Camera and direction indicating switch

A camera includes a direction indicating switch to specify an arbitrary indicating direction which is attached to a case member. The direction indicating switch has a switch base having a contact point which is capable of abutting intermittently; an operating section held by the switch base to be capable of tilting for tilting for intermittently abutting of the contact point; and a tilt controlling section which controls a tilt of the operating section. The operating section is capable of tilting in a radial direction from a reference position where the contact point is in a nonconductive state. When the operating section is tilted over a predetermined angle from the reference position, the contact point is in a conductive state. The tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle in a predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle in a direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Application Numbers 2007-182779, filed on Jul. 12, 2007, and 2008-031593, filed on Feb. 13, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a camera equipped with a direction indicating switch, and to the direction indicating switch thereof.

A known camera, for example, is provided with a direction indicating switch which is capable of specifying a crisscross direction, in which an up-and-down direction and a right-and-left direction intersect one another, as an operation button. As for the camera as described above, it is possible to selectively perform various desired functions by operating the direction indicating switch and accordingly specifying up, down, right and left directions.

For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. H06-260056 discloses that there is a direction indicating switch as described above, in which the direction indicating switch has an operating section provided with indicating parts for each operation of up, down, right, and left on a surface side, four piezoelectric switches provided in positions matching with each indicating part, and a base board with an axis member extended out to a center of each of the piezoelectric switches. And additionally, in the operating section, a center position of both up-and-down and right-and-left operation directions is supported by the axis member from a reverse side, and spots (four corners) corresponding to each indicating part are supported by each piezoelectric switch from the reverse side. Each of these piezoelectric switches has a biasing member which is capable of returning to a nonconductive state, and is structured to be in a conductive state by being pressed down against the biasing member.

As for this direction indicating switch, in a state where the operating section is not pressed, each piezoelectric switch returns to the nonconductive state by a biasing force of the biasing member, and the operating section is at a reference position. When the indicating part of the operating section is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing member of each piezoelectric switch, the operating section tilts from the reference position in regard to a support point by the axis member as a fulcrum and the piezoelectric switch corresponding to the indicating part (which is placed on a side where the operating section is tilted.) is pressed, and the indicating part is in the conductive state. Therefore, it is possible for the direction indicating switch to selectively press down each piezoelectric switch and to specify indicating directions of up, down, right and left by accordingly tilting the operating section.

However, as for the direction indicating switch described above, the operating section is supported at the four corners by the four piezoelectric switches which are capable of pressing down, and thereby it is possible to tilt in radial directions on a surface including the up-and-down and the right-and-left directions in regard to a center position (the support point) supported by the axis member as the fulcrum. Therefore, there is a possibility that the operating section may perform a so-called operational error, for example, the operating section may not be tilted in an appropriate direction (directions where each indicating part is provided.). And then the direction indicating switch may specify an indicating direction against an operator's intention and the indicating direction may not be specified though the operating section is tilted. In particular, when using a camera, there is a situation when the direction indicating switch is operated while a user looks in an optical finder, and in a situation like this, there may be a higher possibility for the operational error caused by a tilt operation without looking at the direction indicating switch.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera having the direction indicating switch which is capable of preventing the operating section from tilting in a direction different from an appropriate direction, that is, preventing a so-called operational error.

A camera according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an operating switch which sends an instruction to a controlling mechanism, wherein the operating switch includes: an operating section which is capable of tilting to the camera; a switching section which switches a conductive state of a contact point connecting with the controlling mechanism by tilting of the operating section; and a tilt controlling section which controls a tilt of the operating section, wherein the tilt controlling section controls the operating section to tilt in a predetermined direction.

Preferably, the operating switch includes: an operating section which is capable of tilting to the camera; a switching section which switches a conductive state of a contact point connecting with the controlling mechanism by a tilt of the operating section in a predetermined indicating direction from a reference position; and a tilt controlling section which controls the operating section to tilt over a predetermined angle from a predetermined reference position, wherein the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and controls the operating section to tilt in a direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

Preferably, the operating section, when the operating section is at the reference position, makes the contact point be in a nonconductive state, and when the operating section is tilted over a predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the operating section makes the contact point be in a conductive state, and the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

Preferably, the operating switch is a direction indicating switch to specify an arbitrary indicating direction and attached to a case member, wherein the direction indicating switch includes: a switch base having a contact point which is capable of abutting intermittently; an operating section held by the switch base to be capable of tilting for abutting intermittently of the contact point; and a tilt controlling section which controls a tilt of the operating section, wherein the operating section is capable of tilting in a radial direction from the reference position where the operating section makes the contact point be in the nonconductive state, and when the operating section is tilted over the predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the operating section makes the contact point be in the conductive state, and the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

Preferably, the tilt controlling section includes: a plate member provided in the operating section so as to encircle the operating section on a surface orthogonal to an axis of the operating section; and an abutted surface part provided in the case member or the switch base to face and extend in parallel with the plate member when the operating section is at the reference position, wherein the plate member, when the operating section is tilted in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, abuts on the abutted surface part and thereby prevents the operating section from tilting to the predetermined angle, and when the operating section is tilted in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the plate member allows the operating section to tilt to the predetermined angle without abutting on the abutted surface part.

Preferably, a projected part projected toward the abutted surface part is provided in a position of an opposite direction to the predetermined indicating direction viewed from the reference position on the plate member, and the projected part, when the operating section is tilted in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, abuts on the abutted surface part and thereby prevents the operating section from tilting to the predetermined angle, and when the operating section is tilted in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the projected member has a length which allows the operating section to tilt to the predetermined angle without abutting on the abutted surface part.

Preferably, an operating cap is attached to the operating section so as to cover an end of the operating section, the operating cap includes: a head part for operation exposed outward from an opening provided in the case member; and a flange part extending continuously from the head part for operation and along the case member inside of the case member, wherein the flange part forms the plate member, and a peripheral wall part which determines the opening in the case member forms the abutted surface part.

Preferably, an operating cap is attached to the operating section so as to cover an end of the operating section, the operating cap includes: a head part for operation exposed outward from an opening provided in the case member; and a flange part extending continuously from the head part for operation and along the case member inside of the case member, wherein the operating cap attaches a sealing member, which is formed by an elastic-deformable material to seal a gap between the opening and the operating cap, and which encircles the head part for operation and extends between the flange part and the case member, and the sealing member forms the plate member, and a peripheral wall part which determines the opening in the case member forms the abutted surface part.

Preferably, a flange projected part projected toward the abutted surface part is provided in a position of an opposite direction to the predetermined indicating direction viewed from the reference position on the flange part.

Preferably, a shielding member, having a projected stand part which is capable of fitting into the opening of the case member, is provided between the operating section and the operating cap, a through-hole having a diameter which is smaller than the head part for operation of the operating cap is provided in the projected stand part, and the flange part of the operating cap is capable of being inserted in the through-hole of the projected stand part and has an uneven diameter which is capable of engaging with the through-hole.

Preferably, the predetermined indicating direction includes four directions orthogonal to each other viewed from the reference position.

An operating switch which sends an instruction to a controlling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: an operating section which is capable of tilting to the controlling mechanism; a switching section which switches a conductive state of a contact point connecting with the controlling mechanism by tilting in a predetermined indicating direction from a reference position of the operating section; and a tilt controlling section which controls a tilt of the operating section, wherein the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and controls the operating section to tilt in a direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

Preferably, the operating section, when the operating section is at the reference position, makes the contact point be in a nonconductive state, and when the operating section is tilted over a predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the operating section makes the contact point be in a conductive state, and the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

A direction indicating switch to specify an arbitrary indicating direction according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a switch base having a contact point which is capable of abutting intermittently; an operating section held by the switch base to be capable of tilting for abutting intermittently of the contact point; and a tilt controlling section which controls a tilt of the operating section, wherein the operating section is capable of tilting in a radial direction from a reference position where the operating section makes the contact point be in a nonconductive state, and when the operating section is tilted over a predetermined angle in a predetermined indicating direction from the reference position, the operating section makes the contact point be in a conductive state, and the tilt controlling section allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position and prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle in a direction different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, each embodiment of a camera according to the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view of a camera10according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention from a reverse side, andFIG. 2is a schematic perspective view of the camera10from a front side. Hereinafter, the camera10is taken as a reference, a direction of a photographing optical axis is taken as a front-and-back direction (a photographing subject side is a front side.) (See an arrow FB), a direction of a height of the camera in a front view is taken as an up-and-down direction (See an arrow UD), and a direction orthogonal to a surface including the front-and-back and up-and-down directions is taken as a right-and-left direction (a left hand side in the front view of the camera is a right direction.) (See an arrow LR).

The camera10is a digital camera in the embodiment 1. A camera mechanism, which is not illustrated, functioning as a camera such as for photographing a photographic subject and so on, is stored and structured in a case11. The camera10according to the embodiment 1 is structured such that, in its camera mechanism, an image signal is converted into an electric signal in a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor, then the electric signal is digitally processed, and thereby a still image or a moving image of digital image data of the photographic subject is obtained, and the digital image data is stored in a memory card.

The case11is structured such that a front case12and a back case13are coupled in a front-and-back direction. In the front case12, as described inFIG. 2, a release button14is provided on a top surface, and a lens15and a front window part16afor an optical finder16are provided on a front surface. In the back case13, as described inFIG. 1, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)17, a back window part16bfor the optical finder16, and a direction indicating switch18as an operating switch are provided.

In the camera10, the direction indicating switch18is accordingly operated to choose various functions. The release button14is pressed to photograph a photographic subject. In addition, when photographing, it is possible for the camera10to photograph a photographic subject with an image of the photographic subject on the LCD17, and it is also possible to photograph a photographic subject by looking in the optical finder16.

In the camera10according to an embodiment of the present invention, a structure of the direction indicating switch18is different from an already-known camera. Hereinafter, the structure of the direction indicating switch18will be explained.

FIG. 3is an exploded schematic perspective view describing a peripheral structure of the direction indicating switch18.FIG. 4is a top view of the direction indicating switch18from above (back when the direction indicating switch18is attached to the camera10).FIG. 5is a top view of a switching device19of the direction indicating switch18from above.FIG. 6is a partially cross-sectional explanatory view obtained along a line I-I ofFIG. 5describing a movement of the switching device19.FIG. 7is a schematic perspective view of an operating cap20. In addition,FIG. 8is a partially cross-sectional explanatory view obtained along a line II-II ofFIG. 4describing a movement of the direction indicating switch18, andFIG. 9is an explanatory view obtained along a line III-III ofFIG. 4, which is the same asFIG. 8. InFIG. 4, a sealing member21, which is described later, is not illustrated in order to understand easily.

The direction indicating switch18, as described inFIG. 3, has the switching device19, the operating cap20and the sealing member21. The direction indicating switch18is installed on a controlling base board22stored in the case11, and a part of the operating cap20is exposed from a switch opening13aformed on the back case13as an opening part (SeeFIG. 1).

The switching device19is an electric element to specify an arbitrary indicating direction, as described inFIGS. 5 and 6, and has a switch base23and an operating section24. The switch base23is mainly structured such that a base board for a switch26, on which five contact points on a side of the base25are provided, is stored in a switch case27. The switch case27is fixed on the controlling base board22by a leg part for installation28provided therewith, and the base board for the switch26and the controlling board22are electrically connected via the leg part for installation28. And thereby, the switching device19is mounted on the controlling base board22.

The five contact points on the side of the base25include, on the base board for the switch26, a central contact point on the side of the base25a, which is centrally placed, and four contact points for indicating on the side of the base25b, centering on the central contact point on the side of the base25a, which are respectively placed in up, down, right and left directions at equal intervals. Therefore, as for the five contact points on the side of the base25, on the base board for the switch26, in a state of being attached to the camera10, three of the five contact points on the side of the base25are placed in parallel in the up-and-down direction UD at equal intervals, and one of the three of the five contact points on the side of the base25is placed in their center and another two of the five contact points on the base side25are placed in parallel in the right-and-left direction LR at equal intervals, so that the five contact points on the side of the base25are set to be placed in a cross shape. On the base board for the switch26on which the five contact points on the side of the base25are provided, an annular rubber29(illustrated in a cross section inFIG. 6) is provided to encircle the central contact point on the side of the base25a, and the operating section24is placed on the annular rubber29.

The operating section24has a stick part for operation30which is pillar-shaped, and a flat plate part for intermittence31. The flat plate part for intermittence31is continuously provided on a lower side of the stick part for operation30(in front, in a state of being attached to the camera10). Five contact points on a side of the operating section32are provided on a lower surface of the flat plate part for intermittence31(a surface placed in front, in the state of being attached to the camera10). The five contact points on the side of the operating section32have a central contact point on the side of the operating section32aand four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b. The central contact point on the side of the operating section32ais placed on an axis of the stick part for operation30, and the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b, centering on the central contact point on the side of the operating section32a, are set to be placed in a cross shape to face each of the four contact points for indicating on the side of the base25b. The operating section24is supported by the annular rubber29, so that the axis of the stick part for operation30is orthogonal to the base board for the switch26, and in this case, a position where the axis exists is taken as a reference line B1. In a state where the axis of the stick part for operation30corresponding to the reference line B1is a reference position Ba, and the annular rubber29is elastically deformed so as to be squashed partially, and thereby it is possible for the operating section24to be tilted in a radial direction from the reference position Ba. In addition, in the embodiment 1, the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32bare set to be projected equally to each other, and the central contact point on the side of the operating section32ais set to be projected more than the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b. And thereby, when the operating section24is pressed down along the reference line B1, each of the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32bdoes not abut on each of the four contact points for indicating on the side of the base25b, and the central contact point on the side of the operating section32aabuts on the central contact point on the side of the base25a.

In the switching device19, as illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 6, when the operating section24is tilted from the reference position Ba (the axis of the stick part for operation30is inclined with respect to the reference line B1), and when a contact point for indicating on the side of operating section32bin an orbit position abuts on a contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section25bfacing the contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section32b, a contact point of the contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section32band the contact point for indicating side of the base25bis in a conductive state. In addition, in the switching device19, when the operating section24is pressed down along the reference line B1(pressed forward, in the state of being attached to the camera10(SeeFIG. 1)) and the central contact point on the side of the operating section32afacing the central contact point on the side of the base25aabuts on the central contact point on the side of the base25a, a contact point between the central contact point on the side of the operating section32aand the central contact point on the side of the base25ais in the conductive state, and which is not illustrated in a drawing. If any one of the contact points is in the conductive state as described above, the conductive state is transmitted to the controlling base board22as an electric signal via the base board for the switch26and the leg part for installation28. And thereby, it is possible for the switching device19to specify an arbitrary indicating direction corresponding to a tilt operation performed by the operating section24, and also to specify an indication other than specified directions by a press-down operation performed by the operating section24. Thus, in the switching device19, in a case where the stick part for operation30of the operating section24is tilted to four directions such as up, down, right and left directions (predetermined indicating directions) viewed from the reference line B1, when contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced in each direction abut on contact points for indicating on the side of the base25bfacing the contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b, a contact point between the contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32band the contact points for indicating on the side of the base25bis in a conductive state. Therefore, in this abutted state, the operating section24is tilted over a predetermined angle. The operating cap20is attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24(SeeFIG. 3). Therefore, the switch base23is a switch section which switches a conduction of the contact points by a tilt of the operating section24.

The operating cap20, as illustrated inFIG. 7, has a head part for operation33, a neck part34and a flange part35. The head part for operation33is approximately cylinder-shaped. The flange part35is continuously provided at the bottom (front in the state of being attached to the camera10) of the operating cap20via the neck part34. Four indicating parts36are provided on a surface of the head part for operation33(a surface which is exposed from the case11and placed in a back side in the state of being attached to the camera10), and it is possible for the head part for operation33to accept the stick part for operation30so as to correspond to an axis of the head part for operation33and an axis of the stick part for operation30on a reverse side of the head part for operation33(SeeFIGS. 8 and 9).

The four indicating parts36are formed such that a peripheral edge part of a round surface of the head part for operation33is partially projected, and have equal intervals to each other in an orbit direction (SeeFIG. 4). The four indicating parts36, as illustrated inFIG. 4, are provided corresponding to four contact points on the side of the operating section32in orbit positions and four contact points on the side of the base25facing the four contact points on the side of the operating section32. In a state where the operating cap is attached properly to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19, a direction of a proper tilt operation of the operating section24of the switching device19is indicated on the operating cap20. On the lower side of the head part for operation33, as illustrated inFIGS. 7,8and9, the neck part34is provided as an annular recess, and the flange part35is provided continuously with the neck part34.

The flange part35has a truncated cone shape, which spreads from the neck part34to a bottom (front in the state of being attached to the camera10), and four projected parts37are provided on an inclined surface of the flange part35. Each of the four projected parts37has a cylinder shape having an axis parallel to the axis of the head part for operation33, and has projected ends37ain which corners are entirely cut away. In addition, the four projected parts37, from above (back in the state of being attached to the camera10), as illustrated inFIG. 4, are placed on a peripheral edge part of the inclined surface which is round, and have equal intervals to each other in the orbit direction. The four projected parts37are set to be placed in middle positions of each of the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32band each of the four contact points for indicating on the side of the base25bfacing the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b, viewed in the orbit direction centering on the reference line B1on a flat surface orthogonal to the reference line B1, when the operating cap20is attached properly to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19. That is, in the state of being attached to the camera10, viewed on the flat surface orthogonal to the reference line B1, the four contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b(the same as the four contact points for indicating on the side of the base25b) are placed on straight lines passing on the reference line B1and having 45-degree angles to the up-and-down direction UD and to the right-and-left direction LR. In addition, a height of the four projected parts37from a surface of the flange part35is set to fulfill a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition will be described later. The sealing member21is attached to this operating cap20(SeeFIG. 3).

The sealing member21, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, is an annular thin film and is formed by an elastic-deformable material. For example, in the present embodiment, the sealing member21is formed by a rubber material. The sealing member21, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, has an inner rib part21aand an outer rib part21b. The inner rib part21ais capable of abutting on through a whole circumference of the neck part34of the operating cap20. The outer rib part21bextends from inside (inside of the case11) to the back case13in an outward position of the flange part35of the operating cap20. The sealing member21pushes and extends out an inner opening part21cdetermined by the inner rib part21a, then inserts the head part for operation33of the operating cap20into the inner opening part21c, and is attached on the operating cap20. The operating cap20on which the sealing member is attached is attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19fixed on the controlling base board22. If the controlling base board22is stored in the case11properly, as illustrated inFIGS. 1,8and9, the head part for operation33of the operating cap20is exposed outward from a switch opening hole13aof the back case13. In addition, in this state, the inner rib part21aof the sealing member21encircles and abuts on the neck part34of the operating cap20, and the outer rib part21bof the sealing member21abuts on a peripheral wall (surface) part which determines the switch opening hole13aof the back case13from inside (inside of the case11), and thereby it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the case11from the switch opening hole13a. The sealing member21blocks a gap between the switch opening hole13aand the operating cap20, and also has a role of avoiding exposing the inside of the case11from the outside.

In the direction indicating switch18, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, when a neighborhood of a peripheral edge part of the head part for operation33of the operating cap20(including the indicating part36) is pressed against a biasing force of the annular rubber29(See an arrow A1inFIGS. 4 and 8, and an arrow A2inFIGS. 4 and 9), the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19tilts toward a direction of a pressed spot viewed from the reference line B1(See arrows A1and A2inFIG. 4) from the reference position Ba (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIGS. 8 and 9). Then, the operating cap20is moved rotationally centering around a tilt axis of the stick part for operation30in the switching device19, and in the flange part35of the operating cap20, a spot Pp (hereinafter, a spot in a pressed direction Pp) on a side of a pressed direction viewed from the reference line B1is spaced from the back case13, and on the other hand, a spot Ps (hereinafter, a spot in a point symmetry direction Ps), which is point-symmetric to the spot Pp in the pressed direction centering on the reference line B1, approaches the back case13. Taking the above into account, the flange part35of the operating cap20has a folding-fan shape (a truncated cone shape), so that the spot in the point symmetry direction which is point-symmetric centering on the pressed direction and the reference line B1, when the operating section24is tilted, does not interfere in the back case13.

Here, in a case where a pressed position, as illustrated by an arrow A1inFIGS. 4 and 8, is the indicating part36of the head part for operation33of the operating cap20, the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted over a predetermined angle in a predetermined indicating direction A1from the reference position Ba, and the contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced in the indicating direction A1viewed from the reference line B1, abuts on the contact point for indicating on the side of the base25band are in the conductive state to each other (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 8).

In addition, in a case where the pressed position, as illustrated by an arrow A2inFIGS. 4 and 9, is a spot which is not the indicating part36of the head part for operation33of the operating cap20(in an illustrated example, a middle position of two indicating parts36which are adjacent to each other), the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in a direction A2, which is different from the predetermined indicating direction, from the reference position Ba. In this case, on the flange part35of the operating cap20, the projected part37is provided in the spot in the point symmetry direction Ps, which is point-symmetric to the direction A2. The projected end37aof the projected part37abuts on an inner wall surface13b(a peripheral wall part which determines the switch opening hole13a) of the back case13, with the sealing member21in between. And thereby, it is possible to prevent the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) from tilting to the predetermined angle (to the reference line B1), where two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced to have the direction A2in between abut on contact points for indicating on the side of the base25brespectively facing the two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b(See the operating section24illustrated by two-dot line inFIG. 9). Therefore, in the embodiment 1, the flange part35and the inner wall surface13bfunction as a tilt controlling section (a tilt controlling means), the flange part35of the operating cap20functions as a plate member, and the inner wall surface13bof the back case13functions as an abutted surface part. In other words, in a case where the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in the predetermined indicating direction (See an arrow A1inFIGS. 4 and 8), the four projected parts37are set not to interfere in the inner wall surface13bof the back case13in a position which is displaced by 45 degrees in the orbit direction from the spot in the point symmetry direction to the indicating direction in the flange part35, and in a case where the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction (See an arrow A2inFIGS. 4 and 9), the four projected parts37are set to have the height to interfere in the inner wall surface13bof the back case13in the spot in the point symmetry direction to the indicating direction in the flange part35. Additionally, in a case where the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted, the sealing member21, particularly, the outer rib part21bis set to have a thickness (hardness) so as not to disturb the tilt operation.

Therefore, as for the direction indicating switch18, in a case where the tilt operation is performed in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction (seeFIG. 9), compared to a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined direction (seeFIG. 8), when the reference line B1(the reference position Ba) is taken as a reference, a tilt of the stick part for operation30is prevented at a small angle, and no contact points are in the conductive state and also no directions are specified. If someone who operates the direction indicating switch18, that is, a user of the camera10, attempts to perform the tilt operation in the direction different from a proper indicating direction, the operating section24is prevented from tilting as a case in the proper indicating direction. Therefore, there is no possibility that the indicating direction against a user's intention is specified, the indicating direction is not specified though the operating section24is tilted to an angle which is equal to the case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined indicating direction, and the user feels a sense of incongruity.

Accordingly, as for the direction indicating switch18according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention, if the operating section24is tilted in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, the operating section24is prevented from tilting over the predetermined angle by the tilt controlling section in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction. It is possible to prevent the operating section from tilting in an improper direction, that is, it is possible to prevent an operational error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the indicating direction against a user's intention from being specified, and it is possible to prevent the indicating direction from not being specified though the operating section24is tilted.

Moreover, as for the direction indicating switch18, the projected part37provided on the flange part35of the operating cap20as the plate member abuts on the inner wall surface13bof the back case13as the abutted surface part according to a tilt direction of the operating section24, so that a tilt range of the operating section24is controlled. And the projected part37does not abut on the inner wall surface13bof the back case13, and this allows the operating section24to perform a proper tilt operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an operational error of the operating section24with a simple structure.

Additionally, as for the direction indicating switch18, the tilt controlling section is structured such that the operating cap20attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19functions as the plate member, and the inner wall surface13bof the back case13functions as the abutted surface part. Therefore, it is possible to use the switching device19which is generally used, and to form the direction indicating switch18, in which the operational error of the operating section24is properly prevented, and also to install the direction indicating switch18in the camera10.

As for the direction indicating switch18, it is possible to recognize whether the tilt operation is performed in a proper indicating direction from the reference line B1or not, from a tilt condition of the operating section24, that is, from the tilt condition of the operating cap20, in other words, from a sense of the tilt operation when the tilt operation is performed. As for the camera10in which the direction indicating switch18is installed, it is possible to perform a proper tilt operation with the sense of the tilt operation and to properly choose a desired function from various functions. This, in particular, in a situation that a user operates the direction indicating switch18looking in the optical finder16, is effective and makes it possible for the user to effectively use a function of the optical finder18, since there is no need to take the user's eyes off the optical finder16in order to operate the direction indicating switch18.

As for the direction indicating switch18, on the flange part35of the operating cap20viewed in the orbit direction, the projected parts37provided in middle positions of the predetermined directions (up, down, right and left directions in the embodiments described above) are structured to abut on the inner wall surface13bof the back case13. And thereby, in a situation that a spot which is not the indicating part36is pressed, except for a case where a middle position between indicating parts36viewed in the orbit direction on the head part for operation33of the operating cap20is pressed when the tilt operation is performed, an abutted spot of the projected part37and the back case13is taken as a fulcrum, and it is possible for a tilt direction of the operating cap20, that is, the operating section24to lead to a direction so as to press down the closest indicating part36(the predetermined indicating direction from the reference line B1) from a pressed position (the tilt direction viewed from the reference line B1). In particular, in the embodiment described above, each of the projected ends37aof the projected part37has cut away corners and has a curved surface, and this allows the tilt direction of the operating section24to lead effectively to the predetermined directions (up, down, right and left). Therefore, as for the camera10in which the direction indicating switch18is installed, it is possible for users to perform a proper tilt operation without looking at the direction indicating switch18and to choose properly a desired function from various functions.

Therefore, as for the camera10according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operating section24of the direction indicating switch18from tilting in an improper direction, that is, it is possible to prevent an operational error.

Next, a first variant example of the embodiment 1 will be explained. A characteristic of the first variant example is to provide a projected part37′ on a sealing member21′, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, instead of providing the projected part37on the flange part35of the operating cap20.

A direction indicating switch18′ according to the first variant example is structured such that the sealing member21′ on which the projected part37′ is provided, is attached to an operating cap20′ on which a projected part is not provided. The projected part37′ is formed integrally with the sealing member21′, and is also formed by a same elastic-deformable material which forms the sealing member21′. Except for the above, the projected part37′ has a same structure as the projected part37which is provided on the flange part35of the operating cap20of the direction indicating switch18.

As for the direction indicating switch18′, as illustrated by an arrow A3inFIG. 11, in a case where a spot which is not the indicating part26of the head part for operation33of the operating cap20is pressed (in an illustrated example, a middle position between two indicating parts36which are adjacent to each other), the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in an indicating direction A3, which is different from the predetermined indicating direction, from the reference position Ba. On a sealing member21′ provided on the operating cap20′, a projected end37a′ of the projected part37′ provided in the spot in the point symmetry direction Ps, which is point-symmetric to the indicating direction A3, abuts on the back case13, and thereby it is possible to prevent the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) from tilting to an angle (to the reference line B1) where two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced to have the indicating direction A3in between abut on contact points for indicating on the side of the base25brespectively facing the two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32b(See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line). Therefore, as for the direction indicating switch18′ as well as the direction indicating switch18, in a case where a tilt operation is performed in a direction which is different from the predetermined indicating direction, comparing with a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined indicating direction, and the reference line B1is taken as a reference, a tilt of the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) is prevented at a small angle and no directions are specified.

In particular, as for the first variant example of the direction indicating switch18′, in a case where a tilt operation is performed in a direction different from the predetermined direction viewed from the reference line B1(the reference position Ba), if the projected part37′ abuts on the back case13, the tilt of the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19does not stop immediately but as an angle of the tilt from the reference line B1becomes larger, and a reaction force in regard to the tilt operation becomes larger gradually, because the projected part37′ which abuts on the back case13is an elastic-deformable material. Therefore, when a user of the camera10′ performs the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch18′, it is possible for the user to recognize if a direction of the tilt operation is appropriate or not by a difference of the reaction force. And thereby, a feeling of the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch18′, that is, a feeling of an operation of the camera10′ can be recognized more clearly.

Next, a second variant example of the embodiment 1 will be explained. A characteristic of the second variant example is that, as illustrated inFIG. 12, a curved part21dcapable of accepting the projected part37from a reverse side is provided with a sealing member21″ attached to the operating cap20, in which the projected part37is provided on the flange part35.

As for a direction indicating switch18″ according to the second variant example, the sealing member21″ is structured to be installed in the operating cap20, so that the projected part37of the flange part35of the operating cap20can fit in the curved part21d.

It is possible for the direction indicating switch18′, that is, a camera10″, to obtain a same effect as the direction indicating switch18and the direction indicating switch18′.

In particular, it is possible for the direction indicating switch18″ to prevent a relative displacement of the operating cap20and the sealing member21″ and to control properly a tilt range of the operating section24by pressing the projected part37of the flange part35of the operating cap20to the inner wall surface13bof the back case13with the sealing member21″ in between (see the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot line).

Next, a camera102according to an embodiment 2 of the present invention will be explained. A direction indicating switch182installed in the camera102of the embodiment 2 is an example which has a different structure from the direction indicating switch18of the camera10according to the embodiment 1. A basic structure of the camera102is the same as the camera10of the embodiment 1, therefore the same numerals denote the same functional parts of the embodiment 1 and detailed explanations will not be explained.FIG. 13is an exploded schematic perspective view explaining a structure of the direction indicating switch182, which is the same asFIG. 10.FIG. 14is a schematic top view of the direction indicating switch182, which is the same asFIG. 4.FIG. 15is an explanatory view obtained along a line IV-IV ofFIG. 14, which is the same asFIG. 8.FIG. 16is an explanatory view obtained along a line V-V ofFIG. 14, which is the same asFIG. 9. InFIG. 13, an outer rib part21bextended to the back case13on a peripheral edge part of a flange part352is not illustrated for an easy understanding.

An operating cap202and a sealing member212of the direction indicating switch182installed in the camera102, as illustrated inFIG. 13, have a different structure from the direction indicating switch18according to the embodiment 1.

A flange part352of the operating cap202has a different shape from that of the operating cap20according to the embodiment 1. The flange part352has a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape in which a spot equivalent to a bottom surface (a side which is attached to the switching device19) has a square shape.

The sealing member212also has a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape which fits the flange part352, and in which projected ridge line parts212bare provided in four ridge line parts which are formed by four inclined side surfaces212a. The four projected ridge line parts212bextend along two adjacent inclined side surfaces212ain a predetermined width and in a predetermined height in regard to each of the four inclined side surfaces212a. As for the sealing member212, ridge line parts, that is, inclined side surfaces212aare set to be in middle positions of four predetermined directions which are set in up, down, right and left directions (directions toward the indicating parts36from the reference line B1viewed in the indicating cap202). Therefore, in the sealing member212, a width of a cross section along a predetermined indicating direction (SeeFIG. 15) and a width of a cross section along a middle direction between two adjacent predetermined indicating directions (SeeFIG. 16) are different.

As for the direction indicating switch182, in a case where pressed positions of the head part for operation33of the operating cap202, as illustrated by an arrow A4inFIGS. 14 and 15, are the indicating parts36of the head part for operation33of the indicating cap202, the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in a predetermined indicating direction A4from the reference position Ba (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 15), and a contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced in the indicating direction A4viewed from the reference line B1abuts on a contact point for indicating on the side of the base25b, and they are mutually in a conductive state.

As for the direction indicating switch182, in a case where pressed positions of the head part for operation33of the operating cap20, as illustrated by an arrow A5inFIGS. 14 and 16, are not the indicating parts36of the head part for operation33of the indicating cap20(in an illustrated example, a middle position between two mutually adjacent indicating parts36), the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in a direction A5different from the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position Ba. In the sealing member212, a projected ridge line part212bis provided in a position in a point symmetric direction Ps, which is a point symmetry in regard to the indicating direction A5, and thereby the projected ridge line part212babuts on the back case13, and the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) is prevented from tilting to an angle (to the reference line B1) where two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32placed to have the indicating direction A5in between abut on contact points for indicating on the side of the base25brespectively facing (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 15).

Therefore, as for the direction indicating switch182, as well as the direction indicating switch18, in a case where the tilt operation is performed in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, compared to a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined direction, when the reference line B1is taken as a reference, a tilt of the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) is prevented at a small angle, and no directions are specified. And thereby, if one who operates the direction indicating switch182, that is, a user of the camera102, performs the tilt operation in the direction different from a proper indicating direction, there is no possibility that the indicating direction against a user's intention is specified, the indicating direction is not specified though the tilt operation is performed to an angle which is equal to a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined indicating direction, and the user feels a sense of incongruity.

Thus, it is possible for the camera102to recognize if the tilt operation performed on the direction indicating switch182is that from the reference line B1toward the proper indicating direction or not by a feeling of the tilt operation, so that a proper tilt operation is performed with the feeling of the tilt operation and a desired function of various functions is chosen properly. This, in particular, is effective for a case where a user operates the direction indicating switch182looking in the optical finder16(SeeFIGS. 1 and 2).

In addition, as for the direction indicating switch182, in a case where the tilt operation is performed in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction viewed from the reference line B1, if the projected ridge line part212babuts on the back case13, a tilt of the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19does not stop immediately but as a tilt angle from the reference line B1becomes larger, and a reaction force in regard to the tilt operation becomes gradually larger, because the ridge projected line part212bwhich abuts on the back case13is formed by an elastic-deformable material. Therefore, when a user of the camera102performs the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch182, it is possible for the user to recognize if a direction of the tilt operation is appropriate or not by a difference of the reaction force. And thereby, a feeling of the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch182, that is, a feeling of an operation of the camera102can be recognized more clearly.

Therefore, as for the camera102according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operating section24of the direction indicating switch182from tilting in an improper direction, that is, it is possible to prevent an operational error.

Next, a camera103according to an embodiment 3 of the present invention will be explained. A direction indicating switch183installed in the camera103of the embodiment 3 is an example which has a partially different structure from the direction indicating switch182of the camera102according to the embodiment 2. A basic structure of the camera103is the same as the camera102of the embodiment 2, therefore the same numerals denote the same functional parts of the embodiment 2 and detailed explanations will not be explained.FIG. 17is an exploded schematic perspective view of the structure of the direction indicating switch183, which is the same asFIG. 13.FIG. 18is a schematic top view of the direction indicating switch183, which is the same asFIG. 4.FIG. 19is an explanatory view obtained along a line VI-VI ofFIG. 18, which is the same asFIG. 8.FIG. 20is an explanatory view obtained along a line VII-VII ofFIG. 18, which is the same asFIG. 9. InFIG. 20, as well asFIG. 13, an outer rib part21bextended to the back case13on a peripheral edge part of the flange part352is not illustrated for an easy understanding.

In the direction indicating switch183installed in the camera103, a sealing member213, as illustrated inFIG. 17, has a different structure from the direction indicating switch182according to the embodiment 2.

The sealing member213has a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape which fits the flange part352of the operating cap202, and in which four ridge line parts213bare formed by four inclined side surfaces213a. In other words, except that the projected ridge line parts212bare not provided in four ridge line parts, the sealing member213has a same structure as the sealing member212of the direction indicating switch182according to the embodiment 2. As for the sealing member213, as well as the sealing member212of the direction indicating switch182according to the embodiment 2, inclined side surfaces213aare set to be in middle positions of four predetermined directions which are set in up, down, right and left directions. In the sealing member213, a width of a cross section along a predetermined indicating direction (SeeFIG. 19) and a width of a cross section along a middle direction in two adjacent predetermined indicating directions (SeeFIG. 20) are different.

As for the direction indicating switch183, in a case where pressed positions of the head part for operation33of the operating cap202, as illustrated by an arrow A6inFIGS. 18 and 19, are the indicating parts36of the head part for operation33of the indicating cap202, the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in a predetermined indicating direction A6from the reference position Ba (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 19), and a contact point for indicating on the side of the operating section32bplaced in the indicating direction A6viewed from the reference line B1abuts on a contact point for indicating on the side of the base25b, and they are mutually in a conductive state.

As for the direction indicating switch183, in a case where pressed positions of the head part for operation33of the operating cap202, as illustrated by an arrow A7inFIGS. 18 and 20, are not the indicating parts36of the head part for operation33of the indicating cap20(in an illustrated example, a middle position between two mutually adjacent indicating parts36), the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19is tilted in a direction A7different from a predetermined indicating direction from the reference position Ba. In the sealing member213, the ridge line part213bis placed in a position in a point symmetric direction Ps, which is a point symmetry in regard to the indicating direction A7, and thereby the ridge line part213babuts on the back case13, and the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) is prevented from tilting to an angle (to the reference line B1) where two contact points for indicating on the side of the operating section32placed to have the indicating direction A7in between abut on contact points for indicating on the side of the base25brespectively facing (See the operating section24illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 20).

Therefore, as for the direction indicating switch183, in a case where the tilt operation is performed in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, compared to a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined direction, when the reference line B1is taken as a reference, a tilt of the stick part for operation30(the operating section24) is prevented at a small angle, and no directions are specified. And thereby, if one who operates the direction indicating switch183, that is, a user of the camera103, performs the tilt operation in the direction different from a proper indicating direction, there is no possibility that the indicating direction against a user's intention is specified, the indicating direction is not specified though the tilt operation is performed to an angle which is equal to a case where the tilt operation is performed in the predetermined indicating direction, and the user feels a sense of incongruity.

Thus, it is possible for the camera103to recognize if the tilt operation performed on the direction indicating switch183is that from the reference line B1toward the proper indicating direction or not by a feeling of the tilt operation, so that a proper tilt operation is performed with the feeling of the tilt operation and a desired function of various functions is chosen properly. This, in particular, is effective for a case where a user operates the direction indicating switch183looking in the optical finder16.

In addition, as for the direction indicating switch183, in a case where the tilt operation is performed in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction viewed from the reference line B1, if the ridge line part213babuts on the back case13, a tilt of the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19does not stop immediately but as a tilt angle from the reference line B1becomes larger, and a reaction force in regard to the tilt operation becomes gradually larger, because the ridge line part213bwhich abuts on the back case13is formed by an elastic-deformable material. Therefore, when a user of the camera103performs the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch183, it is possible for the user to recognize if a direction of the tilt operation is appropriate or not by a difference of the reaction force. And thereby, a feeling of the tilt operation of the direction indicating switch183, that is, a feeling of an operation of the camera103can be recognized more clearly.

Therefore, as for the camera103according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operating section24of the direction indicating switch183from tilting in an improper direction, that is, it is possible to prevent an operational error.

Next, a camera104according to an embodiment 4 of the present invention will be explained. Firstly, a background which led to a structure of the camera104according to the embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described.

A camera provided with an operating switch which is tilted to perform a selection, an execution and so on of each function, from a viewpoint of a simple assembly work, is assembled such that an internal mechanism is formed to mount each component on a base board or the like and the internal mechanism is stored to attach to a case. For example, in each embodiment described above, after mounting the direction indicating switch18on the controlling base board22, the direction indicating switch18is inserted into a switch opening13aof the back case13from inside. Therefore, the switch opening13aneeds to have a diameter such that the operating cap20attached on the direction indicating switch18(particularly, the head part for operation33) can be inserted into. And thereby, between the operating cap20and the switch opening13a, a gap may be formed, which may make an impression of an external appearance of the camera10worse. In this case, it is conceivable that after storing the controlling base board on which the switching device19is mounted in a case11, the operating cap20is attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19from outside of the back case13. However, an assembly work may be complicated, and the operating cap20may be removed if a fixation of the operating cap20on the stick part for operation30is unfixed, therefore another method is desirable. It is also conceivable that a removal-stop member such as an E-shaped ring be attached to the operating cap20in order to prevent the operating cap20from becoming removed. However, the number of components may be increased and a complicated attachment work may be needed.

In addition, generally, in the operating switch which is tilted to perform a selection, an execution and so on of each function, it is easily possible to perform the tilt operation, when a spot where a user touches (for example, the head part for operation33of the operating cap20, as for the direction indicating switch18described in each embodiment) is an appropriate size. However, in the operating switch which is tilted (the direction indicating switch18), the larger the head part for operation33becomes, the larger a movement amount of an edge of the head part for operation33in regard to an inclination of the stick part for operation30of the switching device19becomes. And thereby it is necessary for a gap between the head part for operation33(the operating cap20) and the switch opening13ato be large. However, it is difficult for the head part for operation33to be a large one from a viewpoint of an external appearance quality.

In order to solve a problem described above, the camera104according to the embodiment 4 is structured such that it is possible to prevent a gap between an operating cap attached on an operating section of the operating switch which is tilt-operated and an opening in which the operating cap is exposed from the case member from being recognized visually.

Next, a structure of the camera104will be described. The camera104is an example such that a direction indicating switch184installed in the camera104and its periphery, are structured differently from the direction indicating switch18and its periphery of the camera10according to the embodiment 1. A basic structure of the camera104is the same as the camera10of the embodiment 1, therefore the same numerals denote the same functional parts of the embodiment 1 and detailed explanations will not be described.FIG. 21is a schematic perspective view of the camera104according to the embodiment 4 from the reverse side.FIG. 22is an exploded schematic perspective view of a peripheral structure of the direction indicating switch184of the camera104, which is the same asFIG. 3.FIG. 23is an explanatory view obtained along a line VIII-VIII ofFIG. 21. InFIG. 23, an internal structure of the switching device19is not illustrated for an easy understanding.FIG. 24Ais a schematic perspective view of a shielding member62and describes a state before an operating cap204is attached.FIG. 24Bis a schematic perspective view of the shielding member62and describes the state where the operating cap204is attached.FIG. 25is a schematic perspective view of the operating cap204from a side of a head part for operation334.FIG. 26is a schematic perspective view of the operating cap204from a side of a flange part354.FIG. 27is a schematic plain view of the operating cap204from a side of a bottom surface of the flange part354(a front side when the operating cap204is attached to the camera104).FIG. 28Ais an explanatory view describing a state of the operating cap204being inserted into the shielding member62and describes the state before the operating cap204is inserted.FIG. 28Bis an explanatory view describing a condition of the operating cap204being inserted into the shielding member62and describes the state where the flange part354of the operating cap204starts being inserted into a through-hole64of the shielding member62.FIG. 28Cis an explanatory view describing a state of the operating cap204being inserted into the shielding member62and describes the state where the flange part354of the operating cap204finishes being inserted into the through-hole64of the shielding member62.FIG. 28Dis an explanatory view describing a state of the operating cap204being inserted into the shielding member62and describes the state after the operating cap204is inserted.FIG. 29Ais an explanatory view describing a relation of a size of each part of the operating cap204and a length of an inner diameter of the through-hole64of the shielding member62and describes a state where the flange part354of the operating cap204starts inserting into the through-hole64of the shielding member62.FIG. 29Bis an explanatory view describing a relation of size of each part of the operating cap204and an inner diameter of the through-hole64of the shielding member62.

In the camera104, as illustrated inFIG. 21, a reproduction switch61is provided above the direction indicating switch184. The reproduction switch61is a press-operated operating section, in order to reproduce (project) a still image or a moving image of a photographing subject already obtained on a liquid crystal display17.

In the camera104, a back case134of a case114has a different structure from the back case13of the case11of the camera10according to the embodiment 1. In the back case134, as illustrated inFIG. 22, a switch opening134afor the direction indicating switch184, a display opening134cfor the liquid crystal display17, and a slit opening134dfor the reproduction switch61are provided. In the back case134, a peripheral wall part which determines the switch opening134ais flat. A projected stand part63of the shielding member62is fitted into the switch opening134aof the back case134.

The shielding member62is formed by a material having a flexibility, as illustrated inFIGS. 24A and 24B, and has entirely a plate-shape on which the projected stand part63is provided. In the embodiment 4, for example, the shielding member62is formed of a resin material by a mold forming. The projected stand part63is structured such that the through-hole64which penetrates the shielding member62is provided in a cylinder-shape spot, and has entirely a cylinder-shape. In the projected stand part63, an outer diameter has a size which is capable of fitting into the switch opening134aof the back case134, and an inner diameter has a size which satisfies a predetermined condition for the flange part354of the operating cap204as described later. On an annular top surface63aof the projected stand part63(back side in a state of assembled as the camera104), four indicating parts364are provided. Each of the four indicating parts364, in the state of assembled as the camera104(SeeFIG. 24B), is placed outside of an outer edge of the head part for operation334of the operating cap204, and is placed in up, down, right and left directions centering on an axis of the head part for operation334. The four indicating parts364indicate directions of the proper tilt operation of the operating section24of the switching device19as well as the four indicating parts36of the camera10according to the embodiment 1.

In addition, as for the camera104according to the embodiment 4, a pressed part65for the reproduction switch61is provided with the shielding member62. The pressed part65is structured such that the shielding member62is partially projected upward (backward in the state of assembled as the camera104), and a size of the pressed part65is capable of fitting loosely into the slit opening134dof the back case134. When the pressed part65, in a state where the shielding member62is mounted on a controlling base board224, is pressed down from above for only a predetermined amount (from back to front in the state of being assembled as the camera104), however which is not illustrated, a contact point for indicating on the side of the shielding member65aprovided on the shielding member62(SeeFIG. 23) and a contact point for indicating on the side of the base board224aprovided on the controlling base board224(SeeFIG. 23) are structured to be in a conductive state. Thus, when a contact point between both of the contact points is in the conductive state, the conductive state is transmitted to the controlling base board224via the shielding member62(the pressed part35) as an electric signal, and thereby it is possible for the reproduction switch61to perform a reproduction movement by a pressed operation by the pressed part65.

The operating cap204is inserted into the through-hole64of the projected stand part63of the shielding member62. The operating cap204is attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24(SeeFIG. 6and so on) of the switching device19mounted on the controlling base board224. The operating cap204, as illustrated inFIGS. 25 to 27, has the head part for operation334which has entirely a disc-shape, and the flange part354which is continued via a neck part334under the head part for operation334(forward in a state of being attached to the camera104). The head part for operation334has a larger outer diameter than an inner diameter of the through-hole64of the projected stand part63of the shielding member62. A plurality of convexed parts66is provided on an edge part of a surface (a surface which is exposed from a case114and placed in a back side in the state of being attached to the camera104) of the head part for operation334. Each convexed part66is provided mutually at equal intervals and functions as a slip stopper in a case where the head part for operation334performs the tilt operation or the pressed operation.

A fitting hole67, which extends from a rear surface (front surface in the state of being attached to the camera104) of the flange part354and the flange part354through the neck part344, is provided in the operating cap204. The fitting hole67has four supporting projected parts68which are projected inward (SeeFIG. 27), and is capable of accepting the stick part for operation30so as to correspond to each other's axes. In the operating cap204, as illustrated inFIG. 23, a depth (length)1dof the fitting hole67, which accepts the stick part for operation30, is longer than an interval1ebetween the flange part354and a peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64of the projected stand part63of the shielding member62in a state where the operating cap204and the shielding member62are mounted on the controlling base board224. The interval1eis an interval in a state where the operating cap204, that is, the switching device19, is not tilted.

The flange part354of the operating cap204has entirely a shape in which both sides of a disc-shape member (See symbol D illustrated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 27) are cut away by flat surfaces parallel to each other. The flange part354satisfies a predetermined condition for the inner diameter of the through-hole64of the shielding member62as described above. Specifically, in the flange part354, the outer diameter of the disc-shape member D is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole64and a diameter Dw which is smaller by cutting-away is smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole64. And thereby, it is possible for the operating cap204to insert into the through-hole64of the shielding member62of the flange part354, and in a state where the flange part354is inserted into the through-hole64, and when axes of the through-hole64and the operating cap204correspond to each other, the flange part354engages with the peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64and it is possible to prevent the flange part354from slipping from the through-hole64. In the operating cap204of the embodiment 4, flange projected parts354aand354bare formed at both ends viewed in a direction along a surface at a spot of cutting-away, in the flange part354.

As for the camera104, when assembling, firstly, the operating cap20is attached to the shielding member62. By usingFIGS. 28A to 28D, a method of assembling will be explained.

As illustrated inFIG. 28A, a longer diameter (a distance between both flange projected parts354aand354b) of the flange part354of the operating cap204is larger than the through-hole64which is provided in the projected stand part63of the shielding member62. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 28B, the operating cap204is slanted to the shielding member62and inserted into the through-hole64from a side of one end (for example, a flange projected part354a) of the longer diameter of the flange part354(See an arrow A8). Then, the neck part344is closer to a peripheral edge of the through-hole64and other end (for example, a flange projected part354b) of the longer diameter of the flange part354, that is, a whole of the flange part354is inserted into the through-hole64(See an arrow A9) (SeeFIG. 28C). Then after, when a positional relationship in which the axes of the operating cap204and the through-hole64correspond to each other, it is possible to prevent the operating cap204from slipping from the shielding member62(the projected stand part63or the through-hole64) by an engagement with the flange part354and the through-hole64(SeeFIG. 28D). Therefore, the operating cap204satisfies predetermined conditions between the through-hole64of the shielding member62. By usingFIGS. 29A and 29B, the predetermined conditions will be explained.

In the operating cap204, a length from the other end of the longer diameter of the flange part354(the flange projected part354b) to a boundary between the neck part344and the one end of the longer diameter of the flange part354(the flange projected part354a) is1a, and an inner diameter of the through-hole64is1b(SeeFIG. 29A). The longer diameter of the flange part354(a maximum value) is1c(SeeFIG. 29B). If a minimum diameter Dw is smaller than1b(i.e. Dw<1b) and1ais smaller than1b(i.e.1a<1b) in the flange part354, it is possible for the flange part354to be inserted into the through-hole64. In addition, if1bis smaller than1c(i.e.1b<1c), the flange part354engages with the through-hole64, in a state where axes of the operating cap204and the through-hole64correspond to each other.

The sealing member21is attached to the operating cap204which is attached to the shielding member62(SeeFIGS. 22 and 23). The sealing member21, presses and spreads an inner opening part21cwhich is determined by an inner rib part21b, inserts the flange part354of the operating cap204into the inner opening part21c, and then is attached to the operating cap204. As illustrated inFIG. 23, the inner opening part21cof the sealing member21is in close contact with the neck part344of the operating cap204so as to encircle, the outer rib part21bof the sealing member21abuts on the peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64of the shielding member62from inside (inside of the case11), and a gap between the through-hole64and the operating cap204is shielded. And thereby, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the case11from the through-hole64.

The operating cap204to which the sealing member21is attached, is attached to the stick part for operation30of the operating section24of the switching device19fixed on the controlling base board224. The shielding member62to which the operating cap204is attached, is attached to the controlling base board224and the switching device19. And thereby, an axis of the operating cap204and an axis of the through-hole64of the projected stand part63have a positional relationship to correspond to each other. When the controlling base board224in which the switching device19, the shielding member62, the sealing member21and the operating cap204are installed, is stored properly in the case114(the back case134), the projected stand part63is fitted in the switch opening134aand projected outward therefrom, and the head part for operation334of the operating cap204is placed on the projected stand part63(back in a state of being assembled as the camera104). In addition, the pressed part65provided on the shielding member62is exposed outward from the slit opening134dof the back case134. Thus, the reproduction switch61is structured.

The camera104assembled as described above obtains effects from (1) to (7) as follows.

For example, in the direction indicating switch184, as illustrated inFIG. 23, the head part for operation334of the operating cap204which has a larger diameter than the through-hole64is placed above (back in the state of being assembled as the camera104) the through-hole64of the projected stand part63where the operating cap204is inserted into, and thereby it is possible to prevent a gap between the operating cap204and the through-hole64from being recognized visually. Therefore, it is possible to improve an impression of an external appearance of the camera104.

For example, in the direction indicating switch184, the operating cap204attached to the shielding member62, is attached properly to the stick part for operation30of operating section24of the switching device19, and the shielding member62is attached properly to the controlling base board224. And thereby the operating cap204and the through-hole64of the projected stand part63of the shielding member62are in a positional relationship such that axes of each other's correspond to each other. In a state as above, the flange part354of the operating cap204is structured to engage with the through-hole64(the peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64) of the shielding member62extended to a reverse side of the back case13(inside of the case11). Therefore, if a fixation of the operating cap204to the stick part for operation30slips, it is possible to prevent the operating cap204from slipping from the through-hole64of the shielding member62, that is, the camera104, by a collaboration of a positioning action by insertion of the stick part for operation30to the fitting hole67of the operating cap204and an engaging action with the through-hole64(the peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64) of the flange part354of the operating cap204. This is because the depth (length)1d(SeeFIG. 23) of the fitting hole67, which accepts the stick-shape part for operation30, is larger than the interval1e(SeeFIG. 23) between the flange part354which is in the state where the operating cap204and the shielding member62are mounted on the controlling base board224, and the peripheral wall part which determines the through-hole64of the projected stand part63of the shielding member62.

For example, in the direction indicating switch184, the neck part334of the operating cap204having a smaller outer diameter than a diameter of the through-hole64is placed in the through-hole64of the projected stand part63, and thereby it is possible for the operating cap204(including the head part for operation334) to prevent an interference in the through-hole64caused by tilting for an operation of the switching device19. Accordingly, even if the head part for operation334is larger, a gap between the operating cap204and the through-hole64does not need to be larger from a viewpoint of an interference prevention when tilting. Additionally, as described above, it is possible to prevent the gap between the operating cap204and the through-hole64from being recognized visually, and it is also possible for the head part for operation334of the operating cap204to be a size which is easy for a tilt operation.

For example, after installing the switching device19, the shielding member62, the sealing member21and the operating cap204in the controlling base board224, the projected stand part63of the shielding member62is fitted to the switch opening134aof the back case13to assemble, and this makes it possible for an assembly work to be easy.

For example, the flange part354of the operating cap204has a shape of the disc-shape member D having a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the through-hole64of the shielding member62in which both sides are cut away, and thereby it is possible for the flange part354of the operating cap204to be inserted in the through-hole64and to prevent from slipping from the through-hole64. This makes it possible for a production of the operating cap204, an attaching work of the operating cap204to the shielding member62and an assembly work of the camera104to be easy.

For example, the projected stand part63of the shielding member62is fitted to the switch opening134aof the back case13and is projected, and four indicating parts364are provided on a top surface63aof the projected stand part63. Accordingly, it is possible for an existence of the switch opening134a, which has an inner diameter capable of being inserted from inside of the case11of the head part for operation334which is big enough to be easy for a tilt operation, to be inconspicuous. This is because, as described inFIG. 21, on an outer wall surface134eof the back case134(a surface placed in the back side in the state of being assembled as the camera104), viewed from the back side of the camera104, the top surface63aof the projected stand part63on which the four indicating part364are provided is placed, so as to encircle the head part for operation334of the operating cap204which is an operating spot in the direction indicating switch184. Therefore, the projected stand part63which is projected from the switch opening134aexternally appears to be a pedestal, on which the operating cap204which is a substantial operating spot is placed, highlights the four indicating part364, and gives an impression to a user that it is a design which edges the head part for operation334. Therefore, since an impression of the switch opening134afilled in the projected stand part63is weakened relatively, the existence of the switch opening134ais inconspicuous.

For example, the reproduction switch61is structured such that the pressed part65provided on the shielding member62is exposed outward from the slit opening134dof the back case134, and thereby it is possible to reduce the number of components.

In addition, for example, in the embodiment 4, the flange part354is structured to form a spot which is formed to have a smaller diameter Dw than the inner diameter of the through-hole64as the shape of the disc-shape member D having a larger diameter than an inner diameter of the through-hole64of the shielding member62, in which both sides are cut away. However, the smaller diameter Dw may be a diameter having an uneven length which is capable of inserting to the through-hole64and engaging with the through-hole64, and is not limited to the embodiment 4 described above.

Furthermore, for example, in the embodiment 4, in the direction indicating switch184, there is no part equivalent to the tilt controlling section according to the embodiments 1 to 3. However, a basic structure of the direction indicating switch184is similar to a structure of the direction indicating switch18, and thereby it is possible to easily set up the part equivalent to the tilt controlling section. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31, by using an operating cap204′ having a flange part354′ on which four projected parts37are provided, it is possible to obtain effects which the camera104according to the embodiment 4 and the camera10according to the embodiment 1 have. Here, the four projected parts37may have a same structure as the four projected parts37provided on the flange part35of the operating cap20according to the embodiment 1. Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS. 32 and 33, an operating cap204″ may also be used. In the operating cap204″, a flange part354″ has a shape of a plate member having four inclined surfaces354cas the flange part352of the operating cap202according to the embodiment 2 being cut out in a disc-shape, and being cut away on both sides by a parallel surface. By using the operating cap204″, it is possible to obtain effects which the camera104according to the embodiment 4 and the camera102according to the embodiment 2 (or the camera103according to the embodiment 3) have. In addition to the operating cap204′ and the operating cap204″, the sealing member21′ in which the projected part37′ is provided as the first variant example of the embodiment 1 may be used, or the sealing member212having a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape and on which the projected ridge line part212bis provided as the embodiment 2 may be used, or the sealing member213having a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape without the projected ridge line part212bas the embodiment 3 may be used.

Furthermore, for example, in the embodiment 4, a single pressed part65comprising the reproduction switch61is provided on the shielding member62. However, on a shielding member, the projected stand part63in which the through-hole64is formed may be provided. An outer diameter of the projected stand part63may be capable of fitting into the switch opening134aof the back case134, and the through-hole64may allow an insertion of the flange part354of the opening cap204and may be capable of engaging with the flange part354. The shielding member is not limited to the embodiment 4 described above. In addition, if a spot comprising a switch as the pressed part65, is formed, this makes it possible to reduce the number of components. Accordingly, it is preferable to have such a shielding member not only having the single pressed part65as the embodiment 4 but also having a plurality of pressed parts.

Specific examples of the camera and the direction indicating switch installed thereon according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described above. For example, a direction indicating switch allows an operating section to tilt in a radial direction from a reference position and specifies a predetermined indicating direction by tilting over a predetermined angle in the predetermined indicating direction from the reference position. In the predetermined indicating direction, the direction indicating switch allows the operating section to tilt over the predetermined angle from the reference position, and in a direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, the direction indicating switch may be provided with a tilt controlling section (tilt controlling means) which prevents the operating section from tilting over the predetermined angle from the reference position. The direction indicating switch is not limited to each of the embodiments described above.

Additionally, in each of the embodiments described above, regarding the direction indicating switch, examples have been described such that a sealing member is attached to an operating cap which is attached to the operating section of a switch mechanism, and the operating cap or the sealing member as a plate member interferes in an inner wall surface of a peripheral wall part of a back case according to a tilt direction of the operating section. However, the direction indicating switch may be set to be as (1) to (3) below with the following in mind, and is not limited to each of the embodiments described above.

Firstly, a plate member50provided with the operating section of the switch mechanism (in each of the embodiments, the flange part35,352and353of the operating cap20and202attached to the operating section24) actually moves rotationally around a tilt axis of the operating section along with a tilt operation of the operating section. However, hereinafter, as illustrated inFIGS. 34A and 34B, for an easy understanding, it is assumed that the plate member50moves rotationally around a line passing on a reference line B1on a bottom surface of the plate member50as an axis, since a concept is common.

If the plate member50tilts in the radial direction at an equal angle to the reference line B1, a place on a circumference of a circle C with a certain radius length centering on the reference line B1abuts on an abutted surface part51(SeeFIG. 34B) orthogonal to the reference line B1(the inner wall part13bof the back case13in each of the embodiments) (SeeFIG. 34A). That is, in each of the embodiments described above, if predetermined indicating directions are set to be up, down, right and left directions to the reference line B1, a spot in a point symmetry direction S1abuts on the abutted surface part51when the plate member50tilts in an indicating direction P1, and a spot in a point symmetry direction S2abuts on the abutted surface part51when the plate member50tilts in an indicating direction P2. Therefore, in the place on the circumference of the circle C, at each spot in the point symmetry direction S2, an interval between the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may be set so that the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may abut on each other before the operating section24tilts at a predetermined angle, and at each spot in the point symmetry direction S1, an interval between the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may be set so that the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may not abut on each other at least until the operating section24tilts at a predetermined angle. The direction indicating switch18according to the embodiment 1 corresponds to this example.

If an interval between the plate member50and the abutted surface part51orthogonal to the reference line B1(the inner wall surface13bof the back case13in each of the embodiments) is a certain one, compared to a case where the plate member50and the abutted surface part51abut on each other at a place close to the reference line B1, in a case where the plate member50and the abutted surface part51abut on each other at a place away from the reference line B1, a tilt of the plate member50is stopped at a smaller inclination angle to the reference line B1(SeeFIG. 34B). Therefore, in a direction point-symmetric to the reference line B1of the indicating direction P2(the direction different from the predetermined direction), an interval between the abutted spot from the reference line B1may be set so that the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may abut on each other before the operating section24tilts at the predetermined angle, and at a spot in a direction point symmetric to the reference line B1of the indicating direction P1(the predetermined direction), the interval between the abutted spot from the reference line B1may be set so that the plate member50and the abutted surface part51may not abut on each other at least until the operating section24tilts at the predetermined angle. In other words, if the plate member50and the abutted surface part51abut on each other on a surface defined by straight lines connecting with each spot in the point symmetry direction S2(a square), in a case where the plate member50tilts in the indicating direction P1, a spot where the straight lines connecting with each spot in the point symmetry direction S2in an opposite place across the reference line B1in the plate member50abuts on the abutted surface part51, and an interval between the reference line B1(a tilt axis) in the plate member50and an abutted spot is d1. And in a case where the plate member50tilts in the indicating direction P2, the plate member50and the abutted surface part51abut at each spot in the point symmetry direction S2in an opposite place across the reference line B1, and an interval between the reference line B1(the tilt axis) in the plate member50and an abutted spot is d2(>d1) and a tilt angle in the indicating direction P2becomes smaller. The direction indicating switch183according to the embodiment 3 corresponds to this example.

(1) and (2) described above are combined accordingly. The direction indicating switch182according to the embodiment 2 corresponds to this example.

In addition, in each of the embodiments described above, the four indicating directions such as up, down, right and left directions are set to the direction indicating switch. However, if the operating section is capable of tilting in the radial direction from the reference position and specifies the predetermined indicating direction by tilting in the predetermined direction over the predetermined angle from the reference position, the number of the predetermined indicating directions to be set may be indefinite and is not limited to each of the embodiments described above.

In each of the embodiments described above, in the direction indicating switch, a center position of the operating section is pressed down along the reference line, and thereby the contact points (25aand32a) which are different from the contact points when the tilt operation is performed are in a conductive state. However, a structure like this may be unnecessary, and is not limited to each of the embodiments described above.

In each of the embodiments described above, in the switching device19, each contact point on the side of the base25provided on the switch base23and each contact point on the side of the operating section32provided on the operating section24, which are facing each other, are structured to be in a conductive state by abutting on each other. However, if the operating section specifies the indicating direction to be in the conductive state by tilting in the predetermined indicating direction to the reference line, for example, a piezoelectric switch described as the known example may be provided in the switch base and the operating section may be tilted and thereby the operating section may press the piezoelectric switch to be in the conductive state, and the switching device is not limited to each of the embodiments described above.

In the direction indicating switch182according to the embodiment 2 and the direction indicating switch183according to the embodiment 3 described above, the operating cap202(SeeFIG. 13) is used. However, if an operating cap has a flange part which is capable of pressing a spot abutted on the inner wall surface13bof the back case13in the sealing member21from a side of the switching device19(front side) toward the inner wall surface13b, for example, the operating cap may be the operating cap20′ (SeeFIG. 10) according to the first variant example of the embodiment 1, or may be an operating cap204described inFIG. 35, and the operating cap is not limited to the embodiments 2 and 3. In a case of the flange part352of the operating cap202, the ridge line parts are formed by the four inclined surfaces, however, here, the flange part354of this operating cap204has curved surfaces in which corners of the ridge line parts are cut away.

In the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the operating section of the direction indicating switch performs a tilt operation in a direction different from a predetermined direction, the tilt controlling section controls to tilt in the direction different from the predetermined direction and thereby it is possible to prevent the operating section from tilting in an inappropriate direction, that is, it is possible to prevent a so-called operational error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent specifying an indicating direction against an operator's intention and prevent not specifying the indicating direction though the operating section is tilted.

Additionally, if the operation section of the direction indicating switch performs the tilt operation in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, the tilt controlling section prevents the operating section from tilting over a predetermined angle in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, and thereby it is possible to prevent the operating section from tilting in the inappropriate direction, that is, it is possible to prevent a so-called operational error. Therefore, it is possible to prevent specifying an indicating direction against an operator's intention, and it is possible to prevent not specifying the indicating direction though the operating section is tilted.

In addition, the plate member and the abutted surface part may be set so as to abut on each other and so as not to abut on each other according to a tilt direction of the operating section, and thereby it is easily possible to prevent the operating section from tilting to a predetermined angle and to allow the operating section to tilt to the predetermined angle.

In addition, it is possible for the plate member and the abutted surface part to be set so as to abut on each other and so as not to abut on each other according to the tilt direction of the operating section by only providing accordingly the projected part on the plate member.

In addition, it is easily possible to achieve the direction indicating switch by attaching the operating cap to an operating section of a general switching device which is capable of specifying an arbitrary indicating direction by a tilt operation of its operating section.

In addition, the sealing member is pressed against the peripheral wall part of the case member, via the flange part of the operating cap which is tilted with the operating section, to control the tilt of the operating section, and is elastic-deformable. Therefore, for example, in a case where the operating section is tilted in the direction different from the predetermined indicating direction, if the sealing member abuts on the peripheral wall part, the operating section does not immediately stop tilting. And as a tilt angle from the reference position becomes larger, it is possible for a reaction force to the tilt operation to become gradually larger. Therefore, when a user of the camera performs the tilt operation on the operating section of the direction indicating switch, it is possible for the user to recognize whether the tilt direction is appropriate or not by a difference of the reaction force from the operating section.

In addition, it is possible to prevent a relative displacement of the operating cap and the sealing member and to control properly a tilt range of the operating section by pressing the flange projected part of the flange part of the operating cap against the abutted surface part with the sealing member between the flange projected part and the abutted surface part.

Moreover, it is possible to prevent a gap between the operating section and the operating cap from being recognized visually.

Furthermore, it is possible for a user to operate the camera easily just as the user intended.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the embodiments described by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.