Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus in which the quality of heat dissipation characteristics is improved while suppressing deterioration in sound characteristics.SOLUTION: An imaging device (2) includes an imaging main body unit (4), a fan housing unit (12) provided in an upper portion of the imaging main body unit (4), and a cooling fan (38) disposed in the fan housing unit (12). the fan housing unit (12) includes an upper surface (20) covering the cooling fan (38), a pair of side surfaces (a 22A and a 22B), and a front surface (24). An intake port (28) and an exhaust port (side 30A, 30B) for the cooling fans (38) to suck and exhaust air are provided on a surface (side 22A, 22B, 26) different from the upper surface (20) of the penta portion (12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device that captures an image of a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device for capturing an image of a subject. The imaging device in Patent Document 1 has heat sources such as an image sensor and an image engine, and various heat dissipation mechanisms have been proposed for dissipating heat generated from these heat sources. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-57887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With the recent trend toward higher image quality and performance, and the mainstreaming of video applications, the heat generated by heat sources such as image sensors and image engines is also increasing significantly. While overheating can easily cause imaging devices to stop functioning, heat dissipation mechanisms capable of dissipating large amounts of heat require various components such as heat sinks and fans, which can increase the size of the imaging device and potentially compromise its design. Furthermore, fan noise can cause problems with degraded sound characteristics. Therefore, there is room for improvement in improving the quality of heat dissipation characteristics while suppressing the degradation of sound characteristics.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an imaging device that improves the quality of heat dissipation characteristics while suppressing deterioration of sound characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The imaging device according to the present disclosure comprises an imaging main body, a fan accommodating section provided on the top of the imaging main body, and a cooling fan disposed in the fan accommodating section, the fan accommodating section having a top surface covering the cooling fan, a pair of side surfaces, and a front surface, and an intake port and an exhaust port for the cooling fan to take in and exhaust air are provided on a surface of the fan accommodating section different from the top surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the imaging device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the quality of the heat dissipation characteristics while suppressing deterioration of the sound characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a front view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a rear view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment (showing air flow); [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment (showing an external microphone attached); [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device showing a state in which a heat dissipation mechanism according to a first embodiment is exposed; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a heat dissipation mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a heat dissipation mechanism according to a first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a cooling fan is removed from the heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14]FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a cooling fan is removed from the heat dissipation mechanism according to the first embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat dissipation mechanism according to a first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat dissipation mechanism according to a first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat dissipation mechanism according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to yet another modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a heat dissipation mechanism provided in the imaging device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) In the first embodiment, a digital camera will be described as an example of an imaging device according to the present disclosure.

[0011] The configuration of the imaging device 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Hereinafter, the left-right direction as seen from the user using the imaging device 2 will be referred to as the X-axis direction, the front-rear direction as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction as the Z-axis direction. Terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" will be used to describe the directions of the imaging device 2 in its freestanding state, but this is not intended to limit the state of use of the imaging device of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 are respectively an oblique view of the imaging device 2 relating to embodiment 1, Figure 3 is a front view of the imaging device 2, Figure 4 is a rear view of the imaging device 2, Figures 5 and 6 are side views of the imaging device 2, and Figure 7 is a plan view of the imaging device 2.

[0013] The imaging device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 includes an imaging main body 4 and a grip 6.

[0014] The imaging main body 4 is a part for capturing an image of a subject using a lens (not shown). The imaging main body 4 has various components built in, including a heat source such as an image sensor and an image engine, and captures an image of a subject (not shown) located in front of it along the optical axis L in the imaging direction B (Y-axis direction).

[0015] The grip portion 6 is a portion with which the user grips the imaging device 2. The grip portion 6 is provided to the side (the right side in the first embodiment) of the imaging main body 4. A release button 18 is provided on the top surface of the grip portion 6. Although the grip portion 6 in the first embodiment is formed integrally with the imaging main body 4, it may be detachable.

[0016] The imaging body 4 includes a lens cap 8, an EVF unit 10, a pentaprism unit 12, and dial units 14 and 16.

[0017] The lens cap 8 is a member that covers a lens attachment portion (not shown) for attaching an interchangeable lens. The lens cap 8 is provided on the front surface 4A of the imaging main body 4. Various lenses can be attached to the lens attachment portion covered by the lens cap 8.

[0018] The EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) unit 10 is a unit that displays in a viewfinder an image (through image) being captured by the imaging device 2. The EVF unit 10 is provided above the imaging main body 4 and protrudes rearward.

[0019] The pentaprism section 12 is provided above the imaging body section 4 and protrudes forward. The pentaprism section 12 is an example of a "protrusion." If the imaging device 2 is a single-lens reflex camera, the pentaprism section 12 houses a pentaprism (not shown), which is the optical system of the viewfinder. If the imaging device 2 is a mirrorless camera, the pentaprism section 12 does not house a pentaprism. In this specification, the "protrusion" is referred to as the pentaprism section 12 regardless of whether it has a pentaprism. The pentaprism section 12 of the first embodiment houses a heat dissipation mechanism 36 (FIG. 10) including a cooling fan 38, which will be described later. The pentaprism section 12 is an example of a "fan housing section" that houses the cooling fan 38.

[0020] The pentaprism unit 12 of the first embodiment has an upper surface 20, a pair of side surfaces 22A and 22B, a front surface 24, and a lower surface 26. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, an accessory shoe 32 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism unit 12. An external device such as an external microphone 34 (FIG. 9) can be attached to the accessory shoe 32. The accessory shoe 32 may also be called a "hot shoe."

[0021] 1 and 2, the front surface 24 of the pentaprism unit 12 is located in a position that protrudes forward from the front surface 4A of the imaging main body unit 4. A bottom surface 26 is formed to connect the front surface 24 of the pentaprism unit 12 and the front surface 4A of the imaging main body unit 4.

[0022] The penta section 12 further forms an intake port 28 (FIG. 2, etc.) and exhaust ports 30A and 30B (FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.) as components of a heat dissipation mechanism 36.

[0023] Air intake port 28 is an opening for drawing air into pentaprism unit 12. Air exhaust ports 30A and 30B are openings for expelling the air drawn in through air intake port 28 to the outside of pentaprism unit 12. In embodiment 1, air intake port 28 is provided on bottom surface 26 of pentaprism unit 12, and air exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided on side surfaces 22A and 22B of pentaprism unit 12, respectively.

[0024] 8, when cooling fan 38 is operated, air is drawn in from the front side of pentaprism unit 12 through intake port 28 (arrow A1), and air is expelled to the sides of pentaprism unit 12 through exhaust ports 30A and 30B (arrows A2 and A3). This allows the various heat sources built into imaging main body unit 4 to be cooled.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the side surfaces 22A, 22B and the bottom surface 26 of the pentaprism unit 12 are provided with intake and exhaust openings, whereas the top surface 20 and the front surface 24 are not. With this configuration, when the external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32 as shown in FIG. 9 , the distance from the external microphone 34 to the intake and exhaust openings (intake port 28, exhaust ports 30A, 30B) is increased, making it difficult for the operating noise of the cooling fan 38 to be picked up by the external microphone 34. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the external microphone 34 is located directly above the top surface 20 of the pentaprism unit 12 and extends in the front-to-rear direction (Y-axis direction). Neither the intake port 28 nor the exhaust ports 30A, 30B open in a direction facing the external microphone 34. This configuration suppresses deterioration in the sound pickup quality of the external microphone 34 compared to a configuration in which intake and exhaust openings are provided on the top surface 20 or the front surface 24, thereby improving the quality of the image capture device 2.

[0026] The dial units 14 and 16 are members that a user operates by dialing, and are provided upright on the upper surface 4B of the imaging main body 4. As shown in FIG. 5, when the imaging device 2 is viewed from the side (left side), the dial unit 14 is provided in a position overlapping the exhaust port 30A, and as shown in FIG. 6, when the imaging device 2 is viewed from the side (right side), the dial unit 16 is provided in a position overlapping the exhaust port 30B. By providing the dial units 14 and 16 in positions overlapping the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are less visible from the outside. This allows the design of the imaging device 2 to be maintained while providing the exhaust ports 30A and 30B in the pentaprism unit 12.

[0027] Furthermore, because there are gaps between the exhaust ports 30A, 30B and the dial sections 14, 16, the air exhausted from the exhaust ports 30A, 30B hits the dial sections 14, 16, respectively, before being exhausted to the outside through the open space. In addition, since it is difficult for a finger to get into the gap, this has the effect of preventing the user from accidentally blocking the exhaust ports 30A, 30B.

[0028] Next, the heat dissipation mechanism 36 housed in the pentaprism portion 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the imaging device 2 with the pentaprism unit 12 removed to expose the heat dissipation mechanism 36, Figs. 11 and 12 are exploded perspective views of the heat dissipation mechanism 36, and Figs. 13 and 14 are enlarged perspective views showing the heat dissipation mechanism 36 with the cooling fan 38 removed. Figs. 15 and 16 are longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views, respectively, showing the schematic configuration of the heat dissipation mechanism 36.

[0030] As shown in Figure 10, the heat dissipation mechanism 36 housed in the penta section 12 is arranged on the top of the imaging main body section 4, and in addition to the cooling fan 38, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, etc., it is equipped with an attachment member 40, a heat sink 42, an intake cover 44, and two exhaust covers 46A and 46B.

[0031] The cooling fan 38 is a fan for cooling a heat source H (FIG. 15) such as an image sensor or an image engine. The cooling fan 38 blows air onto the heat sink 42 to dissipate heat from the heat sink 42, thereby indirectly cooling the heat source H connected to the heat sink 42.

[0032] Cooling fan 38 of the first embodiment is an "axial fan" that causes air to flow in a direction along central axis E. In the attached state shown in Fig. 10, cooling fan 38 draws in air from above and expels the air downward.

[0033] The mounting member 40 is a member for mounting the cooling fan 38. An opening 41 for arranging the cooling fan 38 is formed in the center of the mounting member 40. The mounting member 40 with the cooling fan 38 mounted thereon is housed in the heat sink 42, whereby the cooling fan 38 is positioned relative to the heat sink 42.

[0034] The heat sink 42 is a member thermally connected to the heat source H, and has a function of radiating heat transferred from the heat source H. The heat sink 42 is thermally connected to the heat source H via a heat transfer member (not shown) such as graphite.

[0035] The heat sink 42 has a plurality of heat dissipation pins 43. Each of the plurality of heat dissipation pins 43 is a rod-shaped member that protrudes upward toward the cooling fan 38. As shown in FIG. 16, the heat dissipation efficiency is improved by distributing a large number of heat dissipation pins 43. The cooling fan 38 is designed so that the air blown out from the heat dissipation fan 38 hits the plurality of heat dissipation pins 43. The heat dissipation pins 43 are not limited to being pin-shaped, but may be rib-shaped, or may have any shape that improves heat dissipation. The heat dissipation pins 43 are an example of a "heat dissipation promoting member."

[0036] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the heat sink 42 has an intake cover mounting portion 48 on the front side and exhaust cover mounting portions 50A and 50B on the sides. The intake cover mounting portion 48 is a portion for mounting the intake cover 44, and the exhaust cover mounting portions 50A and 50B are portions for mounting the exhaust covers 46A and 46B, respectively. Any mounting method may be used, such as screw fastening or nail fitting, or the heat sink 42 may be integrally molded. The intake cover mounting portion 48 and the exhaust cover mounting portions 50A and 50B each form an opening for air flow.

[0037] The intake cover 44 is a member that forms the intake port 28 and is attached to the intake cover attachment portion 48. The intake port 28 of the intake cover 44 communicates with an opening provided in the intake cover attachment portion 48. The intake cover 44 constitutes the underside 26 (Figure 2, etc.) of the penta unit 12 described above. The exhaust covers 46A and 46B are members that form the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, respectively, and are attached to the exhaust cover attachment portions 50A and 50B. The exhaust ports 30A and 30B of the exhaust covers 46A and 46B communicate with openings provided in the exhaust cover attachment portions 50A and 50B, respectively. The exhaust covers 46A and 46B constitute the side surfaces 22A and 22B of the penta unit 12 described above, respectively.

[0038] 15, when cooling fan 38 is operated, air is drawn upward through intake ports 28 provided on underside 26 of pentagon unit 12, flows around toward the upper surface of cooling fan 38, flows downward along central axis E inside cooling fan 38, and is blown out toward heat dissipation pins 43 of heat sink 42. The air that has come into contact with multiple heat dissipation pins 43 and absorbed heat is blown out laterally (in the X-axis direction) through exhaust ports 30A and 30B provided on side surfaces 22A and 22B of pentagon unit 12, as shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 15 , the cooling fan 38 of the first embodiment is disposed so that its central axis E is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. More specifically, the central axis E is inclined so that the rear portion of the cooling fan 38 is higher than the front portion. This arrangement creates a space for air to flow forward of the cooling fan 38. This allows for an efficient arrangement when air is drawn in from the underside 26 located in front of the pentaprism unit 12, and prevents the image capture device 2, including the pentaprism unit 12, from becoming larger. Furthermore, using an axial fan as the cooling fan 38 increases the airflow, improving heat dissipation.

[0040] The cooling fan 38 shown in Fig. 15 is arranged in a so-called "horizontal" position, and takes in and exhausts air in a generally vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 15, "horizontal" position also includes "diagonal position" in which the central axis E is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0041] [summary] According to the above configuration, even when a heat source H, such as an image sensor or image engine, generates a large amount of heat, the heat can be efficiently dissipated by the heat dissipation mechanism 36 including the cooling fan 38 and heat sink 42, thereby preventing the operation of the image capture device 2 from being stopped due to overheating. With the recent trend toward higher image quality and performance, and the mainstream use of video, the problem of camera functions stopping due to overheating is becoming more serious. This can be an effective solution to such heat problems, providing peace of mind to users. Meanwhile, by accommodating the heat dissipation mechanism 36 including the cooling fan 38 in the pentaprism 12 located at the top center of the image capture body 4 and locating it in front of the EVF unit 10, the size of the image capture device 2 is kept small, making it easier to achieve both heat dissipation and design aesthetics.

[0042] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the intake port 28 is provided on the underside 26 of the pentaprism unit 12, and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B of the pentaprism unit 12, with no intake or exhaust openings provided on the top surface 20 or front surface 24 of the pentaprism unit 12. As a result, even if an external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32 on the top surface 20 of the pentaprism unit 12, as shown in Figure 9, the operating noise of the cooling fan 38 is less likely to be picked up through the intake and exhaust openings, thereby suppressing deterioration of the sound characteristics of the external microphone 34.

[0043] 1 to 7, the intake port 28 and the exhaust ports 30A, 30B are located in locations that are difficult to see from the outside. In particular, the intake port 28 provided on the underside 26 of the pentaprism unit 12 is difficult to see from the outside, and the exhaust ports 30A, 30B provided on the side surfaces 22A, 22B are also difficult to see from the outside because the dial units 14, 16 overlap them laterally. This makes it possible to provide intake and exhaust openings in the pentaprism unit 12 while maintaining the design of the imaging device 2.

[0044] [Action and effect] As described above, the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment includes the imaging main body 4, the pentaprism unit 12 (fan housing) provided on the upper part of the imaging main body 4, and the cooling fan 38 arranged in the pentaprism unit 12. The pentaprism unit 12 includes an upper surface 20 that covers the cooling fan 38, a pair of side surfaces 22A and 22B, and a front surface 24. The intake port 28 and exhaust ports 30A and 30B for intake and exhaust of air by the cooling fan 38 are provided on surfaces of the pentaprism unit 12 that are different from the upper surface 20 (the side surfaces 22A and 22B and the lower surface 26).

[0045] With this configuration, when the external microphone 34 is attached to the top of the imaging device 2, the external microphone 34 is less likely to pick up the operating noise of the cooling fan 38. Compared to a configuration in which intake and exhaust openings are provided on the top surface 20 of the pentaprism unit 12, this configuration can suppress deterioration in the characteristics of the sound picked up by the external microphone 34. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the sound characteristics while improving the quality of the heat dissipation characteristics by providing the cooling fan 38.

[0046] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, no openings for intake or exhaust are provided on the top surface 20 and the front surface 24. This makes it difficult for the external microphone 34 to pick up the operating sound of the cooling fan 38, and improves the design of the imaging device 2.

[0047] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the penta portion 12 (protruding portion) that is provided above the imaging main body 4 and protrudes forward is used as a fan housing portion that houses the cooling fan 38. By housing the cooling fan 38 in the penta portion 12, the imaging device 2 can be prevented from becoming larger, and the design of the imaging device 2 can be improved.

[0048] Moreover, the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment further includes a heat sink 42 disposed below the cooling fan 38, and the cooling fan 38 blows air downward toward the heat sink 42. This allows the heat collected in the heat sink 42 to be efficiently dissipated.

[0049] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B. This allows the exhaust ports 30A and 30B to be provided in positions that are difficult for the user to see, leading to improved design. Note that, instead of the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, air intake ports may be provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B. That is, at least one of the air intake port and the exhaust port may be provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B.

[0050] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the dial units 14 and 16 that overlap the exhaust ports 30A and 30B provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B when viewed from the side (X-axis direction) are provided on the imaging main body 4. This makes it more difficult for the user to see the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, thereby improving the design of the imaging device 2.

[0051] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the front surface 24 of the pentaprism unit 12 is located in a position that protrudes further forward than the imaging main body 4, and an air intake 28 is provided on the underside 26 that connects the front surface 24 to the front surface 4A of the imaging main body 4. This makes it difficult for the user to see the air intake 28, improving the design. Note that an exhaust port may be provided on the underside 26 instead of the air intake 28. That is, at least one of the air intake and exhaust port may be provided on the underside 26.

[0052] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the intake port 28 is provided on the bottom surface 26, and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B. This allows the intake and exhaust openings to be located in a position that is difficult to see, thereby improving the design of the imaging device 2.

[0053] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, an accessory shoe 32 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism unit 12. This makes it possible to make it difficult for an external microphone 34 to pick up the operating sound of the cooling fan 38 when the external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32.

[0054] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the central axis E of the cooling fan is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. This allows the flow of air from the cooling fan to be designed in various ways.

[0055] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, the central axis E of the cooling fan 38 is inclined so that the rear side of the cooling fan 38 is higher than the front side. This allows for an efficient arrangement and makes it easier to create an air passage on the front side of the cooling fan 38.

[0056] Furthermore, in the imaging device 2 according to the first embodiment, the cooling fan 38 is an axial flow fan, which increases the air volume and improves heat dissipation.

[0057] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, an axial fan is used as the cooling fan 38, but this is not a limitation. For example, as shown in a modified example in FIG. 17, a cooling fan 138 serving as a centrifugal fan may be provided inside the pentaprism unit 12. The cooling fan 138, which is a centrifugal fan, is disposed horizontally, sucking in air along a horizontal axis E1 and blowing air downward along a vertical axis (central axis) E2 perpendicular to the horizontal axis E1. With this configuration, similar to the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment, air is sucked in through the intake port 28 provided on the underside 26 of the pentaprism unit 12, and the air is directed against the heat dissipation pins 43 of the heat sink 42, generating a flow of air that is blown out from the exhaust ports 30A and 30B provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B.

[0058] In addition, in the first embodiment, one intake port 28 and two exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided, but this is not a limitation, and any number of intake ports and exhaust ports may be used. The positions of the intake port and exhaust port and the direction of intake and exhaust may also be changed as appropriate.

[0059] For example, in the imaging device 100 according to the modification shown in Fig. 18, exhaust port 30A is provided on side surface 22A, but no exhaust port is provided on the opposing side surface 22B (there is no flow of arrow A3). Also, in the imaging device 200 according to the modification shown in Fig. 19, exhaust port 30B is provided on side surface 22B, but no exhaust port is provided on the opposing side surface 22A (there is no flow of arrow A2). Even in the configurations shown in Figs. 18 and 19, air can be sucked in and exhausted by operating cooling fan 38.

[0060] 20 and 21 show an imaging device 300 according to yet another modification. The imaging device 300 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 corresponds to a configuration in which the intake port and exhaust port in the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment are interchanged. Specifically, intake port 28 is changed to exhaust port 302, and exhaust ports 30A and 30B are changed to intake ports 304A and 304B. This makes it possible to create a flow in which air is drawn in through intake ports 304A and 304B (arrows C1 and C2) and blown out from exhaust port 302 (arrow C3).

[0061] The above-mentioned intake and exhaust ports do not necessarily have to be always open, and may be provided with covers that can be opened and closed by the user.

[0062] (Embodiment 2) An imaging device 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 22 to 24. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The same or equivalent components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the cooling fans 38, 138 are "placed horizontally" to take in air upward as shown in Figures 15 and 17, or to exhaust air downward as shown in Figures 20 and 21, whereas in the second embodiment, the cooling fans are "placed vertically" to take in and exhaust air horizontally, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0064] 22 and 23 are perspective views of an imaging device 400 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view showing a heat dissipation mechanism 436 provided in the imaging device 400. In FIG.

[0065] 22 and 23 has an intake port 428 (FIG. 23) on side surface 422B of pentaprism unit 412, and an exhaust port 430 (FIG. 22) on the opposing side surface 422A. This creates a flow in which air is drawn into pentaprism unit 412 from intake port 428 (arrow D1), and air is blown out of pentaprism unit 412 from exhaust port 430 (arrow D2).

[0066] In the second embodiment, no openings for intake or exhaust are provided on lower surface 426 of penta portion 412. No openings for intake or exhaust are provided on upper surface 420, front surface 424, or lower surface 426 of penta portion 412.

[0067] 24, a heat dissipation mechanism 436 is built into the penta section 412. The heat dissipation mechanism 436 includes a heat sink 442 and two cooling fans 438 and 439.

[0068] The heat sink 442 houses two cooling fans 438 and 439 and also has a plurality of heat dissipation pins 443 built in.

[0069] Cooling fans 438 and 439 are each disposed vertically inside heat sink 442 and blow air in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) along central axis F. Cooling fan 438 is disposed on the upstream side, and cooling fan 439 is disposed downstream. Cooling fan 438 is disposed adjacent to intake port 428 and generates a flow (arrow D1) that draws air from intake port 428. Cooling fan 439 is disposed adjacent to exhaust port 430 and generates a flow (arrow D2) that blows air out of exhaust port 430.

[0070] The plurality of heat dissipation pins 443 are disposed between the cooling fans 438 and 439. The airflow generated by the cooling fans 438 and 439 passes through the plurality of heat dissipation pins 443, and dissipates the heat of the heat source H that has been transferred to the heat dissipation pins 443.

[0071] According to image capture device 400 of embodiment 2, one intake port 428 and one exhaust port 430 are provided, which reduces the number of intake and exhaust openings compared to image capture device 2 of embodiment 1, resulting in a simpler appearance. On the other hand, two cooling fans 438, 439 are provided inside penta section 412, which allows for a larger intake and exhaust air volume than when only one cooling fan is provided, thereby improving heat dissipation. In this way, heat dissipation can be improved while simplifying the appearance, making it easier to achieve both design and heat dissipation.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments and their modifications. For example, the imaging device may not have the grip portion 6 or the EVF unit 10. Furthermore, the heat source H is not limited to the image sensor or the image engine, but may be another heat source (for example, a storage section for a recording medium). Furthermore, although two cooling fans 438, 430 are provided in the second embodiment, only one cooling fan may be used.

[0073] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0074] It should be noted that, by appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and various modifications, it is possible to achieve the effects of each of them. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present disclosure is applicable to an imaging device, such as a digital camera, that captures an image of a subject. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 2. Imaging device 4. Imaging body 12 Penta section (fan housing, protrusion) 20 Top side 22A, 22B side 24 Front 26 Bottom side 28 Air intake 30A, 30B exhaust port 38 Cooling fan E Center axis E1 horizontal axis E2 Vertical axis (center axis) F center axis H heat source L optical axis V vertical direction

Claims

1. an imaging main body; a storage section provided on an upper portion of the imaging body; an intake / exhaust port having an opening for intake or exhaust of air in the accommodation portion; an operation unit provided on an upper surface of the imaging body unit and positioned so as to overlap with the intake and exhaust port when viewed from the side; Imaging device.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the intake and exhaust ports are provided on a side surface of the housing portion.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein a gap is provided between the air intake / exhaust port and the operation unit to allow air from the air intake / exhaust port to pass through.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the housing section houses a cooling fan.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit is a dial unit.

Images