Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device that can improve ease of assembly. [Solution] The imaging device comprises an image sensor and a mount portion for detachably holding an interchangeable lens. The mount portion has a plurality of recesses on its side surface, and the recesses are arranged such that, in a projection in a direction parallel to the axis passing through the center of the mount portion, a triangle formed by three points among the points contained in the recesses encloses the center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including a mount portion that detachably holds an interchangeable lens. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automation of assembly of imaging apparatuses has been promoted. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which support shapes corresponding to a plurality of components having different shapes are provided at the tip of an arm of an assembly apparatus. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the centers of lens mounts in the width direction of two imaging apparatuses having different imaging element sizes are aligned. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-246591 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2024-37555 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the configuration of Patent Document 1 is used in an assembly process in which a plurality of assembly apparatuses are connected, a transfer arm between the apparatuses is required. Further, in order to achieve both size reduction of the imaging apparatus and commonization of an assembly line, it is necessary to change the size of an exterior component, which cannot be handled by the configuration of Patent Document 2.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving assemblability. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An imaging device, as one aspect of the present invention, comprises an image sensor and a mount portion for detachably holding an interchangeable lens, wherein the mount portion has a plurality of recesses on its side surface, and the recesses are arranged such that, in a projection in a direction parallel to the axis passing through the center of the mount portion, a triangle whose vertices are three of the points included in the recesses encloses the center. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can improve ease of assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external view of the camera body of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the camera body of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the camera body of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the base member of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the base unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the base unit and transport arm of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the base unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the base unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the state immediately after the transport arm has closed in order to hold the base unit of the first embodiment with the transport arm. [Figure 10] This figure shows the base unit of the first embodiment being lifted by the transport arm. [Figure 11] This graph shows the relationship between the spacing between vertices and the amount of slope in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of the base unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 13]This is an explanatory diagram of the recess in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram of the base unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view showing the base unit and front cover of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numeral is used for identical components, and redundant explanations are omitted. <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is an external view of the camera body (imaging device) 100 of this embodiment. The shutter button 101 is an operating member that the user operates when instructing the camera body 100 to take an image. The mode switching dial 102 is an operating member that the user operates when switching between various modes. The main electronic dial 103 is an operating member that the user rotates when changing the setting value of the imaging parameters. The grip portion 104 is a gripping portion that has a shape that makes it easy for the user to hold the camera body 100 with their right hand. The terminal cover 105 is a cover that protects the terminal portion provided on the camera body 100. The terminal portion is configured to allow the attachment of cables for connecting to external devices, etc. The terminal portion is provided with multiple terminals, such as an HDMI® terminal, a USB terminal, and a headphone terminal. The USB terminal can also be powered from an external source. The communication terminal 124a is provided inside the mount portion that detachably holds an interchangeable lens (not shown) and is used for communication between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens.

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera body 100 of this embodiment. Sub-components are assembled to the base member 120 within the base unit 12. The shutter unit 156, the image sensor unit 140 equipped with an image sensor, and the main board 130 are arranged to overlap, and the rear cover unit 170, the top cover unit 180, and the front cover unit (exterior member) 190 are assembled to enclose them.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the camera body 100 according to the present embodiment. A lens mount 121 and a mount spring 122 are assembled from the subject-side surface (front surface) of a base member 120. The mount spring 122 is disposed between the base member 120 and the lens mount 121, and fixed with screws. The mount spring 122 is a leaf spring made of stainless steel, and biases the lens mount 121 so that an interchangeable lens can be attached to the lens mount 121 without looseness. A mount portion that detachably holds an interchangeable lens is configured by the lens mount 121 and a part of the base member 120.

[0012] A terminal flexible unit 126 on which a microphone terminal and a remote control terminal are mounted is also assembled from the front side. A lens contact communication unit 124 and a battery housing unit 125 are assembled from the imaging element-side surface (rear surface) of the base member 120. When assembling the lens contact communication unit 124, the lens lock pin 123 is also incorporated while being slidably supported between the lens contact communication unit 124 and the lens mount 121. Note that although a front cover unit 190 is illustrated for showing the positional relationship, it is actually assembled in the latter half of the assembly process.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the base member 120 according to the present embodiment. The base member 120 is a magnesium die-cast molded product. The base member 120 is provided with tap holes 120f for fixing the lens mount 121. Further, the base member 120 is provided with recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. The recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d have a shape opened toward the front side (subject side). This eliminates the need to change the mold split structure of the base member 120, and eliminates the need to add a complicated structure such as a slide structure. The recesses (first recesses) 120a and 120b are disposed on a first side of a side surface 120s of the base member 120 divided by a plane that passes through the center C1 of the mount portion and is perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element. The recesses (second recesses) 120c and 120d are disposed on a second side of the side surface 120s opposite to the first side.

[0014] The axis parallel to the horizontal direction passing through the center C1 is defined as the X-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis. The direction of the optical axis is the Z-axis. The width and position of the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d in the X-axis direction are indicated by auxiliary lines.

[0015] The recess 120a is located at a position approximately symmetric to the recess 120c with respect to the YZ plane passing through the center C1 (the boundary lines between the first and second sides of the side surface 120s in projection). Similarly, the recess 120b is located at a position approximately symmetric to the recess 120d with respect to the YZ plane passing through the center C1.

[0016] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the base unit 12 of this embodiment. A mount spring 122 is assembled to the base member 120. The lens mount 121 is fixed to the base member 120 with screws. Figure 5(b) is a front view. Figures 5(a) and 5(c) are views of Figure 5(b) from above and below, respectively.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5(a), recesses 120a and 120b are visible from the top surface of the base member 120. As mentioned above, recesses 120a and 120b have an open shape on the front side, but when the lens mount 121 is assembled, the lens mount 121 acts as a lid, and the recesses become open. That is, the multiple surfaces that form recesses 120a and 120b include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 121 and a second surface which is part of the base member 120. The side surface 120s is a surface that is perpendicular (including approximately perpendicular) to the front surface 121f, which is the subject-side surface of the lens mount 121. In this embodiment, the side surface 120s is perpendicular to the front surface 121f, but it is sufficient if it is inclined with respect to the front surface 121f.

[0018] As shown in Figure 5(c), recesses 120c and 120d are visible from the bottom side of the base member 120. As mentioned above, recesses 120c and 120d have an open shape on the front side, but when the lens mount 121 is assembled, the lens mount 121 acts as a lid, and the recesses become open. That is, the multiple surfaces that form recesses 120c and 120d include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 121 and a second surface which is part of the base member 120.

[0019] The recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are provided to improve assembly. During assembly and transport, pins provided on the jig can be inserted into the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d to hold the object.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the base unit 12 and transport arms 201 and 202 of this embodiment. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the lens mount 121 positioned so that it is facing upward and downward, respectively.

[0021] As shown in Figure 6(a), the transport arms 201 and 202 are positioned on the top and bottom sides of the base unit 12, respectively. The base unit 12 can be held by moving the transport arms 201 and 202 to clamp onto the base member 120 from the top and bottom sides. The transport arms 201 and 202 are supported by a drive mechanism (not shown) so as to be able to move linearly in the clamping direction. With the base unit 12 clamped and held by the transport arms 201 and 202, it is also possible to move the transport arms 201 and 202 to any desired location by moving them in the lifting or sliding direction.

[0022] Insertion pins 201a and 202b are fixed to the transport arm 201 located on the top surface of the base unit 12. The positions of the insertion pins 201a and 202b correspond to the recesses 120a and 120b of the base member 120.

[0023] Insertion pins 202a and 202b are fixed to the transport arm 202 located on the bottom side of the base unit 12. The positions of the insertion pins 202a and 202b correspond to the recesses 120c and 120d of the base member 120.

[0024] When the transport arms 201 and 202 are closed toward the lens mount 121, the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b are inserted into the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, respectively. The base member 120 is held by the transport arms 201 and 202 by the engagement of the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b with the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d, respectively.

[0025] As the process progresses, various parts are assembled onto the base member 120, causing changes in the center of gravity and weight. However, because the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b are inserted, the parts can be held in place without any concerns about them falling out. Even if vibration occurs during transport and the distance between the transport arms 201 and 202 changes, the parts can be held in place without any concerns about them slipping off because the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b are inserted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6(b), even when the lens mount 121 is facing downwards, it can be gripped and held using the transport arms 201 and 202, similar to Figure 6(a). As explained in Figure 4, the recesses 120a and 120b on the top surface are positioned approximately symmetrically to the recesses 120c and 120d on the bottom surface with respect to the YZ plane passing through the center C1. As a result, even when the lens mount 121 is inverted from an upward position to a downward position during a reversal operation, the spacing between the recesses with respect to the center C1 does not change. This makes it possible to support the lens mount 121 with the same transport arms 201 and 202 whether it is facing upwards or downwards. In other words, when transport arms are provided for transport between multiple processes, it is possible to standardize the transport arms.

[0027] In this embodiment, the gripping direction of the transport arms 201 and 202 is the short-side direction (Y direction) of the camera body 100, but it may also be other directions such as the left-right direction or diagonal direction of the base member 120. When the transport arms 201 and 202 are closed and clamped in the short-side direction of the camera body 100, there is an advantage that the amount of retraction of the transport arms 201 and 202 is reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the transport arms 201 and 202 and the assembly device. The arrangement of the insertion pins of the transport arms 201 and 202, which is approximately symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane passing through the center C1, also needs to be changed as appropriate depending on the direction of clamping.

[0028] Figure 7 is a front view of the base unit 12 of this embodiment.

[0029] In Figure 7(a), the lens mount 121 is assembled, so the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are shown as dashed lines in a transparent view. In addition, eight auxiliary lines are shown connecting the intersection points of the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d with the outer diameter of the lens mount 121 to the center C1. In the following diagramming explanation, points will mainly be drawn within the projection of the recesses, and the figures will be explained while defining them.

[0030] In Figure 7(b), a triangle is drawn with vertices P801, P802, and P803, which are the three points of intersection between the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the outer diameter of the lens mount 121. With the arrangement of the recesses in this embodiment, a triangle enclosing the center C1 can be drawn in any combination. Since the center of gravity of the base unit 12 tends to be within the projection of the lens mount 121, or near the center C1 as the assembly of parts progresses, the tilt is small when the base unit 12 is lifted by the transport arms 201 and 202, and it is possible to hold it in a stable state.

[0031] In Figure 7(c), a quadrilateral is drawn with vertices P811, P812, P813, and P814, which are the four intersection points of the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the outer diameter of the lens mount 121. Since the area of ​​quadrilateral P811, P812, P813, and P814 is larger than that of triangle P801, P802, and P803, it is less likely to tilt even if the center of gravity shifts, and can be supported stably. Furthermore, even polygons with more than four sides can be held stably by making the area sufficiently large.

[0032] In this embodiment, the vertex is selected from the intersection of the recess and the outer diameter of the lens mount 121. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any point included in the recess (provided within the recess and constituting the recess) in a projection parallel to the axis passing through the center C1 may be selected as a vertex.

[0033] Figure 8 is a front view of the base unit 12 when the recess is positioned differently from the position shown in Figure 7. The recess is hidden, and only the position of the vertices after drawing is shown. Six examples of vertex positions are shown. Within the lens mount 121, a drawing circle CL is shown that is concentric with the center C1 and has a diameter of one-quarter of the diameter D of the lens mount 121.

[0034] Referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), we will explain the case where four vertices can be obtained. A recess configuration that allows for four vertices can include four recesses or two wide recesses, one at the top and one at the bottom. Figure 8(a) shows the construction of quadrilaterals P901, P902, P903, and P904, while Figure 8(b) shows the construction of quadrilaterals P911, P912, P913, and P914.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8(a), when quadrilaterals P901, P902, P903, and P904 enclose the construction circle CL, the spacing between the top or bottom sides will be at least one-quarter of the lens mount diameter D.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8(b), when the spacing between the vertices of the upper or lower sides of quadrilateral P911P912P913P914 is narrow, that is, when the upper or lower recessed area is small, it encloses the center C1 but cannot enclose the construction circle CL. The length L of the upper sides P911P912 is set to be at least one-quarter of the lens mount diameter D.

[0037] Both the states in Figure 8(a) and Figure 8(b) are supportable, but Figure 8(a) allows for more stable transport of the transported parts even with respect to shifts and tilts in the center of gravity than Figure 8(b). When considering the four vertices, stability can be further improved by considering the shape and arrangement of the recess so that it encloses the construction circle CL.

[0038] Refer to Figures 8(c) and 8(d) to explain the cases where three vertices can be obtained. Recess configurations that allow for three vertices include having three recesses, or having two wide recesses, one above the other. Figure 8(c) shows the construction of triangles P921, P922, and P923, while Figure 8(d) shows the construction of triangles P931, P932, and P933.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8(c), triangle P921, P922, and P923 enclose the center C1 but do not enclose the construction circle CL. The lengths L of sides P921 and P922 are spaced at least one-quarter of the lens mount diameter D.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8(d), triangle P931P932P933 encloses the center C1, but vertices P931 and P932 may be positioned off-center on one side of the lens mount 121. The length L of sides P931P922 is spaced at least one-quarter of the lens mount diameter D.

[0041] Both the states in Figure 8(c) and Figure 8(d) are supportable, but because they do not contain the drawing circle CL, their stability may be inferior to that of Figure 8(a).

[0042] When considering a quadrilateral or triangle, it is desirable to enclose the center C1 and to ensure that the side lengths are above a certain length. It is even more desirable that the shortest side length be at least one-quarter the length of the diameter D of the lens mount 121.

[0043] Figure 8(e) shows the case where triangles P941, P942, and P943 are constructed, and Figure 8(f) shows the case where pentagons P951, P952, P953, P954, and P955 are constructed.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8(e), triangles P941, P942, and P943 are close to equilateral triangles with the largest area that can be constructed within the lens mount 121, and they enclose the center C1 and the construction circle CL. This allows for stable support with minimal tilting. When triangles P941, P942, and P943 can be constructed, it provides the highest stability among the three support points.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8(f), the pentagons P951, P952, P953, P954, and P955 contain C1 and the construction circle CL. In the case of a pentagon, even if the centroid is significantly off, there is a high probability that it will contain the center C1 and the construction circle CL, making stable support possible. The number of vertices can be large, and if there are four or more vertices, stable support can be achieved by considering the shape and arrangement of the recess so that it contains the construction circle CL, which is one-quarter of the diameter D of the lens mount 121. At this time, it can be confirmed that the conditions for support are met even when a triangle or quadrilateral is constructed by combining the vertices of the pentagons P951, P952, P953, P954, and P955.

[0046] In this embodiment, the number of vertices was explained using 3, 4, and 5 points and the triangles, quadrilaterals, and pentagons connecting them, but it is also possible to draw and determine other polygons. Furthermore, if there is no impact on strength or other parts, the width may be maximized and recesses with D-cut or H-cut shapes may be provided in relation to the cylindrical part of the mounting section.

[0047] The following describes the spacing of the recesses and the inclination when the base unit 12 is supported. Figure 9 shows the state immediately after the transport arms 201 and 202 are closed in order to hold the base unit 12 with the transport arms 201 and 202. Figure 9(a) is a front view, and Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 9(a).

[0048] As shown in Figure 9(a), the base unit 12 is closed by the transport arms 201 and 202 so as to sandwich the lens mount 121, and the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b are inserted into the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9(b), insertion pins are inserted into the recesses at left and right positions on either side of the center C1. Figure 9(b) shows the state immediately before the base unit 12 is lifted by the transport arms 201 and 202 after the insertion pins are inserted, and no tilt has occurred.

[0050] Figure 10 shows the base unit 12 lifted by the transport arm. Figure 10(a) is a cross-sectional view cut at the same position as in Figure 9(b), Figure 10(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 10(a), and Figure 10(c) is a further partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the recess in Figure 10(b).

[0051] In this embodiment, the upper transport arm 201 is larger than the lower transport arm 202, and the spacing between the insertion pins 201a and 201b is wider. Therefore, the tilt of the base unit 12 during transport is restricted by the upper transport arm 201. For this reason, the cross-sectional view in Figures 9 and 10 will be explained using the cross-sectional view of the transport arm 201 side, which is shown in the cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0052] There is a gap between the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d and the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b to allow for part and tool tolerances when the insertion pins are inserted. Therefore, when the base unit 12 is lifted by the transport arms 201 and 202, a moment acts on the base unit 12 due to a shift in the center of gravity, as schematically shown by arrow G in Figure 10(a). The base unit 12 tilts in the direction indicated by angle B and rotation arrow R in Figure 10(a). As shown in Figure 10(c), the position of the insertion pins is biased within the recesses, and the gap H between the insertion pins and the recesses becomes maximum. The base unit 12 rotates until one end of the insertion pins 201a and 201b abuts against the recesses 120a and 120b. Since the gap is determined by the dimensions of the parts and the precision of the transport arms 201 and 202, in this embodiment, the amount of inclination is kept small by widening the distance between the recesses 120a and 120b.

[0053] Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the spacing of the plotted vertices in the X direction (width direction of the camera body 100) in the recess and the amount of inclination of the lens mount 121. The spacing of the plotted vertices can be considered to be approximately equivalent to the distance W between the centers of the insertion pins 201a and 201b in Figure 10. Figure 11 shows the amount of inclination when the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm. The amount of play is the gap between the insertion pin and the wall of the recess, and when the amount of play is 0.3 mm, it indicates that there is a gap of 0.3 mm above and below the insertion pin, and the gap H shown in Figure 10(a) is 0.6 mm.

[0054] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.3 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is half the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 33 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will have a left-right difference of 1.2 mm.

[0055] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.3 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is one-quarter of the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 16.5 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will be 2.4 mm on the left and right sides.

[0056] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.3 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is 1 / 8 of the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 8.3 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will be a very large difference of 4.8 mm between the left and right sides.

[0057] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.2 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is half the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 33 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will have a left-right difference of 0.8 mm.

[0058] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.2 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is one-quarter of the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 16.5 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will be 1.6 mm on the left and right sides.

[0059] When the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess is 0.2 mm, and the distance between the vertices of the drawing is 1 / 8 of the diameter of the lens mount 121, the distance between the vertices will be approximately 8.3 mm, and the tilt of the lens mount 121 will be a very large 3.2 mm difference between the left and right sides.

[0060] When the spacing between the recesses becomes smaller than one-quarter of the diameter of the lens mount 121, the effect of the amount of play becomes significant, and the amount of tilt changes inversely, increasing rapidly as the spacing approaches zero. If the tilt of the parts during transport becomes large, there is a possibility of contact with the assembly equipment or surrounding parts. If guide members are provided to prevent contact or improve positional accuracy, the size of the assembly equipment will increase. This could lead to increased complexity.

[0061] In the above, the amount of tilt was shown as the difference between the left and right outer diameters of the lens mount 121. However, some component sizes are larger than the lens mount 121, and the effect of the tilt increases as the component moves away from the lens mount 121, requiring even greater adjustments or clearances.

[0062] While reducing the amount of play between the insertion pin and the recess, or achieving high-precision mating, can mitigate the effects of tilt, there are limits to the precision of the parts and the positional precision of the tools, and increasing precision through machining and control may reduce productivity. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the amount of play to around 0.2-0.3 mm, and it is preferable for the recesses to be spaced widely apart, with the arrangement and shape such that the drawing vertices can be drawn at intervals of at least one-quarter of the outer diameter of the lens mount 121.

[0063] When the spacing between the recesses is changed from one-quarter of the outer diameter of the lens mount 121 to one-half of the outer diameter of the lens mount 121, the amount of tilt tends to be halved. The wider the spacing between the recesses, the smaller the amount of tilt during transport becomes, so it is better to provide the recesses at a wider spacing.

[0064] In this embodiment, the spacing of the recesses is described based on the outer diameter of the lens mount 121. If the diameter of the lens mount 121 is small, the spacing of the recesses may be even smaller. However, even in this case, the processing accuracy and positional accuracy are improved by reducing the size of the parts and the device, making it possible to further reduce the amount of play and improve the ease of installation and assembly of the recesses.

[0065] In this embodiment, recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are provided in positions that avoid the tapped hole 120f, lens lock pin 123, and mount spring 122, enabling support during assembly. Furthermore, the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are provided at wide intervals, allowing the assembly to be carried in a stable position when gripped and lifted by the transport arms 201 and 202, thus enabling transport without the concern of it falling off.

[0066] Even when miniaturization of the transport arms 201 and 202 or constraints on the surrounding shape prevent spacing, it is desirable to ensure that the spacing between the recesses is at least one-quarter of the outer diameter of the lens mount 121.

[0067] According to the configuration described above, the assembly workability can be improved by providing a dedicated recess for assembly support.

[0068] The number of dedicated recesses for assembly support can be four, or two depending on the size of the recesses. If there are no strength issues or impacts on the internal space, recesses may be provided around the entire circumference of the side of the mounting section. <Second Embodiment> The basic configuration of the camera body in this embodiment is the same as that of the camera body 100 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, only the configurations that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the common configurations will not be described.

[0069] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the base unit 32 of this embodiment. A mount spring 122 is assembled to the base member 320. The lens mount 321 is fixed to the base member 320 with screws. Figure 12(b) is a front view. Figures 12(a) and 12(c) are views of Figure 12(b) from above and below, respectively.

[0070] As shown in Figure 12(a), recesses 321a and 321b are visible from the top surface of the base member 320. The recesses 321a and 321b are provided on the side surface 321s of the lens mount 321 and form holes when assembled to the base member 320. That is, the multiple surfaces that form the recesses 321a and 321b include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 321 and a second surface which is part of the base member 320. The side surface 321s is a surface that is perpendicular (including substantially perpendicular) to the front surface 321f, which is the subject-facing surface of the lens mount 321. In this embodiment, the side surface 321s is perpendicular to the front surface 321f, but it is sufficient if it is inclined with respect to the front surface 321f.

[0071] As shown in Figure 12(c), recesses 321c and 321d are visible from the bottom side of the base member 320. The recesses 321c and 321d are provided on the side surface 321s and, when assembled to the base member 320, form a hole shape. That is, the multiple surfaces that form the recesses 321c and 321d include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 321 and a second surface which is part of the base member 320.

[0072] In the first embodiment, a recess was provided in the base member 320, but in this embodiment, recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are provided in the lens mount 321. Even if a recess cannot be provided in the base member 320, it is still possible to form a support portion by providing a recess in the lens mount 321.

[0073] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d. Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are the bottom view and rear view, respectively. The mount spring 122 and lens lock pin 123 are also shown to illustrate their relative positions.

[0074] The recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are provided in a range that does not affect the operation of the mount spring 122. The recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are positioned to avoid the screw hole 321e for fixing the lens mount 321, the lens lock pin 123, and the positioning hole 321g. In this embodiment, by providing the recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d in an up-down and left-right symmetrical shape, it is possible to use common upper and lower transport arms and common transport arms before and after reversing the base unit 32.

[0075] The recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are provided to improve assembly, and, as in the first embodiment, allow insertion pins of a transport arm (not shown) to be inserted during assembly, holding, and transport.

[0076] The recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d are located in a position that is not exposed on the front of the lens mount 321 and is hidden when the front cover unit 190 is assembled.

[0077] In this embodiment, the case where four recesses are provided has been described, but it is also acceptable to have three or two recesses, as long as the conditions are met that the triangle drawn by setting the vertices encloses the center C1 and the length of the sides is at least one-quarter of the diameter of the lens mount.

[0078] According to the configuration described above, a support portion can also be formed by providing recesses 321a, 321b, 321c, and 321d in the lens mount 321, thereby improving assembly workability. <Third Embodiment> Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the base unit 42 provided on the camera body 400 of this embodiment. Figure 14(b) is a front view of the base unit 42. Figures 14(a) and 14(c) are views of Figure 14(b) from above and below, respectively, as seen from the top side.

[0079] The camera body 400 is larger, more powerful, and more multi-functional than the camera body 100. The same lens can be used for both the camera bodies 100 and 400. The base member 420 has a wider shape than the base member 120 described in the first embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 14(a), recesses 420a and 420b are visible from the top surface of the base member 420. The recesses 420a and 420b are provided on the side surface 121s of the lens mount 121 which is fixed to the base member 420, and become hole-shaped when assembled to the base member 420. That is, the multiple surfaces that form the recesses 420a and 420b include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 121 and a second surface which is part of the base member 420.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14(c), recesses 420c and 420d are visible from the bottom side of the base member 420. The recesses 420c and 420d are provided on the side surface 121s and become hole-shaped when assembled to the base member 420. That is, the multiple surfaces that form the recesses 420c and 420d include a first surface which is part of the lens mount 121 and a second surface which is part of the base member 420.

[0082] The recesses 420a, 420b, 420c, and 420d are provided in substantially the same position and shape as the recesses 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d described in the first embodiment. The lens mount 121 is raised by one step on the front of the camera body, and there is space around the lens mount, so it is possible to bring tools closer from the periphery. Similar to the first embodiment, the insertion pins 201a, 201b, 202a, and 202b can be held by gripping them with the transport arms 201 and 202 and inserted into the recesses 420a, 420b, 420c, and 420d, and transported between processes.

[0083] In the first embodiment, a recess is provided in the base member 120, and in the second embodiment, a recess is provided in the lens mount 321. There are no limitations on the component that forms the recess; in this embodiment as well, if a lens mount with a recess is used, similar to the second embodiment, a support can be provided without providing a recess in the base member 420. If a recess cannot be provided in the base member 420 due to constraints on peripheral components or miniaturization, providing a recess in the lens mount 121 is effective.

[0084] According to the configuration described above, by similarly providing recesses for assembly support in other camera bodies, it is possible to standardize transport tools while improving assembly workability. <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the base unit 52 and front cover unit 590 of the camera body 500 of this embodiment. Although the front cover unit 590 is shown to illustrate the positional relationship, it is actually assembled in the latter half of the assembly process. The base member 520 is provided with recesses 520a, 520b, 520c, and 520d.

[0085] The decorative ring 590a is a separate part from the front cover unit 590. The front cover unit 590 is mainly made of resin, while the decorative ring 590a is a metal part made of aluminum alloy. Since the decorative ring 590a is a metal part, measures against static electricity and the like are necessary. To prevent static charge buildup, the decorative ring 590a needs to be electrically connected to the base member 520. Therefore, unlike the mount spring 122 of the first embodiment, the mount spring 522 has leaf spring sections 522a, 522b, and 522c to ensure electrical connection. The mount spring 522 is also made of stainless steel, like the mount spring 122, and the leaf spring sections 522a, 522b, and 522c are elastically deformable.

[0086] The mount spring 522 is sandwiched and fixed between the lens mount 121 and the base member 520. When the front cover unit 590 is assembled, the leaf spring portions 522a, 522b, and 522c come into contact with the inner circumference of the decorative ring 590a.

[0087] The base member 520 is provided with groove shapes 520f, 520g, and 520h (groove shapes for installing electrically conductive components) that accommodate the leaf spring portions 522a, 522b, and 522c. Sufficient space is ensured so that the leaf spring portions 522a, 522b, and 522c do not come into contact with the decorative ring 590a even when they undergo elastic deformation.

[0088] The base member 520 is provided with recesses 520a, 520b, 520c, and 520d to allow support by the transport arms 201 and 202. The recesses 520a, 520b, 520c, and 520d are positioned so as not to overlap with the groove shapes 520f, 520g, and 520h, and space is secured for inserting the transport arm insertion pins even after the mount spring 522 and lens mount 121 are assembled. This space can be used until the front cover unit 590 is assembled in the latter half of the assembly process, and because it is on the front of the main body, it is relatively unlikely to be blocked by other parts.

[0089] The play in the width direction of the main body when supported by the transport arm 202 can be restricted by the remaining wall portion and other recesses, so the recess 520c and the groove shape 520g may be adjacent and connected. In the width direction of the main body, the play in the width direction can be restricted by the two walls: the wall of recess 520c on the side closer to the lens mount center and the wall of recess 520d on the side closer to the lens mount center, enabling stable support even during transport.

[0090] In this embodiment, the relief shapes of the leaf spring portions 522a, 522b, and 522c of the mount spring 522 were given as an example of shapes to consider when arranging the recesses, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also necessary to consider groove shapes required for processing and molding (groove shapes required for manufacturing parts), etc.

[0091] Furthermore, although an example with four recesses was shown, there may be three recesses as long as the triangle drawn as described in Figure 8 of the first embodiment encloses the center C1 and satisfies the condition that the length of the sides is at least one-quarter of the diameter of the lens mount.

[0092] According to the configuration described above, by similarly providing recesses for assembly support in other camera bodies, it is possible to standardize transport tools while improving assembly workability.

[0093] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) Image sensor and It has a mount portion that detachably holds interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned mounting portion has a plurality of recesses on its side, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that, in a projection in a direction parallel to the axis passing through the center of the mounting portion, the recess is arranged such that a triangle whose vertices are three of the points contained in the recess encloses the center. (Configuration 2) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that, in the projection, the recess is arranged such that the length of the shortest side of the triangle is at least one-quarter of the diameter of the mounting portion. (Composition 3) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess includes a first recess located on the first side of the side surface that is divided by a plane passing through the axis and perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor, and a second recess located on the second side of the side surface opposite to the first side. (Composition 4) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that the number of the first and second recesses is each multiple. (Composition 5) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that at least one of the first and second recesses is one. (Composition 6) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized in that, in the projection, the first recess is positioned symmetrically with respect to the boundary lines of the first and second sides of the second recess. (Composition 7) The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the projection, the recess is arranged such that a polygon whose vertices are four or more points among the points included in the recess encloses the center and a circle whose diameter is one-quarter the length of the diameter of the mounting portion. (Composition 8) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting portion is composed of a base member and a lens mount. (Composition 9) The recess is formed by a plurality of surfaces, The imaging apparatus according to configuration 8, characterized in that the plurality of surfaces include a first surface which is part of the lens mount and a second surface which is part of the base member. (Composition 10) The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the recess is used during assembly. (Composition 11) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the recess is positioned to avoid grooves necessary for manufacturing parts and grooves for installing electrically conductive parts. (Composition 12) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the recess is provided in a common position with a plurality of recesses provided in an imaging device different from the imaging device. (Composition 13) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the recess is positioned to be covered by the exterior member. (Composition 14) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the aforementioned side surface is inclined with respect to the subject-side surface of the mounting portion.

[0094] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 Camera body (imaging device) 120 Base component (mounting part) 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d recess 121 Lens mount (mount section)

Claims

1. Image sensor and It has a mount portion that detachably holds interchangeable lenses, The aforementioned mounting portion has a plurality of recesses on its side, The imaging device is characterized in that, in a projection in a direction parallel to the axis passing through the center of the mounting portion, the recess is arranged such that a triangle whose vertices are three of the points contained in the recess encloses the center.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the projection, the recess is arranged such that the length of the shortest side of the triangle is at least one-quarter of the diameter of the mounting portion.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess includes a first recess located on the first side of the side surface that is divided by a plane passing through the axis and perpendicular to the imaging surface of the image sensor, and a second recess located on the second side of the side surface opposite to the first side.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the number of the first and second recesses is each multiple.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the first and second recesses is one.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the projection, the first recess is positioned symmetrically with respect to the boundary lines between the first and second sides of the second recess.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the projection, the recess is arranged such that a polygon whose vertices are four or more points among the points included in the recess encloses the center and a circle whose diameter is one-quarter the length of the diameter of the mounting portion.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting portion is composed of a base member and a lens mount.

9. The recess is formed by a plurality of surfaces, The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the plurality of surfaces include a first surface which is part of the lens mount and a second surface which is part of the base member.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess is used during assembly.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess is positioned to avoid grooves necessary for manufacturing parts and grooves for installing electrically conductive parts.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess is provided in a common position with a plurality of recesses provided in an imaging device different from the imaging device.

13. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess is positioned to be covered by the exterior member.

14. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned side surface is inclined with respect to the subject-facing surface of the mounting portion.

Images