and other sensors may be adopted for the eye approach detection unit 4440 as long as they can detect the approach of an eye or an object that can be regarded as an eye approach.

[0038] The aforementioned memory 4210 also serves as a memory for image display (video memory). The digital signals and image data written in the memory 4210 are displayed by the rear display unit 4500 and the EVF 4510 via the memory control unit 4220. The rear display unit 4500 performs display according to a signal from the memory control unit 4220. The EVF 4510 performs display according to a signal from the memory control unit 4220 when eye approach is detected by the eye approach detection unit 4440.

[0039] The analog signal generated by the imaging unit 4110 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 4120. This digital signal is recorded in the memory 4210. By sequentially transferring the digital signal recorded in the memory 4210 to the rear display unit 4500 or the EVF 4510 for display, live view shooting display, which is real-time display, is possible.

[0040] The system control unit 4200 switches the display (display state) / non-display (non-display state) of the rear display unit 4500 and the EVF 4510 according to the state detected by the above-mentioned eyepiece detection unit 4440. When not looking through the viewfinder, the system control unit 4200 sets the rear display unit 4500 to the display state and the EVF 4510 to the non-display state. Also, when looking through the viewfinder, the system control unit 4200 sets the EVF 4510 to the display state and the rear display unit 4500 to the non-display state.

[0041] The operation unit 4600 is various operation members as an input unit that receives operations from the photographer. The operation unit 4600 includes the rotation operation unit 200 described in FIGS. 1 and 3 and various operation members to be described later. The various operation members include a mode switch 4610, a shutter button 4620, a first shutter switch 4630, a second shutter switch 4640, a touch panel 4650, and a power switch 4660. The operation unit 4600 is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 4200.

[0042] As described above, the rotation operation unit 200 can input selection operations for various modes, images, etc. by tilting operations in 8 directions, pushing operations, and further rotation operations. The mode switch 4610 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 4200 to any one of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, etc. Shooting modes included in the still image shooting mode include an auto shooting mode, an auto scene discrimination mode, a manual shooting mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may also include a plurality of shooting modes.

[0043] The shutter button 4620 is a button for the photographer to give a shooting preparation instruction and a shooting instruction. The first shutter switch 4630 turns on during the operation of the shutter button 4620 provided on the digital camera 100, that is, during a so-called half-press (shooting preparation instruction), and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. By the first shutter switch signal SW1, shooting preparation operations such as AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and AWB (auto white balance) processing are started. The second shutter switch 4640 turns on when the operation of the shutter button 4620 is completed, that is, during a so-called full-press (shooting instruction), and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2.

[0044] The system control unit 4200 starts a shooting processing operation based on the second shutter switch signal SW2. The shooting processing operation includes operations such as reading an analog signal from the imaging unit 4110, signal conversion processing by the A / D converter 4120 and the image processing unit 4130, and writing the image data temporarily recorded in the memory 4210 to a recording medium 6000 described later.

[0045] The touch panel 4650 is a device that detects a touch or drag operation by the photographer. In this embodiment, the touch panel 4650 is integrated with the rear display unit 4500, and the touch panel 4650 can be operated by touching the display unit of the rear display unit 4500 with a finger.

[0046] The power switch 4660 is a switch for switching the power on / off. By the switching operation of the power switch 4660, the power control unit 4310 controls the power supply from the power unit 4300.

[0047] The lens unit 5000 is an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 100. The lens 5010 is a lens group for generating an optical image (subject image) from the subject light reflected by the subject, and is composed of a plurality of lenses. In FIG. 4, the lens 5010 is represented by a single lens for simplicity. The lens communication terminal 5060 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 5000 to communicate with the digital camera 100. When the lens communication terminal 5060 and the communication terminal 4400 are electrically connected as described above, the lens unit 5000 can communicate with the system control unit 4200 that controls the entire digital camera 100. Thereby, the system control unit 4200 can communicate with the lens system control circuit 5050 and the aperture drive circuit 5040 to control the position of the aperture 5030 and the focus state of the real image by displacing the lens 5010.

[0048] The recording medium 6000 is detachable from the digital camera 100 and is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording the captured image, and examples thereof include an SD card, a FLASH (registered trademark) memory, and a hard disk.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the rotation operation unit 200 is disposed at an angle θ shown in FIG. 2 with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300 toward the finger rest 300. In the rotation operation member 210 of the rotation operation unit 200, a position close to the finger rest 300 is defined as the rotation operation member R2101, and a position far from the finger rest 300 is defined as the rotation operation member L2102. By tilting the rotation operation unit 200 at an angle θ with respect to the digital camera 100, the rotation operation member L2102 protrudes more in the Z direction of FIG. 2 than the rotation operation member R2101. That is, the rotation operation member L2102 is closer to the photographer than the rotation operation member R2101 with respect to the finger rest 300.

[0050] When the photographer operates the rotation operation unit 200 of the digital camera 100, the photographer moves the thumb from the state where the thumb is placed on the finger rest portion 300 in the holding state of the digital camera 100 to the rotation operation unit 200 for operation. Then, the photographer places the thumb on the rotation operation member 210 of the rotation operation unit 200 and performs the rotation operation of the rotation operation member 210. When operating the rotation operation member 210 in the vicinity of the rotation operation member R2101 close to the finger rest portion 300, the operation is easy because the movement amount of the thumb is small. However, when operating the rotation operation member 210 in the vicinity of the rotation operation member L2102 arranged at a position far from the finger rest portion 300, it is necessary to extend the thumb. However, since the rotation operation unit 200 is inclined toward the finger rest portion 300, the photographer can easily operate the rotation operation member 201 without changing the position of the right hand holding the front grip portion 120.

[0051] As described above, on the back side of the digital camera 100, a finger rest portion 300 is provided at a position where it can be gripped by the thumb, and on the front side, a front grip portion 120 is provided. When holding the digital camera 100, in order to stabilize the holding of the digital camera 100, it is preferable to place the base of the thumb in the vicinity of the range A in FIG. 1. Therefore, the vicinity of the range A will be gripped by hand. When operating the rotation operation unit 200 of the digital camera 100 from this gripping state, the thumb will rotate around the vicinity of the range A. The rotation operation member L2102 in the rotation operation unit 200 is at the most protruding position in the rotation operation unit 200. For this reason, the photographer can operate the rotation operation member 210 without touching the tilt operation member 220 disposed at the center of the rotation operation unit 200. Thereby, when the rotation operation member 210 of the rotation operation unit 200 is operated, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the tilt operation member 220. In the present embodiment, when operating the rotation operation unit 200, the rotation operation unit 200 is disposed at a position away from the finger rest portion 300, that is, the hand holding the digital camera 100. However, the rotation operation unit 200 is tilted, and the rotation member operation member L2102 of the rotation operation member 210 protrudes closer to the photographer than the finger rest portion 300. For this reason, when operating the rotation operation member L2102 in the rotation operation member 210, the photographer can operate the rotation operation member 210 by rotating the thumb with the range A as a fulcrum without changing the gripping position.

[0052] Next, the arrangement of the rotation operation unit 200 in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment will be described. A part of the rotation operation unit 200 protrudes from the digital camera 100 and is configured to be disposed inside the plane connecting the first convex portion and the second convex portion provided in the digital camera. This will be specifically described below.

[0053] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram regarding the arrangement of the rotation operation unit 200. FIG. 5(a) is a view showing the vicinity of the rotation operation unit 200 when the digital camera 100 is viewed from the back. FIG. 5(b) is a view showing the vicinity of the rotation operation unit 200 when the digital camera 100 is viewed from above.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5(a), an outer shape portion (unit outer shape portion) 200b of the rotation operation unit is provided outside the rotation operation unit 200. The outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit is formed to cover the rotation operation unit 200 and constitutes a part of the exterior components of the digital camera 100. If the rotation operation unit 200 is arranged inside the digital camera 100, the digital camera 100 will become larger in size. In this embodiment, by arranging the rotation operation unit 200 at the end of the digital camera 100, a part of the rotation operation unit 200 protrudes from the digital camera 100. By covering the protruding part of the rotation operation unit 200 with the outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit, the size of the entire digital camera 100 is not increased, and the arrangement is also good in terms of operability. On the outer shape portion of the digital camera 100 around the viewfinder unit 500, a convex portion 110 protruding in the digital camera 100 is formed. Also, an outer shape end 100a is formed at the outer shape end of the digital camera 100. The rotation operation unit 200 and the outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit are arranged inside a straight line A connecting the vertex 110a of the convex portion 110 and the outer shape end 100a, which are the above-described first and second convex portions, on the projection plane of the rear view of the digital camera 100. The vertex 110a of the convex portion 110 and the outer shape end 100a form a part of the top surface of the digital camera 100.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the digital camera 100, the finder unit 500 has a shape protruding in the Z direction. Further, as described above, the finger hook convex portion 400 has a protruding shape in the digital camera 100. The rotation operation unit 200 is arranged inside a straight line B connecting the eye cup convex portion 502a and the convex portion apex 400a, which are the above-described first and second convex portions, on the projection plane of the top view of the digital camera 100. The eye cup convex portion 502a is a part of the apex of the eye cup 502. The convex portion apex 400a is a part of the apex of the finger hook convex portion 400 that constitutes the outer shape of the digital camera 100. The eye cup convex portion 502a and the convex portion apex 400a form a part of the back surface portion of the digital camera 100.

[0056] Thereby, when the digital camera 100 accidentally drops onto the ground or the like, it is possible to prevent the rotation operation unit 200 and the outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit from directly colliding with the ground. This is because in the digital camera 100, the outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit is arranged inside the straight line A, and the rotation operation unit 200 is arranged inside the straight line B.

[0057] The rotation operation unit 200 is a multifunctional operation device and has a complex structure, so dimensional accuracy is required. Therefore, if a direct impact is applied to the rotation operation unit 200, deformation or the like is likely to occur. In the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, by adopting the above-described configuration, this can be prevented. To protect the rotation operation unit 200, a configuration of increasing the rigidity and strengthening the outer shape portion 200b of the rotation operation unit, which is a peripheral member, can be considered, but it is not preferable because it is necessary to increase the size of the digital camera 100 body.

[0058] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the inclination of the rotation operation unit 200 with respect to the digital camera 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the digital camera 100 when viewed from above, and shows a state in which the photographer is operating the rotation operation member 210 of the rotation operation unit 200. FIG. 6(a) shows an optimal configuration of the angle θ, and FIG. 6(b) shows an inappropriate configuration of the angle θ.

[0059] As described with reference to FIG. 2, the rotation operation unit 200 is disposed at an angle θ with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300. When operating the rotation operation member 210, the photographer applies a force F to the rotation operation member 210 with the thumb as shown in FIG. 6(a), thereby operating the rotation operation member 210. As described above, since the photographer holds the digital camera 100 by gripping the front grip portion 120 of FIG. 2, the force F is likely to be applied in a direction substantially the same as the optical axis T. Therefore, it is easier to rotate the rotation operation member 210 when the angle θ of the rotation operation unit 200 is smaller. This is because when the angle θ is smaller, the photographer can easily press the rotation operation member 210 with the force F for rotating the rotation operation member 210 and can easily obtain frictional force. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the angle θ of the rotation operation unit 200 becomes as large as the angle θ2, the force F applied when operating the rotation operation member 210 is dispersed in the f1 direction and the f2 direction. For this reason, the force F is not applied in the rotational axis direction (angle θ2 axis) of the rotation operation member 210, and it becomes difficult to operate the rotation operation member 210. Further, when the angle θ of the rotation operation unit 200 becomes large and the inclination becomes large, when the rotation operation member 210 is operated with the thumb, the thumb contacts the tilt operation member 220, and it becomes easy to cause an erroneous operation. Therefore, the angle θ, which is the inclination of the rotation operation unit 200 with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300, is preferably 45° or less at which the thumb hardly contacts the tilt operation member 220 when the rotation operation member 210 is operated with the thumb. Also, it suffices that the angle is such that the depression detection of the movable switch 240 is not performed even if the thumb accidentally contacts the tilt operation member 220 when the rotation operation member 210 is operated.

[0060] In this embodiment, the rotation operation unit 200 is tilted with respect to the digital camera 100 so that the rotation operation member L2102 of the rotation operation member 210 protrudes most in the rotation operation unit 200, but this is not the only case. Since an effect can be obtained if the rotation operation member L2102 protrudes toward the photographer when the rotation operation unit 200 is tilted with respect to the digital camera 100, the tilting member 220 in the rotation operation unit 200 may protrude most toward the photographer.

Embodiment

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the rotation operation unit 200 in Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the shape of the rotation operation unit 200 is different from that in Embodiment 1. In particular, it is different from Embodiment 1 with respect to the tilting operation member 220.

[0062] In this embodiment, the rotation operation unit 200 is tilted at an angle θ with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300, which is the same as in Embodiment 1. Also, since the configuration of the rotation operation unit 200 is the same, the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1 are given to the components common to Embodiment 1, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the rotation operation unit 200 and its peripheral configuration when the digital camera 100 in this embodiment is viewed from above. Similar to Embodiment 1, the rotation operation unit 200 is arranged to be tilted at an angle θ toward the finger rest 300 with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300.

[0064] In this embodiment, in the tilting operation member 220, the key top 221 which is the part to be operated is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to the rotation axis of the rotation operation member 210. In the first embodiment, it has been explained that when the rotation operation unit 200 is inclined with respect to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300, the operability of the rotation operation member 210 is improved. In this case, when operating the tilting operation member 220, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the movable switch 240 is also inclined. Therefore, when operating the tilting operation member 220 to operate the movable switch 240, an operation of pushing the key top 221 obliquely must be performed. If the operation surface of the tilting operation member 220 is formed to be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit 200 as in the first embodiment, when the force F in the operation direction described with reference to FIG. 6 is applied, the pushing direction and the direction of the operation surface are different. For this reason, slipping easily occurs on the surface of the operation surface, and it becomes difficult to operate the tilting operation member 220. The angle θ3 at which the key top 221 of the tilting operation member 220 is inclined with respect to the rotation operation unit 200 is substantially the same as the angle θ described in the first embodiment but in the opposite direction. That is, the tilting direction of the key top 221 is opposite to the tilting direction of the rotation operation unit 200, and the magnitudes of the angle θ and the angle θ3 are substantially the same. For this reason, the operation surface of the key top 221 is formed so as to be perpendicular to the direction of the force F2 shown in FIG. 7 (the same direction as F1 shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment). That is, the operation surface of the key top 221 is perpendicular to the digital camera 100 or the finger rest 300. Thereby, the operability when pushing in the tilting operation member 220 is improved.

Embodiment

[0065] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the dedicated operation controller 1000 as an electronic device according to the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. The controller 1000 in this embodiment relates to a remote operation device that moves a device by remote operation.

[0066] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic view of the controller 1000 of Example 3 as seen from the operator side. FIG. 8(b) is a schematic view of the controller 1000 as seen from the upper surface side. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the controller 1000 has rotation operation units 200 attached at symmetric left and right positions. Near the rotation operation units 200 of the controller 1000, finger placement parts 300 for placing the thumb when holding the controller 1000 are provided at symmetric left and right positions. The rotation operation units 200 and the finger placement parts 300 are each attached above the controller 1000. The rotation operation units 200 and the finger placement parts 300 are arranged at positions corresponding to near the thumb in each hand when the operator holds the controller 1000 with both hands. That is, on the controller 1000, two operation parts composed of the rotation operation units 200 and the finger placement parts 300 are arranged at symmetric left and right positions.

[0067] The two rotation operation units 200 mounted on the controller 1000 are the multifunctional rotation operation devices described in Example 1. That is, each of the two rotation operation units 200 can perform rotation operation by a rotation operation member 210 on the outer peripheral part, 8-direction operation by a tilting operation member 220 on the rotation shaft part, and input by a pushing operation. In this embodiment, two rotation operation units 200 are mounted, but it is not limited to this, and one or three or more may be mounted on one side.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the rotation operation unit 200 is attached to the controller 1000 at an angle θ toward the finger placement part 300. For this reason, the C part in FIG. 8(b) is configured to protrude most with respect to the controller 1000. Thereby, when rotating the rotation operation member 210 of the rotation operation unit 200, even when operating the C part far from the gripping part 1000a, it is possible to easily operate the rotation operation member 210 while maintaining the gripping state.

[0069] Next, the system configuration of the controller 1000 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the controller 1000 in this embodiment.

[0070] The system control unit 7100 is a control unit composed of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control unit 7100 realizes each process by executing a program recorded in the non-volatile memory 7101 described later. When the rotation operation unit 200 and other operation members 7201 described in FIG. 8 are operated, an operation signal is input to the operation member control unit 7200. The signal input to the operation member control unit 7200 is controlled by the system control unit 7100. The system memory 7102 is a storage means capable of reading and writing, in which constants, variables, programs read from the non-volatile memory 7101, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 7100 are stored. The power supply unit 7301 includes 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, and an AC adapter. The power switch 7302 is a member for switching the on / off of the power supply of the controller 1000.

[0071] The power control unit 7300 is composed of a circuit for detecting the power supply unit 7301 that becomes the power supply for driving the controller 1000 by switching the power supply of the power switch 7302, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching the power supply destination, etc. Further, the power control unit 7300 detects the on / off of the power supply of the controller 1000, the presence or absence of battery installation, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The display control unit 7400 includes a memory for image display (video memory), and displays the image data and recognition signal written from the system control unit 7100 on the liquid crystal screen 7401 and the LED 7402. The liquid crystal screen 7401 and the LED 7402 perform display and lighting according to the signal from the display control unit 7400.

[0072] The wireless control unit 7600 controls communication with the device main body 8000 to be remotely operated by the wireless unit 7601, acquires the operation signal input to the operation member control unit 7200 from the system control unit 7100, and transmits it to the device main body 8000. Further, the wireless control unit 7600 receives data from the device main body 8000 and displays it on the liquid crystal screen 7401. The wireless unit 7601 transmits and receives signals from the device main body 8000 and the wireless control unit 7600 by wireless communication.

[0073] As described above, the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples, and various combinations, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] 100 Digital camera (electronic device) 200 Rotation operation unit 210 Rotation operation member 300 Finger placement part

Claims

1. An electronic device having a rotary operation unit including a rotary operation member, having a finger placement portion for placing a finger when gripping the electronic device, wherein the rotary operation unit and the finger placement portion are disposed close to the user side surface of the electronic device, the rotary operation unit being tilted toward the finger placement portion with respect to the electronic device, the rotary operation unit, including a switch disposed coaxially with the rotary operation member, and a pusher member for pressing the switch, wherein an operation surface of the pusher member is tilted in a direction opposite to the tilting direction of the rotary operation unit, characterized in that it is an electronic device.

2. A part of the rotary operation unit protrudes from the electronic device, the electronic device including a first convex portion and a second convex portion, wherein the rotary operation unit is disposed inside a surface connecting the first convex portion and the second convex portion, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to Claim 1.

3. further including a unit outer shape portion formed to cover the part of the rotary operation unit protruding from the electronic device and constituting a part of an exterior component of the electronic device, wherein the unit outer shape portion is disposed inside a surface connecting the first convex portion and the second convex portion, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to Claim 2.

4. wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion form a part of a top surface portion of the electronic device, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to Claim 2 or 3.

5. wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion form a part of a back surface portion of the electronic device, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to Claim 2 or 3.

6. further including a finger hook convex portion disposed at a position on the opposite side of the rotary operation unit with the finger placement portion interposed therebetween, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. wherein an angle at which the rotary operation unit is tilted toward the finger placement portion with respect to the electronic device is 45° or less, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. wherein the electronic device is an imaging device, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. wherein an operation unit including the rotary operation unit and the finger placement portion is disposed at two symmetrically opposite positions, characterized in that it is the electronic device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

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