Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can ensure desired radio performance, while preventing an increase in the size of the imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises a horizontally rectangular radio antenna 110 having a planar antenna pattern, and a housing of the apparatus having a substantially hexahedral shape is made of a conductive member. The imaging apparatus comprises a radio cover 114 that constitutes a part of a ridge extending over two faces, a back face and a top face, of the housing and is formed of a non-conductive member. The radio antenna 110 is arranged with a predetermined angle relative to the housing, around an axis indicating a width direction of the apparatus, on the inside of the apparatus facing the radio cover 114.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a camera or video camera that is equipped with a wireless antenna. [Background technology]

[0002] An increasing number of imaging devices are equipped with wireless communication functions to enable remote operation of the imaging device and transfer of captured image data. Imaging devices with wireless communication functions are typically equipped with a wireless antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, a communication circuit, etc. Furthermore, in electronic devices such as imaging devices, exterior components are often constructed using highly rigid materials, such as resins mixed with metals and conductive fillers, to improve the strength of the housing itself.

[0003] When a wireless antenna is installed inside such an imaging device, there is a problem that wireless performance is reduced due to the influence of surrounding conductive materials, making it impossible to obtain desired wireless communication characteristics. To address this issue, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for positioning the antenna by opening up the exterior materials around the antenna in three directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6520509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, according to the prior art described in Patent Document 1, in order to open the exterior member around the antenna in three directions, it was necessary to make a convex portion protrude from the imaging device and place the wireless antenna inside the convex portion, which resulted in an increase in the size of the imaging device.

[0006] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide an imaging device that can ensure desired wireless performance while suppressing an increase in size of the imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device comprising an elongated rectangular radio antenna having a planar antenna pattern, and an approximately hexahedral housing of the device made of a conductive material, the imaging device further comprising a radio cover formed of a non-conductive material and forming part of a ridge spanning two surfaces, the back and top, of the housing, and the radio antenna is positioned inside the device opposite the radio cover at a predetermined angle relative to the housing around an axis indicating the width direction of the device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to ensure desired wireless performance while suppressing an increase in the size of an imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the imaging device 100 as seen from above and in front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the imaging device 100 as seen from above and behind. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the imaging device 100. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a speaker 105 portion of the imaging device 100. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the internal structure 500. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure 500. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of the internal structure 500. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rear of the internal structure 500. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the internal structure 500. [Figure 10]1 is a Y-axis cross-sectional view of the internal structure 500 as seen from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the imaging device 100. [Figure 12] 10 is an exploded perspective view of the audio operation system storage cover 310 and the mounting board 346 on the right side surface 103. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the audio operation system storage cover 310 at the axis position. [Figure 14] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a notch 380 formed in a rotary shaft 342a. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a wireless antenna 110. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement position of a wireless antenna 110. [Figure 17] 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis and passing through the wireless antenna 110. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the state where the wireless cover 114 is removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the state where the wireless cover 114 is removed. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a wireless antenna 110. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a wireless cover 114. [Figure 22] 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing radio waves emitted from a wireless antenna 110. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the wireless cover 114. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0011] <Explanation of Components of Imaging Device 100> (FIG. 1: An external perspective view of the imaging device 100 as seen from the upper front side; FIG. 2: An external perspective view of the imaging device 100 as seen from the upper rear side) First, the configuration of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front and top, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear and top. To clarify the configuration of the imaging device 100, mutually orthogonal coordinate axes (X, Y, Z) are set as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The "Z axis" indicates the front-rear direction of the imaging device 100 and is the optical axis direction perpendicular to the front surface of the image sensor 510, with the direction from the rear side to the front side of the imaging device 100 defined as the positive direction of the Z axis. The "Y axis" indicates the up-down direction of the imaging device 100, with the direction from the bottom side to the top side defined as the positive direction of the Y axis. The "X axis" indicates the left-right direction of the imaging device 100, with the direction from the left side to the right side defined as the positive direction of the X axis when viewed from the front side. The "X axis" can also be interpreted as indicating the "width direction" of the imaging device 100. Therefore, rotation around the X axis can be considered as "rotation around the axis in the width direction of the imaging device 100." Below, the following description will be made appropriately with reference to the directions of the X, Y, and Z axes defined in this way.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the imaging device 100 has a lens mount 102 exposed on its front surface, and an imaging element 510 fixed at a position recessed from the lens mounted by the lens mount 102 when viewed from the front. The imaging element 510 generates image data based on an optical image formed by an optical system such as a lens. The lens mount 102 is configured to allow multiple types of lenses with different optical properties to be attached and detached. Light incident on one or more lenses attached by the lens mount 102 is imaged on the front surface of the imaging element 510.

[0013] Various operation members such as buttons are provided on the right side surface 103 (+X side surface) of the imaging device 100, and the user can operate the operation members to perform various operations such as turning the power of the imaging device 100 on / off, capturing images, adjusting sound, etc. The housing that is the exterior member of the imaging device 100 is basically made of conductive material.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2 , the rear surface of the imaging device 100 is provided with four general-purpose accessory mounting sections 104 to which general-purpose accessories can be attached, and a speaker 105 for emitting sound. These will be described later. The top surface of the imaging device 100 is flat and is provided with an accessory mounting electrical contact 106 to which accessories can be attached. The accessory mounting electrical contact 106 is a U-shaped component, the main components of which are made of metal, and is equipped with an electrical contact section for an external accessory, enabling communication of various signals for communication and control between the imaging device 100 and the external accessory. The accessory mounting electrical contact 106 is also capable of firmly holding the external accessory. The imaging device 100 also has various other components necessary for recording video. However, these components and their detailed functions are not relevant to the essence of the present invention, and therefore will not be described here.

[0015] (FIG. 3: Rear view of the imaging device 100) Next, the rear surface of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the imaging device 100. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, as described above, the rear surface of the imaging device 100 is provided with a general-purpose accessory attachment portion 104 to which general-purpose accessories can be attached, and a speaker 105. The general-purpose accessory attachment portion 104 is made up of a female screw that can fasten an M4 male screw, and multiple general-purpose accessory attachment portions 104 (four in this example) are provided on the rear surface of the imaging device 100. This allows the user to attach multiple accessories of their choice, or to firmly secure large, heavy accessories using multiple screws.

[0016] It is preferable to fix the general-purpose accessories in a position where they do not affect image capture or the operation of various buttons, and therefore they are provided on the rear side of the image capture device 100. Furthermore, since the speaker 105 is used when the user (photographer) checks the audio of the stored images, it is preferable for ease of use that it be provided on the user side, i.e., on the rear side.

[0017] (Figure 4: Cross section of speaker 105) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the imaging device 100 including the speaker 105. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the speaker 105 is disposed between a pair of left and right general-purpose accessory mounting portions 104 on the lower side (-Y side) of the four general-purpose accessory mounting portions 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the speaker 105 is disposed below (by a distance L) a line extending laterally connecting the centers of the pair of left and right general-purpose accessory mounting portions 104 on the lower side. This distance L is set sufficiently large, so that even when a general-purpose accessory is attached to the general-purpose accessory mounting portion 104, the general-purpose accessory does not cover the entire surface of the speaker 105. In other words, at least a portion of the sound-emitting area of ​​the speaker 105 is exposed below the general-purpose accessory. This allows the user to clearly hear the sound emitted by the speaker 105.

[0018] <Description of the internal structure of the imaging device 100> (Figure 5: Front perspective view; Figure 6: Rear perspective view; Figure 7: Front exploded view; Figure 8: Rear exploded view) Next, an internal structure 500 of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the internal structure 500, Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure 500, Fig. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of the internal structure 500 as seen from the front side, and Fig. 8 is an exploded rear perspective view of the internal structure 500 as seen from the rear side.

[0019] 7, inside imaging device 100, from the front side in the optical axis direction (+Z direction), there are arranged image sensor 510, sensor duct unit 520, control circuit board 530, main duct unit 540, and power supply board 550, all of which are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Furthermore, inside imaging device 100, there are arranged, from the front side in the optical axis direction (+Z direction), there are arranged fan 560, exhaust duct unit 570, media duct unit 580, media board 590, sub-media board 600, and wireless board 610, all of which are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Wireless antenna 110 is arranged at the top (+Y side) of the rear (-Z side) inside imaging device 100. The position of wireless antenna 110 will be described later.

[0020] (imaging element 510: control circuit board 530: power supply board 550) The main components of the internal structure 500 are as follows: First, the image sensor 510 converts light incident through a lens (not shown) into an electrical signal. The control circuit board 530 is a board on which multiple ICs that control the entire image capture device 100 are mounted, and is the board that occupies the largest area inside the image capture device 100. The control circuit board 530 is mounted with ICs for performing image processing and the like on the electrical signal (image signal) from the image sensor 510, ICs for performing image color adjustment and the like, and memory used when these ICs execute various processes. The ICs mounted on the control circuit board 530 include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and the CPU loads programs stored in the ROM into the RAM to execute various controls, processes, etc. The power supply board 550 is mounted with a power supply unit that supplies power to each electrical device arranged within the image capture device 100, including the control circuit board 530.

[0021] (Media board 590: Sub-media board 600: Wireless board 610: Wireless antenna 110) The media board 590 is a board on which a recording medium for recording image information is mounted. The recording medium is a smart card, USB memory, etc. The recording medium is configured to be attachable and detachable by the user. The sub-media board 600 is mounted with a storage device for saving setting information set by the user when capturing images and for storing backup images. This storage device has a smaller capacity than the data capacity of the main image recorded by the recording medium mounted on the media board 590. An example of such a storage device is a flash memory. The wireless board 610 is electrically connected to the wireless antenna 110 via a wire 112 (described later), and the wireless antenna 110 communicates wirelessly with external devices.

[0022] <Explanation of forced air-cooling structure of imaging device 100> (Figure 9: Plan view of the internal structure; Figure 10: Cross-section of the internal structure) Next, the forced air-cooling structure of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the internal structure 500, FIG. 10(a) is a rear view of the internal structure 500, and FIG. 10(b) is an NC-NC cross-sectional view of FIG. 10(a).

[0024] Imaging device 100 dissipates heat from various heat sources through a "heat dissipation duct" and forced air cooling by a fan 560. The "heat dissipation duct" is composed of a sensor duct unit 520, a main duct unit 540, a media duct unit 580, and an exhaust duct unit 570. Sensor duct unit 520 takes in outside air through a sensor duct intake port 521, and the taken-in outside air flows into main duct unit 540 via a sensor duct connector 542. Media duct unit 580 takes in outside air through a media duct intake port 581, and the taken-in outside air flows into main duct unit 540 via a media duct connector 543 (see FIG. 8).

[0025] Main duct unit 540 takes in outside air through main duct intake port 541, and the taken-in outside air flows to blower connector 544 (see FIG. 8). Blower 560 is configured to take in air through blower connector 544 of main duct unit 540 and exhaust it to the outside of image capture device 100 via exhaust duct unit 570. The flow path of the forced air cooling of image capture device 100 described above is illustrated by dashed lines in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0026] Heat generated by the imaging element 510 is transferred to the sensor duct unit 520 via a heat conductive member such as a graphite sheet (not shown). Heat generated on the +Z side of the control circuit board 530 is transferred to the sensor duct unit 520 via a heat conductive member such as heat dissipation rubber (not shown). Heat generated on the -Z side of the control circuit board 530 is transferred to the main duct unit 540 via a heat conductive member such as heat dissipation rubber (not shown). Heat generated in the power supply board 550 shown in FIG. 8 and other figures is transferred to the main duct unit 540 via a heat conductive member such as heat dissipation rubber (not shown).

[0027] Furthermore, the media substrate 590 is attached to an opening 582 (see FIG. 8, etc.) formed in the center of the media duct unit 580, so that a portion of it is exposed inside the media duct unit 580. For this reason, the air flowing through the media duct unit 580 comes into direct contact with the media substrate 590, which dissipates heat from the media substrate 590 itself, thereby promoting heat dissipation from the recording media attached to the media substrate 590. This allows the recording media to dissipate heat efficiently, even when the power consumption of the recording media increases to handle high bit rate data that comes with the recent trend toward higher image resolutions, and enables stable image storage.

[0028] Furthermore, the sub-media board 600 is disposed behind (on the -Z side of) the media board 590 and approximately parallel to the media board 590. As described above, the sub-media board 600 is mounted with a storage device that stores small-capacity image data and the like, and therefore generates little heat and does not require heat dissipation by forced air cooling. The wireless board 610 is disposed on approximately the same plane as the sub-media board 600 and on the -X side (left side) of the sub-media board 600. Heat generated by the wireless control IC and the like mounted on the wireless board 610 is transferred to the media duct unit 580 via a heat conduction member (not shown).

[0029] The wireless control IC and the like mounted on the wireless board 610 have a guaranteed temperature lower than that of other heat sources (such as the image sensor 510, control circuit board 530, power supply board 550, and media board 590) within the imaging device 100. Therefore, rather than mounting the wireless control IC on the control circuit board 530 and the like, by mounting it on the wireless board 610, which is independent of the other heat sources, as shown in this embodiment, the wireless control IC is not affected by the other heat sources with high power consumption, and sufficient heat dissipation is ensured. In the flow path of the media duct unit 580, the heat dissipation position of the media board 590 (see NA in FIG. 10(b)) is upstream (on the media duct inlet 581 side) of the heat dissipation position of the wireless board 610 (see NB in ​​FIG. 10(b)). In other words, the media duct unit 580 (heat dissipation duct) includes the media duct inlet 581, and the wireless board 610 is thermally connected to the media board 590 via a heat conductive member at a position farther from the media duct inlet 581 than the media board 590.

[0030] Generally, the recording media mounted on media board 590 consumes more power than the wireless control IC mounted on wireless board 610, and therefore media board 590 requires a larger amount of heat dissipation than wireless board 610. Therefore, taking into consideration the heat dissipation positional relationship between media board 590 and wireless board 610 and the magnitude relationship of power consumption, media board 590, which is closer to media duct intake 581, is made capable of heat exchange with cool air, thereby realizing efficient heat dissipation.

[0031] Furthermore, the wireless board 610 is disposed between the media duct unit 580 and the wireless antenna 110 in the optical axis direction (Z direction). This allows the distance between the wireless board 610 and the wireless antenna 110 to be shortened while ensuring heat dissipation from the wireless board 610. Since wireless signals are generally weak and easily affected by electrical noise, the influence of noise is reduced by shortening the wire 112 electrically connecting the wireless board 610 and the wireless antenna 110, thereby stabilizing wireless characteristics. The wire 112 can be shortened by shortening the distance between the wireless board 610 and the wireless antenna 110. In this way, the wireless board 610 is disposed in parallel with the media duct unit 580, between the media duct unit 580 and the wireless antenna 110, and the media duct unit 580 is thermally connected to it. This allows the wire 112 to be shortened, and heat generated by the wireless board 610 is also efficiently dissipated.

[0032] The heat dissipation structure of the imaging device 100 described above transfers heat from the various heat sources within the imaging device 100 to the various heat dissipation ducts located adjacent to and facing each other, and exchanges heat with the air through the flow path configuration described above, allowing the heat from each heat source to be efficiently dissipated outside the imaging device 100.

[0033] <Figure 11: Right side 103> 11 is a right side view of the imaging device 100. A "main body operation unit" that allows the user to cause the imaging device 100 to perform a predetermined operation is provided on the right side surface 103 of the imaging device 100. The main body operation unit includes a REC button 300 for recording captured images, a power switch 301 for turning the power on and off, and a group of main body operation buttons 302 for performing various operations such as specifying an imaging mode. In addition, a recording media storage cover 321 is provided to open and close an opening formed in the imaging device 100 for inserting and removing a recording media.

[0034] In addition, an audio operation system storage cover 310 that can be opened and closed is provided adjacent to the recording media storage cover 321. When the audio operation system storage cover 310 is in the open state, the audio operation dials 311 (311a, 311b) and audio operation switches 312 (312a, 312b) become operable. The audio operation dials 311 (311a, 311b) are dials that the user uses to operate the audio system, and the audio operation switches 312 (312a, 312b) are switches that the user uses to operate the audio system. Examples of audio system operations include, but are not limited to, muting, volume adjustment, and left / right stereo sound balance adjustment.

[0035] When the user performs basic operations of the imaging device 100, such as turning the power on / off, operating various settings, recording, and inserting and removing a media card, the user stands on the right side of the imaging device 100. Furthermore, when the user takes a picture with the imaging device 100 on their right shoulder, the right side of the user's face faces the right side of the imaging device 100. Therefore, by arranging the operation system, including the main body operation unit, recording media, audio operation dial 311, and audio operation switch 312, on the right side of the imaging device 100, almost all operations can be performed from the right side, improving user operability.

[0036] (FIG. 12: Exploded perspective view of the configuration including the audio control system storage cover 310) Next, the configuration of the audio operation system storage cover 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a configuration including the audio operation system storage cover 310 on the right side surface 103 of the imaging device 100. The configuration including the audio operation system storage cover 310 will be described below by explaining the assembly method. With the audio operation system storage cover 310 attached to the right exterior cover 340, the rotation shafts 342a and 342b are inserted into the shaft grooves 341 on the inside of the right exterior cover 340 shown in FIG. 12(b). The rotation shaft 342a is positioned above (in the +Y direction) the rotation shaft 342b. The inserted rotation shafts 342a and 342b are inserted into and fitted with shaft holes 360 formed on the front side (+Z side) of the audio operation system storage cover 310.

[0037] Next, with shaft protrusion 353 formed on retaining part 343 fitted into shaft groove 341, retaining part 343 is fixed in the Y-axis direction between audio operation dial 311a and audio operation dial 311b by one screw 344. Elastic member 345 is compressed and sandwiched between rotating shaft 342a and retaining part 343. Reaction force caused by compression of elastic member 345 may cause retaining part 343 to deform toward the "+X" side. Next, a configuration for suppressing this deformation will be described.

[0038] (FIG. 13: Configuration diagram and cross section of the area around the audio operation system storage cover 310) 13(a) is an explanatory diagram of the configuration in the vicinity of audio operation system storage lid 310, and FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along TA-TA (see FIG. 13(a)), which is the rotation axis position of audio operation system storage lid 310. As shown in FIG. 13, a pair of upper and lower protrusions 354 of retaining part 343 are in contact with mounting board 346, and this is fixed to right exterior cover 340 with four retaining member fixing screws 347.

[0039] With this configuration, elastic member 345 is reliably compressed by retaining part 343 and rotating shaft 342a, thereby urging rotating shaft 342a toward audio operation system housing lid 310. As a result, it is possible to prevent audio operation system housing lid 310 from moving under its own weight and hitting right exterior cover 340, thereby preventing noise and the like.

[0040] <FIG. 14: An explanatory diagram of the notch 380 formed in the rotating shaft 342a> FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the area around shaft groove 341 (see FIG. 12 ), with retainer 343 and mounting board 346 not shown in FIGS. 13 and the like. As shown in FIG. 14 , notch 380 is formed in approximately the center of rotating shaft 342a. As described above, rotating shaft 342a is used by inserting it from shaft groove 341 of right-side exterior cover 340 into shaft hole 360 ​​of audio operation system storage cover 310. In this inserted state, notch 380 does not enter shaft hole 360 ​​and is exposed when viewed from the inside of right-side exterior cover 340, and contacts elastic member 345 in a “range W” from exposed notch 380 to the end of rotating shaft 342a. As a result, the range for applying lubricant to prevent abnormal noise caused by contact between elastic member 345 and rotating shaft 342a is clearly defined.

[0041] 14(b), when audio operation system storage cover 310 needs to be replaced due to damage, etc., tool 390 such as tweezers can be hooked onto notch 380 in rotating shaft 342a, and rotating shaft 342a can be removed in the direction of the arrow. In this way, the structure improves reworkability.

[0042] (Summary of the configuration around the audio operation system storage cover 310) 11 to 14, the configuration in the vicinity of the audio operation system storage cover 310 is as follows. As shown in FIG. 12(b), the imaging device 100 is provided with a retaining member 343 that prevents a pair of upper and lower rotation shafts 342a, 342b from coming out of the audio operation system storage cover 310, which is provided openably and closably on the right side of the device when viewed from the front side of the device. The imaging device 100 also includes an elastic member 345 that is compressed between the retaining member 343 and the rotation shafts 342a, 342b, and a mounting board 346 (see FIG. 13) that is arranged in a position that overlaps with the audio operation system storage cover 310 when viewed from the right side of the device. The retaining member 343 is fixed at one point to a right exterior cover 340 (see FIG. 12(b)) that forms the device housing, and protrusions 354, 354 provided on both sides of the fixed portion of the retaining member 343 are arranged between the mounting board 346 and the right exterior cover 340. As described above, this configuration can prevent the audio operation system storage cover 310 from moving naturally and hitting the right exterior cover 340, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal noises and the like.

[0043] More specifically, the retaining member 343 is fixed by a pair of upper and lower audio operation dials 311a, 311b, and the audio operation system housing cover 310 can be opened and closed to expose the pair of upper and lower audio operation dials 311a, 311b. The retaining member 343 is biased by the compressed elastic member 345, and the protrusion 354 of the biased retaining member 343 abuts against the mounting board 346 and is fixed thereto. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the upper rotating shaft 342a has a notch 380, and one end of the rotating shaft 342a fits into a shaft hole 360 ​​(see FIG. 12(a)) formed in the audio operation system housing cover 310 with the notch 380 exposed. The other end of the rotating shaft 342a is in contact with the elastic member 345 between the notch 380 and the other end of the rotating shaft 342a. As described above, with this configuration, when replacing the audio operation system storage cover 310, it is possible to hook a tool 390 (see FIG. 14(b)) onto the notch 380 of the rotating shaft 342a and pull out the rotating shaft 342a.

[0044] <Figs. 15 to 23: Explanatory diagrams of wireless antenna 110> Next, the wireless antenna 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to Fig. 23. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the wireless antenna 110, Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the arrangement position of the wireless antenna 110, Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis passing through the wireless antenna 110, and Fig. 18 is a rear view with the wireless cover 114 removed. Fig. 19 is a plan view with the wireless cover 114 removed, Fig. 20 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the wireless antenna 110, and Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the wireless cover 114. Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing radio waves radiated from the wireless antenna 110, and Fig. 23 is a rear view showing the wireless cover 114.

[0045] (FIG. 15: An explanatory diagram of the wireless antenna 110) As shown in FIG. 15 , the radio antenna 110 is configured as a horizontally elongated rectangle overall. The antenna pattern 111 is formed in a planar shape and is disposed near one short side of the horizontally elongated rectangular radio antenna 110. The antenna pattern 111 of the radio antenna 110 functions as an aerial for transmitting and receiving radio signals. The radio antenna 110 also includes a wire 112 for connecting to a radio substrate 610 (see FIG. 7 , etc.) and a fixing portion 113 for fixing the wire 112. The antenna pattern 111 is formed on one longitudinal side of the radio antenna 110, and the wire 112 and the fixing portion 113 are provided on the other longitudinal side, so as to bisect the entire longitudinal direction of the radio antenna 110. Specifically, the fixing portion 113 is provided at the right end of the radio antenna 110 in the drawing. The antenna pattern 111 of the radio antenna 110 can be manufactured, for example, by forming conductors constituting a feed point, a radiating element, etc. on a dielectric substrate laminated on a ground conductor plate, but the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to such antennas.

[0046] (FIG. 16: Perspective view showing the arrangement position of the wireless antenna 110; FIG. 17: Cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis passing through the wireless antenna 110) As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the wireless antenna 110 is disposed inside a “ridge” formed by two surfaces, the back and top, of the housing of the image capture device 100, which is made of a conductive material. The wire 112 of the wireless antenna 110 is fixed using a fixing portion 113 while electrically connected to the wireless board 610. As shown in FIG. 17 and other figures, in the fixed state, the wireless antenna 110 is inclined by a predetermined angle “α” around the X-axis relative to the image capture device 100, and is fixed with the antenna pattern 111 facing both the top and back surfaces of the image capture device 100. More specifically, the wireless antenna 110 is disposed inside the device facing the wireless cover 114, at an acute angle relative to the top surface of the housing around an axis indicating the width direction of the device. The wireless antenna 110 is fixed to an appropriate member inside the image capture device 100 with the surface on which the antenna pattern 111 is formed facing upward.

[0047] (Fixing manner of wireless antenna 110) The wireless antenna 110 is fixed to an appropriate member inside the imaging device 100 with the surface on which the antenna pattern 111 is formed facing upward. For example, it is fixed to the fixing member 700 shown in FIG. 17. The fixing member 700 is a member attached parallel to the top surface of the housing, and its upper surface at the end in the "-Z direction" is inclined. The wireless antenna 110 is fixed to the inclined surface at the upper end of the fixing member 700. The wireless antenna 110 can be fixed to the fixing member 700 by screws, adhesive, or the like, but is not limited to these. The fixing member 700 is fixed in a position facing the wireless cover 114 when the wireless antenna 110 is fixed. The fixing member 700 is at a predetermined angle with respect to the top and back surfaces of the housing when viewed from the "X+" direction. Specifically, fixing member 700 and the upper surface of the housing form an acute angle α in the clockwise direction from the direction of the upper surface of the housing, and fixing member 700 and the rear surface of the housing form an obtuse angle of (90+α) degrees in the clockwise direction from the direction of the rear surface of the housing (Y direction). Furthermore, the fixing of wireless antenna 110 is not limited to being to fixing member 700.

[0048] In short, as long as wireless antenna 110 is fixed in a position facing the entire wireless cover 114 (in FIG. 17, a position facing part of the ridge spanning two surfaces, the top and back surfaces of the housing), there are no particular limitations on the shape, dimensions, fixing manner, etc. of the fixing member for wireless antenna 110. Note that although FIG. 17 illustrates and explains wireless cover 114 as having corners, in reality, in order to eliminate these corners, for example, the corners of wireless cover 114 are cut parallel to the top surface of wireless antenna 110, thereby achieving a compact device. Here, "parallel to the top surface of wireless antenna 110" refers to being parallel to the dotted line sloping downward to the right in the upper right corner of FIG. 17.

[0049] (FIG. 20: Schematic explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the wireless antenna 110) By arranging the wireless antenna 110 in an inclined position relative to the edge in this way, the exterior surface (housing surface) of the image capture device 100 can be formed along the wireless antenna 110, as shown in Fig. 20. Therefore, although the wireless cover 114 is shown as having corners in Fig. 17 as described above, the corners of the device can be cut away. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 20, it is possible to cut away only a triangular area M from the corners of the exterior member when viewed from the side of the image capture device 100, making it possible to miniaturize the product. Note that M shown in Fig. 20 is actually a three-dimensional triangular prism.

[0050] (FIG. 21: Perspective view showing the wireless cover 114) 17 and 21, wireless cover 114 constitutes the exterior surface of image capture device 100, covering the front side of wireless antenna 110. The exterior material of image capture device 100 is primarily made of a conductive resin material mixed with conductive fillers such as carbon and metal. On the other hand, wireless cover 114 is made of a non-conductive resin material. That is, image capture device 100 includes wireless antenna 110 in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape having planar antenna pattern 111, and the device housing, which is generally hexahedral (e.g., generally cubic, generally rectangular, etc.), is made of a conductive material. Wireless cover 114 forms part of a ridge spanning two surfaces, the back and top, of the housing of image capture device 100, and is made of a non-conductive material. As a result, because non-conductive resin materials do not affect radio wave performance, covering the front side of wireless antenna 110 does not result in wireless transmission loss and has almost no effect on wireless performance.

[0051] (FIG. 18: Rear view with the wireless cover 114 removed; FIG. 19: Plan view with the wireless cover 114 removed) 18 and 19, the plane "+ZY" indicates a plane passing through the "+X side end" of the wireless antenna 110, and the plane "-ZY" indicates a plane passing through the "-X side end" of the wireless antenna 110. In the area of ​​the imaging device 100 sandwiched between the planes "+ZY" and "-ZY", no members made of metal material, conductive resin material, or the like are arranged above the plane including the antenna pattern 111 of the wireless antenna 110 (see arrow N in FIG. 17).

[0052] Furthermore, since the image capture device 100 has multiple functions other than wireless communication, it also has multiple internal components such as a board 115 on which circuits for realizing those functions are mounted, and internal component fixing screws 116 for fixing various components. However, as shown in Fig. 17, all of these are located inside the image capture device 100 relative to the wireless antenna 110 (antenna pattern 111).

[0053] (FIG. 22: Schematic explanatory diagram showing radio waves emitted from the wireless antenna 110) By employing such a configuration, radio waves emitted from antenna pattern 111 are radiated in various directions without being obstructed when radiating outside image capture device 100, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 22. This enables image capture device 100 to communicate with electronic devices located farther away via radio waves.

[0054] As described above, the wireless antenna 110 is disposed on the rear side of the imaging device 100. When image data captured at an actual imaging site is transmitted using the wireless antenna 110, the receiving device on the receiving side is generally not installed on the subject side, but on the rear side of the imaging device 100 where the user is present. For this reason, wireless communication can be performed more reliably if the wireless antenna 110 is disposed on the rear side of the imaging device 100. Therefore, it is desirable to dispose the wireless antenna 110 on the rear side as in the imaging device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Furthermore, upward radiation is more efficient for propagating radio waves over longer distances. For this reason, it is desirable to arrange the radio antenna 110 on the top surface of the imaging device 100, as in the embodiment of the present invention. Also, as shown in FIG. 15 , the antenna pattern 111 of the radio antenna 110 is configured to be shifted to one side. The radio waves radiated from the antenna pattern 111 are affected by nearby wires 112, fixed portions 113, and the like, and are attenuated. Therefore, the radio wave intensity radiated from the antenna pattern 111 is not uniformly distributed, but is weaker on the side where the wire 112 is present and stronger on the opposite side where the wire 112 is not present. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 15 , when arranging the radio antenna 110 in the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna pattern 111 is configured to be arranged on the "+X side."

[0056] (FIG. 23: Rear view showing the wireless cover 114) The length in the X-axis direction of the wireless cover 114 that covers the wireless antenna 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 23. In Fig. 23, the distance from the center of the wireless antenna 110 in the X-axis direction to the outer edge of the "-X side" of the wireless cover 114 is defined as "P", and the distance to the outer edge of the "+X side" of the wireless cover 114 is defined as "Q". With these definitions, the length in the X-axis direction of the wireless cover 114 is set and positioned so that "Q>P".

[0057] That is, the wireless cover 114 is arranged so that its length in the X direction is as follows: The length in the X direction from the lateral center of the wireless antenna 110 to the end of one side (+X side) of the wireless cover 114 is longer than the length in the X direction from the lateral center of the wireless antenna 110 to the end of the other side (-X side) of the wireless cover 114. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15 etc., the antenna pattern 111 is arranged inside the device so as to face one side of the wireless cover 114.

[0058] Similarly, the wireless antenna 110 is provided with a wire 112 for electrically connecting to a wireless board 610 on which a wireless control IC that controls the wireless antenna 110 is mounted, facing the other side of the wireless cover 114. With this configuration, there are fewer obstructions on the side with stronger radio wave intensity, resulting in extremely efficient wireless performance.

[0059] As described above, by arranging the wireless antenna 110 as shown in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the wireless performance of the wireless antenna 110 while miniaturizing the imaging device 100.

[0060] <Additional Note> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An imaging device having a horizontally elongated rectangular wireless antenna with a planar antenna pattern, and a substantially hexahedral housing made of a conductive material, a wireless cover that forms part of a ridge that spans two surfaces, the back surface and the top surface, of the housing and is made of a non-conductive material; The wireless antenna is an imaging device disposed inside the device facing the wireless cover and at a predetermined angle to the housing around an axis that indicates the width direction of the device; (Configuration 2) The imaging device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that in a region sandwiched between two planes parallel to the optical axis direction, including both ends of the wireless antenna in the horizontal direction, and above a plane including the antenna pattern of the wireless antenna, there is no conductive material constituting the housing. (Configuration 3) 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern is disposed close to one short side of the horizontally elongated rectangular radio antenna. (Configuration 4) The wireless cover includes: The imaging device described in configuration 3 is arranged so that the width of the device from the lateral center of the wireless antenna to one end of the wireless cover is longer than the width of the device from the lateral center to the other end of the wireless cover. (Configuration 5) 5. The imaging device according to configuration 4, wherein the antenna pattern of the wireless antenna is disposed inside the device so as to face one side of the wireless cover. (Configuration 6) The imaging device described in configuration 5 is further characterized in that it is provided with a wire for electrically connecting to a wireless board on which a wireless control IC that controls the wireless antenna is mounted, facing the other side of the wireless cover. (Configuration 7) 7. The imaging device according to configuration 6, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the wire. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to configuration 7, wherein the fixed portion is disposed close to the other short side of the horizontally elongated rectangular radio antenna. (Configuration 9) The imaging device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the wireless antenna is arranged inside the device facing the wireless cover, at an acute angle with respect to the top surface of the housing around an axis indicating the width direction of the device. (Configuration 10) Further, a wireless substrate on which a wireless control IC for controlling the wireless antenna is mounted is provided, The wireless substrate is The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that it is parallel to a heat dissipation duct that dissipates heat, is arranged between the heat dissipation duct and the radio antenna, and is thermally connected to the heat dissipation duct. (Configuration 11) the heat dissipation duct further includes an air intake port for taking in outside air, The imaging device described in configuration 10, characterized in that the wireless board is thermally connected via a heat conductive member at a position away from the air intake port to a media board on which a recording medium for recording image information is detachably mounted. (Configuration 12) An imaging device as described in configuration 11, characterized in that a sub-media board on which a storage device with a smaller capacity than the recording media is mounted is arranged approximately parallel to the media board, and the wireless board and the sub-media board are arranged on approximately the same plane.

[0061] While the present invention has been described above as a preferred embodiment, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the present invention. In addition, parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Imaging device 102 Lens mounting part 103 Right side 104 General-purpose accessory mounting part 105 speakers 106 Accessory mounting electrical contacts 110 Radio Antenna 111 Antenna Pattern 112 Wire 113 Fixed part 114 Radio Cover 115 PCB 116 Internal part fixing screw 300 REC button 301 Power switch 302 Main unit operation buttons 310 Audio control storage cover 311 Audio control dial 312 Audio operation switch 321 Recording media storage cover 340 Right side exterior cover 341 Shaft groove 342 Rotational Axis 343 Retaining parts 344 Bis 345 Elastic Members 346 Mounting Board 347 Retaining member fixing screw 353 Shaft protrusion 354 Convex 360 shaft hole 380 notch 390 Tweezers and other tools 500 Internal structure 510 Image sensor 520 Sensor Duct Unit 521 Sensor duct intake 530 Control circuit board 540 Main duct unit 541 Main duct intake 542 Sensor duct connection part 543 Media duct connection part 544 Blower connection part 550 power supply board 560 Blower 570 Exhaust Duct Unit 580 Media Duct Unit 581 Media duct intake 582 Opening 590 Media Board 600 Submedia Board 700 Fixing parts

Claims

1. An imaging device having a horizontally elongated rectangular wireless antenna with a planar antenna pattern, and a substantially hexahedral housing made of a conductive material, a wireless cover that forms a part of a ridge that spans two surfaces, a back surface and a top surface of the housing, and is formed of a non-conductive material; The wireless antenna is an imaging device disposed inside the device facing the wireless cover and at a predetermined angle to the housing around an axis indicating the width direction of the device;

2. In a region sandwiched between two planes parallel to the optical axis direction, including both ends of the radio antenna in the horizontal direction, and above a plane including an antenna pattern of the radio antenna, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the housing does not include a conductive member.

3. The antenna pattern is 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the radio antenna is disposed close to one of the short sides of the horizontally elongated rectangular radio antenna.

4. The wireless cover includes: The imaging device of claim 3, characterized in that the width of the device from the lateral center of the radio antenna to one end of the radio cover is longer than the width of the device from the lateral center to the other end of the radio cover.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein an antenna pattern of the wireless antenna is disposed inside the device so as to face one side of the wireless cover.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, characterized in that a wire for electrically connecting to a wireless board on which a wireless control IC for controlling the wireless antenna is mounted is arranged so as to face the other side of the wireless cover.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the wire.

8. The fixing portion is 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the radio antenna is disposed close to the other short side of the horizontally elongated rectangular radio antenna.

9. The wireless antenna is 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is disposed inside the device facing the wireless cover, at an acute angle with respect to the top surface of the housing around an axis that indicates the width direction of the device.

10. a wireless substrate on which a wireless control IC for controlling the wireless antenna is mounted; The wireless substrate is 10. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is parallel to a heat dissipation duct that dissipates heat, is disposed between the heat dissipation duct and the radio antenna, and is thermally connected to the heat dissipation duct.

11. the heat dissipation duct further includes an air intake port for taking in outside air, The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the wireless board is thermally connected via a heat conductive member at a position away from the air intake port to a media board on which a recording medium for recording image information is detachably mounted.

12. a sub-media board on which a storage device having a capacity smaller than that of the recording medium is mounted is disposed substantially parallel to the media board; 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the wireless board and the sub-media board are arranged on approximately the same plane.

Images