Image pickup apparatus

Abstract

An image pickup apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an air circulation conduit not communicating with an interior of a housing and disposed between a lens interface portion and an image sensor in an optical axis direction, and a metal plate located on an opposing surface of the image sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a heat dissipation structure for an imaging device. Background Art

[0002] Recent advances in semiconductor technology have led to significant improvements in the performance of imaging devices. Improvements in processor and imaging sensor performance have enabled more pixels to be read out at higher speeds.

[0003] In this case, one of the issues to be solved is the heat generated from semiconductor elements. One of the important technical issues is to dissipate and release heat more efficiently to achieve high performance, thereby preventing malfunctions due to heat and ensuring the safety of everyone who touches the electronic device while delivering high performance.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-098924 discusses an imaging device having a structure in which a heat release air duct that is not connected to the interior of the imaging device is provided between an image sensor and a circuit board serving as a heat generating element, and a portion located on the image sensor side is formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a portion located on the circuit board side.

[0005] According to this structure, improvement in heat dissipation efficiency can be achieved while preventing adverse effects of heat being transferred to the housing gripped by a user and adverse effects of heat generated from the circuit with respect to the image sensor.

[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-219458 discusses an imaging apparatus having a structure in which a first housing unit including an opening formed on a rear surface thereof is thermally connected to an electronic device while the opening is covered.

[0007] The imaging apparatus further includes a second housing unit including a heat dissipation portion opposed to the electronic device, the heat dissipation portion not communicating with the interior of the imaging apparatus and enabling inflow of external air. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a lens mount portion to which an interchangeable imaging lens can be mounted, a housing including an opening serving as an optical path during imaging, a metal plate formed on an imaging plane side relative to the housing, and an air circulation duct formed by the housing and the metal plate and including air intake and exhaust ports, the air circulation duct not communicating with the interior of the housing, wherein the air circulation duct is provided between the lens mount portion and the image sensor in the direction of the optical axis, and the metal plate is located on a surface facing the image sensor.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figures 1A to 1C are external perspective views each showing an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 Details of the air circulation duct of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment are shown.

[0014] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 Details of the air circulation duct of the image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment are shown.

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image pickup apparatus according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The conventional structures discussed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2008-098924 and 2019-219458 are both provided with the heat release air duct in such a manner that the heat release air duct is superimposed on the circuit board, which results in an increase in the thickness of the imaging apparatus.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-described structure, the housing is divided into a plurality of parts, which may result in deterioration of assembling workability and complication of internal wiring.

[0019] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an interchangeable-lens image pickup apparatus capable of effectively releasing heat from an image sensor while preventing an increase in size of the image pickup apparatus in the optical axis direction.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0021] The embodiments to be described below are examples for understanding how to implement the present invention. The embodiments described below can be appropriately changed or altered within the scope of the present invention according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0022] One or more features or elements in the embodiments to be described below may be combined where appropriate. That is, each embodiment and configuration described throughout may be implemented individually or as a combination of multiple embodiments or one or more features, where necessary or where it is beneficial to combine elements or one or more features from various embodiments in a single embodiment.

[0023] First, refer to Figures 1A to 1C A basic configuration of an image pickup apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1A 1 is an external perspective view of the imaging apparatus 100 as viewed from the front surface thereof. Figure 1B 1 is an external perspective view of the imaging apparatus 100 as viewed from the rear surface thereof. Figure 1C 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the interchangeable lens 90 is attached to the image pickup apparatus 100 .

[0024] (Basic Configuration of Image Capturing Apparatus 100)

[0025] It is assumed that the imaging apparatus 100 is an interchangeable lens camera for video streaming and is used in a state where the imaging apparatus 100 is fixed to a tripod or a stand. However, the imaging apparatus may be any other imaging apparatus with or without an interchangeable lens that can be used for imaging, video shooting, video streaming, etc., that is, an imaging apparatus with a built-in lens or a non-interchangeable lens.

[0026] The imaging apparatus 100 does not include a recording medium. The imaging apparatus 100 transmits imaging data to a personal computer (PC), and the PC performs streaming and recording processing. The imaging apparatus 100 does not include a battery and is therefore driven by power fed through a connected cord.

[0027] The imaging apparatus 100 includes an image sensor 50 and a lens mount 10 for mounting an interchangeable lens 90 , and a lens communication terminal 12 for communicating with the interchangeable lens 90 is provided in the lens mount 10 .

[0028] Image sensor 50 includes a mounting plate on which the image sensor is mounted. In other words, image sensor 50 can be considered to include the mounting plate and a sensor for imaging, i.e., the image sensor, mounted on the mounting plate. Optical filters and the like are formed on the subject side of the imaging plane of the image sensor mounted on the mounting plate.

[0029] The optical axis is parallel to the Z-axis direction, and light transmitted through the interchangeable lens 90 forms an image on the image sensor 50 , ie, the image sensor mounted to the mount plate, thereby making it possible to capture images and moving images.

[0030] The imaging device 100 includes a front exterior 20 and a rear exterior 40 as exterior components. The front exterior and the rear exterior may be housing components. A lens unlocking button 11 is provided on a side surface of the imaging device 100.

[0031] When the lens unlocking button 11 is allowed to slide toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction, the lens mount 10 is unlocked, allowing the installation or removal of the interchangeable lens 90. Other embodiments may use other devices or the same device moving in different directions to release the interchangeable lens.

[0032] Each of the first tripod mount 23 and the second tripod mount 24 is provided on a surface different from the surface on which the lens unlocking button 11 is provided. Other embodiments may provide one or more tripod mounts, and the positions of the one or more tripod mounts may be different from those described in the first embodiment.

[0033] A universal tripod or camera fixing accessory can be mounted on the first tripod interface 23 and the second tripod interface 24 by screw connection.

[0034] If the first tripod mount 23 is fixed at a position corresponding to the lower surface of the camera apparatus 100, the camera apparatus 100 can capture video images in which the long side of the image sensor 50 is horizontal, thereby enabling the capture of video images suitable for viewing on a landscape-oriented screen of a display of a PC, etc.

[0035] If the second tripod mount 24 is fixed at a position corresponding to the lower surface of the camera apparatus 100, the camera apparatus 100 can capture video images in which the long side of the image sensor 50 is vertical, thereby enabling the capture of video images suitable for viewing on a portrait-oriented screen of a smartphone, etc.

[0036] Providing the first tripod mount 23 and the second tripod mount 24 on both surfaces enables the imaging apparatus 100 to cover various fixing methods and imaging directions.

[0037] The rear surface of the image pickup apparatus 100 is provided with a communication terminal unit 41 for establishing communication and feeding power.

[0038] The communication terminal unit 41 includes a universal serial bus (USB) terminal 42 and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal 43. The communication terminal unit 41 connects the imaging apparatus 100 to a switcher, a recording device, or the like of a PC or a camera using various cables, thereby enabling the imaging apparatus 100 to be used as a web camera or a camera for video streaming.

[0039] The USB terminal 42 also functions as a power feeding terminal, and is connected to an alternating current (AC) adapter or a mobile battery to supply power for driving the imaging apparatus 100 .

[0040] Depending on the specifications of the connection destination, only one cable may be used to establish communication and feed power. The USB terminal 42 and the HDMI terminal 43 are merely examples of implementation. For example, any other communication terminal such as a serial digital interface (SDI) may be used.

[0041] The image pickup apparatus 100 is not provided with a power switch, and starts outputting video images when power feeding starts.

[0042] A first air intake and exhaust port 21 and a second air intake and exhaust port 22 are provided on the two corresponding surfaces where the first tripod mount 23 and the second tripod mount 24 are not provided. The first air intake and exhaust port can be referred to as a first cooling port. The second air intake and exhaust port can be referred to as a second cooling port. Ports 21 and 22 are airflow ports or devices that allow air to be drawn in or out of the imaging device. Ports 21 and 22 can also be considered heat release ports or devices.

[0043] The first intake and exhaust port 21 and the second intake and exhaust port 22 are intake and exhaust ports mainly for releasing heat generated from the image sensor 50. The first intake and exhaust port 21 and the second intake and exhaust port 22 will be described in detail below.

[0044] Even when the camera 100 is fixed to a tripod (not shown), providing the first air intake and exhaust port 21 and the second air intake and exhaust port 22 on two surfaces different from the surface on which the tripod interface is provided reduces the risk of the air intake and exhaust ports being closed. Preferably, the ports may be arranged on a surface opposite to the surface on which the interface device is arranged.

[0045] The following structure helps release the upward airflow caused by the generated heat: even when one of the first tripod interface 23 and the second tripod interface 24 is fixed at a position corresponding to the lower surface, one of the first air intake and exhaust port 21 and the second air intake and exhaust port 22 is also located at a position corresponding to the upper surface.

[0046] (block diagram)

[0047] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The electrical configuration and operation of the image pickup apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 A block diagram of the image pickup apparatus 100 is shown, and a main electrical configuration of the image pickup apparatus 100 is also shown as a schematic diagram.

[0048] The optical lens unit 91 is incorporated into the interchangeable lens 90. Figure 2 Although schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the optical lens unit 91 is actually a lens unit including a plurality of lenses.

[0049] An auto focus (AF) drive circuit 93 advances or retracts some lenses in the optical lens unit 91 , thereby performing focus adjustment.

[0050] An electromagnetic diaphragm 92 for adjusting the amount of light is located on the optical axis 1000 of the optical lens unit 91 .

[0051] The opening diameter of the electromagnetic aperture 92 can be changed by the aperture drive circuit 94 based on a designated aperture value.

[0052] The interchangeable lens 90 and the imaging apparatus 100 are electrically connected via a lens communication terminal 12. Based on communication with the imaging apparatus 100, the lens control circuit 95 controls the AF drive circuit 93 and the iris drive circuit 94 to drive the interchangeable lens 90 according to desired settings.

[0053] The system control unit 71 performs main operational control operations for the imaging apparatus 100 .

[0054] The system control unit 71 is a small micro processing unit (MPU) mounted on the control board 70 , and components of the system control unit 71 are electrically connected.

[0055] The light beam transmitted through the interchangeable lens 90 forms an image on the image sensor 50 , and an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 52 extracts the output of the image sensor 50 as a digital signal.

[0056] After that, the image processing unit 53 performs processing such as filter processing and data compression processing on the digital signal, and transmits the digital signal to the system control unit 71 .

[0057] The memory control unit 72 can store the imaging result in the memory 73 according to the specifications of image processing or communication with an external device.

[0058] The image sensor 50 also functions as an automatic exposure (AE) sensor 54 and a focus detection unit 55 .

[0059] For example, the AE sensor 54 calculates exposure information based on the imaging result, and the system control unit 71 that has received the exposure information performs processing for adjusting the aperture value of the interchangeable lens 90, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sensitivity of the image sensor 50, the shutter speed, etc., so as to obtain the desired exposure.

[0060] The focus detection unit 55 has a function for calculating the driving direction and movement amount of the focus lens based on the defocus state of the image formed on the image sensor 50 and feeding back the calculation result to the AF drive circuit 93 of the interchangeable lens 90, thereby enabling rapid focusing on the subject.

[0061] The communication control unit 75 is connected to the USB terminal 42 and the HDMI terminal 43 to perform communication processing with external devices.

[0062] Connection to a PC or tablet terminal makes it possible to output captured video images and perform video image recording and streaming.

[0063] Input from an external device enables image capture settings to be made for the image capture apparatus 100. The USB terminal 42 is also connected to the power supply control unit 74, and can also be used as a terminal for receiving power supplied from an AC adapter or the like output from the USB.

[0064] The image sensor 50 is provided with a temperature sensor 76 . The temperature sensor 76 transmits temperature information to the system control unit 71 , thereby monitoring heat generated from the image sensor 50 .

[0065] In order to avoid malfunctions due to high temperatures, the image recording process can be interrupted when a predetermined threshold is reached.

[0066] (Internal Configuration of Image Capturing Apparatus 100)

[0067] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The internal configuration of the image pickup apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the imaging apparatus 100 as viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0068] An inner case 30 is provided inside the front exterior 20 .

[0069] The internal housing 30 serves as a main frame, and is assembled with various components such as the image sensor 50 , exteriors including the front exterior 20 , and the like.

[0070] The internal housing 30 is also provided with a rectangular opening 30a to prevent the light beam from the interchangeable lens 90 from being blocked. Specifically, the opening 30a is positioned so as not to interfere with the camera's function, specifically, the reception of the light beam from the interchangeable lens by the image sensor. In other words, the opening is provided in the housing so that when the image sensor is mounted, it is not blocked by the housing. For example, when the image sensor is mounted, the image sensor is fully visible through the opening in a plan view.

[0071] The inner housing 30 is also provided with an air circulation duct 31 , which will be described in detail below. A heat transfer metal plate 60 is provided on a surface facing the air circulation duct 31 .

[0072] A rubber seal 61 is sandwiched between the heat transfer metal plate 60 and the air circulation duct 31 , so that the opening of the air circulation duct 31 is sealed by the heat transfer metal plate 60 in an airtight manner.

[0073] In other words, the air circulation duct 31 is separated from the internal space of the imaging apparatus 100 and does not communicate with the internal space of the imaging apparatus 100. This prevents dust and the like from entering and adhering to the image sensor 50 and the control board 70.

[0074] A metal material having high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum alloy or copper, may be used as the material for the heat transfer metal plate 60 .

[0075] The image sensor 50 is fixed to the holding plate 51 and is opposed to the heat transfer metal plate 60 .

[0076] The first elastic heat transfer member 62 and the second elastic heat transfer member 63 are sandwiched between the holding plate 51 and the heat transfer metal plate 60 , thereby making it possible to release heat generated from the image sensor 50 to the heat transfer metal plate 60 .

[0077] The first elastic heat transfer member 62 and the second elastic heat transfer member 63 are respectively located at upper and lower positions of the image sensor 50 in the Y-axis direction, thereby preventing the temperature of the image sensor 50 from being locally lowered and preventing the temperature distribution from being biased.

[0078] The control board 70 is located on the rear surface of the image sensor 50 and is electrically connected to the image sensor 50 and the lens communication terminal 12 via a flexible printed board and a connector.

[0079] Various communication terminals of the communication terminal unit 41 are mounted on the control board 70 .

[0080] The control board 70 performs overall control operations for driving the image pickup apparatus 100 , such as control operations for the image sensor 50 , control operations for communicating with the interchangeable lens 90 , and control operations for communicating with external devices.

[0081] The control board 70 is screwed to the inner housing 30 via the heat transfer metal plate 60, with the four corners of the control board 70 contacting the heat transfer metal plate 60, thereby allowing heat generated by the control board 70 to be released to the heat transfer metal plate 60. In other words, the control board is fixed to the inner housing by fixing means (preferably screws) that, in use, extend through the heat transfer metal plate 60. The four corners of the control board, or a plurality of discrete locations around the periphery, contact the heat transfer metal plate to allow heat generated by the control board to be transferred to the heat transfer metal plate.

[0082] (Air circulation duct 31)

[0083] Next, we will refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5A and Figure 5B The air circulation duct 31 of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0084] Figure 4 The inner housing 30 is shown viewed from the rear surface side in a state where the air circulation duct 31 is exposed by removing the heat transfer metal plate 60 , the image sensor 50 , the control board 70 , and the like. Figure 5A 2 is a front view of the imaging apparatus 100 . Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup apparatus 100 taken along line AA shown in FIG.

[0085] The first air intake and exhaust path 31 a is a tunnel-shaped flow path provided in the internal housing 30 , and leads to the first air intake and exhaust port 21 provided above the lens unlock button 11 on the side.

[0086] Similarly, the second intake and exhaust path 31b is a tunnel-shaped flow path provided in the inner housing 30 and leads to the second intake and exhaust port 22 provided on the upper surface. In other embodiments, the intake and exhaust ports may be arranged on any surface, with the air circulation duct extending between the two ports.

[0087] The path leading from one or each intake and exhaust port may branch into a plurality of paths like the second intake and exhaust path 31 b .

[0088] The air circulation duct 31 is positioned so as to surround the four sides of the opening 30a. For example, air flowing in from the first air intake and exhaust port 21 can pass through the path indicated by the arrow F1 and can be discharged through the second air intake and exhaust port 22. In other words, the air circulation duct 31 is arranged so as to substantially surround the four sides of the opening 30a, that is, the air circulation duct 31 extends substantially along each side of the opening.

[0089] Figure 4 The shaded area in the illustrated air circulation duct 31 is open to the rear surface side and is as described above with reference to Figure 3 As mentioned above, the opening is sealed in an airtight manner with a rubber seal 61 and a heat transfer metal plate 60 .

[0090] In other words, if Figure 5B As shown, a portion of the surface of the air circulation duct 31 is formed by a heat transfer metal plate 60 .

[0091] With the above configuration, heat generated in the camera is collected on the heat transfer metal plate 60 , and the heat transfer metal plate 60 is also exposed to the inner surface of the air circulation duct 31 , thereby making it possible to efficiently release the heat.

[0092] The air circulation duct 31 is located around the opening 30 a , and thus an effect of uniformly releasing heat generated from the image sensor 50 is obtained.

[0093] According to the related art, in an interchangeable lens camera such as the image pickup apparatus 100 , the optical path length from the lens mount 10 to the image sensor 50 is standardized in a unique manner so that various interchangeable lenses can be used.

[0094] Many cameras emphasizing still photography include a mechanical shutter mechanism installed in the space between the lens mount 10 and the image sensor 50 , and the optical path length is also set in consideration of this space.

[0095] However, such a mechanical shutter mechanism is generally not used in motion photography. Therefore, for a camera that mainly uses a motion photography function, as in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the necessity of a shutter mechanism is low.

[0096] On the other hand, during motion picture shooting, the image sensor 50 is always operated in a recording state. Therefore, in particular, heat generated from the image sensor 50 is a significant issue.

[0097] That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a structure that effectively releases heat generated from the image sensor 50 while preventing the image pickup apparatus 100 from increasing in size by utilizing a space for a shutter mechanism that is unnecessary for a moving image pickup apparatus.

[0098] Features of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings and reference numerals.

[0099] Now refer to Figure 4 (also Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) describes the first set of features.

[0100] The imaging apparatus 100 includes an image sensor 50 , a lens mount 10 to which an interchangeable imaging lens is mountable, a housing 30 including an opening 30 a serving as an optical path during imaging, and a metal plate 60 formed on the image plane side relative to the housing 30 .

[0101] The imaging apparatus 100 further includes an air circulation duct 31 , which is formed by the housing 30 and the metal plate 60 , includes air intake and exhaust ports, and does not communicate with the interior of the housing 30 .

[0102] The air circulation duct 31 is provided between the lens mount 10 and the image sensor 50 in the optical axis direction, and the metal plate 60 is located on the facing surface of the image sensor 50 .

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 4 The preferred second feature is described.

[0104] The metal plate 60 is thermally connected to the image sensor 50 .

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 4 The preferred third feature is described.

[0106] The housing 30 includes a tripod screw hole portion (a first tripod interface 23 and a second tripod interface 24) configured to fix the housing 30 to a tripod, and the first air intake and exhaust port 21 and the second air intake and exhaust port 22 of the air circulation duct 31 are provided on a surface where the tripod screw hole portion (the first tripod interface 23 and the second tripod interface 24) do not exist.

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 4 (also Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) describes a preferred fourth feature.

[0108] The opening 30a and the opening 130a both have a rectangular shape. The air circulation duct 31 is provided along the four sides of the opening 30a, and the air circulation duct 131 is provided along the four sides of the opening 130a.

[0109] The first embodiment described above shows an example in which, in the camera apparatus 100 for video streaming, the air circulation duct 31 is located around the opening 30 a in the internal housing 30 and leads from the first air intake and exhaust port 21 provided on the side to the second air intake and exhaust port 22 provided on the upper surface.

[0110] The second embodiment shows an example in which the intake and exhaust ports are arranged in different ways and the flow path is branched.

[0111] The basic configuration of the image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed descriptions with reference to the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0112] (Internal Housing 130 of Camera Apparatus 110)

[0113] Figure 6 The internal housing 130 of the image pickup apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment is shown as viewed from the rear surface thereof.

[0114] As in the first embodiment, the imaging device 110 has a generally square outer shape about the optical axis, and the four corners of the imaging device 110 have an arc shape. In other embodiments, one or more corners may have an arc or rounded shape.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, the camera apparatus 110 includes a first tripod mount 23 on the bottom surface and a second tripod mount 24 on the side surface. This configuration enables the camera apparatus 110 to cover a variety of fixed and shooting orientations. Similar to the first embodiment, the number and location of the tripod mounts may vary between different embodiments.

[0116] The internal housing 130 includes an opening 130a to prevent the light beam from the interchangeable lens 90 from being blocked (as in the first embodiment), and an air circulation duct 131 located around the opening 130a. Specifically, the opening 130a is positioned so as not to interfere with the camera's function, specifically, the reception of the light beam from the interchangeable lens by the image sensor. In other words, the opening is provided in the housing so that when the image sensor is installed, it is not obstructed by the housing. For example, when the image sensor is installed, the image sensor is fully visible through the opening in a plan view.

[0117] The air circulation duct 131 is provided with a first intake and exhaust path 131a and a second intake and exhaust path 131b. The first intake and exhaust path 131a has a tunnel shape leading to the first intake and exhaust port 121 provided on the front exterior 120, and the second intake and exhaust path 131b has a tunnel shape leading to the second intake and exhaust port 122. That is, the first intake and exhaust path 131a and the second intake and exhaust path 131b may be a hole or a plurality of holes having a cross-sectional shape along the hole or each hole.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the first air intake and exhaust port 121 is provided at a position near a corner of the imaging apparatus 110. That is, the port may be arranged near or on a corner of the imaging apparatus.

[0119] For example, if air flows in from the first intake and exhaust port 121 as indicated by arrow F2 , the air passes through the first intake and exhaust path 131 a and leads to the air circulation duct 131 located around the opening 130 a .

[0120] The air circulation duct 131 branches along each side at each corner of the rectangular opening 130a and merges again at the opposite corner. In other words, the air circulation duct can branch at two corners of the opening 130a. The air circulation ducts at the other two corners, i.e., the air circulation ducts at the corners that are not branches, can provide a corner in the circulation duct.

[0121] The air passes through the second air intake and exhaust path 131b and is then exhausted through the second air intake and exhaust port 122 provided at an opposite corner to the first air intake and exhaust port 121. That is, the second port may be arranged near or at a corner of the imaging device. Preferably, the second port is arranged near or at a corner of the imaging device different from the corner where the first port is arranged. More preferably, the second port is arranged at an opposite corner, and even more preferably, the second port is arranged at a diametrically opposite corner.

[0122] The air circulation duct 131 according to the second embodiment may be located around the opening 130 a , and the number of portions where the flow path is bent may be reduced compared to the configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0123] In other words, the configuration according to the second embodiment enables air to pass with lower resistance, and therefore it can be expected that heat can be released more efficiently by convection heat transfer.

[0124] Furthermore, forming the first air inlet and exhaust port 121 having an arcuate shape near the corner of the camera device 110 prevents the first air inlet and exhaust port 121 from being completely closed even when a tripod having a width greater than the bottom surface of the camera device 110 is mounted on the first tripod mount 23. In other words, the first and / or second ports can extend along the arcuate corner (i.e., the rounded corner) of the camera device, i.e., the ports can extend along the arcuate surface of the corner. The same advantages also apply to the second air inlet and exhaust port 122.

[0125] Similarly, when the tripod is fixed to the second tripod interface 24, the second air inlet and exhaust port 122 can be prevented from closing. The same advantage also applies to the first air inlet and exhaust port 121.

[0126] Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the first air intake and exhaust port 121 and the second air intake and exhaust port 122 are both located near the corners, so that the side surfaces S1 and S2 can be widely utilized. For example, the following advantageous effect can be achieved: the operating member and the display member can be easily arranged in the area other than the air intake and exhaust ports.

[0127] Features of the second embodiment will be briefly described below with reference to the drawings and reference numerals.

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 6 A preferred fifth feature is described.

[0129] The imaging apparatus 110 has a rectangular shape when viewed along the optical axis, and each corner of the imaging apparatus 110 has a rounded or arcuate shape. The first and second intake and exhaust ports 121 and 122 of the air circulation duct 131 are provided at the corners.

[0130] Next, refer to Figure 6 (also Figure 7 ) describes a preferred sixth feature.

[0131] The air circulation duct 131 branches into two directions at a corner portion of the opening 130a. That is, the branch portion of the air circulation duct 131 may be provided at each of the two corners.

[0132] The first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the present invention is applied to an imaging device for video streaming. In the third embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an imaging device of a typical type that captures images while the user is holding the imaging device will be described with reference to schematic diagrams.

[0133] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an image pickup apparatus 200 according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front surface thereof.

[0134] As in the first and second embodiments, the imaging apparatus 200 includes an image sensor 250 , a lens mount 210 for mounting an interchangeable lens (not shown), and a tripod mount 223 for mounting a tripod.

[0135] The imaging apparatus 200 further includes a shutter button 201 for a user to issue an imaging start instruction and a grip 202 for a user to grip the imaging apparatus 200 .

[0136] The air circulation duct 231 indicates an image of the air circulation duct shown in a superimposed manner on the imaging apparatus 200 .

[0137] In practice, as in the first and second embodiments, the air circulation duct 231 is provided between the lens mount 210 and the image sensor 250, and a portion of the surface of the air circulation duct 231 is formed of a metal plate (not shown) thermally connected to the image sensor 250. The air circulation duct 231 does not communicate with the interior of the imaging apparatus 200.

[0138] A first air intake and exhaust port 221 leading to an air circulation duct 231 is provided near a corner of the side surface on the side opposite to the grip portion 202 .

[0139] The first air intake and exhaust port 221 can be prevented from closing even when a tripod is used or the user is holding the imaging apparatus 200. In addition, the second air intake and exhaust port 222 is provided on the upper surface of the imaging apparatus 200 and is provided on the inner side of the shutter button 201, so as to prevent the second air intake and exhaust port 222 from closing and to prevent the exhausted air from blowing toward the operating member and the user's hand.

[0140] In the third embodiment, an air cooling fan attachment 300 is attached to the side of the camera apparatus 200. The air cooling fan attachment 300 includes an air cooling fan 310 and an air intake port 320, so that air can be actively directed into the first air intake and exhaust port 221 by power fed from the camera apparatus 200. A built-in fan or fan attachment may be an optional add-on to the first and / or second embodiments.

[0141] In particular, in an image capturing mode or the like in which a large amount of heat is generated from the image sensor 250 , the air circulation duct 231 may be used in combination with an external accessory such as an air cooling fan accessory 300 .

[0142] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be modified or altered in various ways within the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment and configuration described throughout this disclosure can be implemented individually or as a combination of multiple embodiments or one or more features, where necessary or where it is beneficial to combine elements or one or more features from various embodiments in a single embodiment.

[0143] Therefore, the configurations according to the embodiments included in the present invention are described below.

[0144] (Structure 1)

[0145] An image pickup apparatus 100 includes an image sensor 50, a lens mount 10 to which an interchangeable image pickup lens can be mounted, a housing 30 including an opening 30 a serving as an optical path during image pickup, a metal plate 60 formed on an imaging plane side relative to the housing 30, and an air circulation duct 31 formed by the housing 30 and the metal plate 60, the air circulation duct including intake and exhaust ports and not communicating with the interior of the housing 30, wherein the air circulation duct 31 is provided between the lens mount 10 and the image sensor 50 in the optical axis direction, and the metal plate 60 is located on a surface facing the image sensor 50.

[0146] (Structure 2)

[0147] According to the image pickup apparatus of Configuration 1 , the metal plate 60 is thermally connected to the image sensor 50 .

[0148] (Construction 3)

[0149] According to the image pickup apparatus of Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, the housing 30 includes the tripod screw hole portion 23 and the tripod screw hole portion 24, which are configured to fix the housing 30 to a tripod, and the air intake and exhaust ports 21 and the air intake and exhaust ports 22 of the air circulation duct 31 are provided on the surface on which the tripod screw hole portion 23 and the tripod screw hole portion 24 are not present.

[0150] (Structure 4)

[0151] The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the imaging apparatus 110 has a rectangular shape when viewed along the optical axis direction, each corner of the imaging apparatus 110 has a rounded shape or an arc shape, and the air intake and exhaust port 121 and the air intake and exhaust port 122 of the air circulation duct 131 are both provided at the corners.

[0152] (Structure 5)

[0153] According to the imaging apparatus of any one of Configurations 1 to 4, the opening 30a and the opening 130a each have a rectangular shape, the air circulation duct 31 is provided along four sides of the opening 30a, and the air circulation duct 131 is provided along four sides of the opening 130a.

[0154] (Structure 6)

[0155] The image pickup apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the air circulation duct 131 branches into two directions at a corner of the opening 130a.

[0156] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide an interchangeable-lens imaging apparatus capable of effectively releasing heat from an image sensor while preventing an increase in size in the optical axis direction.

[0157] While the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that the scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device comprising: Image sensor; a lens interface portion to which an interchangeable camera lens can be mounted; a housing including an opening serving as a light path during imaging; a metal plate formed on an imaging plane side relative to the housing; as well as an air circulation duct formed by the housing and the metal plate and including intake and exhaust ports, the air circulation duct not communicating with the interior of the housing, The air circulation duct is provided between the lens mount portion and the image sensor in the optical axis direction, and the metal plate is located on a facing surface of the image sensor. 2 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the metal plate is thermally connected to the image sensor.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the housing includes a tripod screw hole portion configured to fix the housing to a tripod, and the air intake and exhaust ports of the air circulation duct are provided on a surface of the housing where the tripod screw hole portion is not present.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus has a rectangular shape when viewed along the optical axis direction, and a corner of the imaging apparatus has one of a rounded shape and an arc shape and is provided with the intake and exhaust ports of the air circulation duct. 5 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the opening has a rectangular shape, and the air circulation duct is provided along four sides of the opening. 6 . The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the air circulation duct branches into two directions at a corner of the opening.

Images