Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can arrange a portion that can exhibit an anti-vibration function for an imaging unit while achieving size reduction, and quickly cool an image pickup device to pick up a high-quality image.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 1 comprises: a housing 21 that has a lens barrel 3 arranged on its front; an imaging unit 200 that is provided in an internal space of the housing 21, divides the internal space into a rearward first space SP1 and a forward second space SP2, and picks up an optical image; a main substrate 104 that is provided in the first space SP1; a duct 301 that is provided in the first space SP1, and has heat dissipation rubber 314 as a first heat exchange part that performs heat exchange with the main substrate 104 and a forcible air cooling channel 300 through which air cooling the main substrate 104 passes; and an imaging unit cooling duct 400 that is provided in the second space SP2, and has a filler 409 as a second heat exchange part that performs heat exchange with the imaging unit 200 and a forcible air cooling channel 418 through which air cooling the imaging unit 200 passes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices have been achieving higher image quality, such as higher resolution and frame rate for recorded images. Such imaging devices tend to increase signal processing load and power consumption during image recording, resulting in significant heat generation from electronic components such as the imaging unit and data recording unit. Since the performance of electronic components within imaging devices may deteriorate at high temperatures, these electronic components must be cooled. Some imaging devices have an anti-shake function that detects external vibrations and cancels them based on the detection results. This anti-shake function enables high-quality images to be recorded. The imaging device described in Non-Patent Document 1 has both the function of cooling the entire device and the anti-shake function. Furthermore, the imaging device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to forcibly air-cool the entire device and the imaging unit. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] ''Professional Camcorder'', [online], Sony Corporation, [March 23, 2022], Internet〈URL:https: / / www.sony.jp / pro-cam / products / ILME-FX3 / 〉 [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-186871 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the imaging device described in Non-Patent Document 1 needs to be equipped with both a function for cooling the entire device and a function for vibration reduction, which tends to increase the size of the device. The imaging device described in Patent Document 1 is not configured with a vibration reduction function, and if a cooling fan is provided, the device tends to increase in size accordingly.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an imaging device that is compact, has a function of providing a vibration isolation function for the imaging unit, and is capable of rapidly cooling the imaging element to capture high-quality images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the imaging device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a housing in which a lens barrel containing a lens is arranged at the front; an imaging unit provided in the internal space of the housing, dividing the internal space into a first space at the rear and a second space at the front, and having an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by the lens; an electronic component provided in the first space and communicatively connected to the imaging element; a first duct provided in the first space, having a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the electronic component and a first flow path through which air passes to cool the electronic component via the first heat exchanger; and a second duct provided in the second space, having a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the imaging unit and a second flow path through which air passes to cool the imaging unit via the second heat exchanger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to arrange a part that can exert an anti-shake function on the imaging section while achieving miniaturization, and it is possible to quickly cool the imaging element and capture high-quality images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the imaging unit and its surroundings shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the imaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating cooling for a group of elements mounted on a main board. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of an imaging unit cooling duct. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of an imaging unit cooling duct. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining cooling for the imaging unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining cooling of the imaging unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the imaging device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of an imaging unit cooling duct and a forced air-cooling flow path for cooling the imaging unit. FIG. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the structure of an imaging unit cooling duct. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the imaging unit and its surroundings shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0011] <<First Embodiment>> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. To simplify the following description, the XYZ coordinate system is defined as follows: The Z axis direction is the imaging optical axis direction of the imaging device 1, and the direction toward the subject to be photographed is considered positive. On a plane perpendicular to the Z axis direction, the width direction of the imaging device 1 is considered to be the X axis direction, and the right direction as viewed from the subject side when facing the imaging device 1 is considered positive. Also, on a plane perpendicular to the Z axis direction, the top-bottom direction of the imaging device 1 is considered to be the Y axis direction, and the direction toward the sky is considered positive.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 1 includes an imaging device body 2 and a lens barrel 3. The imaging device body 2 includes a hollow housing 21. A lens barrel 3 housing at least one lens 31 is removably attached (disposed) to a mount 101 of the housing 21, for example, using a bayonet mechanism. While the lens barrel 3 is configured to be removably attached to the housing 21, this is not a limitation, and the lens barrel 3 may be fixed to the housing 21 so that its attachment and detachment are restricted. In this embodiment, the front surface of the housing 21 (imaging device body 2) on which the mount 101 is disposed is referred to as the "front surface 102," and the rear surface opposite the front surface 102 is referred to as the "rear surface 103."

[0013] The imaging device main body 2 has an imaging section 200 provided in the internal space of the housing 21. The imaging section 200 has an imaging element 201 that captures an optical image formed by the lens 31. The imaging section 200 also divides the internal space of the housing 21 into a first space SP1 at the rear and a second space SP2 at the front. The imaging device main body 2 has a flexible substrate 122 and a main substrate 104 as electronic components provided in the first space SP1. The flexible substrate 122 connects the imaging element 201 and the main substrate 104 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0014] The main board 104 is a control board that drives and controls the imaging element 201 and the like. An optical image formed by the imaging element 201 is converted into electrical information by the imaging element 201 and transferred to the main board 104 via the flexible board 122. The main board 104 performs necessary processing, such as recording the electrical information from the imaging element 201 in a recording unit 105. Note that the electronic components connected to the imaging element 201 are not limited to the flexible board 122 and the main board 104. A battery 106 is provided in the internal space of the housing 21. The battery 106 is, for example, a rechargeable battery, and can supply power to the imaging element 201 and the main board 104.

[0015] <Main board cooling mechanism> 1, the imaging section 200 has a first cooling unit 130 provided in the first space SP1. The main board 104 generates heat when powered on, but is forcibly cooled by the first cooling unit 130. This prevents an excessive temperature rise in the main board 104, and therefore prevents a deterioration in the functionality of the main board 104 due to a temperature rise. The first cooling unit 130 is disposed on the negative side of the main board 104 in the Z axis direction.

[0016] The first cooling unit 130 has a duct (first duct) 301 and a centrifugal fan (fan) 302. The duct 301 is formed as a hollow body, and its hollow portion functions as a forced air-cooling flow path (first flow path) 300 through which air that cools the main board 104 passes. The forced air-cooling flow path 300 has an air intake port (first air intake port) 303 through which outside air (air) 304 is drawn in, and a common exhaust port 306 through which the air is exhausted. The air intake port 303 is provided so as to open to the rear of the housing 21, i.e., the back surface 103. The exhaust port 306 is provided so as to open to the side surface 121 of the housing 21 facing the positive side in the X-axis direction.

[0017] Both the air intake 303 and the air exhaust 306 are disposed in positions that are unlikely to be blocked by a user's fingers or the like when capturing an image using the imaging device 1. This allows air to be smoothly drawn in through the air intake 303 and smoothly exhausted through the air exhaust 306. The centrifugal fan 302 is provided on the negative side of the duct 301 in the Z axis direction. The centrifugal fan 302 generates an airflow 305 within the duct 301. This allows the air to be forced to pass from the air intake 303 toward the air exhaust 306. This air then absorbs heat from the main circuit board 104 while passing through the duct 301 and is then exhausted via the air exhaust 306 together with the heat. This allows the main circuit board 104 to be cooled quickly.

[0018] <Arrangement of imaging unit cooling duct> 1, the imaging section 200 has a second cooling unit 140 provided in the second space SP2. The imaging element 201 of the imaging section 200 generates heat when powered on, but is forcibly cooled by the second cooling unit 140. This makes it possible to prevent an excessive temperature rise in the imaging element 201, and therefore to prevent a deterioration in the function of the imaging element 201 due to a temperature rise. The second cooling unit 140 is disposed on the positive side of the imaging section 200 in the Z axis direction.

[0019] The second cooling unit 140 has an imaging section cooling duct (second duct) 400 made up of an imaging section cooling duct 401 and an imaging section cooling duct 402 that communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the imaging section 200 and the main board 104 are arranged between the duct 301 and the imaging section cooling duct 400. The imaging section cooling duct 400 is made up of a hollow body, and the hollow portion functions as a forced air-cooling flow path (second flow path) 418 through which air passes to cool the imaging element 201. Note that the imaging section cooling duct 401 is arranged on the upstream side, and the imaging section cooling duct 402 is arranged on the downstream side of the imaging section cooling duct 400.

[0020] Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of optical axis 4 of image sensor 201 (lens 31), image sensor cooling duct 401 and image sensor cooling duct 402 are arranged in positions that do not overlap with image sensor 201. This prevents light rays incident from lens barrel 3 from being blocked by image sensor cooling duct 401 and image sensor cooling duct 402, and therefore an optical image is accurately formed on image sensor 201.

[0021] The forced air-cooling flow path 418 is provided at a position different from the intake port 303 of the housing 21, and has an intake port (second intake port) 403 through which outside air (air) 404 is drawn. In this embodiment, the intake port 403 is provided so as to open to the front of the housing 21. The intake port 403 is arranged at a position where it is unlikely to be blocked by a user's finger or the like when capturing an image using the imaging device 1. This allows air to be smoothly drawn into the intake port 403.

[0022] Furthermore, the duct 301 and the imaging unit cooling duct 402 of the imaging unit cooling duct 400 are connected via a duct connecting portion (connecting duct) 405. This allows the imaging unit cooling duct 402 to communicate with the duct 301. As a result, outside air 404 that is sucked in through the air intake 403 and passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 402 (forced air-cooling passage 418) is drawn into the duct 301 (forced air-cooling passage 300) by the airflow 305 generated by the centrifugal fan 302. This drawn air is then sucked in through the air intake 303 and discharged from the exhaust port 306 together with the air that has passed through the forced air-cooling passage 300. In this way, the exhaust port 306 is shared, i.e., the exhaust port 306 of the forced air-cooling passage 300 is also used as the exhaust port of the forced air-cooling passage 418, thereby reducing the number of exhaust ports required. This allows the configuration of the second cooling unit 140 to be simplified.

[0023] <Heat transfer structure of the imaging unit> 2 is an enlarged view of the imaging unit and its periphery shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 200 has an imaging movable part 202 that is composed of an imaging element 201, an imaging element holding member (element holding member) 204, an optical filter 206, an optical filter holding member 205, and a highly heat-conductive heat-dissipating rubber 207. The imaging element 201 is composed of an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS, and is a member that has a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the optical axis 4. The rear side of the imaging element 201 is held by the imaging element holding member 204. The optical filter 206 is disposed in front of the imaging element 201 and is composed of, for example, an optical low-pass filter for reducing moiré.

[0024] The front side of the optical filter 206 is held by the optical filter holding member 205. The image sensor holding member 204 and the optical filter holding member 205 are made of a thermally conductive material, and the material is not particularly limited, and aluminum, for example, can be used. Highly thermally conductive heat-dissipating rubber 207, which has elasticity and thermal conductivity, is disposed between the image sensor holding member 204 and the optical filter holding member 205. The highly thermally conductive heat-dissipating rubber 207 is in contact with the optical filter holding member 205 on its front side and with the image sensor holding member 204 on its back side. Heat generated by the image sensor 201 is conducted in the following order: image sensor holding member 204, highly thermally conductive heat-dissipating rubber 207, and optical filter holding member 205.

[0025] <Mechanism of image stabilization> 2(a) and 2(b), the imaging device main body 2 has a position control unit 203. The position control unit 203 is a drive mechanism that controls (adjusts) the position of the imaging unit 200 by driving the imaging unit 200 within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 4. This position control provides an anti-shake function for the imaging unit 200. In this embodiment, the position control unit 203 is provided between the duct 301 and the imaging unit cooling duct 400. Details of the position control unit 203 will be described later.

[0026] <Mechanism of air-cooling the image sensor, and mechanism for achieving both air-cooling and vibration isolation> 2(a), a hole (through-hole) 406a is provided penetrating the imaging unit cooling duct 401 at a position facing the imaging unit 200. A hole (through-hole) 406b is also provided penetrating the imaging unit cooling duct 402 at a position facing the imaging unit 200. Both the hole 406a and the hole 406b communicate with a forced air-cooling flow path 418. The holes 406a and 406b are filled with a viscoelastic filler 409 made of, for example, a gel containing aluminum oxide.

[0027] A protrusion (part) 208a protruding from the edge of the optical filter holding member 205 is inserted into the filler 409 of the hole 406a, and reaches the forced air-cooling flow path 418. A protrusion 208b of the optical filter holding member 205 is also inserted into the filler 409 of the hole 406b, and reaches the forced air-cooling flow path 418. As a result, heat generated in the image sensor 201 and transferred to the optical filter holding member 205 is transferred via the filler 409 to air passing through the forced air-cooling flow path 418. This heat is then discharged from the exhaust port 306 together with the air.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the filler 409 functions as a heat exchanger (second heat exchanger) that exchanges heat with the imaging unit 200. Furthermore, the holes 406a and 406b are sufficiently large. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2(b), regardless of the position of the imaging movable part 202, the protruding part 208a of the optical filter holding member 205 is prevented from contacting (interfering with) the imaging unit cooling duct 401, and the protruding part 208b is prevented from contacting the imaging unit cooling duct 402. This allows the imaging movable part 202 to move smoothly and sufficiently.

[0029] <External appearance of the imaging device> Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging device. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the imaging device body 2 has an annular mount 101 that protrudes from its front surface 102. The lens barrel 3 is detachably attached to the mount 101, for example, using a bayonet system. A protrusion 107 protrudes from the front surface 102 of the imaging device body 2. This protrusion 107 functions as a grip that is held by the user when using the imaging device 1. The inside of the protrusion 107 also functions as a storage compartment for storing a battery 106.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3(b), an air intake 403 is provided on the side surface 108 of the mount 101, on the side facing the protrusion 107. The position of the air intake 403 is such that it will not be caught by the user's fingers when, for example, the user is holding the protrusion 107 with their right hand and the lens barrel 3 with their left hand. In particular, in this embodiment, the air intake 403 is located near the boundary between the front surface 102 and the side surface 108, so that it is prevented from being caught by the user's fingers regardless of the state of the user's grip, i.e., it is prevented from being blocked by the user's fingers. This allows a sufficient amount of outside air 404 to be supplied to the imaging unit cooling duct 401 from the air intake 403.

[0031] 3(c), when the imaging device body 2 is viewed from the front, the air intake 403 is difficult to see. This reduces the impact of the air intake 403 on the design of the imaging device body 2. Note that although the number of air intake 403 is two in the configuration shown in FIG. 3(a), the number is not limited to this and may be one or three or more, for example.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3(d), air intakes 303 are provided on the rear surface 103 of the imaging device body 2. The number of air intakes 303 arranged is eight in the configuration shown in Fig. 3(d), but is not limited to this and may be, for example, one to seven or nine or more.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3(e), exhaust ports 306 are provided on the side surface 109 located opposite the convex portion 107 of the imaging device body 2. The number of exhaust ports 306 arranged is eight in the configuration shown in Fig. 3(e), but is not limited to this and may be, for example, one to seven or nine or more.

[0034] <Internal structure of the imaging device> Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the internal structure of the imaging device. As shown in Fig. 4, the imaging device main body 2 has a base member 110, an operation unit holding member 112, and a decorative ring 114, which are arranged in this order from the negative side in the Z axis direction. The base member 110 is one of the components that ensures the rigidity of the imaging device main body 2, and has a circular opening 111. The mount 101 is arranged and fixed concentrically with this opening 111.

[0035] The operation unit holding member 112 is made of a resin having sliding properties. A push button 113 serving as an operation unit operated by a user is movably supported on the operation unit holding member 112. A decorative ring 114 is also arranged on the operation unit holding member 112 concentrically with the mount 101 (opening 111 of the base member 110). Meanwhile, on the rear surface 103 side of the base member 110, an imaging unit cooling duct 400, an imaging unit 200, a main board 104, and a duct 301 are arranged in this order from the positive side in the Z axis direction.

[0036] <Main board cooling mechanism> FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating cooling of the element group mounted on the main substrate. As shown in FIG. 5(a), an element group 115 consisting of a plurality of circuit elements and the like is mounted on the negative side of the Z axis direction of the main substrate 104. The duct 301 has a box-shaped main body 316 composed of a bottom plate 307 and side walls 308, and a plate-shaped duct lid member 309 covering the main body 316 from the negative side of the Z axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5(b), a plate-shaped heat-dissipating rubber 314 made of a material having elasticity and thermal conductivity (high thermal conductivity) is disposed on a surface 313 of the bottom plate 307 of the main body 316 facing the element group 115. The heat-dissipating rubber 314 is in close contact with the facing surface 313 of the main body 316 and the element group 115 on the main substrate 104. This allows heat from the element group 115 to be rapidly transferred to the duct 301 via the heat-dissipating rubber 314, thereby cooling the element group 115. In this way, the heat dissipation rubber 314 functions as a heat exchanger (first heat exchanger) that exchanges heat between the duct 301 and the main board 104.

[0037] As described above, duct 301 has main body 316 and duct lid member 309, which are assembled together to form forced-air-cooling flow path 300 inside. Duct lid member 309 has opening 312 connected to intake port 303. Centrifugal fan 302 also has intake section 310 facing forced-air-cooling flow path 300 and exhaust section 311 connected to exhaust port 306. Then, centrifugal fan 302 generates an airflow, which supplies air (outside air 304) from intake port 303 to forced air-cooling channel 300. This air passes through forced air-cooling channel 300 (duct 301) and centrifugal fan 302 in that order, and is then discharged from exhaust port 306. Furthermore, while passing through forced air-cooling channel 300, the air removes heat from element group 115 that has been transmitted via heat-dissipating rubber 314. This allows element group 115 to be cooled.

[0038] <Basic structure of the imaging unit, heat transfer structure, and vibration isolation mechanism> FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging unit. As shown in FIG. 6, the imaging unit 200 has an imaging movable part 202. This imaging movable part 202 is clamped from the front 102 side and the back 103 side by a position control part 203 and movably supported. The position control part 203 controls the position of the imaging movable part 202 on a virtual plane 209 perpendicular to the optical axis 4 within a predetermined range using a known method described below. The imaging movable part 202 has an imaging element 201, an imaging element holding member 204, an optical filter 206, and an optical filter holding member 205. The imaging element holding member 204 is a thermally conductive metal member that holds the imaging element 201 and is thermally connected to it. An optical filter holding member 205 is fixed to the imaging element holding member 204. The optical filter holding member 205 has protrusions 208a and 208b that protrude toward the positive side in the Z axis direction. The optical filter holding member 205 is a member that holds the optical filter 206 , and is in close contact with the image pickup element holding member 204 near the protrusion 208 via a highly heat-conductive heat-dissipating rubber 207 .

[0039] 6, the vibration-proof structure of the imaging device 1 will be described. The position control unit 203 has a front-side holding member 210 located on the front surface 102 side and a rear-side holding member 211 located on the rear surface 103 side, and the imaging movable part 202 is sandwiched between these holding members. A ball member 212 is interposed between the position control unit 203 and the imaging element holding member 204. The imaging movable part 202 can move smoothly along the virtual plane 209 within a range where a movable part-side restricting part 213 that restricts the movement limit of the imaging movable part 202 in the Z-axis direction and a position control unit-side restricting part 214 that restricts the position of the position control unit 203 do not come into contact with each other.

[0040] Coils 215 and 216, which are electrically connected to the main board 104, are fixed to the imaging movable part 202. A permanent magnet 217 is fixed to the rear side holding member 211 at a position facing the coil 215, and a permanent magnet 218 is fixed to a position facing the coil 216. When the coils 215 and 216 are energized, a force 219 is generated in a direction along the imaginary plane 209, i.e., in the Y-axis direction, and a force 220 is generated in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to control the position of the imaging movable part 202. Then, by adjusting the position of the imaging movable part 202 in response to external vibrations, it is possible to prevent image blurring.

[0041] <Imaging unit cooling duct> FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the imaging unit cooling duct. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base member. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of the imaging unit cooling duct. As shown in FIG. 7, the imaging unit cooling duct 400 has a duct main body 407 and a duct lid member 408. The duct main body 407 has a mask opening 410, grooves 411 and 412, and a duct connecting portion 405. The mask opening 410 is a rectangular portion that blocks unnecessary light from reaching the imaging element 201. The groove 411 is located between the mount 101 and the battery storage section 116, outside the mask opening 410, when viewed from the front surface 102 of the imaging device main body 2, and is formed along the Y-axis direction. The groove 412 is formed along the X-axis direction from an end 413 of the groove 411 on the opposite side of the battery storage section 116.

[0042] Imager cooling duct 401 has a portion formed by groove 411, which lies along one side of rectangular imager 201 when viewed from the optical axis 4 direction. Imager cooling duct 402 has a portion formed by groove 412, which lies along one side of imager 201 adjacent to the side when viewed from the optical axis 4 direction. This prevents imager cooling duct 401 and imager cooling duct 402 from overlapping with imager 201 when viewed from the optical axis 4 direction. This prevents light rays incident from lens barrel 3 from being blocked by imager cooling duct 401 and imager cooling duct 402, as described above. Furthermore, when viewed from the optical axis 4 direction, position controller 203 overlaps imager cooling duct 401 and imager cooling duct 402 (the above-described portions). This allows the space behind the imaging unit cooling duct 401 and the imaging unit cooling duct 402 to be effectively used as part of the arrangement space for the position control unit 203, which contributes to making the imaging device 1 more compact.

[0043] Duct connecting portion 405 is disposed at end 414 of groove portion 412 opposite end 413, and is connected to duct connecting port 315 (see FIG. 5). Duct connecting portion 405 extends toward the negative side of image pickup element 201 in the Z axis direction (along optical axis 4), and is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with image pickup element 201 when viewed from the optical axis 4 direction. This prevents light rays incident from lens barrel 3 from being blocked by duct connecting portion 405. Furthermore, when viewed from the bottom side of housing 21, duct connecting portion 405 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with position control portion 203.

[0044] The duct lid member 408 collectively covers the grooves 411 and 412. An opening 415 is formed in the duct lid member 8 at a portion facing the groove 411. As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the base member 110 has a recess 117 formed in a portion facing the opening 415 and a plurality of recesses 118 formed on the front surface 102 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the recesses 117 and 118 communicate with each other. The operation unit holding member 112 has a hole 119 in a portion facing the recess 118. The decorative ring 114 has a notch 120 in a portion facing the hole 119. The air intake 403 is composed of the notch 120, the hole 119, the recesses 118, the recesses 117, and the opening 415, and is connected to the groove 411 of the imaging unit cooling duct 400. Outside air 404 supplied from an air intake 403 passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 400 and the duct connecting portion 405 in this order, and flows into the forced air-cooling flow path 300 from the duct connecting portion 315 .

[0045] <Mechanism for air-cooling the imaging unit, and mechanism for achieving both air-cooling and vibration isolation> FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating cooling of the imaging unit. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating cooling of the imaging unit. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of holes 406a are provided in the bottom surface of the groove 411, and a plurality of holes 406b are provided in the bottom surface of the groove 412. A rib 416 is provided to surround these holes 406a (and similarly for the holes 406b). Each hole 406a is large enough to receive one of the protrusions 208a of the optical filter holding member 205 and prevent contact with the protrusions 208a regardless of the amount of movement of the imaging unit 200 (imaging movable part 202). Each hole 406b is large enough to receive one of the protrusions 208b and prevent contact with the protrusions 208b regardless of the amount of movement of the imaging unit 200. This prevents the movement of the imaging unit 200 from being hindered by this contact.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the recess 417 (including the hole 406a) surrounded by the rib 416 is filled with a filler 409 (the same applies to the hole 406b side). As a result, the imaging unit cooling duct 400 is sealed with the filler 409. As shown in FIG. 11(b), even if the protruding portion 208a (imaging movable portion 202) moves, the filler 409 follows the movement, thereby maintaining the sealing state of the imaging unit cooling duct 400. Furthermore, since the filler 409 is made of gel, it is possible to prevent the movement of the protruding portion 208a from being hindered. Furthermore, the protruding portion 208a is exposed to the inside of the imaging unit cooling duct 400, and heat from the imaging unit 200 is released to the imaging unit cooling duct 400.

[0047] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a position control unit 203 that can exert an anti-shake function on the imaging unit 200 while achieving miniaturization. Furthermore, the second cooling unit 140 quickly cools the imaging element 201, allowing high-quality images to be captured stably. Furthermore, the first cooling unit 130 quickly cools the main board 104, allowing various processes to be performed stably and smoothly.

[0048] <<Second embodiment>> The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 12 and 13, focusing on differences from the previously described embodiment and omitting a description of similar points. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram of the internal structure of the imaging device. Fig. 13(a) is a view from the subject side (front view). Fig. 13(b) is a bottom view. Fig. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Fig. 13(a).

[0049] 12, air intakes 502 are arranged on a front surface 500 of the imaging device body 2, above an optical axis 501. In this embodiment, the air intakes 502 are arranged on both sides of the lens barrel 3. An exhaust port 504 is also arranged on a right side surface 503 of the imaging device 1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 13(a), hollow imaging unit cooling ducts 506 are arranged on both sides of the imaging element 201. The imaging unit cooling ducts 506 cool the imaging element 505. An airflow is generated in each imaging unit cooling duct 506 by operation of a centrifugal fan 509, which will be described later. This airflow can then discharge heat generated by the imaging element 505. Each imaging unit cooling duct 506 is arranged between the mount 101 and the imaging unit 200. The heat exchange structure between the imaging element 505 and the imaging unit cooling duct 506 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0051] Each imaging unit cooling duct 506 is connected to a duct connecting portion 507 at its lower portion. Each duct connecting portion 507 communicates with an imaging unit cooling duct 506, and the airflow from the imaging unit cooling duct 506 reaches the duct connecting portion 507. As shown in FIG. 13(b), each duct connecting portion 507 extends rearward from both side surfaces of the permanent magnet 217. The duct connecting portions 507 join together behind the permanent magnet 217 and are connected to a main duct 508. The main duct 508 communicates with the duct connecting portion 507, and the airflow from the imaging unit cooling duct 506 reaches the duct connecting portion 507 via the duct connecting portion 507. As shown in FIG. 13(c), the main duct 508 is disposed to face the main board 104.

[0052] The main duct 508 has an opening 510 formed on its back surface to which a centrifugal fan 509 is connected. When the centrifugal fan 509 is operated, air (outside air) flows in through the air intake 502. This air passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 506, the duct connecting portion 507, and the main duct 508 in that order. Therefore, the forced air-cooling flow path 300 is made up of the imaging unit cooling duct 506, the duct connecting portion 507, and the main duct 508. In addition, heat generated by the main board 104 is transferred to the main duct 508 via the heat dissipation rubber 314. This heat is discharged from the exhaust port 504 by the airflow inside the main duct 508.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the imaging element 505 can be cooled by the imaging unit cooling ducts 506 provided on both sides of the imaging element 505. This allows the imaging element 505 to be cooled more quickly and prevents uneven cooling, i.e., the entire imaging element 505 can be cooled uniformly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a duct connecting portion 507 is provided that connects the imaging unit cooling duct 506 and the main duct 508. This allows the imaging unit 200 and the main board 104 to be cooled collectively by air intake caused by the operation of a single centrifugal fan 509. By arranging the duct connecting portion 507 in a position that avoids the permanent magnet 217, it is possible to prevent the permanent magnet 217 and the duct connecting portion 507 from overlapping when projected in the Y-axis direction. This enables the imaging device 1 to be made more compact in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] <<Third Embodiment>> 14 to 16, the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the previous embodiments, and a description of the same points will be omitted. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 14(a), a mount 801 to which an interchangeable lens barrel 811 is detachably attached is disposed on a front surface 802 of an imaging device main body 883. As shown in Fig. 14(b), an air intake port (first air intake port) 804 is provided on a rear surface 803 of the imaging device main body 883 (housing 21). As shown in Fig. 14(c), an exhaust port 806 is provided on a right side surface 703 of the imaging device main body 883 when viewed from the subject side. Outside air taken in through the air intake port 804 passes through a duct 851, which will be described later, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 806.

[0056] The right side surface 703 is provided with an air intake (second air intake) 705 and multiple input / output terminals 770. The air intake 705 draws outside air 704 into an imaging unit cooling duct 701, which will be described later. The input / output terminals 770 are input / output terminals that communicate with external devices, such as a personal computer or a printer. While the number of input / output terminals 770 is two in this embodiment, this is not limited to this and may be one or three or more, for example. The air intake 303 is disposed adjacent to the two input / output terminals 770, i.e., between the two input / output terminals 770. This prevents the air intake 303 from being blocked by a cable connecting the input / output terminals 770 to external devices, for example.

[0057] <Arrangement of imaging unit cooling duct> Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the imaging unit cooling duct and the forced air-cooling flow path for cooling the imaging unit. Fig. 15(a) is a front view. Fig. 15(b) is a top view. Fig. 15(c) is a side view. Fig. 15(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA of Fig. 15(a). Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the imaging unit cooling duct. Fig. 16(a) is an exploded perspective view. Fig. 16(b) is a front view.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 15(a), the cooling structure of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, is configured to transfer heat from the imaging unit 890 to the imaging unit cooling duct 701 and cool the imaging unit 890 with air (outside air) passing through the imaging unit cooling duct 701. As shown in FIG. 15(c), the imaging device main body 883 has the imaging unit cooling duct 701 for cooling the imaging unit 890 disposed between the mount 801 and the duct 851. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the imaging unit cooling duct 701 has a shape (L-shaped) that follows the side surfaces 891 (see FIG. 16(b)) that form the long and short sides of the rectangular imaging unit 890 (image sensor 201), i.e., the two adjacent sides. As a result, the imaging unit cooling duct 701 is positioned so as not to block light incident on the imaging unit 890.

[0059] 15(a) and 15(b), outside air 704 is supplied to the imaging unit cooling duct 701 from an air intake 705 provided on a right side surface 703. The imaging unit cooling duct 701 is connected to a duct 851 via a duct connecting portion 751 below the imaging unit 890, which is the bottom side of the imaging device 882. As a result, the air (outside air 704) supplied from the air intake 705 exchanges heat with the imaging unit 890 as it passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 701 due to an airflow generated by a centrifugal fan 852. Thereafter, this air passes through the duct connecting portion 751, merges with the duct 851, and is then discharged from an exhaust port 806.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 16(a), the imaging unit cooling duct 701 has an imaging unit cooling duct main body 707 and an imaging unit cooling duct cover member 708. A flexible cable 762 having an input / output terminal 770 mounted thereon is fixed to the imaging unit cooling duct 701. The flexible cable 762 is electrically connected to a substrate 1104 disposed on the rear side of the imaging unit 890. As shown in Fig. 16(b), a plurality of holes 840 are provided in a bottom surface 717 of the imaging unit cooling duct main body 707.

[0061] A protrusion 1208 of the optical filter holding member 1205 is inserted into the hole 840. This protrusion 1208 reaches the inside of the imaging unit cooling duct 701. Air passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 701 and comes into contact with the protrusion 1208, thereby cooling the imaging unit 890. In this embodiment, the imaging unit cooling duct main body 707 also serves as the front side holding member 210, which is one of the components of the vibration isolation mechanism. This allows the imaging device 882 to have a thinner front-to-rear thickness of the imaging device main body 883 by the thickness of the front side holding member 210.

[0062] <<Fourth Embodiment>> The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 17 and 18, focusing on differences from the previously described embodiments and omitting descriptions of similar points. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the imaging unit and its periphery shown in Figure 17.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 17 , the imaging unit 900 has an imaging movable part 902. As in the first embodiment, this imaging movable part 902 is supported by a position control part 903 so as to be movable within a predetermined range along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 4. An imaging element holding member 904 holds an imaging element 901 and is a thermally conductive metal member thermally connected to the imaging element 901. An optical filter holding member 905 is fixed to the imaging element holding member 904. The optical filter holding member 905 is a thermally conductive metal member that holds an optical filter 906. Heat generated by the imaging element 901 is conducted to the imaging element holding member 904 and then to the optical filter holding member 905 via a highly thermally conductive heat-dissipating rubber 907. One end 909 of a graphite sheet 908, which is a flexible heat-conducting member, is fixed to the optical filter holding member 905.

[0064] The imaging unit cooling duct 911 communicates with a groove 910 provided in the position control unit 903 to form a flow path 912. The graphite sheet 908 is sandwiched between the imaging unit cooling duct 911 and the groove 910 so that the other end 914 of the graphite sheet 908 is exposed to the flow path 912 while leaving an excess length 913 in the middle of its length. The flow path 912 communicates with the imaging unit cooling duct 915 at a position that does not block incident light. Air (outside air 917) supplied from the intake port 403 exchanges heat with the other end 914 of the flow path 912 and passes through the imaging unit cooling duct 915. This air merges with the duct 301 and is then discharged from the exhaust port 306. Because the graphite sheet 908 has the excess length 913, it is prevented from interfering with the movement of the imaging movable part 902 within a predetermined range. Furthermore, the graphite sheet 908 can transfer heat from the imaging movable part 902 to the imaging part cooling duct 911. This allows the imaging movable part 902 to be cooled.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 18 , a graphite sheet 908 is incorporated into a base member 918. In this case, one end 909 of the graphite sheet 908 is fixed to an optical filter holding member 905 with heat-conductive double-sided tape, screws, or the like. Meanwhile, the other end 914 of the graphite sheet 908 is fixed to a rib 916 that forms a groove 910. An imaging unit cooling duct 911 is pre-fixed to the base member 918. The other end 914 of the graphite sheet 908 is sandwiched between the imaging unit cooling duct 911 and the groove 910. Note that the other end 914 may be temporarily fixed by engagement or the like. An excess length 913 is secured between the one end 909 and the other end 914 of the graphite sheet 908. Furthermore, walls 919 and 920 are provided in front and behind the excess length 913. This makes it possible to restrict bending of the excess length 913.

[0066] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A housing in which a lens barrel containing a lens is disposed at the front, an imaging unit provided in an internal space of the housing, dividing the internal space into a first space at the rear and a second space at the front, and having an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by a lens; an electronic component provided in the first space and communicably connected to the imaging element; a first duct provided in the first space, the first duct having a first heat exchange portion that exchanges heat with the electronic component and a first flow path through which air that cools the electronic component passes via the first heat exchange portion; an imaging device comprising: a second duct provided in the second space, the second duct having a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the imaging unit; and a second flow path through which air that cools the imaging unit passes via the first heat exchanger. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the imaging unit and the electronic component are disposed between the first duct and the second duct. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a drive mechanism provided between the first duct and the second duct, for driving the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging element. (Configuration 4) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the second duct is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging element. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to configuration 4, wherein the second ducts are arranged on both sides of the imaging element. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a connecting duct that connects the first duct and the second duct. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to configuration 6, wherein the connection duct extends along the optical axis direction of the imaging element. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the connecting duct is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging element. (Configuration 9) The imaging device described in Configuration 6, characterized in that when viewed from the bottom side of the housing, the connecting duct is positioned so as not to overlap with a drive mechanism that drives the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging element. (Configuration 10) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 6 to 9, further comprising a fan provided in the first duct for forcibly passing air through the first duct. (Configuration 11) The first flow path has a first intake port that opens to the housing and through which air is sucked, The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the second flow path has a second intake port that opens at a position different from the first intake port of the housing and through which air is drawn. (Configuration 12) The first air intake is disposed at the rear of the housing, 12. The imaging device according to configuration 11, wherein the second air intake is disposed in the front of the housing. (Configuration 13) The first flow path has an exhaust port that opens to the housing and is common with the second flow path through which air is discharged, 13. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the air that has passed through the first flow path and the air that has passed through the second flow path are exhausted from the exhaust port. (Configuration 14) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the first heat exchanger is in contact with the electronic component and is made of a member having elasticity and thermal conductivity. (Configuration 15) The imaging unit includes an optical filter disposed in front of the imaging element, and an optical filter holding member that holds the optical filter and has thermal conductivity; the second duct has a through hole communicating with the second flow path and into which a part of the optical filter holding member is inserted; 15. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the second heat exchanger is made of a filler material that fills the through-hole and has viscoelasticity. (Configuration 16) The imaging device described in Configuration 15, characterized in that the imaging unit comprises an element holding member that holds the imaging element and has thermal conductivity, and a member that is in contact with the element holding member and the optical filter holding member and has elasticity and thermal conductivity. (Configuration 17) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the electronic component is a control board that controls the imaging element. (Configuration 18) A housing in which a lens barrel containing a lens is disposed at the front; an imaging unit provided in an internal space of the housing, dividing the internal space into a first space at the rear and a second space at the front, and having an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by a lens; a duct provided in the second space, the duct having a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the imaging unit and a flow path through which air that cools the imaging unit passes via the heat exchanger; An imaging device characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction of the imaging element, the imaging element is rectangular, and the duct has portions that extend along two adjacent sides of the rectangle. (Configuration 19) A driving mechanism is provided for driving the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, 19. The imaging device according to configuration 18, wherein the drive mechanism overlaps with portions along two adjacent sides of the rectangle when viewed from the optical axis direction. (Configuration 20) An electronic component provided in the first space and communicably connected to the imaging element; 20. The imaging device according to configuration 18 or 19, further comprising: a duct provided in the first space and having a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the electronic component; and a flow path through which air passes to cool the electronic component via the heat exchanger. (Configuration 21) An input / output terminal is provided in the housing for communicating with an external device, When the duct provided in the first space is referred to as a first duct and the duct provided in the second space is referred to as a second duct, the flow path of the first duct has a first air intake port that opens to the housing and through which air is sucked, 20. The imaging device according to configuration 18 or 19, wherein the first air intake is disposed adjacent to the input / output terminal.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Imaging device 21. Cabinet 104 Main board 200 Imaging unit 300 Forced air cooling passage (first passage) 301 Duct (1st Duct) 400 Imaging unit cooling duct (second duct) 418 Forced air cooling channel (second channel) SP1 1st space SP2 2nd space

Claims

1. a housing having a mount for detachably mounting a lens barrel housing a lens and a grip portion to be gripped by a user disposed on the front surface; an imaging unit provided in an internal space of the housing and having an imaging element that captures an optical image formed by the lens; an electronic component provided in the internal space and communicatively connected to the imaging element; a first duct provided in the internal space and having a first flow path through which air taken in from a first air intake port passes to cool the electronic components; a second duct provided in the internal space and having a second flow path through which air taken in from a second air intake port passes to cool the imaging unit; An imaging device, characterized in that the first air intake is disposed on a rear surface of the housing, and the second air intake is disposed on a front surface of the housing between the grip portion and the mount.

2. The internal space is divided into a rear first space and a front second space, 2 . The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic component and the first duct are provided in the first space, and the second duct is provided in the second space.

3. The imaging device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the housing is provided with a common exhaust port through which air that has passed through the first flow path and air that has passed through the second flow path are discharged.

4. An imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a fan that forces air through the first flow path and the second flow path.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is disposed between the first duct and the second duct.

6. 2 . The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the second duct is disposed at a position not overlapping with the imaging element when viewed in the optical axis direction of the imaging element.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a connecting duct that connects the first duct and the second duct.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the connection duct extends along an optical axis direction of the imaging element.

9. 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the connection duct is disposed at a position not overlapping with the imaging element when viewed in the direction of the optical axis of the imaging element.

10. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, when viewed from the bottom side of the housing, the connecting duct is arranged in a position that does not overlap with a driving mechanism that drives the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging element.

11. 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is a control board that controls the image pickup element. The imaging device described herein.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a driving mechanism for driving the imaging section in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging element.

Images