Electronic device capable of communicating with external device mounted thereon and external device

Abstract

An electronic device and an external device capable of communicating with an external device mounted thereon. An external coupling unit of the external device is configured to be mounted in the device coupling unit of the electronic device. A plurality of device wireless communication parts are located in the device coupling unit in a manner facing a corresponding one of a plurality of external wireless communication parts located in the external coupling unit mounted in the device coupling unit. The plurality of device wireless communication parts are arranged in the device coupling unit so that radiation characteristics of all the plurality of device wireless communication parts are not parallel. The plurality of external wireless communication parts are arranged in the external coupling unit so that radiation characteristics of all the plurality of external wireless communication parts are not parallel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic equipment and external devices. Background Art

[0002] Examples of the electronic device include a digital camera mounted and used as an external device such as a camera accessory.

[0003] An imaging device such as a digital camera is configured so that accessories such as a flash and a floodlight can be mounted (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2018-084681 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2016-086211).

[0004] There is a possibility that electronic devices such as camera devices are configured to generate a large amount of data in the future. In such electronic devices, their storage space may not be sufficient to store data, so insufficient data storage capacity may occur. In order to solve this shortage, it is conceivable to configure the electronic device to be connected to an external device capable of storing data of the electronic device, and it is conceivable to require the electronic device and the external device to transmit a large amount of data at high speed between them.

[0005] For another purpose, a camera such as a digital camera has conventionally adopted a device interface having an accessory shoe mechanism to connect with an accessory device. It is conceivable to use a component such as an accessory shoe mechanism for an electronic device so that the electronic device can be connected to an external device storing data for the electronic device.

[0006] However, such a device joint having an accessory shoe mechanism provided in the camera device already has a flat connector on which a plurality of pin electrode members and / or a plurality of electrode terminals are arranged flatly, so that setting data, etc. can be transmitted between the camera device and the accessory device. It is difficult for the device joint having the accessory shoe mechanism to additionally have a physically connected connector and electrode member. For this reason, in the camera device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2018-084681 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) No. 2016-086211, in addition to such a device joint having an accessory shoe mechanism, a device wireless communication unit is provided, for example, around the device joint having the accessory shoe mechanism. However, having such a device wireless communication unit in addition to the device joint having the accessory shoe mechanism will increase the distance from the wireless communication unit for an electronic device such as a camera device to the wireless communication unit for an external device such as an accessory device. If the distance over which the radio wave propagates increases, there will be a need to increase the output in the wireless communication unit. In particular, when a large amount of data is transmitted at high speed, the frequency of the radio wave is high, so the output must be further increased.

[0007] As described above, there is a demand that electronic devices such as image pickup devices be configured so that external devices are mounted thereon in order to transfer a large amount of data at high speed between the external devices and themselves. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic device capable of communicating with an external device mounted thereon includes: a device engaging unit, an external engaging unit of the external device being configured to be mounted in the device engaging unit; and a plurality of device wireless communication parts. The plurality of device wireless communication parts are located in the device engaging unit in a manner of facing the plurality of external wireless communication parts located in the external engaging unit mounted in the device engaging unit, respectively. The plurality of device wireless communication parts are arranged in the device engaging unit so that the radiation characteristics of all the plurality of device wireless communication parts are not parallel.

[0009] According to aspects of the present invention, an electronic device capable of communicating with an external device mounted thereon includes: a device engaging unit in which the external device is configured to be mounted; and a wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit is located in the device engaging unit and is capable of communicating with the external device mounted in the device engaging unit. The device engaging unit includes a metal shoe plate, which includes a sliding opening and is capable of engaging with the external device slidably mounted in the device engaging unit while surrounding the external device in three directions except for a sliding direction in which the external device slides. The wireless communication unit has a radiation characteristic toward the sliding opening.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, an external device capable of communicating with an electronic device when installed in the electronic device includes: an external coupling unit configured to be slidably mounted in the device coupling unit of the electronic device; and a plurality of external wireless communication parts. The plurality of external wireless communication parts are located in the external coupling unit in a manner that they face the plurality of device wireless communication parts located in the device coupling unit of the electronic device, respectively. The plurality of external wireless communication parts are arranged in the external coupling unit so that the radiation characteristics of all the plurality of external wireless communication parts are not parallel.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, an external device capable of communicating with an electronic device when mounted on the electronic device includes: an external engagement unit configured to be slidably mounted on the electronic device; and a wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit is located in the external engagement unit and is capable of communicating with the electronic device. The wireless communication unit has a radiation characteristic in a direction opposite to the direction along which the external engagement unit is slidably mounted on the electronic device.

[0012] According to the present invention, the external device is installed in the electronic device, so that a large amount of data can be transmitted between the external device and the electronic device at a high speed.

[0013] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A and Figure 1B It is a perspective view of a digital camera as an electronic device and an external recording device as an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 It is used to explain Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagram of the configuration of a digital camera.

[0016] Figure 3 It is used to explain Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagram of the configuration of the external recording device.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A stereoscopic view of the external recording device when viewed from the bottom surface where the external coupling unit is located.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the engagement area of ​​an external recording device in FIG.

[0019] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the external recording device in FIG.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6B A three-dimensional diagram of some of the components assembled together.

[0021] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is used to explain Figure 2 Diagram of a device engagement unit of a digital camera.

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An exploded perspective view of a device coupling unit of a digital camera in FIG.

[0023] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C It is used to explain Fig. 9 Figure 2 shows the main mounting components of the device engagement unit.

[0024] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C is used to explain the sliding installation to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B On a digital camera Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an external recording device in FIG.

[0025] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is used to explain Figure 3 The external recording device in the Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Figure 4 shows a state where digital cameras are connected and ready to communicate.

[0026] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is used to explain the Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A diagram of the radiation characteristics of multiple device wireless communication modules within the bonding area of ​​a digital camera.

[0027] Fig.14 is used to explain the settings in Figure 3 A diagram of radiation characteristics of multiple external wireless communication modules within the bonding area of ​​an external recording device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the configurations of the embodiments described below are merely examples for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the claims is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described below.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera 1 as an electronic device and an external recording device 2 as an external device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1A It is a perspective view in which the digital camera 1 and the external recording device 2 are separated from each other.

[0031] Figure 1B It is a perspective view showing that the external recording device 2 is slidably mounted on the digital camera 1 .

[0032] These drawings show the Z axis in the front-rear direction of the digital camera 1, which is the optical axis direction of the digital camera 1, the Y axis in the vertical direction of the digital camera 1, and the X axis in the horizontal direction of the digital camera 1. In the drawings mentioned later, these three axes are shown when necessary for mutual reference between the drawings.

[0033] The digital camera 1 has a camera body 10 . A monitor 11 is arranged on the back side of the camera body 10 . A device engaging unit (or device-side engaging unit) 12 having an accessory shoe mechanism is located on the upper surface of the camera body 10 .

[0034] The device engaging unit 12 of the digital camera 1 is configured so that the external recording apparatus 2 is slidably mounted in the device engaging unit 12 .

[0035] The device interface unit 12 of the digital camera 1 is also configured so that any accessory device (such as a flash device and a floodlight device) for the digital camera 1 and the external recording device 2 can be slidably mounted in the device interface unit 12. The device interface unit 12 conventionally includes a flat connector on which a plurality of pin electrode members and / or a plurality of electrode terminals are arranged flatly, so that setting data and the like can be sent to and received from the accessory device such as the flash device. Therefore, it is not easy to additionally provide the device interface unit 12 with a physical connector and an electrode member for high-speed transmission and reception of a large amount of data for the external recording device 2.

[0036] Figure 2 It is used to explain Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagram of the configuration of the digital camera 1 in FIG.

[0037] Figure 2 The digital camera 1 in the embodiment includes an imaging optical system 21 , an imaging element 22 , an A / D converter 23 , a memory controller 24 , a timing signal generating circuit 25 , a buffer memory 26 , a monitor 11 , a recording medium controller 28 , and a recording medium 29 .

[0038] The imaging optical system 21 includes a plurality of lenses such as a zoom lens and a focus lens, an aperture, and a shutter, and forms an image on the imaging element 22 with reflected light from a subject.

[0039] The imaging element 22 may be an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS, and converts an optical image, which is reflected light from a subject, into an electrical signal.

[0040] The A / D converter 23 converts the analog electric signal (analog image data) read from the imaging element 22 into a digital electric signal (digital image data).

[0041] The buffer memory 26 temporarily records the digital image data output from the A / D converter 23. The buffer memory 26 can temporarily record the image data of an image to be displayed on the monitor 11.

[0042] The memory controller 24 manages the operation of the buffer memory 26. The memory controller 24 causes the buffer memory 26 to perform a refresh operation and the like.

[0043] The timing signal generation circuit 25 outputs a timing signal for operation to the imaging element 22 and the A / D converter 23 under the control of the memory controller 24 .

[0044] The monitor 11 can be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The monitor 11 displays, for example, image data stored in the buffer memory 26 .

[0045] The recording medium 29 can be, for example, a memory card removably attached to the digital camera 1. Alternatively, the recording medium 29 can be a hard disk built in the digital camera 1.

[0046] The recording medium controller 28 controls writing of data to the recording medium 29 and reading of data from the recording medium 29 .

[0047] As described above, the digital camera 1 includes a recording medium 29 that records data of captured still images and moving images (videos). Basically, a medium with a large storage capacity is used as the recording medium 29. However, in recent years, an increase in the number of pixels and frame rate of an imaging element has been required for digital cameras, and there may be a concern that the capacity of the storage area of ​​the recording medium provided in the digital camera itself will be insufficient.

[0048] For this reason, the digital camera is required to be configured so that an external recording device capable of storing data photographed by the digital camera can be connected to the digital camera. In this case, a large amount of data for high-resolution still images and / or moving images must be transmitted at high speed between the digital camera and the external recording device. Due to the standard of a flat connector having a plurality of pin electrode members and / or a plurality of electrode terminals arranged in a flat manner, which is adopted in conventional digital camera accessories, it is difficult for conventional digital cameras to send and receive such a large amount of data at high speed.

[0049] Figure 2 The digital camera 1 in EMBODIMENT 1 includes a camera MPU 31 that controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1. The camera MPU 31 can be, for example, a microcontroller.

[0050] The memory controller 24, the monitor 11, the recording medium controller 28, the camera LED auxiliary lighting unit 32, and the external device controller 33 are connected to the camera MPU 31. The motor controller 34, the shutter controller 35, the photometer 37, the lens controller 38 and the focus detector 39, the posture detector 40, and the switch operation unit 41 are also connected to the camera MPU 31.

[0051] The motor controller 34 controls a motor not shown according to a signal for exposure operation given by the camera MPU 31. The motor controller 34 turns upside down a mirror not shown provided in the imaging optical system 21 and charges the shutter.

[0052] The shutter controller 35 cuts off the power supplied to the shutter (including the first shutter curtain and the second shutter curtain) provided in the imaging optical system 21 according to the signal for exposure operation given by the camera MPU 31. This causes the first shutter curtain and the second shutter curtain to operate, and light falls on the imaging element 22, thereby performing the exposure operation.

[0053] The photometer 37 includes a multi-area photometric sensor 36. The multi-area photometric sensor 36 uses the image pickup screen of the image pickup element 22 divided into a plurality of areas, and outputs a brightness signal from each area. The photometer 37 outputs the brightness signal from the multi-area photometric sensor 36 to the camera MPU 31. Based on the brightness signal obtained from the photometer 37, the camera MPU 31 calculates AV (aperture value), TV (shutter speed or time value), ISO sensitivity (sensitivity of the image pickup element 22), and the like. When the built-in lighting device 42 emits a pre-flash (pre-flash) toward a subject, the photometer 37 can output a brightness signal to the camera MPU 31. Based on the brightness signal at the time of the pre-flash, the camera MPU 31 can calculate the amount of light to be emitted from the built-in lighting device 42 during the main exposure (main shooting) (the amount of light at the time of the main flash).

[0054] The focus detector 39 detects the defocus amount with respect to the object using a well-known phase difference detection method to control auto focus (AF).

[0055] The camera LED auxiliary lighting unit 32 irradiates a subject with near-infrared light (LED auxiliary light) having a predetermined pattern, wherein the near-infrared light is used as auxiliary light for focus detection control performed by the focus detector 39 .

[0056] The lens controller 38 is provided in a lens barrel member not shown of the imaging optical system 21. The lens controller 38 communicates with the camera MPU 31 through a lens mount contact not shown. The lens controller 38 operates a lens drive motor and a lens aperture motor not shown of the lens barrel member to control the focus and aperture of the imaging optical system 21.

[0057] The posture detector 40 detects the tilt of the digital camera 1 with respect to the rotation direction around the imaging optical axis.

[0058] The switch operation unit 41 detects the operation of a release button (not shown) using a plurality of switches such as a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2. When the release button is half-pressed so as to, for example, start capturing an image, the first switch SW1 is turned on. In response to the turning on of the first switch SW1, the camera MPU 31 starts AF processing and light metering processing. When the release button is fully pressed, the second switch SW2 is turned on. In response to the turning on of the second switch SW2, the camera MPU 31 starts an exposure operation for capturing an image.

[0059] The device interfacing unit 12 and the built-in lighting device 42 are connected to the external device controller 33 .

[0060] The built-in lighting device 42 emits a preliminary flash (pre-flash) toward the subject.

[0061] The device engagement unit 12 is configured such that an accessory device for the digital camera 1 is removably and slidably mounted in the device engagement unit 12 .

[0062] In the device junction unit 12, the device transmitter module (device side transmitter module) 44 and the device receiver module (device side receiver module) 45 are positioned together with the device connection terminal 43. The device connection terminal 43 may include a plurality of pin electrode members and / or an external flat connector 104 on which a plurality of electrode terminals are flatly arranged.

[0063] The device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 are a plurality of device wireless communication sections (device-side wireless communication sections) of the digital camera 1 .

[0064] Upon detecting that an accessory device such as the external recording device 2 is mounted in the device engagement unit 12 , the external device controller 33 starts supplying power to the accessory device via the device engagement unit 12 .

[0065] Figure 3 It is used to explain Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagram of the configuration of the external recording device 2.

[0066] Figure 3 The external recording device 2 in FIG. 5 includes an external recording MPU 51 . An external interface unit 52 , a power source 53 , and a recording medium controller 54 are connected to the external recording MPU 51 .

[0067] The external recording MPU 51 is mounted on a main board, not shown, of the external recording device 2. The external recording MPU 51 controls the overall operation of the external recording device 2. The power supply 53 supplies power to the components of the external recording device 2. The power supply 53 may be built in the external recording device 2, or may be removable from the external recording device 2.

[0068] The power source 53 may be provided in the external interface unit 52 , and may supply power supplied from the external device controller 33 of the digital camera 1 to the components of the external recording device 2 through the device connection terminal 43 of the digital camera 1 .

[0069] The recording medium controller 54 controls writing of data to and reading of data from the recording medium 55 attached to the external recording device 2. The recording medium controller 54 can store data captured by the digital camera 1 in the recording medium 55 as a storage device, for example.

[0070] The recording medium 55 can be, for example, a memory card removably mounted to the external recording device 2. The memory card can be a semiconductor memory.

[0071] The external engagement unit 52 is configured to be slidably engaged with the device engagement unit 12. The digital camera 1 and the external recording device 2 are configured to be mechanically connected together, and are also electrically connected together in a state where the external engagement unit 52 and the device engagement unit 12 are engaged together.

[0072] The external connection terminal 56, the external transmitter module 57, and the external receiver module 58 are located in the device interface unit 12. The interface between the external interface unit 52 and the device interface unit 12 physically connects the external connection terminal 56 to the device connection terminal 43 of the digital camera 1.

[0073] In the device joint unit 12, the device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 are positioned to face the external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 of the digital camera 1, respectively, and in the external joint unit 52, the external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are configured to face the device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 of the digital camera 1, respectively. Thus, in the area where the external joint unit 52 and the device joint unit 12 are joined together, the external transmitter module 57 of the digital camera 1 is close to the device receiver module 45 of the digital camera 1, and the external receiver module 58 of the digital camera 1 is close to the device transmitter module 44 of the digital camera 1.

[0074] The camera MPU 31 and the external recording MPU 51 are capable of sending and receiving large amounts of data at high speed with low output and low power consumption using multiple sets of wireless communication units including a wireless communication path formed by an external transmitter module 57 and a device receiver module 45 and a wireless communication path formed by an external receiver module 58 and a device transmitter module 44.

[0075] It should be noted that there may be three or more sets of wireless communication sections.

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 2 is a perspective view of the external recording device 2 when viewed from the bottom surface of the external recording device 2 where the external joint unit 52 is located.

[0077] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the bonding area of ​​the external recording device 2 in FIG.

[0078] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VA-VA in FIG. Figure 5B It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG.

[0079] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the external recording device 2 in FIG. Fig. 6A The external recording device 2 is Figure 4 Exploded perspective view in the orientation shown. Figure 6B It is an exploded perspective view of the external recording device 2 which is turned upside down in the Y-axis direction from its orientation in FIG. A6 .

[0080] Figure 7 yes Figure 6B A three-dimensional diagram showing some of the components of the external recording device 2 assembled together.

[0081] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the external recording device 2 has: an external body 100, which is substantially cubic and to which the recording medium 55 is removably mounted; and a housing 101, which protrudes downward in the Y-axis direction from the bottom of the external body 100. The housing 101 is made of a non-conductive material (dielectric material) such as a synthetic resin material, and has a substantially cylindrical shape having the same or slightly smaller outer dimensions than the external body 100.

[0082] A lock lever 102 as an operation member is provided on the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical housing 101 in a circumferentially rotatable manner.

[0083] The external engaging unit 52 is provided in the outer edge portion of the lower surface of the housing 101 in a manner protruding in the Y-axis direction. The external engaging unit 52 protrudes outward from the lower edge portion of the outer periphery of the housing 101 so that the outer shape of the external engaging unit 52 has a substantially rectangular flat shape. The external engaging unit 52 is a portion of the external recording device 2 that can be slidably mounted in the device engaging unit 12 of the digital camera 1.

[0084] A recess 103 is formed in the lower surface of the housing 101. An external cover member 110 having a generally flat shape is disposed in the recess 103 in such a manner as to be movable up and down along the Y-axis direction. On the upper surface of the generally flat external cover member 110 in the Y-axis direction, the external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are positioned spaced apart while being kept separated from each other by an external radio wave absorbing member 111. The external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are covered by the generally flat external cover member 110 in the recess 103 inside the external coupling unit 52, and are movable up and down along the Y-axis direction together with the external cover member 110. The external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are connected to the housing 101 via a flexible printed board 106 extending inside the housing 101. Figure 3 External recording MPU 51 in.

[0085] On the lower surface of the housing 101, an external connection terminal 56 on which a plurality of electrode terminals are arranged flatly is provided by an external flat connector 104, and is located in a region adjacent to the recess 103 in the Z-axis direction. The external receiver module 58, the external transmitter module 57, and the external connection terminal 56 are closely arranged with each other in the external joint unit 52 of the external recording device 2. The external connection terminal 56 can be connected to the external flat connector 104 that can be shared by other existing accessory devices for the digital camera 1. The external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are a plurality of external wireless communication units of the external recording device 2. It should be noted that, in contrast to the external receiver module 58, the external transmitter module 57 and the external connection terminal 56, the external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 are provided with a plurality of external wireless communication units of the external recording device 2. Figures 4 to 7 Differently, a plurality of pin electrode members shared by other existing accessory devices for the digital camera 1 may be additionally provided on the lower surface of the housing 101. In this case, the external receiver module 58 and the external transmitter module 57 may be arranged at a portion of the external joint unit 52 of the external recording device 2 where they do not overlap with the external connection terminal 56 or the plurality of pin electrode members.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the external coupling unit 52 forms abutment surfaces 105 on both sides in the X-axis direction of the external connection terminal 56. When the external recording device 2 is mounted on the digital camera 1, the abutment surface 105 abuts against the device coupling unit 12. This abutment fixes the position where the external recording device 2 is mounted on the digital camera 1. The external recording device 2 is stably mounted on the digital camera 1 at a fixed position not only in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but also in the Z-axis direction.

[0087] In the recess 103 located on the lower surface of the housing 101, a substantially flat pin connection member 107 is located on the upper surface of the flexible printed board 106. The housing 101 is provided with a sliding pin 108 extending in the Y-axis direction. The sliding pin 108 is movable in the Y-axis direction and is capable of pushing down the pin connection member 107 located in the recess 103. The housing 101 is also provided with a pair of locking pins 109 extending in the Y-axis direction. The pair of locking pins 109 is movable in the Y-axis direction and is capable of protruding from the lower surface of the housing 101 in the Y-axis direction.

[0088] When the lock lever 102 is rotated in one direction, the action of a cam not shown causes the pair of lock pins 109 and the slide pin 108 to move toward the lower surface of the housing 101 along the Y-axis direction. The pair of lock pins 109 protrude from the lower surface of the housing 101. The slide pin 108 and the pin connection member 107 push the outer cover member 110 downward in the Y-axis direction. This causes the outer cover member 110 to move downward from the retracted position, where the outer cover member 110 is fitted in the recess 103 on the lower surface of the housing 101, to reach a position flush with the lower surface of the housing 101.

[0089] When the lock lever 102 is rotated in the opposite direction, the pair of lock pins 109 and the slide pin 108 move toward the upper surface of the housing 101 along the Y-axis direction. The pair of lock pins 109 are fitted in the housing 101 so that they do not protrude from the lower surface of the housing 101. The pin connection member 107, which has stopped being pushed downward by the slide pin 108, moves upward along the Y-axis direction. The outer cover member 110 moves upward along the Y-axis direction so that it is not flush with the lower surface of the housing 101 and reaches a retracted position where it is fitted in the recess 103 located on the lower surface of the housing 101.

[0090] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is used to explain Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the device interface unit 12 of the digital camera 1 . Fig. 8A It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the device interface unit 12 when viewed from above in the Y-axis direction. Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A sectional view of the device engagement unit 12 in FIG.

[0091] Fig. 9 yes Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 1 is an exploded perspective view of the device coupling unit 12 of the digital camera 1.

[0092] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C It is used to explain Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main installation components of the device interface unit 12. Fig. 10A It is a perspective view showing the metal shoe plate 201 when viewed from obliquely above. Fig. 10B It is a perspective view showing the back side of the metal shoe plate 201. Fig. 10C It is a perspective view showing the terminal member 202 when viewed from obliquely above.

[0093] like FIG. 8A to FIG. 10C As shown, the device engaging unit 12 of the digital camera 1 includes a metal shoe plate 201, a terminal member 202, and a shoe spring 203. The terminal member 202 is provided with a device connection terminal 43, a device transmitter module 44, and a device receiver module 45.

[0094] The device engaging unit 12 is located in an exposed manner in a mounting recess 13 formed in an upper portion of the camera body 10 .

[0095] The terminal member 202 is a substrate having a substantially rectangular flat shape.

[0096] A device flat connector 204 for flatly arranging a plurality of electrode terminals is located at one end in the Z-axis direction of the substantially rectangular flat terminal member 202. The device flat connector 204 corresponds to the device connection terminal 43 and is formed on one side of the substantially rectangular flat terminal member 202. The periphery of the device flat connector 204 is surrounded by a rib 205 extending along the outer edge of the terminal member 202. The abutment surface 105 of the external recording device 2 slidably mounted in the device engagement unit 12 abuts against the rib 205.

[0097] A substantially flat device cover member 206 is formed in the other end portion in the Z-axis direction of the substantially rectangular flat terminal member 202. The device cover member 206 protrudes upward in the Y-axis direction from the upper surface of the substantially rectangular flat terminal member 202. When the external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 is slidably mounted in the device engagement unit 12, the device cover member 206 can be in sliding contact with the external recording device 2.

[0098] On the lower surface of the device cover member 206 in the Y-axis direction, the device receiver module 45 and the device transmitter module 44 are positioned spaced apart while being kept apart from each other by the device radio wave absorbing member 207. The device receiver module 45 and the device transmitter module 44 are covered by the substantially flat device cover member 206. The device receiver module 45 and the device transmitter module 44 are expected to have an antistatic effect. The device receiver module 45 and the device transmitter module 44 are connected to the device cover member 206 by a flexible printed board 208. Figure 2 The external device controller 33 in.

[0099] In the substantially rectangular flat terminal member 202 , a pair of locking recesses 209 into which the pair of locking pins 109 can be inserted are formed on both sides in the X-axis direction of the substantially flat device cover member 206 .

[0100] The metal shoe plate 201 made of a metal plate formed into a flat tubular shape includes a pair of engaging portions 221 and a connecting portion 222 connecting the pair of engaging portions 221 together. The terminal member 202 is inserted into the flat tubular metal shoe plate 201. The pair of engaging portions 221 are located on the left and right sides of the approximately flat device cover member 206 in the X-axis direction and extend along the Z-axis direction. In other words, the pair of engaging portions 221 are positioned in a manner of clamping the external engaging unit 52 of the external recording device 2 from the left and right sides. The connecting portion 222 overlaps with the device flat connector 204 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, a engaging recess 223 is formed between the pair of engaging portions 221 and the connecting portion 222. The pair of engaging portions 221 and the connecting portion 222 form a roughly rectangular U-shape around the three sides of the engaging recess 223. The approximately flat device cover member 206 itself is exposed from the engaging recess 223. The device flat connector 204 is hidden by the connecting portion 222.

[0101] In the device engagement unit 12 constructed as described above, a pair of engagement portions 221 and a connecting portion 222 (metal shoe plate 201) can engage with the external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 slidably mounted in the device engagement unit 12 while surrounding the external engagement unit 52 in three directions except for the sliding direction in which the external engagement unit 52 slides. The external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 can slide (or be slidably mounted) into the flat tubular metal shoe plate 201 through the sliding opening 210 formed on the side of the flat tubular metal shoe plate 201, where the engagement recess 223 is formed (or on the side where the pair of engagement portions 221 are not connected by the connecting portion 222).

[0102] The shoe spring 203 has a structure in which a base material 231 is bent at its left and right sides to form a spring portion 232. As the spring portion 232 is compressed toward the base material 231, the shoe spring 203 is inserted between the metal shoe plate 201 and the terminal member 202 inserted into the metal shoe plate 201. The external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 that slides between the metal shoe plate 201 and the terminal member 202 can be pressed against the metal shoe plate 201 by the shoe spring 203.

[0103] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C It is used to explain Figure 3 The external recording device 2 in the Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Figure 1 on the digital camera 1. Fig.11A 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an inserted state in which the external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 has been slidably inserted into the metal shoe plate 201 of the device engagement unit 12 in the digital camera 1 . Fig.11A It is a cross-sectional view taken along the Z-axis direction which is the sliding insertion direction. Fig. 11B The locking lever 102 is shown in FIG. Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of a fixed state in which the device is rotated in one direction in an inserted state. Fig. 11B is with Fig.11A Likewise, a cross-sectional view taken along the Z-axis direction which is the sliding insertion direction. Fig. 11C It shows how to Fig. 11B A cross-sectional view showing a pair of locking pins 109 and a pair of locking recesses 209 fitted together in a fixed state in FIG. Fig. 11C It is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-axis direction.

[0104] In the external recording device 2, its external coupling unit 52 is slidably inserted into the metal shoe plate 201 of the device coupling unit 12 in the digital camera 1 (specifically, inserted between the pair of coupling parts 221 toward the connection part 222) through the sliding opening 210 formed on one side of the metal shoe plate 201 (the pair of coupling parts 221 are not connected by the connection part 222 on this side). The external coupling unit 52 of the external recording device 2, which is clamped between the pair of coupling parts 221 of the flat tubular metal shoe plate 201, is slidably inserted into the metal shoe plate 201 along the Z-axis direction while pressing the shoe spring 203 along the Y-axis direction. Fig.11A As shown, the abutting surface 105 of the abutting rib 205 positions the external engaging unit 52 of the external recording device 2 in the Z-axis direction. In this state, the external engaging portion 52 of the external recording device 2 is surrounded by a pair of engaging portions 221 and a connecting portion 222 of the metal shoe plate 201 in three directions except the sliding direction, and is engaged with the metal shoe plate 201. The external flat connector 104 of the external recording device 2 is in contact with the device flat connector 204 of the digital camera 1 and is electrically connected.

[0105] When the lock lever 102 of the external recording device 2 is rotated in one direction, the pair of lock pins 109 and the slide pin 108 move downward along the Y-axis direction. Fig. 11C As shown, a pair of locking pins 109 protrude from the lower surface of the housing 101 and are inserted into a pair of locking recesses 209 in the device engaging unit 12 of the digital camera 1. As a result, even when the external recording device 2 is operated to slide toward the slide opening 210 in the Z-axis direction, the external recording device 2 will not be disengaged from the device engaging unit 12 of the digital camera 1.

[0106] In addition, when the lock lever 102 of the external recording device 2 is rotated in one direction, the slide pin 108 pushes the pin connection member 107 and the external cover member 110 downward in the Y-axis direction in response to the rotation operation. The external recording device 2 moves up and down in the direction in which it contacts and separates from the device cover member 206, descends from the retreat position away from the digital camera 1, and as shown in FIG. Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C As shown, it is in close contact with the equipment cover member 206. The external receiver module 58 above the external cover member 110 moves downward to approach the equipment transmitter module 44 below the equipment cover member 206. The external transmitter module 57 above the external cover member 110 moves downward to approach the equipment receiver module 45 below the equipment cover member 206.

[0107] By being close to each other, the external receiver module 58 and the device transmitter module 44 facing each other can form a wireless communication path for which wireless communication using high-frequency waves is possible. By being close to each other, the external transmitter module 57 and the device receiver module 45 facing each other can form a wireless communication path for which wireless communication using high-frequency waves is possible. Using these wireless communication paths that can perform wireless communication using high-frequency waves, the camera MPU 31 of the digital camera 1 and the external recording MPU 51 of the external recording device 2 can send and receive a large amount of data at high speed. The camera MPU 31 of the digital camera 1 and the external recording MPU 51 of the external recording device 2 can also send and receive data using a wired communication path formed by the device flat connector 204 of the digital camera 1 and the external flat connector 104 of the external recording device 2.

[0108] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is used to explain Figure 3 The external recording device 2 in the Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 1 and a state in which the digital camera 1 is in a state in which they are ready for communication. Fig. 12A This is a diagram of the digital camera 1 to which the external recording device 2 is attached, when viewed from above along the Y-axis direction. Fig. 12B is Fig. 12A XIIB-XIIB is a cross-sectional view of the area where the external recording device 2 and the digital camera 1 have been joined together in the mounted state in FIG.

[0109] like Fig. 12B As shown, the device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 of the digital camera 1 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The device transmitter module 44 is arranged closer to the slide opening 210 than the device receiver module 45. The external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 of the external recording device 2 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The external receiver module 58 is arranged closer to the slide opening 210 than the external transmitter module 57.

[0110] In a state where the external recording device 2 has been slidably mounted on the digital camera 1, as shown by Fig. 12B As shown by arrow B in FIG. 1 , the device transmitter module 44 of the digital camera 1 outputs radio waves. The radio waves output from the device transmitter module 44 are received by the external receiver module 58 of the external recording apparatus 2 close to and facing the device transmitter module 44.

[0111] As Fig. 12BAs shown by arrow C in FIG. 1 , the external transmitter module 57 of the external recording device 2 outputs radio waves. The radio waves output from the external transmitter module 57 are received by the device receiver module 45 of the digital camera 1 close to and facing the external transmitter module 57.

[0112] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is used to explain the Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Graph of radiation characteristics of wireless communication modules of multiple devices within the bonding area of ​​the digital camera 1.

[0113] like Fig.13A As shown, the device transmitter module 44 closest to the slide opening 210 in the digital camera 1 has an antenna 251 for wireless communication (contactless communication) extending in the X-axis direction. In this case, the radio waves output from the device transmitter module 44 have the following radiation characteristics: Fig. 13B As shown, this radiation characteristic is output with a higher intensity in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. It should be noted here that the direction of the radiation characteristic of the wireless communication unit is the direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna provided by each wireless communication unit. Fig. 13B The direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna 251 is indicated by using a double-headed arrow. The device transmitter module 44 serves as a first device wireless communication module, which is located closest to the slide opening 210 and has a radiation characteristic directed toward the slide opening 210 .

[0114] like Fig.13A As shown, the device receiver module 45 in the digital camera 1, which is farther from the slide opening 210 than the device transmitter module 44, has an antenna 252 extending in the Z-axis direction. The radio waves output from the device receiver module 45 have a radiation characteristic that is output with a higher intensity in the X-axis direction than in the Z-axis direction. The intensity at which the radio waves are received is the same as the radiation characteristic. Fig. 13B The direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna 252 is indicated by using a double-headed arrow. The device receiver module 45 serves as a second device wireless communication module, which is located next to the first device wireless communication module near the slide opening 210 and has a radiation characteristic that is perpendicular to the radiation characteristic of the first device wireless communication module.

[0115] Thus, the device wireless communication modules are arranged in the device joint unit 12 so that the directions of their radiation characteristics are different from each other by 90 degrees, and the radiation characteristics of all the device wireless communication parts are not parallel to each other. The device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 are positioned spaced apart from each other in the sliding direction in which the external joint unit 52 slides, and are arranged in order from the sliding opening 210 side.

[0116] Fig.14 is used to explain the Figure 3 Graph of radiation characteristics of multiple external wireless communication modules within the bonding area of ​​the external recording device 2.

[0117] The external receiver module 58 closest to the sliding opening 210 in the digital camera 1 has an antenna 253 extending in the X-axis direction. Fig.14 As shown, the radio waves output from the external receiver module 58 have a radiation characteristic that is output with a higher intensity in the Z-axis direction than in the X-axis direction. The radio waves are received with the same intensity as the radiation characteristic. Fig.14 The direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna 253 is indicated by using a double-headed arrow. The external receiver module 58 serves as a first external wireless communication module, which is located closest to the slide opening 210 and has a radiation characteristic pointing in a direction opposite to the direction in which the external engagement unit 52 slides into the slide opening 210 (or is slidably mounted on the external recording device 2).

[0118] The external transmitter module 57, which is farther from the slide opening 210 in the digital camera 1 than the external receiver module 58, has an antenna 254 extending in the Z-axis direction. Fig.14 As shown, the radio waves output from the external transmitter module 57 have a radiation characteristic in which they are output with a higher intensity in the X-axis direction than in the Z-axis direction. Fig.14 The direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna 254 is indicated by using a double-headed arrow. The external transmitter module 57 serves as a second external wireless communication module, which is located next to the external receiver module 58 near the slide opening 210 and has a radiation characteristic directed perpendicularly to the radiation characteristic of the first device wireless communication module.

[0119] Thus, the external wireless communication modules are arranged in the external joint unit 52 so that the directions of their radiation characteristics are different from each other by 90 degrees, and the radiation characteristics of all the external wireless communication modules are not parallel to each other. The external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 are arranged in sequence from the sliding opening 210 side and are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the external joint unit 52 slides.

[0120] It should be noted that the external transmitter module 57, the external receiver module 58, the device transmitter module 44, and the device receiver module 45 may each have a component other than the antennas 251 to 254, such as a wireless communication circuit. The function of the wireless communication circuit may be implemented integrally in the external device controller 33 or the external recording MPU 51.

[0121] Each of the above-mentioned multiple wireless communication modules may have an antenna for wirelessly communicating with other antennas through an electromagnetic field such as electromagnetic induction and magnetic resonance, instead of an antenna having a dipole characteristic.

[0122] As from Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As is apparent from the comparison, the distance between the device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 facing each other is shorter than the distance between these wireless communication modules and the metal shoe plate 201.

[0123] The distance between the device receiver module 45 and the external transmitter module 57 facing each other is shorter than the distance between these wireless communication modules and the metal shoe plate 201. The antenna of the wireless communication module has a predetermined radiation characteristic, and the direction in which the radio wave is strongly emitted depends on the radiation characteristic. In wireless communication, when there is a metal member in the direction of the radiation characteristic, the radio wave hits the metal member and is reflected by the metal member. The reflected radio wave has various effects on the characteristics of the antenna.

[0124] like Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 As shown, the metal shoe plate 201 surrounds the antennas 251 to 254 of all wireless communication modules in the XZ plane. The metal shoe plate 201 surrounds all wireless communication modules in three directions.

[0125] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the group of multiple wireless communication modules, i.e., a pair of device transmitter modules 44 and external receiver modules 58 closest to the sliding opening 210, has a radiation characteristic pointing in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the radio waves transmitted and received by the pair of wireless communication modules closest to the sliding opening 210 are likely to be output from the sliding opening 210 to the outside of the bonding area. In addition, the distance from the connection portion 222 of the metal shoe plate 201 in the Z direction is long. Even if the radio waves are reflected by the connection portion 222 of the metal shoe plate 201, the intensity of the radio waves moving back and forth over a long distance is weakened. The influence of the radio waves reflected by the connection portion 222 of the metal shoe plate 201 can be minimized. The pair of wireless communication modules closest to the sliding opening 210 is unlikely to be affected by the metal shoe plate 201 surrounding them. Self-interference is unlikely to occur.

[0126] The group of multiple wireless communication modules, i.e., a pair of the device receiver module 45 and the external transmitter module 57 that are second closest to the slide opening 210, has an X-direction radiation characteristic perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. Therefore, they are less likely to be affected by radio waves transmitted and received by the multiple wireless communication modules closest to the slide opening 210. Mutual interference is less likely to occur.

[0127] On the other hand, if the radiation characteristics of the device receiver module 45 and the external transmitter module 57 are in the Z-axis direction (which is parallel to the radiation characteristics of the device transmitter module 44 and the external receiver module 58), their radio waves will interfere with each other while remaining strong.

[0128] As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of device wireless communication modules are densely arranged in the device interface unit 12 , and can communicate with a plurality of external wireless communication modules in the external interface unit 52 of the external recording device 2 .

[0129] The digital camera 1 is capable of realizing high-speed data communication with the external recording device 2 via short-range wireless communication using a plurality of wireless communication paths formed by a plurality of device wireless communication modules. In addition, the device wireless communication module of the digital camera 1 and the external communication module of the external recording device 2 are housed in the joining area of ​​the digital camera 1 and the external recording device 2. For this reason, the distance from the device wireless communication module to the external communication module can be shortened compared to the case where they are arranged outside the joining area. Even if the frequency of radio waves is increased in order to transmit and receive a large amount of data at high speed, the device wireless communication module and the external communication module can realize power-saving and efficient wireless communication by preventing an increase in output in wireless communication.

[0130] Furthermore, the plurality of device wireless communication modules densely located in the device interfacing unit 12 are configured so that all of their radiation characteristics are not parallel to each other.

[0131] As a result, in the present embodiment, radio waves transmitted and received by, for example, one device wireless communication module are less likely to be received by another device wireless communication module close to the one device wireless communication module.

[0132] Unlike the present embodiment, for example, there is a possibility that a plurality of device wireless communication modules densely located in the device junction unit 12 are arranged so that all of their radiation characteristics are parallel to each other. In this case, a radio wave transmitted and received by, for example, one device wireless communication module is likely to be received by another device wireless communication module close to the one device wireless communication module. Mutual interference is likely to occur between a plurality of device wireless communication modules densely arranged in a limited area, i.e., the device junction unit 12. In the present embodiment, such a situation can be prevented from occurring.

[0133] As described above, in this embodiment, the external recording device 2 can be mounted on the digital camera 1 to transmit and receive a large amount of data at high speed.

[0134] In addition, a portion of radio waves transmitted and received by the device wireless communication module to and from the external communication module may be reflected by or propagate through the metal shoe plate 201 disposed around them.

[0135] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the wireless communication module is positioned so that the distance between the device wireless communication module and the external communication module is shorter than the distance between the device wireless communication module (or the external wireless communication module) and the metal shoe plate 201.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the reception intensity of radio waves propagating directly between the wireless communication modules facing each other can be relatively higher than the reception intensity of radio waves propagating through the metal shoe plate 201 .

[0137] In the present embodiment, the influence of radio waves reflected by and propagating through the metal shoe plate 201 can be mitigated to prevent a decrease in the communication speed of wireless communication between the wireless communication modules facing each other.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the device engaging unit 12, the first device wireless communication module, and the second device wireless communication module are projected onto a plane facing the external recording device 2, in the plane, the distance from the first device wireless communication module to the device engaging unit 12 in the direction of the radiation characteristic is longer than the distance from the second device wireless communication module to the device engaging unit 12 in the direction of the radiation characteristic. For radio waves transmitted to and received from the external communication module by the first device wireless communication module, it is expected that the radio waves are not reflected by the metal shoe plate 201 on the side of the slide opening 210 but are radiated outward as they are, and because the distance from the first device wireless communication module to the metal shoe plate 201 is long, the reflected waves on the opposite side to the side where the slide opening 210 is located are significantly attenuated.

[0139] It is possible to reduce the influence of radio waves sent and received by the first device wireless communication module on the wireless communication between the second device wireless communication module located on the back side opposite to the side where the sliding opening 210 is located and the external wireless communication module of the external joint unit 52 facing the second device wireless communication module.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of external wireless communication modules of the external recording device 2 are located in the external coupling unit 52 in such a manner as to be able to move up and down in the direction in which the external coupling unit 52 of the external recording device 2 contacts and separates from the digital camera 1 to which the external coupling unit 52 is slidably mounted. Therefore, when the external coupling unit 52 of the external recording device 2 is slidably mounted in the device coupling unit 12, the device coupling unit 12 does not strongly abut against the plurality of external wireless communication modules located in the external coupling unit 52.

[0141] Unlike the present embodiment, there is a possibility that, for example, a plurality of external wireless communication modules located in the external engaging unit 52 will be fixedly arranged at positions close to a plurality of device wireless communication modules located in the device engaging unit 12. In this case, when the external engaging unit 52 of the external recording device 2 is slidably mounted in the external engaging unit 52, the device engaging unit 12 may strongly abut against and hook the plurality of external wireless communication modules provided in the external engaging unit 52. The external wireless communication modules may be damaged by the strong force.

[0142] Other Implementations

[0143] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0144] Although in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the external recording device 2 is mounted on the digital camera 1 (imaging apparatus), the digital camera 1 can be other electronic equipment, and the external recording device 2 can be other external equipment configured to be mounted on the electronic equipment.

[0145] In the above-described embodiment, the device transmitter module 44 and the external receiver module 58 are arranged at positions closest to the slide opening 210 .

[0146] Alternatively, for example, the device receiver module 45 and the external transmitter module 57 may be arranged at a position closest to the slide opening 210. In this case, the device transmitter module 44 and the external receiver module 58 are arranged at a position second closest to the slide opening 210. In this case, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can also be obtained.

[0147] There may be three or more pairs of such wireless communication modules.

[0148] In the above-described embodiment, when the external engagement unit 52 is to be slidably mounted on the digital camera 1, the external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 of the external recording device 2 are located at the retreat position away from the digital camera 1, and when the external engagement unit 52 has been slidably mounted on the digital camera 1, the external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 of the external recording device 2 move downward from the retreat position to approach the digital camera 1 in response to an operation such as rotation of the lock lever 102 as an operation member provided in the external recording device 2. In this case, the operation member may be provided in the digital camera 1 instead of the external recording device 2.

[0149] In addition, in response to the operation of slidably mounting the external engagement unit 52 of the external recording device 2 to the digital camera 1 , the external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 may move downward from the retreat position away from the digital camera 1 to approach the digital camera 1 .

[0150] In addition, in response to the operation of restricting the position where the external joint unit 52 of the external recording device 2 is mounted to the digital camera 1, the external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 can move downward from the retreat position away from the digital camera 1 to approach the digital camera 1.

[0151] In addition, in response to any of the above operations, not the external transmitter module 57 and the external receiver module 58 of the external recording device 2, but the device transmitter module 44 and the device receiver module 45 of the digital camera 1 can be moved upward from the retreat position away from the external recording device 2 to approach the external recording device 2.

[0152] In this case, the operating member may be provided in, for example, the digital camera 1 instead of the external recording device 2 .

[0153] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-022569, filed on February 16, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of communicating with an external device mounted thereon, the electronic device include: an equipment engagement unit, the external engagement unit of the external device being configured to be mounted in the equipment engagement unit; and a plurality of device wireless communication units located in the device engaging unit so as to face the plurality of external wireless communication units located in the external engaging unit installed in the device engaging unit, respectively; The invention is characterized in that the plurality of device wireless communication parts are arranged in the device joint unit so that the radiation characteristics of all the plurality of device wireless communication parts are not parallel. The device engaging unit includes a metal shoe plate capable of engaging with the external engaging unit slidably installed in the device engaging unit while surrounding the external engaging unit in three directions except a sliding direction in which the external engaging unit slides, and In a state where the external engagement unit has been slidably mounted in the device engagement unit, a distance between the device wireless communication portion and the external wireless communication portion is shorter than a distance between the device wireless communication portion and the metal shoe plate.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The metal shoe plate includes a pair of engaging portions and a connecting portion, the pair of engaging portions being located so as to sandwich the external engaging unit of the external device from both left and right sides, and the connecting portion connecting the pair of engaging portions together. The pair of engagement parts and the connecting part can be engaged with the external engagement unit of the external device while surrounding the external engagement unit in three directions except the sliding direction, so that the external engagement unit can be slidably installed between the pair of engagement parts toward the connecting part through a sliding opening formed on one side of the metal boot plate, on which side the pair of engagement parts are not connected by the connecting part, The plurality of device wireless communication parts include a first device wireless communication part and a second device wireless communication part, the first device wireless communication part and the second device wireless communication part are spaced apart from each other in the sliding direction of the external engagement unit and are arranged in the metal shoe plate in order from the side where the sliding opening is located, The first device wireless communication portion closest to the sliding opening has a radiation characteristic toward the sliding opening, and The second device wireless communication portion, which is second closest to the slide opening after the first device wireless communication portion, has a radiation characteristic that is perpendicular to the radiation characteristic of the first device wireless communication portion.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The electronic device further includes a cover member configured to be in sliding contact with the external device when the external engagement unit of the external device is slidably mounted in the device engagement unit, The plurality of device wireless communication sections are covered by the cover member.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The direction of the radiation characteristic of the device wireless communication unit is a direction of maximum radiation in the directivity of the antenna provided by each of the device wireless communication units.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The electronic device is a camera device.

6. An external device capable of communicating with an electronic device when installed in the electronic device, the external device include: an external engagement unit configured to be slidably mounted in a device engagement unit of the electronic device; and a plurality of external wireless communication units located in the external connection unit so as to face the plurality of device wireless communication units located in the device connection unit of the electronic device, respectively; The invention is characterized in that the plurality of external wireless communication parts are arranged in the external joint unit so that the radiation characteristics of all the plurality of external wireless communication parts are not parallel. The external engagement unit is capable of engaging with the metal shoe plate of the device engagement unit while being surrounded by the metal shoe plate in three directions except for a sliding direction of the external device slidably mounted on the electronic device, and The distance between the external wireless communication part and the device wireless communication part facing each other when the external coupling unit has been slidably installed in the device coupling unit is shorter than the distance between the external wireless communication part and the metal shoe plate of the electronic device when the external coupling unit of the external device has been slidably installed in the device coupling unit.

7. The external device according to claim 6, in, The plurality of external wireless communication parts located in the external engagement unit are movable up and down in a direction in which the plurality of external wireless communication parts come into contact with and separate from the electronic device on which the external engagement unit is slidably mounted.

8. The external device according to claim 7, in, The plurality of external wireless communication units capable of moving up and down are configured such that: When the external engagement unit is to be slidably mounted on the electronic device, the external engagement unit is located at a retracted position away from the electronic device, and In a state where the external engagement unit has been slidably mounted on the electronic device, it is moved downward to approach the electronic device.

9. The external device according to claim 7, in, The plurality of external wireless communication units capable of moving up and down are configured to move downward from a retreat position away from the electronic device to approach the electronic device in response to the following operation: an operation of slidably mounting the external engagement unit of the external device on the electronic device, restricting the operation of the position where the external engagement unit is mounted on the electronic device, or Operation of an operating member provided in the external device or the electronic device.

10. The external device according to claim 6, in, The plurality of external wireless communication parts include a first external wireless communication part and a second external wireless communication part, the first external wireless communication part and the second external wireless communication part are spaced apart from each other in a sliding direction of the external engagement unit slidably mounted in the device engagement unit and are arranged in sequence from a side where a sliding opening of a metal shoe plate of the electronic device is located, The first external wireless communication part closest to the sliding opening has a radiation characteristic toward the sliding opening, and The second external wireless communication unit, which is second closest to the slide opening after the first external wireless communication unit, has a radiation characteristic that is perpendicular to the radiation characteristic of the first external wireless communication unit.

11. The external device according to claim 6, in, The external device includes a storage device configured to store data for the electronic device.

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