Operating device

An operating device is provided having a first button, a second button, and a regulating member. The first button has a tubular hole having a bottom, and is able to be pressed in the direction from the opening edge of said tubular hole to the bottom. The second button freely fits the inside surface of said tubular hole on the outside surface of the second button. The regulating member engages the edge of the first button and regulates the movement of the first button in the pressing direction. The first button is swingable on its edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an operating device, such as one which may be used in a portable device.

The present invention relates to an operating device, and more particularly, to an operating device which is provided in a portable device and controls the functions of the portable device.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, an operating device may be used as a shutter-release button of a camera. A shutter-release button comprises a two-step switch which has two depth positions to which it may be depressed. When the user depresses the two-step button to its first depth position (halfway depression), the camera executes a pre-photographing operation, for example, photometry operation. After that, when the two-step button is depressed to the second depth position (full depression), the camera executes the photographing operation, i.e. it captures an image.

The reaction force on depressing to the second depth position is larger than to the first depth position, so that the user easily recognizes that a shutter-release button is divided into two positions. This construction is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 9-73843.

However, the differential between the reaction force of the second depth position, and that o the first depth position is little, so that the user may depress the second depth position when the user intends to depress only the first step. In the case that the user wears groves, this tendency becomes more remarkable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device which is easily recognised as a two-step switch by the user.

An operating device is provided having a first button, a second button, and a regulating member. The first button has a tubular hole having a bottom, and is able to be pressed in the direction from the opening edge of the tubular hole to the bottom. The second button freely fits the inside surface of the titular hole on the outside surface of the second button. The regulating member engages the edge of the first button and regulates the movement of the first button in the pressing direction. The first button is swingable on its edge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

The first embodiment of the operating device200ais described below with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4.

An operating device200acomprising a first button220aand a second button240a, is provided on surface110of camera100. The first depressing surface221aand the second depressing surface241aare approximately rectangular, and are exposed from a button hole112which is provided on the top surface110. The first depressing surface221acomprises an opening222awhich has the approximately rectangular opening edge229a. The opening222ais provided on the top surface110with bias towards the center of the top surface110.

The operating device200ais described below with reference toFIG. 2in the case that button210is not depressed.

The opening222aof the first button220ais cylindrical with a bottom, and has a depth of approximately ⅓ the thickness of the first button220a. The fitting hole224ais provided at the bottom of the opening, and opening222aof the first button220ais cylindrical with a bottom, and penetrates to the back surface223aof the first depressing surface221a. The first projecting portion225ais located on the back surface223aapart from the fitting hole224a. One of the narrow sides of the back surface223awhich is near the opening222aengages the regulating member260a. The regulating member260aprojects from the exterior member114of the camera100, and across the entire length of the narrow side of the opening222a. Therefore, the movement of the narrow side of the opening222atowards the interior of the camera100is regulated, so that the first button220aswings around the regulating member260a.

The second button240acomprises the second projecting portion245awhich extends from the back surface243aof the second depressing surface241ato the inner side of the camera100. A dent portion which engages the second compression spring250a(the second elastic member) is formed on the back surface243a. The second compression spring250ais a helical spring. The second compression spring250ais provided coaxially with the second projecting portion245a, and engages the dent portion and the bottom of the opening222a.

The end of the second projecting portion projects from the back surface223a, and engages the e-clip246a. The e-clip246aengages the back surface223a, and prevents the shaft of the second projecting portion240afrom coming out of the fitting hole224a. When the e-clip246aengages the back surface223aof the first depressing surface221a, the distance between the back surface243aof the second depressing surface241aand the bottom of the opening222ais shorter than the free length of the second compression spring250a. Therefore, the second compression spring250abiases the second depressing surface241atoward the outside of the camera100. The biased second button240athus projects its second depressing surface241abeyond the first depressing surface221a.

The first push switch272and the second push switch274are provided opposite the first projecting portion225aand the second projecting portion245a. The first push switch272and the second push switch274are fixed to the support member276.

The first compression spring230a(the first elastic member) is provided on the swinging end of the first button220aand between the back surface223aof the first depressing surface221aand the support member276. The first compression spring230ais a helical spring which keeps the first button220afrom falling toward the inside of the camera100, and holds the first button220asuch that its first depressing surface221aand the top surface110of the camera100form an approximately even surface. When pressed by the user the first compression spring230aproduces a reaction force. The spring modulus of the first compression spring230ais larger than that of the second compression spring250a. Therefore, even if the first button220ais pressed by the second button240a, it does not move.

Movement of the operating device200ais described below with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 3shows the depressed second button240a.

When the user increases force F1on the second depressing surface241a, the second button240ais pushed down so that the second depressing surface241abecomes approximately flush with the first depressing surface221a. The second projecting portion245awhich projects from the back surface243aof the second depressing surface241apresses the second push switch274. Thereby a signal is sent to the DSP which controls the camera100, and then the camera100executes the photographing preparation operation which is executed before photographing. For example, the photographing preparing operation may include photometry operation.

After the user depresses the second button240a, the user applies the depressing power F2on the first depressing surface221a. At this time, the first button220amay swing around the regulating member260awhich acts as a fulcrum, because the end of the first button220anear the opening222aengages the regulating member260a. Then, the first projecting portion225apresses the first push switch272. The depressed first push switch sends signals to the DSP, and then the DSP controls the camera100to execute photographing operation.

The first depressing surface221aextends further outward along the length of top surface110(i.e., more laterally) than the second depressing surface241a. Therefore, the user may depress the first depressing surface221awithout changing finger placement on the second button240a. Holding the camera100, the user may execute the photographing preparation operation by depressing the second button240awith the tip of a bent index finger, and after, may execute the photographing operation by depressing the first button220awith the ball of the index finger.

The first embodiment prevents the user from taking a photograph by mistake, because the button which executes the photographing preparation operation and the button which executes the photographing operation itself are separate.

The second embodiment of the operating device200bis described below with reference toFIGS. 5 to 7. Descriptions of constructions similar to those of the first embodiment described above are omitted.

FIG. 5shows the operating device200bwhen not depressed by the user.

The holding member280bis provided on the inner surface of the exterior member114of the camera100. The holding slit282bis provided between the holding member280band the exterior member114, and surrounds the first button220b.

The holding slot holds the third elastic member290bwhich has the form of a plate. The end of the third elastic member290bhas a flange291b. The flange291bengages the whole circumference of the holding slit282band covers the button hole112to prevent intrusion of dust or water into the camera100. The first dent portion292band the second dent portion293bare provided in the third elastic member290b. The first dent portion292bengages the first projecting portion225b. The second dent portion293bengages the second projecting portion245b. The third elastic member290bprevents the first button220bfrom falling down toward the camera100, and holds the first button220bso that the first depressing surface221band the top surface110are approximately flush. This construction prevents intrusion of water into the camera.

Movements of the operating device200bis described below with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6shows the second button240bwhen it is pressed. When the user applies force F3onto the second depressing surface241b, the second button240bis pressed down so that the second depressing surface241band the first depressing surface221bare approximately flush. The second projecting portion245bprojects from the beck surface of the second depressing surface241b, and depresses the third elastic member290bso as to stretch it, thereby pressing the second push switch274. The spring constant (elastic modulus) of the third elastic member290band the second elastic member250bare adjusted so that the first button220bdrops towards the inside of the camera100when the third elastic member290bis stretched by the second projecting portion245b.

FIG. 7shows the first button220bin its depressed state. The user depresses the second button240b, and then exerts force F4onto the first depressing surface221b. At this moment, the end of the first button220bnear the opening222bengages the regulating member260b, so that the first button220bswings on the end which acts as a fulcrum. Thereafter, the first projecting portion225bdepresses the third elastic member290bso as to stretch it, so as to depress the first push switch272.

According to this embodiment, the third elastic member290bprevents water and dust from entering the camera1100and prevents the user from inadvertently taking a photograph.

The third embodiment of the operating device200cis described below with reference toFIG. 8. Descriptions of constructions similar to those of the first embodiment described above are omitted.

The exterior member114of the camera100has the overhanging portion113cwhich projects toward the swinging end223cof the first button220cso as to cover a part of the first depressing surface221c. The overhanging portion113cis provided across the entire width of the swinging end223c. The swinging end223chas the shoulder portion226cwhich engages the overhanging portion113c.

Next, the movement of the operating device200cis described.

To depress the operating device200c, the user puts a finger on the first and second depressing surface221cand241c. Therefore, the force is increased on the first depressing surface221cwhen the second button240cis pressed. However, the user cannot press the first depressing surface221c, because approximately half of the first depressing surface221cis covered by the overhanging portion113c. Therefore, the second button240cis pressed earlier than the first button220c.

This embodiment prevents the first button220cfrom being pressed earlier than the second button240c, and prevents the camera100from photographing before it has completed the pre-photographing operation.

The fourth embodiment of the operating device200dis described below with reference toFIGS. 9 to 11. Descriptions of constructions similar to those of the first embodiment described above are omitted.

The projecting length of the second projecting portion245dfrom the back surface223dof the first depressing surface221dis greater than the projecting length of the first projecting portion225dfrom the back surface223d. The second shoulder228dis provided at the fulcrum end227dof the first button220d. The regulating member260dhas the groove261dwhich is open towards the fulcrum end227d. The groove261dis provided along the whole length of the narrow side of the button hole112which faces the fulcrum end227d. The fulcrum end227dfreely engages the groove261d. The stair provided on the first depressing surface221dand the inner surface of the first depressing surface221dengage the inner surface of the grove261d.

Movement of the operating device200dis described below with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.

When the user applies force PS onto the first depressing surface221bwithout pressing the second depressing surface241d, the first button220dswings toward the inside of the camera100on the fulcrum formed by the contact point of the inside surface of the camera100and the regulating member260d. The second projecting portion245dpresses the second push switch274before the first projecting portion225ddepresses the first push switch272, because the projecting length of the second projecting portion245dfrom the back surface243dof the second depressing surface241dis greater than the projecting length of the first projecting portion225dfrom the back surface223dof the first depressing surface221d.

After that, the user additionally applied force F6onto the first depressing surface221d, the operating device220dswings on the fulcrum which is the second projecting portion245dand the second push switch274. After the first button220dis depressed, the first projecting portion225dpresses the first push switch272. The first push switch272sends signals to the DSP. The DSP controls the camera to take photographs. The lengths A, B, C, and D of operating device220dhave the relationship A>B*C/D.

According to this embodiment, the user may depress the first push switch272earlier than the second push switch274, enabling the DSP to execute the pre-photographing operation before the photographing operation is executed. Additionally, by only pressing the first button220d, the pre-photographing operation and the photographing operation are executed in order.

The fifth embodiment of the operating device200eis described below with reference toFIGS. 12 to 14. Descriptions of constructions similar to those of the first embodiment described above are omitted.

The construction of the operating device200eis described below with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12shows the operating device200ein an undepressed state.

In this embodiment, the camera100executes the pre-photographing operation when the first button220eis pressed, and the photographing operation when the second button240eis pressed.

The back surface223eis located in the narrow side which is near the opening220e, and engages the regulating member260ewhich projects from the exterior member114of the camera100. The narrow side is restricted to move toward the inside of the camera100, so that the first button220eswings on the narrow side. The second elastic member is not provided between the button240eand the bottom of the opening222e, therefore the second button240eis supported by the second push switch274so that the second projecting portion245eengages the second push switch274.

The first push switch272and second push switch274are soldered to the substrate (supporting portion)276, and face the first projecting portion225eand second projecting portion245e, respectively. The first compression spring230eis provided as the first elastic member between the back surface223eof the first depressing surface221eand the supporting member276. The movement of the first compression spring230eis similar to the first compression spring230a, therefore the description is omitted.

The operating device220eis described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13shows the pressed first button220ewhen the user applies the force F7onto the first depressing surface221e. The end which is near the opening222eof the first button220eengages the regulating member260e, so that the first button220eswings on the end. The first projecting portion225epresses the first push switch272. The pressed first push switch272sends signals to the DSP. The DSP executes the pre-photographing operation(s) which is needed, such as photometry, focusing, etc.

When the user applies force F8onto the second depressing surface241eafter pressing the first button220e, the second projecting portion245epresses the second push switch274. The second push switch274sends signals to the DSP. The DSP which receives the signals executes the photographing operation.

The first depressing surface221eis located farther outward in the lengthwise direction on the top surface110than the second depressing surface241e. The first button220eis provided near the finger the user uses to operate the operating device200e, so that the user rapidly presses the first button220efor executing the pre-photographing operation and is able to avoid taking a photograph before the pre-photographing operation.

The sixth embodiment of the operating device200fis described below with reference toFIGS. 15 to 18. Descriptions of constructions similar to those of the first embodiment described above are omitted.

The operating device200fhas the first slide button220fand the second slide button240f, and is provided in the rectangular top surface110. First slide button220fand second slide button240fare installed in hole112in top surface110. The first slide button220fand the second slide button240fare aligned with intervening space along the longitudinal direction of the installation hole112. The first slide button220fmay be depressed by the user toward the second slide button240f. The second slide button240fis movable in the pressing direction of the first slide button220f, and may be pushed by the first slide button220f.

The construction of the operating device200fis described below with reference toFIG. 16.FIG. 16shows the operating device200fin its unpressed state.

The first slide button220fcomprises the first base221fwhich is in the form of a plate and provided on the inner surface of the exterior member114, and the first pressing projection222fwhich is provided approximately at the center of the first base221falong the longitudinal direction. The first pressing projection222fextends perpendicular to the first base221ffrom the first base221ftoward the outside of the camera100, and protrudes from the installation hole112.

The first projecting portion225fprojects from the surface of the first base221fwhich faces the inside of the camera100. The end of the first projecting portion225fis bent in the pressing direction of the first projecting portion225fgiving it an L-shape in the cross-sectional plane.

The second slide button240fcomprises the second base241fwhich is provided on the inner surface of the exterior member114, and the second projection242fwhich is formed with the second base241fas a unit and projects from the button hole112. The second projection242fhas a slope which away from the camera100and in the pressing direction. The slope rises slightly less than the height of the first projection222f, and the top of the slope forms a flat surface.

The second projecting portion245fprojects from the surface of the second base241fwhich faces the inside of the camera100. The end of the second projecting portion245fis bent in the pressing direction of the second projecting portion245fgiving it an shape in the cross-sectional plane. The surface of the second projecting portion242fwhich faces the inside of the camera100slidably engages the outside surface of the camera100.

The first engaging portion115fand the second engaging portion116fare provided on the narrow sides of the button hole112, and engage the first base221fand the second base241f, respectively. The surface of the first base221flocated near the narrow side of the button hole112engages the first engaging portion115. The surface of the second base241flocated near the narrow side of the button hole112engages the second engaging portion116f.

The first push switch272is provided facing the end of the first projecting portion225f. The second push switch274is provided facing the end of the second projecting portion245f. The first and second push switches272and274are soldered onto the substrate276.

The first tension spring230fis provided on the inner surface of the first base221fas the first elastic member. The second tension spring250fis provided on the inner surface of the second base241fas the second elastic member. The first tension spring230fis fixed onto the case of the camera100and biases the first slide button220fin the direction opposite the pressing direction. The second tension spring250fis fixed onto the case of the camera100and biases the second slide button240fin the direction opposite the pressing direction.

The movement of the operating device200fis described with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17shows the pressed second slide button240f. When, the user applies force F9onto the second projecting portion242f, the second slide button240fslides against the second projecting portion242, bumping into the first projecting portion222f. The second projecting portion245fpresses the second push switch274. When the second push switch274is pressed, it sends a signal to the DSP which controls the camera100, and the camera100executes pre-photographing operation(s) such as photometry.

FIG. 1Bshows the operating device200fwhen the first slide button220fis pressed. After the second slide button240fslides against the first slide button220f, the user additionally applies force F10onto the second projecting portion242f. The first slide button220fis pressed by the second projecting portion242fso that the first slide button220fslides in the pressed direction. The first and second tension springs230fand250foppose the force F10. Therefore, the force F10must be larger than the force F9.

The user will easily distinguish the resistance of the first step from that of the second step of operating device200f. This prevents the user from inadvertently pressing farther than intended.

The first push switch272is pressed by the first projecting portion225fwhich projects from the first slide button220f. The pressed first push switch272sends a signal to the DSP, and the DSP executes the photographing operation.

According to the embodiment, the button which is for executing the pre-photographing operation and the button which is for executing the photographing operation are separate, thereby preventing the user from inadvertently taking a photograph.

Note that, the elastic members described as compressing springs may be leaf springs or rubber pieces with elasticity.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, obviously many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-180848 (filed on Jul. 10, 2007), which is expressly incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety.