Image pickup apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image pickup apparatus that has a reduced size and suppresses propagation of vibration to fan attachment components and generation of vibration noise during fan driving.SOLUTION: An image pickup apparatus includes: a sound pickup unit configured to pick up sound during moving image capturing; a fan; an elastic member provided in contact with the fan; and a first component that fixes the fan through the elastic member. The first component does not contact the sound pickup unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In an imaging device with a fan, fan vibrations can propagate to the component to which the fan is attached, amplifying the vibration noise, or the driving noise and vibration noise of the fan can be picked up by a microphone attached to the imaging device, degrading the quality of the recording.Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which multiple support protrusions protruding from a vibration-proof fan cover that encases the fan frame are press-fitted and supported by a casing and a mounting bracket, making it difficult for vibration noise caused by fan operation to be transmitted to the mounting bracket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-232276 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the fan is pressed against the mounting bracket via the anti-vibration fan cover by press-fitting, so vibrations caused by fan operation are transmitted to the mounting bracket. Furthermore, to securely fasten the anti-vibration fan cover, it is necessary to press-fit the fan in a direction perpendicular to the fan's rotation axis as well as in the direction of the fan's rotation axis. This means that anti-vibration fan covers are required on all six sides of the frame, which increases the size of the equipment in which they are housed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a compact imaging device that can suppress the propagation of vibrations to the fan mounting part when the fan is driven and the generation of vibration noise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sound collection unit that collects sound when shooting video, a fan, an elastic member that contacts the fan, and a first part that fixes the fan via the elastic member, wherein the first part does not contact the sound collection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a compact imaging device that can suppress the propagation of vibrations to the fan mounting part when the fan is driven and the generation of vibration noise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the top cover. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view of the top cover as seen from the −Y-axis direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section near the fan. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of the components on the intake side of the fan. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the components on the intake side of the fan. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of the components on the exhaust side of the fan. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of components on the exhaust side of the fan. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the microphone pickup section. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera 1, which is an example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the digital camera 1 as seen from the front side (subject side). FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the digital camera 1 as seen from the back side (image side). FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view of the digital camera 1 with a windscreen (windbreak) 140 attached. Note that, although a digital camera is illustrated as an example of an imaging device in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the axis parallel to the optical axis of the digital camera 1 is the Z axis, the height direction of the digital camera 1 is the Y axis, and the width direction (horizontal direction) of the digital camera 1 is the X axis.

[0011] The exterior of the digital camera 1 is formed by a front cover (second exterior member) 101, a top cover (first exterior member) 102, a rear cover 103, and a terminal cover 112 that opens and closes an external connection terminal (not shown).

[0012] A lens unit 115 is provided on the front side of the digital camera 1. The lens unit 115 may be configured as an integral part of the digital camera 1, or may be configured to be replaceable with respect to the digital camera 1.

[0013] The top surface of the digital camera 1 is provided with an accessory shoe 104, a microphone sound collection section (sound collection section) 105, a power button 106, a release button 107, a mode dial 108, a video recording button 109, and a zoom lever 110. The accessory shoe 104 is used to attach external accessories. The microphone sound collection section 105 is made up of multiple parts as will be described later, and collects sound when recording video.

[0014] A display unit 113 configured with an LCD or the like is provided on the rear side of the digital camera 1. A plurality of operation buttons 114a to 114e are provided on the right side of the display unit 113 when viewing the digital camera 1 from the rear side. By operating the operation buttons 114a to 114e, it is possible to display captured images on the display unit 113 and to perform various settings. In addition, a still image / moving image mode switching lever 111 is provided which rotates on the same axis as the mode dial 108.

[0015] A fan, which will be described later, is mounted inside the digital camera 1. The front cover 101 is provided with an intake port 101a for the fan. The top cover 102 is provided with exhaust ports 102a and 102b for the fan. The exhaust ports 102a and 102b are provided on the side opposite the operation members such as the release button 107 and zoom lever 110, across the accessory shoe 104. The exhaust port 102a is provided on the side of the digital camera 1, and the exhaust port 102b is provided on the back of the digital camera 1.

[0016] The fan, accessory shoe 104, and microphone pickup unit 105 are arranged on the top surface of digital camera 1 in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction of digital camera 1 (a direction perpendicular to the optical axis). Accessory shoe 104 is arranged between the fan and microphone pickup unit 105. The fan is arranged in an area where no operating members are arranged. Microphone pickup unit 105 is arranged in an area on the opposite side of accessory shoe 104 from the fan.

[0017] As the fan rotates, air flows into the interior of digital camera 1 through intake port 101a. The air that has flowed into the interior of digital camera 1 is exhausted through exhaust ports 102a and 102b. The exhaust direction of exhaust port 102a is toward the side opposite microphone pickup section 105 (+X axis direction) so that the exhaust air does not hit microphone pickup section 105. The exhaust direction of exhaust port 102b is toward the back of digital camera 1 (-Z axis direction).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1(c), digital camera 1 is configured so that a windscreen 140 can be attached to reduce wind noise. Windscreen 140 is made by folding and sewing a sheet so that the artificial hair attached to the sheet faces outward, and is configured so that it can be attached to attachment section 116. Windscreen 140 can be attached to digital camera 1 by attaching attachment section 116 to accessory shoe 104. The configuration of windscreen 140 is not limited to the configuration described above, as long as it satisfies the required function. Windscreen 140 is positioned so as to cover the area above microphone sound pickup section 105.

[0019] The exhaust direction of exhaust port 102a is the side direction opposite windscreen 140 (+X-axis direction) so that the exhaust air does not hit windscreen 140. If the exhaust air from exhaust port 102a hits windscreen 140, wind noise will be generated and will be recorded in video footage. To prevent the exhaust air from exhaust port 102a from hitting windscreen 140, windscreen 140 is positioned higher than exhaust port 102a in the Y-axis direction.

[0020] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the top cover 102. In FIG. 2, some parts are not shown to facilitate explanation.

[0021] The mode dial 108 is configured to be rotatable and is used to switch the shooting mode of the digital camera 1.

[0022] The click metal plate 117 is adhered to the mode dial 108 and rotates integrally with the mode dial 108, thereby generating a clicking sensation when the mode dial 108 is operated. Specifically, the click metal plate 117 has the same number of hole shapes as the number of modes of the mode dial 108, and the clicking sensation is generated when click balls (not shown) move in and out of the hole shapes.

[0023] The click leaf spring 118 has a leaf spring shape to generate a click in the click metal plate 117, and urges the click ball in a direction to press it against the click metal plate 117. The click leaf spring 118 also urges the click ball in a direction to press it against the still image / moving image mode switching lever 111. In other words, the click leaf spring 118 is a component that generates a click in the mode dial 108 and the still image / moving image mode switching lever 111.

[0024] The still image / moving image mode switching lever 111 is a two-position switching lever that switches between still image mode and moving image mode, and rotates coaxially with the mode dial 108. The still image / moving image mode switching lever detection contact 119 detects the rotation position of the still image / moving image mode switching lever 111.

[0025] A spring 125 biases the release button 107 outward. A zoom holder 126 holds the release button 107 and the zoom lever 110. The zoom holder 126 and the zoom lever 110 are welded together by thermal caulking (not shown) and rotate together.

[0026] Rubber member 120 is a member that generates a clicking sensation in video capture button 109. Because rubber member 120 is made of a rubber material, it is unlikely to generate an operation sound even when video capture button 109 is pressed.

[0027] The mode dial holding member 121 holds the mode dial 108, still / moving image mode selector lever 111, and related components. The mode dial contact 122 detects the rotation position of the mode dial 108. The mode dial holding member 121 rotates integrally with the mode dial 108 by fastening it with a screw 124. The mode dial contact 122 is fixed to the mode dial holding member 121 with a positioning boss. In other words, the mode dial 108, mode dial holding member 121, and still / moving image mode selector lever detection contact 119 rotate integrally.

[0028] The flexible substrate 127 has switches mounted thereon for the release button 107, zoom lever 110, and video recording button 109, detects various operations, and transmits signals appropriate to the detected operations.

[0029] The holding member 128 holds the release button 107, the zoom lever 110, the video recording button 109, and the components associated therewith.

[0030] A microphone element 129 that actually picks up audio information is mounted on flexible substrate 132. Microphone rubber 130 is assembled so as to cover microphone element 129. By increasing the sealing performance in this way, it is possible to improve sound collection performance.

[0031] The holding member 131 holds the mode dial 108, the microphone element 129, and the components associated therewith.

[0032] 3 is a view of the top cover 102 as seen from the -Y axis direction. In FIG. 3, some components are not shown to facilitate explanation.

[0033] The components that are operated during video shooting are the release button 107, zoom lever 110, and video shooting button 109. When these operating components are operated during video shooting, a configuration is required in which the operation sounds are not likely to be picked up by the microphone sound pickup unit 105. Note that the mode dial 108 is not a component that is operated during video shooting.

[0034] The release button 107 and zoom lever 110 are located in range A and are held by a flexible substrate 127. The microphone pickup unit 105 is located in range B, and the mode dial 108 is located in range C. The microphone pickup unit 105 and the mode dial 108 are held by a holding member 128. By separating the member that holds the microphone pickup unit 105 (holding member 128) from the member that holds the components that are operated during video shooting (flexible substrate 127), it is possible to prevent operation sounds from entering the microphone pickup unit 105.

[0035] The intake and exhaust configuration of the fan 231 built into the digital camera 1 will be briefly described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the vicinity of the fan 231.

[0036] Fan 231 draws in air from first air chamber 301, blows it in the direction of the rotation axis B of fan 231, and exhausts it to second air chamber 318. With fan 231 as the reference, the first air chamber 301 side is the intake side, and the second air chamber 318 side is the exhaust side.

[0037] First, an outline of the configuration of the intake side of fan 231 will be described. Air intake port 101a opens in front cover 101 in intake direction A (negative X-axis direction) to guide air outside digital camera 1 to fan 231. Air that enters digital camera 1 through air intake port 101a is guided to first air chamber 301 surrounded by heat sink 314, duct 315, and first wall portion 304.

[0038] The first wall 304 has a flat surface that is approximately parallel to the intake direction A, and is made up of a copper plate 311 and a heat exhaust copper plate 312, which will be described later. An opening 304a is formed in the first wall 304 to guide the air in the first air chamber 301 to the fan 231. A ventilation sheet 303 is attached to the flat surface around the opening 304a on the first air chamber 301 side of the first wall 304. The ventilation sheet 303 is made of a material such as a mesh sheet, and is configured to allow air to pass through but not allow foreign matter such as sand of a certain size or larger to pass through.

[0039] The fan 231 is composed of a movable portion 231a, which is a rotor, and a fixed portion 231b, which is made up of a fan frame, mounting board, or the like that rotatably supports the movable portion 231a. The fixed portion 231b is attached to the first wall portion 304 on the fan 231 side via an elastic member 305 so that the rotation axis direction B is approximately perpendicular to the intake direction A. The fixed portion 231b has multiple surfaces, but only one surface, on which an opening 305a (described later) is formed, contacts the elastic member 305; the other surfaces do not contact other members. Adhesive portions, such as double-sided tape, are provided on both the fan 231 side and the first wall portion 304 side of the elastic member 305. The elastic member 305 is preferably made of a foamed resin or rubber that damps the driving vibration of the fan 231, but the present invention is not limited to this material. The elastic member 305 also has an opening 305a formed therein. The opening 305a serves as a vent that guides air from the first air chamber 301 to the fan 231. Since the opening 305a is located on the surface facing the movable portion 231a, the movable portion 231a does not come into contact with the elastic member 305.

[0040] Since the fan 231 is bonded to the first wall portion 304 via an elastic member 305 having a certain thickness, a gap D is formed between the movable portion 231a and the surface of the ventilation sheet 303. Since the ventilation sheet 303 provided in the ventilation path (flow path) can be separated from the movable portion 231a by the gap D, it is possible to prevent the movable portion 231a from coming into contact with the ventilation sheet 303 while in operation, causing the fan 231 to stop operating or generate abnormal noise.

[0041] In this embodiment, a ventilation sheet 303 is provided to prevent foreign matter such as sand from entering the fan 231, but there is no need to provide the ventilation sheet 303 for a digital camera 1 that is not used in an environment where foreign matter may enter.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fan 231 is fixed to the digital camera 1 only on the intake side of the fan 231 relative to the first wall portion 304 via the elastic member 305. The fan 231 is supported in a floating manner above the first wall portion 304 by the elastic member 305, without being pressed against the first wall portion 304 to which the fan 231 is fixed. The vibration energy of the fan 231 generated when the fan 231 is driven is attenuated by the micro-vibrations of the fan 231 supported in a floating manner on the elastic member 305, and therefore the vibration of the fan 231 is less likely to be transmitted directly to the first wall portion 304. Furthermore, since only the intake side end face of the fan 231 is fixed to the elastic member 305, and there is no need to arrange the elastic member 305 and components that support the elastic member 305 on the other five end faces of the fan 231 other than the intake side end face, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 can be made smaller.

[0043] The fan 231 does not come into contact with any components other than the elastic member 305, which is adhered with double-sided tape, with a gap G. Furthermore, the components constituting the first wall portion 304 to which the fan 231 is fixed, the heat sink 314, and the duct 315 have a gap G between them and the front cover 101, and do not come into contact with them.

[0044] Next, a brief description will be given of the configuration on the exhaust side of the fan 231. In order to discharge the exhaust air from the fan 231 inside the digital camera 1 to the outside of the digital camera 1, an exhaust port 102a opens in the top cover 102 in the exhaust direction C (positive X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 1(b), an exhaust port 102b provided on the rear side of the digital camera 1 also opens from the front to the back of the page. The rotation axis direction B and the exhaust direction C are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0045] The air discharged from the fan 231 is guided into a second air chamber 318 surrounded by the second wall portion 306 and the top cover 102. The second wall portion 306 has a flat portion with an opening 306a formed therein, which is substantially parallel to the exhaust direction C. The opening 306a serves as a vent through which the exhaust air from the fan 231 flows into the second air chamber 318. A ventilation sheet 307 is attached to the periphery of the opening 306a on the fan 231 side of the second wall portion 306. The ventilation sheet 307 is configured to allow air to pass through but to prevent foreign objects, such as sand of a certain size or larger, from passing toward the fan 231. An elastic member 308 with an opening 308a formed therein is adhered to the fan 231 side of the ventilation sheet 307 using an adhesive such as double-sided tape. The elastic member 308 is made of foamed resin or the like. The elastic member 308 has a shape that brings the elastic member 307 and the fan 231 as close as possible to each other so that the exhaust air from the fan 231 does not leak into the inside of the digital camera 1, and directs the exhaust air from the fan 231 to the second air chamber 318 through the opening 308a.

[0046] 5 and 6, a detailed description will be given of the component configuration on the intake side of fan 231. Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the components on the intake side of fan 231. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the components on the intake side of fan 231.

[0047] FIG. 5(a) is an exploded view of the components on the intake side of the fan 231. A duct 315 is located opposite the intake port 101a provided in the front cover 101 (partially shown). The duct 315 is made of resin and is fitted into a heat sink 314 made of aluminum. The duct 315 has an opening 315a formed in the direction of the intake port 101a. The duct 315 can take in air from outside the digital camera 1 through the opening 315a. The heat sink 314 has multiple protrusions 314a. The multiple protrusions 314a are positioned to align with the louvers of the intake port 101a. The protrusions 314a increase the contact area with the air taken in through the intake port 101a and function as a rectifying plate that creates an air flow toward the fan 231.

[0048] The heat conduction component 313 may be, for example, a heat pipe or a graphite sheet. In this embodiment, a heat pipe is used as the heat conduction component 313. The heat conduction component 313 is soldered to a heat dissipation copper plate 312 and transfers heat generated in the system control unit (control means) 209, the imaging unit (imaging means) 203, the image processing unit 211, etc. (described later) to a heat sink 314 via the heat dissipation copper plate 312. An opening 312a is formed in the heat dissipation copper plate 312. The heat dissipation copper plate 312 guides air from the intake port 101a to the fan 231 side through the opening 312a. A flat portion around the opening 312a forms the first wall portion 304. The ventilation sheet 303 is adhered to a ventilation sheet attachment portion 312b of the heat dissipation copper plate 312 from the -Y axis direction. The flat portion of the heat dissipation copper plate 312 that faces the ventilation sheet 303 around the opening 312a is the ventilation sheet attachment portion 312b. The ventilation sheet 303 can be configured as a sheet component because the ventilation sheet attachment portion 312b is flat. The ventilation sheet 303 can be made by simple processing in which sheet materials such as mesh sheets or double-sided tape are attached together and then the outer shape is punched out.

[0049] The copper plate 311 has an opening 311a formed on its upper surface, which guides air from the air intake 101a toward the fan 231. The copper plate 311 is assembled so that it overlaps the heat dissipation copper plate 312 from the -Y-axis direction, aligning the openings 311a and 312a. The copper plate 311 transfers heat generated by the system control unit 209, the imaging unit 203, the image processing unit 211, etc. to the heat sink 314 using a thermally conductive component (not shown) made of a graphite sheet or the like. The flat portion around the opening 311a forms the first wall 304. The fan 231 is attached to the periphery of the opening 311a from the +Y-axis direction via the elastic member 305. Because the copper plate 311 around the opening 311a is flat, the sheet-like elastic member 305 can be easily attached. The heat dissipation copper plate 312 is in close contact with the heat sink 314 and transfers heat to the heat sink 314. It is also possible to improve the heat transfer by inserting a heat conductive rubber or the like between the copper plate 311 or the heat exhaust copper plate 312 and the heat sink 314 to increase the adhesion.

[0050] The duct 315 and the copper plate 311 are fixed in the -X axis direction with screws 310, with the heat sink 314 and the heat dissipation copper plate 312 sandwiched between them. The duct 315 and the copper plate 311 are fixed in the +Y axis direction with screws 309, with the heat dissipation copper plate 312 sandwiched between them. The duct 315 and the heat dissipation copper plate 312 are fixed in the -Z axis direction with screws 316, with the heat sink 314 sandwiched between them.

[0051] Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view of the assembled state of the parts described in Fig. 4(a). The copper plate 311 to which the fan 231 is fixed, the heat exhaust copper plate 312 to which the copper plate 311 is fixed, the heat sink 314, and the duct 315 are not external parts of the digital camera 1, but are fixed with screws 325 to a chassis 324 inside the digital camera.

[0052] 6, the space surrounded by the duct 315, the heat sink 314, the heat exhaust copper plate 312, and the copper plate 311 forms the first air chamber 301. The flat portion of the copper plate 311 where the opening 311a is formed and the flat portion of the heat exhaust copper plate 312 where the opening 312a is formed form the first wall portion 304 extending approximately parallel to the intake direction A. The fan 231 is isolated from the first air chamber 301 by the first wall portion 304 formed by the heat exhaust copper plate 312 and the copper plate 311. The intake side of the fan 231 is covered with a ventilation sheet 303.

[0053] 7 and 8, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of components on the exhaust side of fan 231. Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the components on the exhaust side of fan 231. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the components on the exhaust side of fan 231.

[0054] 7(a) is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust side components of the fan 231 as viewed from the +Y axis direction. The elastic member 308 is adhered to the ventilation sheet 307 with double-sided tape or the like. The ventilation sheet 307 is adhered to the second wall portion 306 from the +Y axis direction with double-sided tape or the like. The second wall portion 306 is fastened to the top cover 102 with screws 317.

[0055] FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the assembled state of the components described in FIG. 7(a) as viewed from the -Y-axis direction. The flat portion of the second wall portion 306 where the opening 306a (shown in FIG. 7(a)) facing the ventilation sheet 307 is formed is the ventilation sheet attachment portion 306d. The ventilation sheet attachment portion 306d has a large flat surface with minimal unevenness around the opening 306a, making it easy to ensure a sufficient adhesive area, thereby enhancing adhesion to the ventilation sheet 307. Furthermore, because the ventilation sheet attachment portion 306d is a flat surface with minimal unevenness, it is easy to attach the flat ventilation sheet 307. The ventilation sheet 307 and the elastic member 308 can be produced by simply punching out the outline after bonding together sheet materials such as a mesh sheet, double-sided tape, and an elastic foam sheet.

[0056] FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust-side components of the fan 231, cut along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis direction B. A rib 306b extending in the rotation axis direction B is provided around the entire edge of the opening 306a of the second wall portion 306. The rib 306b is provided to prevent foreign matter such as sand entering through the exhaust ports 102a and 102b from directly entering the fan 231 through the opening 306a. Furthermore, multiple protrusions 306c protruding in the rotation axis direction B are provided to straddle the flat portion of the second wall portion 306 and the opening 306a. The ends of the protrusions 306c on the exhaust port 102a side and the exhaust port 102b side are aligned with the positions of the louvers 102c. Some of the protrusions 306c have a shape that connects the exhaust ports 102a and 102b with a smooth arc. This allows foreign matter that enters through one exhaust port to slide along the arc shape and be easily expelled from the other exhaust port, making it difficult for foreign matter to remain in second air chamber 318. Protrusion 306c also functions as a rectifying plate that guides the exhaust air from fan 231 to two exhaust ports 102a and 102b.

[0057] 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust side components of fan 231 cut along a plane parallel to rotation axis direction B. The space surrounded by second wall portion 306 and top cover 102 forms second air chamber 318. As shown in FIG. 7, second wall portion 306 has a flat portion extending approximately parallel to exhaust direction C around opening 306a. Fan 231 is isolated from second air chamber 318 by second wall portion 306 and ventilation sheet 307 attached to the flat portion of second wall portion 306, and the exhaust side is covered by ventilation sheet 307.

[0058] The configuration of the microphone sound collection section 105 will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the microphone sound collection section 105. Fig. 9(a) is a detailed perspective view of the microphone sound collection section 105 as seen from the exterior side of the digital camera 1. Fig. 9(b) is an exploded perspective view of the microphone sound collection section 105 as seen from inside the digital camera 1.

[0059] An opening 102d for collecting sound is provided in the top cover 102. The opening 102d is covered with a punched sheet 320 in which a series of small openings for collecting sound are provided.

[0060] Perforated sheet 320 is adhered to top cover 102 with double-sided tape 321. A mesh sheet 319 is adhered to the back surface of perforated sheet 320. The mesh sheet 319 is water-repellent to prevent water from entering from the outside and is breathable to allow sound to pass through. As described with reference to FIG. 2, microphone rubber 130 covers microphone element 129 mounted on flexible substrate 132 by sandwiching it from the direction of arrow H. Furthermore, microphone rubber 130 is secured to top cover 102 with screws 322, with the side of microphone rubber 130 on which a sound pickup hole (not shown) is formed abutting microphone front holding member 323 and the opposite side abutting holding member 131. Microphone front holding member 323 is a component processed from sheet metal and is provided with sound pickup hole 323a for picking up sound from microphone element 129.

[0061] The components that make up the microphone sound collection unit 105 are a microphone element 129 , a top cover 102 , double-sided tape 321 , a punched sheet 320 , a mesh sheet 319 , a microphone front holding member 323 , a microphone rubber 130 , a holding member 131 , and screws 322 .

[0062] The copper plate 311 to which the fan 231 is fixed via the elastic member 305 is defined as the first component. The first component is not a component of the microphone pickup unit 105 and is configured not to come into contact with the components of the microphone pickup unit 105. This makes it possible to prevent vibrations caused by the driving of the fan 231 from being recorded as driving noise in the microphone pickup unit 105. The component to which the copper plate 311, which is the first component, is fixed is defined as the second component. The second components include the duct 315, the heat sink 314, the heat dissipation copper plate 312, and the screws 309, 310, and 316. The second component is a heat dissipation means that forms a heat dissipation ventilation path. Furthermore, the second component is not a component of the microphone pickup unit 105 and is configured not to come into contact with the components of the microphone pickup unit 105. Furthermore, in order to prevent vibrations from fan 231 from being transmitted to top cover 102, which is a component of microphone sound pickup unit 105, the second component is not directly fixed to an exterior component such as front cover 101 that comes into contact with top cover 102. The second component is fixed to chassis 324 or the like, which is an internal component of digital camera 1 that is not a component of microphone sound pickup unit 105.

[0063] 4, gaps G are formed between fan 231, elastic member 305, the first component, and the second component, and exterior components such as front cover 101 that come into contact with microphone sound collection unit 105. Gaps G are also formed between internal components of digital camera 1 other than fan 231 and elastic member 305. Providing gaps G makes it possible to prevent vibrations of fan 231 from being transmitted directly to microphone sound collection unit 105 via the first component and the second component.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the heat sink 314 is provided in the first air chamber 301 in which the air intake port 101a is formed, and the heat generated by the heat sink 314 is released into the intake air to dissipate the heat, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heat sink 314 may also be provided in the second air chamber 318 in which the air exhaust ports 102a and 102b are formed.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ribs 306b and the protrusions 306c are provided on the second wall portion 306, but the ribs and protrusions may be provided on the first wall portion 304 on the first air chamber 301 side.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intake side is the first air chamber 301 side and the exhaust side is the second air chamber 318 side, but the direction of the fan 231 may be changed by 180 degrees so that the exhaust air is discharged in the opposite direction to the rotation axis direction B instead of in the rotation axis direction B.

[0067] 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 has an imaging means. The imaging means includes an optical system, an imaging unit 203, an A / D conversion unit 204, a lens barrier 206, a timing generation unit 207, and an image processing unit 211.

[0068] The optical system includes a photographing lens 201 and a shutter 202 having an aperture function.

[0069] The imaging unit 203 includes a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image input through an optical system into an electrical signal.

[0070] The A / D conversion unit 204 is used when converting an analog signal output from the imaging unit 203 into a digital signal, and when converting an analog signal output from the audio control unit 205 into a digital signal.

[0071] The lens barrier 206 covers the photographing lens 201 and the image capturing unit 203 to reduce the risk of them becoming dirty or damaged.

[0072] The timing generation unit 207 is controlled by the memory control unit 208 and the system control unit 209 , and supplies clock signals and control signals to the imaging unit 203 , the audio control unit 205 , the A / D conversion unit 204 , and the D / A conversion unit 210 .

[0073] The image processing unit 211 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the output data from the A / D conversion unit 204 and the data stored in the memory 212. The image processing unit 211 also performs predetermined calculations on the captured image data, and the system control unit 209 performs exposure control and focus detection control based on the obtained calculation results. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (autoexposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing to be performed. Similarly, TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing is performed.

[0074] The output data from the A / D conversion unit 204 is written to the memory 212 via the image processing unit 211 and the memory control unit 208, or via the memory control unit 208. The memory 212 also stores audio data recorded by the microphone sound collection unit 105, captured still images and moving images, and information accompanying images such as file headers when configuring image files. The memory 212 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio.

[0075] The compression / decompression unit 214 compresses and decompresses image data using adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. Specifically, the compression / decompression unit 214 is triggered by the shutter 202 to read a captured image stored in the memory 212, perform compression processing, and write the processed data to the memory 212. The compression / decompression unit 214 also reads a compressed image read into the memory 212 from a recording medium (storage means) 215 or the like, perform decompression processing, and write the processed data to the memory 212. The image data written into the memory 212 by the compression / decompression unit 214 is filed in a file processing unit of the system control unit 209 and recorded on the recording medium 215 via a recording medium I / F 216.

[0076] The memory 212 also serves as a memory for image display, and image data for display written in the memory 212 is displayed by the image display unit 217 via the D / A conversion unit 210 .

[0077] An audio signal output from a microphone 213 is converted into a digital signal in an A / D converter 204 via an audio controller 205 configured with an amplifier and the like, and then stored in a memory 212 by a memory controller 208 .

[0078] On the other hand, the audio data recorded on the recording medium 215 is read into the memory 212 , and then processed in the audio control unit 205 via the D / A conversion unit 210 , and is outputted by the speaker 218 .

[0079] A system control unit (control means) 209 controls the entire digital camera 1. A system memory 219 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 209.

[0080] The nonvolatile memory 220 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, and may be, for example, an EEPROM.

[0081] The shutter switch (SW1), the shutter switch (SW2), and the operation unit 221 are used when the user inputs various operation instructions to the system control unit 209.

[0082] The mode changeover switch 222 is used to switch the operation mode of the system control unit 209 between a still image capture mode, a continuous capture (burst shooting) mode, a video mode, a playback mode, and the like.

[0083] The shutter switch (SW1) is turned on during operation (halfway pressing) of the shutter button 223 provided on the digital camera 1. When the shutter switch (SW1) is turned on, it issues an instruction to start operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing.

[0084] The shutter switch (SW2) is turned on when the operation of the shutter button 223 is completed (fully pressed). When the shutter switch (SW2) is turned on, a command is issued to start a series of imaging processing operations, from reading out a signal from the imaging unit 203 to writing image data to the recording medium 215.

[0085] The operation unit 221 is made up of various buttons, a touch panel, etc. Specifically, it is made up of a delete button, a menu button, a SET button, a four-way key arranged in a cross shape, etc.

[0086] When the menu button is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on the image display unit 217. The user can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the image display unit 217, the four-way key, and the SET button. In addition, the touch of the user's finger or pen on the image display unit 217 may be detected, and the icons displayed on the image display unit 217 may be determined in the same way as the operation of a switch or dial such as a button or dial. Furthermore, an operation member capable of detecting the rotation of a jog dial or the like may be used to perform the same operation as a bidirectional key.

[0087] The power button 224 is used to turn the power on and off.

[0088] The power supply control unit 225 is configured with a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching between powered blocks, etc., and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 225 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 209, and supplies the required voltage for the required period to each unit, including the recording medium 215.

[0089] The power supply unit 226 is made up of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as an NiCd battery, an NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

[0090] The power supply unit 226 and the power supply control unit 225 are connected via a camera-side power connector.

[0091] The RTC 227 (Real Time Clock) has an internal power supply separate from the power supply control unit 225, and continues to measure time even if the power supply unit 226 is turned off.

[0092] The system control unit 209 performs timer control using the date and time acquired from the RTC 227 at startup.

[0093] The recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 228 detects whether or not the recording medium 215 is attached to the recording medium slot.

[0094] The communication unit 229 performs various communication processes such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

[0095] A communication connector 230 (or an antenna in the case of wireless communication) connects the digital camera 1 to other devices via a communication unit 229.

[0096] The fan 231 is controlled by the system control unit 209 to drive (turn on / off and rotation speed).

[0097] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A sound pickup unit that picks up sound when shooting video; With fans, an elastic member in contact with the fan; a first component that fixes the fan via the elastic member, The imaging device, wherein the first component does not come into contact with the sound pickup unit. (Configuration 2) a second part for fixing the first part; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second component does not contact the sound pickup unit. (Configuration 3) the second component exhausts heat using the airflow from the fan; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the first component and the second component form a part of the airflow path. (Configuration 4) a first exterior member that holds the sound collection unit; a second exterior member in contact with the first exterior member, The imaging device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the fan, the elastic member, the first component, and the second component do not come into contact with the first exterior member and the second exterior member. (Configuration 5) 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the elastic member has an opening that serves as a vent for the air from the fan. (Configuration 6) 6. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the sound collection unit includes a microphone and a component having an opening formed therein for directing sound to the microphone. (Configuration 7) the fan includes a movable portion and a fixed portion that rotatably supports the movable portion and includes a plurality of surfaces; 7. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein only one of the plurality of surfaces is fixed inside the imaging device. (Configuration 8) 8. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the fan is fixed to the first member by adhesive via the elastic member. (Configuration 9) An imaging means; An accessory shoe for attaching an external accessory, the accessory shoe, the sound collection unit, and the fan are disposed on an upper surface of the imaging means and are disposed along a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the accessory shoe is disposed between the sound pickup unit and the fan. (Configuration 10) an operation member disposed on an upper surface of the imaging device; The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the fan is disposed on the opposite side of the accessory shoe from the operation member. (Configuration 11) 11. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the fan exhausts air in a direction away from the sound pickup unit. (Configuration 12) a first holding member that fixes the sound collection unit; a second holding member that fixes an operating member that is operated during video shooting, 11. The imaging device according to configuration 10, wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are configured as separate parts. (Configuration 13) 13. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, further comprising a wind shielding portion disposed in a direction different from the direction of exhaust from the fan. (Configuration 14) 14. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, further comprising a control means for controlling the imaging device. (Configuration 15) 15. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, further comprising a storage means for storing audio data acquired by the sound collection section.

[0098] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Digital camera (imaging device) 105 Microphone pickup unit (sound pickup unit) 231 fans 305 Elastic Members 311 Copper Plate (First Component)

Claims

1. A sound pickup unit that picks up sound when shooting video; With fans, an elastic member in contact with the fan; a first component that fixes the fan via the elastic member, The imaging device, wherein the first component does not come into contact with the sound pickup unit.

2. a second part for fixing the first part; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second part does not come into contact with the sound pickup unit.

3. the second component exhausts heat by using the airflow from the fan; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the first component and the second component form a part of the airflow path.

4. a first exterior member that holds the sound collection unit; a second exterior member in contact with the first exterior member, 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the fan, the elastic member, the first component, and the second component do not come into contact with the first exterior member and the second exterior member.

5. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member has an opening that serves as a vent for the air from the fan.

6. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sound pickup unit includes a microphone and a component having an opening formed therein for guiding sound to the microphone.

7. the fan includes a movable portion and a fixed portion that rotatably supports the movable portion and includes a plurality of surfaces; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein only one of the plurality of surfaces is fixed inside the imaging device.

8. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fan is fixed to the first member by adhesive via the elastic member.

9. An imaging means; An accessory shoe for attaching an external accessory, the accessory shoe, the sound collection unit, and the fan are disposed on an upper surface of the imaging means and are disposed along a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the accessory shoe is disposed between the sound pickup unit and the fan.

10. an operation member disposed on an upper surface of the imaging device; 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the fan is disposed on a surface opposite to the operation member across the accessory shoe.

11. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the fan exhausts air in a direction away from the sound pickup unit.

12. a first holding member that fixes the sound collection unit; a second holding member for fixing an operation member operated during video shooting, 11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the first holding member and the second holding member are configured as separate parts.

13. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a wind shield disposed in a direction different from the direction of exhaust of the fan.

14. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for controlling the imaging device.

15. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing the sound data acquired by the sound collection section.

Images