Accessory for camera

Abstract

To provide an accessory for a camera that is configured to be removably attached to an imaging apparatus body of an imaging system and expands functions of the imaging apparatus body upon connection, and that has improved operability of key operation on its operation surface.SOLUTION: An expansion unit 150 (accessory for camera) comprises: a connection connector 203 for an expansion unit that performs input and output of video signals, operation power, and control signals and the like with respect to an imaging apparatus body 101; and a terminal group 199 that performs input and output of video signals, operation power, and control signals and the like with respect to an outside of the expansion unit 150. In a state in which the expansion unit 150 is attached to the connection connector 203 for an expansion unit, a battery attachment part 193 for attaching an expansion module battery 181 in substantially parallel to an imaging surface 108 and an operation part 120 are arranged on a surface of the imaging apparatus body 101 on an opposite side of a side of the imaging surface 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera accessory that is configured to be freely attached to and detached from an imaging device main body of an imaging system, and that can expand the functionality of the imaging device main body by connecting it. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Imaging systems that include an imaging device main body and a camera accessory that is detachable from the imaging device main body have become widespread.

[0003] In such an imaging system, when one selected from a plurality of types of camera accessories is attached to the imaging device body, the functionality of the imaging device body is expanded in accordance with the attached camera accessory (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] If all functions that can be expanded by attaching camera accessories were pre-installed in the imaging device body rather than by attaching camera accessories, the product would become larger and operability during shooting would be significantly reduced. In contrast, with this type of imaging system, only the functions desired by the user can be installed in the product and the product can be made smaller, improving operability during shooting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-34790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the imaging device is placed on a tripod and the user takes pictures by operating a pan rod attached to the tripod behind the imaging device, such as in a television studio, the conventional camera accessories disclosed in Patent Document 1 had a problem of poor operability.

[0007] In other words, in the camera accessory of Patent Document 1, the operating surface is located on approximately the same plane as the side of the imaging device, and when operating the imaging device from behind, the user needs to move to the side of the imaging device to operate the keys.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a camera accessory that is configured to be freely attached and detached to the imaging device main body of an imaging system, expands the functionality of the imaging device main body when connected, and has improved operability of key operations on the operating surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the camera accessory of claim 1 of the present invention is a camera accessory that is detachable from an imaging device main body having an imaging surface and a camera accessory attachment portion, and is equipped with a first connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of a video signal, operating power, and a control signal to the imaging device main body, and a second connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of the video signal, the operating power, and the control signal to the outside of the camera accessory, and is characterized in that when the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, an expansion module attachment portion and an operation portion for attaching an expansion module approximately parallel to the imaging surface are arranged on the side of the imaging device main body opposite the imaging surface.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the camera accessory of claim 9 of the present invention is a camera accessory that is detachable from an imaging device main body having an imaging surface, a camera accessory attachment portion, and a main body side operation portion on the side opposite to the imaging surface of the imaging device main body, and is equipped with a first connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of a video signal, operating power, and a control signal to the imaging device main body, a second connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of the video signal, the operating power, and the control signal to the outside of the camera accessory, and an operation portion, and is characterized in that when the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, at least a part of the operation portion is positioned on the optical axis of the imaging device main body in a position that overlaps approximately on the projection surface with the main body side operation portion. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera accessory that is configured to be freely attached and detached to the imaging device main body of an imaging system, and that expands the functionality of the imaging device main body when connected, and that has improved operability of key operations on its operating surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing an imaging device main body and an extension unit that is detachable from the imaging device main body, which constitute the imaging system of FIG. 1, separately. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device body as viewed from above and in front. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device body as seen from above and behind. [Diagram 5] 13 is a perspective view of the expansion unit seen from the upper rear side. FIG. [Figure 6] This is a rear view of the expansion unit as seen from the -Z axis direction. [Figure 7] This is a right side view of the expansion unit as seen from the +X axis direction. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view of the expansion unit as seen from the -Y axis direction. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the expansion unit as seen from the +Y axis direction. [Figure 10] 11 is a comparative diagram of the operation unit of the extension unit and the main body rear side operation unit of the imaging device main body. [Figure 11] 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between an operation section of the extension unit and a main body rear surface operation section of the imaging device main body. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the imaging system in a shooting state. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the process of attaching the extension unit to the imaging device main body. [Figure 14] 13 is an external perspective view of a large optical fiber unit attached to an extension unit. FIG. [Figure 15] 7 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the terminal group 199 of the expansion unit in a state in which a plug is inserted into the terminal group of the expansion unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 16] 7 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the terminal group 199 of the expansion unit when no plug is inserted into the terminal group of the expansion unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 17] A rear view of the expansion unit showing the expansion module battery attached to the battery mounting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an imaging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an imaging device main body 101 and an extension unit 150 detachable from the imaging device main body 101, which constitute the imaging system 100.

[0014] In order to clarify the correspondence between the drawings of the imaging system 100, mutually orthogonal coordinate axes are set as shown in FIG. 1. The Z axis is an axis representing the front-rear direction of the imaging device body 101, and is perpendicular to the imaging surface 108 (FIG. 1(b)), with the direction from the back side to the front side of the imaging device body 101 being defined as the positive direction. The Y axis is an axis representing the up-down direction of the imaging device body 101, with the direction from the bottom side to the top side being defined as the positive direction. The X axis is an axis representing the left-right direction of the imaging device body 101, with the direction from the left side to the right side as viewed from the front side being defined as the positive direction. The directions of the axes defined in this way will be used appropriately in the description.

[0015] The extension unit 150 has a connection means for connecting to the image capture device body 101, is electrically connectable to the image capture device body 101, and supplies power to the image capture device body 101.

[0016] First, the configuration of the imaging device body 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging device body 101 as viewed from the front and upper side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the imaging device body 101 as viewed from the rear and upper side.

[0018] The imaging device body 101 has a lens attachment section 201 on its front side. The lens attachment section 201 is provided with a contact section that allows various interchangeable lenses with different optical performance to be attached to and detached from the imaging device body 101, and an optical image is formed on an imaging surface 108 by the various attached interchangeable lenses. An imaging element (not shown) is disposed on the imaging surface 108 for outputting an image signal based on the formed optical image. Furthermore, the imaging device body 101 has therein a control board that controls the entire imaging system 100 and a signal processing board (both not shown) that generates video data based on the image signal output from the imaging element.

[0019] A main body rear operation section 202 and an extension unit connection connector 203 (camera accessory attachment section) are provided on the rear surface of the imaging device main body 101. In addition, a monitor attachment section 204a serving as a contact section that enables a monitor 204, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0020] The main body rear operation section 202 is a menu-related operation section in which a number of operation switches are arranged on the same plane, and includes a main body menu button 202a and a main body cross key 202b. By operating the main body menu button 202a, the user can access a menu mode for making various settings of the imaging device main body 101. In addition, by operating the main body cross key 202b, the user can move to select an item in the menu mode and confirm the selection by pushing the center.

[0021] Furthermore, many users operate the menus of the imaging system 100 while looking at the monitor 204 attached to the monitor attachment section 204a. At that time, the monitor 204 faces the rear side of the imaging system 100, as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, when operating the menus while looking at the monitor 204, the up, down, left, and right directions (X and Y axis directions) of the main body side cross key 202b of the main body rear operation section 202 match with the up, down, left, and right directions of the monitor 204, allowing the user to intuitively perform operations.

[0022] The extension unit connector 203 (first connection terminal) is a terminal that can electrically connect the extension unit 150 and the imaging device main body 101 via a contact connector 190 of the extension unit 150 described later in Fig. 7. The extension unit connector 203 is also arranged exposed toward the rear (in the -Z direction) from the imaging device main body 101. When the extension unit 150 and the imaging device main body 101 are connected, bidirectional transmission and reception of video signals, control signals of the imaging system 100, operating power, and the like communicated through various plugs connected to a terminal group 199 (Fig. 6: second connection terminal) of the extension unit 150 becomes possible between the two.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the extension unit 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the expansion unit 150 seen from the upper rear side, Fig. 6 is a rear view of the expansion unit 150 seen from the -Z axis direction, Fig. 7 is a right side view of the expansion unit 150 seen from the +X axis direction, Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the expansion unit 150 seen from the -Y axis direction, and Fig. 9 is a top view of the expansion unit 150 seen from the +Y axis direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom surface of the expansion unit 150 is provided with a tripod screw section 130 and an insertion section 131 with fixing screw sections 132 provided at two locations on both ends.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 5, the exterior of the expansion unit 150 is composed of a front cover 191, a rear cover 192, and a battery attachment section 193. As shown in Fig. 7, a contact connector 190 is provided on the front surface of the expansion unit 150. The contact connector 190 is configured to protrude forward from an opening of the front cover 191.

[0027] 6, an operation unit 120 for operating the imaging device main body 101 is provided on the back surface of the extension unit 150. The operation unit 120 is a menu-related operation unit in which a plurality of operation switches are arranged on approximately the same plane, and includes a menu button 120a and a cross key 120b.

[0028] The menu button 120a has the same function as the main body side menu button 202a, and by operating this button, it is possible to access a menu mode for making various settings of the imaging device main body 101.

[0029] The cross key 120b has the same functions as the main body cross key 202b, and by operating this key, it is possible to move to select an item in the menu mode and to confirm the selection by pushing the center. In this way, the operation unit 120 has the same operation method as the main body rear operation unit 202.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement of some of the operation units 120 is the same as that of the main body rear operation unit 202 .

[0031] Here, the positional relationship between the imaging device main body 101 and the extension unit 150 in the imaging system 100 will be described.

[0032] As described above, the extension unit connector 203 of the imaging device main body 101 is provided on the rear surface of the product. Therefore, the extension unit connector 203 and the contact connector 190 face each other, and the operation unit 120 and the battery attachment unit 193 form the rear surface of the imaging system 100 as shown in FIG.

[0033] In other words, when the extension unit 150 is attached to the imaging device main body 101, the main body rear operation unit 202 is covered by the extension unit 150 and cannot be operated.

[0034] However, in this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 120 has the same functions as the main body rear operation unit 202. As a result, when the extension unit 150 is attached, by using the operation unit 120 instead of the main body rear operation unit 202, the user can perform the same operations as when only the imaging device main body 101 is used.

[0035] In this embodiment, the operation unit 120 has some of the functions of the main body rear operation unit 202, but it is of course perfectly acceptable to have all of the functions of the operation unit 120.

[0036] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the main body rear operation unit 202 and the operation unit 120. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 11, in the imaging system 100 of this embodiment, the main body rear operation section 202 and the operation section 120 are configured on approximately the same straight line on an axis parallel to the Z axis.

[0038] Next, a rear view of the imaging system 100 in an imaging state is shown in FIG.

[0039] In the imaging system 100 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the user will operate the imaging system 100 from the rear side. For this reason, it is assumed that the display surface of the monitor 204 attached to the imaging device body 101 will also be used in a state facing the user for the best visibility. Therefore, when the user operates the menu, the up, down, left and right directions (X and Y axis directions) of the monitor 204 and the operation unit 120 match as shown in Fig. 12, so that the operation can be done intuitively, resulting in excellent operability.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the user can use an operation system that is located in approximately the same position, has the same functions, and is the same operating method, whether the imaging device body 101 is used alone or as the imaging system 100. Therefore, there is no change in the ease of use of the operation system, and the user does not need to search for the location of a button when setting a menu, or redo settings due to a mistake in the operating method, so the imaging system 100 can be provided as a system with excellent operability.

[0041] Here, a method of mounting the extension unit 150 to the imaging device body 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, which shows the extension unit 150 in the middle of being mounted to the imaging device body 101.

[0042] In the imaging system 100 of this embodiment, the extension unit 150 is attached to the imaging device main body 101 from the rear along a trajectory along the Z axis. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the front surface of the extension unit 150 is provided with a recess 205 recessed from the external surface to prevent interference with the main body rear operation unit 202.

[0043] Since the mounting trajectory of the expansion unit 150 moves along the Z-axis from the rear side, the clearance 205 does not need to escape on the movement trajectory of the main body rear operation unit 202, and the clearance is minimized. This allows the space inside the expansion unit 150 to be used effectively, and makes it possible to configure the expansion unit 150 in a compact size.

[0044] In addition, a terminal group 199 having multiple input / output terminals is provided on the back of the expansion unit 150, as shown in FIG. 6. The functions of the imaging device main body 101 can be expanded by connecting cables to these input / output terminals and connecting to external devices.

[0045] A battery attachment section 193 (extension module attachment section) for attaching an expansion module such as a large, high-capacity expansion module battery 181 (FIG. 5) or an optical fiber unit 185 (FIG. 14) to the imaging device main body 101 is provided on the back of the expansion unit 150. Power sent from the expansion module battery 181 through the battery attachment section 193 is used to drive the expansion unit 150, and is also supplied to the imaging device main body 101 through the contact connector 190 and used to drive the imaging device main body 101.

[0046] The positional relationship between the operation unit 120 and the battery attachment unit 193 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 9. The operation unit 120 and the battery attachment unit 193 are disposed substantially parallel to the imaging surface 108 (Fig. 1(b)) of the imaging device main body 101, and are disposed on the back surface of the extension unit 150 opposite the imaging surface 108.

[0047] In addition, a step S (Figure 9) is provided between the operation unit 120 and the battery mounting unit 193, and the operation unit 120 is closer to the imaging surface 108 of the imaging device main body 101 than the battery mounting unit 193, so that the width T of the placement surface of the operation unit 120 is smaller than the step S.

[0048] When a user operates the operation unit 120, the +X direction is the exterior side, so there is no configuration that prevents the user's finger from entering the arrangement surface of the operation unit 120 from the X direction. For this reason, the width T is within the minimum width that takes into consideration only the switch arrangement of the operation unit 120.

[0049] 14, when the optical fiber unit 185 or the like is attached to the extension unit 150, a part of the operation unit 120 is blocked when the operation unit 120 is viewed from the +Z direction. That is, when operating the operation unit 120, the user's finger is prevented from entering the arrangement surface of the operation unit 120 from the +Z direction. For this reason, the size of the step S is set so that a space is secured for the user's finger 170 to enter the operation unit 120.

[0050] That is, because there is a step S as shown in Fig. 14, even when the optical fiber unit 185 or the like is attached to the expansion unit 150, there is room for the user's finger 170 to enter the step S. This makes it easier to operate the operation unit 120, and further the detachable knob 182 (Figs. 13 and 14) provided on the XZ plane constituting the step S in the expansion unit 150. Similarly, even when an input / output cable is connected to the terminal group 199 in the +X direction from the optical fiber unit 185 or the like, access to the detachable knob 182 is possible due to the step S, and operability is not impaired.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the operation unit 120 is disposed in the +X direction from the battery mounting unit 193. The multiple operation switches are disposed to avoid positions (shaded areas in Fig. 6) that overlap with the attachment / detachment knob 182 of the expansion module battery 181 provided in the battery mounting unit 193 in the Y direction when projected. This prevents the attachment / detachment knob 182 from interfering with the operation of the operation unit 120 when operating the expansion unit 150.

[0052] 9, exterior member 194 on the +X side of the surface on which operation unit 120 is arranged is farther from the center of imaging than detachable knob 182. As a result, even if extension unit 150 is dropped or hit, exterior member 194 absorbs the impact, and detachable knob 182 can be protected from the impact.

[0053] Next, details of the above-mentioned terminal group 199 (FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the terminal group 199 of the expansion unit 150 when a plug is inserted into the terminal group 199. Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the terminal group 199 of the expansion unit 150 when a plug is not inserted into the terminal group 199.

[0055] The terminal 311 (FIG. 16) is an Ethernet terminal that can be connected to a controller (not shown) by inserting a plug 321 (FIG. 15) and can input a control signal of the imaging system 100 (FIG. 1). Also, by inserting a plug 321, the terminal 311 can be connected to an external network device and can output a video signal.

[0056] This terminal 311 is disposed at the very end of the terminal group 199, and also so that a lock knob 326 (removal knob) of the plug 321 faces the outside of the expansion unit 150. This arrangement of the terminal 311 allows the user to easily access the lock knob 326 when inserting or removing the plug 321.

[0057] The terminal 312 (FIG. 16) is a terminal into which a plug 322 (FIG. 15) is inserted to connect to a controller (not shown) and into which a control signal for the imaging device main body 101 can be input.

[0058] The terminal 313 (FIG. 16) is a terminal into which the plug 323 (FIG. 15) can be inserted to connect to a video output device (not shown) and input a video signal.

[0059] The terminal 314 (FIG. 16) is a terminal into which a plug 324 (FIG. 15) is inserted to connect to a servo lens (not shown), thereby enabling power to be supplied to the servo lens and communication with the servo lens.

[0060] These terminals 311 to 314 are disposed on a surface 305 of the exterior member 194 below the battery attachment portion 193.

[0061] A terminal 315 (FIG. 16) disposed on a surface 306 of the exterior member 194 is a terminal into which a plug 325 (FIG. 15) can be inserted to connect to a power supply unit (not shown) and input power. The power input through the terminal 315 is used to drive the extension unit 150. The power input through the terminal 315 is also supplied to the imaging device main body 101 (FIG. 1) through the contact connector 190 (FIG. 7) and is also used to drive the imaging device main body 101.

[0062] Next, the positional relationship between the extension module battery 181 and the terminals 311 to 314 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] Length M represents the length in the Y direction from the center of terminal 311 to battery attachment portion 193 , and length A represents the length in the Y direction from the center of terminal 312 to battery attachment portion 193 .

[0064] The length N represents the length in the Y direction from the center of the terminal 313 to the battery attachment portion 193 , and the length O represents the length in the Y direction from the center of the terminal 314 to the battery attachment portion 193 .

[0065] Here, the length M and the length N are substantially the same, and the length A and the length O are also substantially the same. That is, the Y-direction lengths to the battery mounting portion 193 are substantially the same between terminals two apart in the X direction. Also, the values ​​of the length M and the length N are different from the values ​​of the length A and the length O. That is, the Y-direction lengths to the battery mounting portion 193 are different between terminals adjacent to each other in the X direction. The reason why the terminals 311 to 314 are arranged in such a positional relationship is to make it easier for the user to insert and remove each plug inserted into the terminals 311 to 314. This will be described using the insertion and removal of the plug 323 as an example. As described above, since the values ​​of the length N and the length A are different from the values ​​of the length N and the length O, as shown in FIG. 15, a space H and a space I surrounded by a broken line are formed around the terminal 313, which do not hinder the user from inserting and removing the terminal 313. That is, the user can easily insert and remove the terminal 313 by inserting his or her fingers into the spaces H and I.

[0066] In this embodiment, the terminal group 199 is located on the lower side of the battery mounting section 193, but the terminal group 199 may be located on the right, left, or upper side of the battery mounting section 193. However, as shown in Fig. 6, since the operation unit 120 is located on the left side of the battery mounting section 193, when the terminal group 199 is located on the left side of the battery mounting section 193, it is necessary to configure it so as not to impede the operation of the operation unit 120 by the user. Furthermore, when the terminal group 199 is located on the upper side of the battery mounting section 193, it overlaps with the attachment / detachment trajectory J described later with reference to Fig. 17, so it is necessary to attach the extension module battery 181 to the battery mounting section 193 before inserting a plug into the terminal group 199.

[0067] Next, the positional relationship between the attachment / detachment trajectory J (broken line portion) of the expansion module battery 181 and the terminal group 199 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the expansion unit 150 showing the expansion module battery 181 attached to the battery attachment portion 193. As shown in FIG.

[0069] The expansion module battery 181 can be removed from the battery mounting section 193 by passing through the attachment / detachment trajectory J in the +Y-axis direction. Conversely, when attaching the battery mounting section 193 to the battery mounting section 193, the extension module battery 181 can be attached to the battery mounting section 193 by moving it from the attachment / detachment trajectory J in the -Y-axis direction. In this way, the attachment / detachment trajectory J and the terminal group 199 are disposed in positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the rear projection. Due to this positional relationship, the extension module battery 181 can be easily attached to and detached from the battery mounting section 193 even with a plug inserted in the terminal group 199.

[0070] As described above, since the operation unit 120 is located on the rear surface of the imaging system 100, a user taking pictures from behind the imaging system 100 can operate the keys on the operation unit 120 while visually checking the image without moving, thereby improving operability.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A camera accessory that is detachable from an imaging device main body having an imaging surface and a camera accessory attachment portion, comprising a first connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of a video signal, operating power, and a control signal to the imaging device main body, and a second connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of the video signal, the operating power, and the control signal to the outside of the camera accessory, and is characterized in that when the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, an expansion module attachment portion and an operation portion for attaching an expansion module approximately parallel to the imaging surface are arranged on the surface of the imaging device main body opposite the imaging surface. (Configuration 2) A camera accessory as described in configuration 1, characterized in that there is a step in the optical axis direction of the imaging device body between the expansion module mounting portion and the surface on which the operation unit is placed, and the surface on which the operation unit is placed is closer to the imaging device body than the expansion module mounting portion. (Configuration 3) A camera accessory as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the operation unit has a plurality of operation switches, and the attachment / detachment knob provided on the expansion module mounting portion and the plurality of operation switches of the operation unit are arranged so as not to overlap in projection in the optical axis direction of the imaging device main body. (Configuration 4) A camera accessory as described in Configuration 3, characterized in that the outline of the surface on which the operating unit is located is away from the center of the optical axis of the imaging device body, relative to the attachment / detachment knob provided on the expansion module mounting portion. (Configuration 5) A camera accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that when the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory mounting portion, the second connection terminal is composed of three or more terminals arranged approximately parallel to the imaging surface on the surface of the imaging device main body opposite the imaging surface, and the three or more terminals have different distances from the expansion module mounting portion between adjacent terminals. (Configuration 6) The camera accessory according to configuration 5, wherein the second connection terminal is arranged in a location that does not overlap with the attachment / detachment trajectory of the expansion module in the optical axis direction of the imaging device body when projected. (Configuration 7) The camera accessory according to configuration 6, wherein the second connection terminal is disposed below the expansion module mounting portion. (Configuration 8) A camera accessory as described in Configuration 7, characterized in that among the second connection terminals, at least one terminal into which a plug with a lock knob can be inserted is positioned at an end of the three or more terminals with the lock knob facing outward. (Configuration 9) A camera accessory that is detachable from an imaging device main body having an imaging surface, a camera accessory attachment section, and a main body side operation section on the side opposite to the imaging surface side of the imaging device main body, the camera accessory comprising: a first connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of a video signal, operating power, and a control signal to the imaging device main body; a second connection terminal that inputs or outputs at least one of the video signal, the operating power, and the control signal to the outside of the camera accessory; and an operation section, wherein when the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment section, at least a portion of the operation section is positioned on the optical axis of the imaging device main body in a position that overlaps approximately on the projection surface with the main body side operation section. (Configuration 10) The camera accessory according to configuration 9, wherein the operation unit has at least one function identical to that of the main body side operation unit. (Configuration 11) The camera accessory according to configuration 10, wherein the main body side operation section and the operation section have at least two operation keys having the same function arranged in the same order. (Configuration 12) The camera accessory according to configuration 11, wherein the operation keys having at least two or more identical functions include a cross key. (Configuration 13) The camera accessory according to any one of configurations 9 to 13, characterized in that the attachment direction to the imaging device body is approximately parallel to the optical axis of the imaging device body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 Imaging System 101 Imaging device body 108 Imaging surface 120 Operation section 120a Menu button 120b Cross key 130 Tripod screw section 131 Insertion part 132 Fixing screw part 150 Expansion Unit 170 User's Finger 181 Expansion Module Battery 182 Detachable knob 185 Fiber Optic Unit 190 Contact Connector 191 Front cover 192 Rear cover 193 Battery mounting part 194 Exterior materials 199 terminal group 201 Lens attachment part 202 Rear control panel 202a Menu button on the main unit 202b Cross key on the main unit 203 Expansion unit connector 204 Monitor 205 Relief 305 sides 306 sides 311 Terminal 312 Terminal 313 Terminal 314 Terminal 321 Plug 322 Plug 323 Plug 324 Plug 325 Plug 326 Lock knob

Claims

1. A camera accessory detachable from an imaging device main body having an imaging surface and a camera accessory attachment portion, wherein a first connection terminal for inputting or outputting at least one of a video signal, operating power, and a control signal to / from the imaging device main body; and a second connection terminal for inputting or outputting at least one of the video signal, the operating power, and the control signal to / from the outside of the camera accessory, are provided, and in a state where the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, an extension module attachment portion and an operation portion for attaching an extension module are arranged substantially parallel to the imaging surface on a surface of the imaging device main body opposite to the side of the imaging surface. A camera accessory characterized by this.

2. There is a step in the optical axis direction of the imaging device main body between the arrangement surfaces of the extension module attachment portion and the operation portion, and the surface on which the operation portion is arranged is closer to the side of the imaging device main body than the extension module attachment portion. The camera accessory according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The operation portion includes a plurality of operation switches, and the attachment / detachment knob provided in the extension module attachment portion and the plurality of operation switches of the operation portion are arranged so as not to overlap in projection in the optical axis direction of the imaging device main body. The camera accessory according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. With respect to the attachment / detachment knob provided in the extension module attachment portion, the outer shape of the surface on which the operation portion is arranged is away from the optical axis center of the imaging device main body. The camera accessory according to claim 3, characterized by this.

5. In a state where the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, the second connection terminal is composed of three or more terminals arranged substantially parallel to the imaging surface on a surface of the imaging device main body opposite to the side of the imaging surface, and the distances of the three or more terminals from the extension module attachment portion are different from each other between adjacent terminals. The camera accessory according to claim 1, characterized by this.

6. The second connection terminal is arranged at a location where it does not overlap in projection with the attachment / detachment locus of the extension module in the optical axis direction of the imaging device main body. The camera accessory according to claim 5, characterized by this.

7. The second connection terminal is arranged below the extension module attachment portion. The camera accessory according to claim 6, characterized by this.

8. The camera accessory according to claim 7, wherein, among the second connection terminals, a terminal into which a plug having at least one lock knob can be inserted is located at an end of the three or more terminals, and the lock knob is arranged to face outward.

9. The imaging device main body further has a main body side operation unit on a surface opposite to the side of the imaging surface of the imaging device main body. The camera accessory according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the camera accessory is attached to the camera accessory attachment portion, at least a part of the operation unit is arranged at a position overlapping with the main body side operation unit on a substantially projection plane on the optical axis of the imaging device main body.

10. The camera accessory according to claim 9, wherein the operation unit has at least one or more functions identical to those of the main body side operation unit.

11. The camera accessory according to claim 10, wherein the main body side operation unit and the operation unit are arranged with operation keys having at least two or more identical functions in the same order.

12. The camera accessory according to claim 11, wherein the operation keys having at least two or more identical functions include cross keys.

13. The camera accessory according to claim 9, wherein the mounting direction to the imaging device main body is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the imaging device main body.

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