Imaging device

Abstract

This imaging device features a detachable battery unit, providing a configuration that allows for cooling of the viewfinder unit without increasing the overall size of the device. [Solution] An imaging device having an outer casing, a camera body having a viewfinder section and a mount section, and a battery section having a battery and being detachable from the camera body via the mount section, wherein the viewfinder section has a heat dissipation section, the camera body has at least one heat transfer member with a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing, and the heat dissipation section is thermally connected to the mount section by the heat transfer member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly to an imaging device capable of efficiently cooling a viewfinder unit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been a need for imaging devices that can be used for purposes such as security and search for disaster victims. Such imaging devices are required to have a driving time that allows continuous shooting during the active time. As a usage form of the imaging device, in addition to being used handheld, there is also a usage where the imaging device is used hands-free by attaching the imaging device in front of the eyes via an attachment attached to, for example, a helmet.

[0003] In such an imaging device, in order to extend the driving time, it is necessary to mount a large battery. However, in the case of the above-described hands-free usage form, due to the increase in the weight of the imaging device accompanying the enlargement of the battery, the center of gravity tilts toward the front head, increasing the burden on the wearer's neck. As a countermeasure against such problems, a configuration in which the battery unit is separated and the weight of the imaging device main body unit is reduced is conceivable.

[0004] In addition, in the case of an imaging device for portable use, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) may be mounted, but there is a problem that the image quality deteriorates when excessive heat is applied to the display panel of the EVF. As an imaging device having a cooling function for the viewfinder unit, for example, there are the imaging devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2. According to the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to cool the viewfinder unit by a forced air cooling structure using a fan and a duct.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] However, according to the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the cooling structure for the viewfinder section is configured to include a fan and duct, which results in a larger imaging device.

[0007] Furthermore, when comparing an imaging device with a separate battery unit with one that has an integrated battery unit, the configuration with a separate battery unit results in a smaller surface area for the housing where the viewfinder is mounted. As a result, the device's natural heat dissipation capacity decreases, and maintaining the EVF at a normal temperature through natural heat dissipation alone requires a larger device, which presents a challenge.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide an imaging device that enables efficient cooling of the viewfinder section while suppressing an increase in the size of the imaging device and having a detachable battery case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, an imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a camera body having an outer casing and a viewfinder section and a mount section, and a battery section having a battery and being detachable from the camera body via the mount section, wherein the viewfinder section has a heat dissipation section, the camera body has at least one heat transfer member with a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing, and the heat dissipation section is thermally connected to the mount section by the heat transfer member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to cool the viewfinder section without increasing the size of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the battery unit and lens barrel removed. [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the camera body according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the main circuit board portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the camera body according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view of the rear housing portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] Perspective view of the second heat transfer member according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the battery section according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 10] A perspective view showing the main heat transfer path from the viewfinder section according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] XZ cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 12] YZ cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 13] Image illustrating the use of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the battery unit has been removed. [Figure 14] Exploded perspective view of a cap member according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 15] Exploded perspective view of the camera body according to the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view of the rear housing portion according to the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 17] YZ cross-sectional view of the imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 18]Usage image diagram when the battery unit of the imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is removed [Figure 19] Exploded perspective view of the cap member according to the third embodiment of the present invention

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Note that parts not directly related to the present invention are omitted and not shown. Also, the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations. <First Embodiment>

[0013] First, the overall configuration of the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. For convenience of explanation, a rectangular coordinate system is set. The direction parallel to the shooting optical axis (hereinafter referred to as the optical axis) of the imaging device 1 is defined as the Z direction. Regarding the Z direction, the side of the shooting subject is defined as the front side, and from the viewpoint in the front of the Z direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z direction in the left - right direction of the imaging device 1 is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction in the up - down direction of the imaging device 1 is defined as the Y direction.

[0014] The imaging device 1 is composed of a camera body part 20 capable of detaching (exchanging) the lens barrel 10, and a battery part 30 detachable from the camera body part 20. The camera body part 20 can supply power by connecting a power supply cable 930 even in a state where the battery part 30 is removed.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the camera body part 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The camera body part 20 is configured by assembling a front - side housing part 100, a main circuit board part 200, a rear - side housing part 300, a right - side exterior housing 22, a mount part 400, and an upper - side housing part 500 to a main exterior housing 21. The front - side housing part 100 and the rear - side housing part 300 are assembled in the Z direction, the main circuit board part 200 and the upper - side housing part 500 are assembled in the Y direction, and the mount part 400 and the right - side exterior housing 22 are assembled in the X direction, respectively.

[0016] The main exterior housing 21 is a roughly box-shaped component molded from a material such as resin or metal, and has a lower bottom surface 21a in the Y direction, a front side wall 21b in the Z direction, a rear side wall 21c in the Z direction, a left side wall 21d in the X direction, and a right side wall 21e in the X direction. When molded from a metal material, it is formed using a processing method such as die casting or thixomolding with materials such as aluminum or magnesium. The upper side in the Y direction is open, and the side walls in the Z direction and X direction have a rear opening 21f in the Z direction, a left opening 21g in the X direction, and a right opening 21h in the X direction, respectively.

[0017] The right-side outer casing 22 is a roughly rectangular part made of a material such as resin or metal, and has a protrusion (not shown) formed on its inner surface facing the main outer casing 21. When made of metal, it is formed using a process such as die casting or thixomolding with materials such as aluminum or magnesium. The right-side outer casing 22 is fixed to the main outer casing 21 from the right side in the X direction using fastening means such as screws (not shown) in the desired order during the assembly of the camera body 20.

[0018] The upper housing section 500 consists of an upper outer casing 510, a key top 520, an operation unit circuit board 530, and an operation unit holding member 540.

[0019] The upper outer casing 510 is a roughly rectangular component made of a material such as resin or metal. Multiple openings for inserting the keytops 520 are formed in the upper outer casing 510. When formed from a metal material, it is formed using a process such as die casting or thixomolding using materials such as aluminum or magnesium.

[0020] The keytop 520 is molded from an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The operation board 530 is a board on which multiple buttons are mounted. It is connected to the main control board 230, which will be described later, by electrical connection means such as cables and FPCs (not shown). By operating the mounted buttons, various functions of the imaging device 1 can be operated, such as turning the power on and off, starting and stopping shooting, and operating the shooting settings menu of the imaging device 1.

[0021] The operating section holding member 540 is a sheet metal part made of a material such as iron or aluminum, and it sandwiches the key top 520 and the operating section circuit board 530, and is fixed to the upper outer casing 510 by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the configuration of the front housing portion 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The front housing portion 100 consists of a lens mount 110, a front outer housing 120, and an image sensor substrate portion 130.

[0023] The lens mount 110 is a roughly cylindrical component made of a material such as resin or metal. It has an internal female thread 110a and is connected to the front outer housing 120 by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0024] The front outer casing 120 is a roughly rectangular part made of a material such as resin or metal. The front outer casing 120 has openings formed in it to allow light from the subject to pass through. When made of metal, for example, it is formed using die casting or thixomolding with materials such as aluminum or magnesium.

[0025] The image sensor substrate section 130 consists of an image sensor substrate 131 and an image sensor holding member 132. An image sensor such as a CMOS sensor is mounted on the image sensor substrate 131, which converts incident light into electrical signals. The converted electrical signals are transmitted to the video control board 220 (described later) via a lens cable (not shown).

[0026] The image sensor substrate 131 is fixed to the image holding member 132 by adhesive or by fastening means such as screws, and is fixed to the front outer casing 120 by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0027] With the front housing portion 100 configured in this way, a lens barrel 10 having a male thread portion that fits into the female thread 110a of the front outer housing 120 can be attached, making it possible to photograph the subject light that enters through the lens barrel 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, the lens mount of the imaging device 1 is of the screw type, but other lens mounts, such as a bayonet-type lens mount, may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the configuration of the main board section 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The main board section 200 consists of a board holding member 210, a video control board 220, a main control board 230, a power supply board 240, a first thermal conductive member 250, a second thermal conductive member 260, and a thermal diffusion member 270.

[0030] The substrate holding member 210 is formed from a sheet metal member made of a material such as iron or aluminum, and has a bottom portion 210a, a first upright bend portion 210b, and a second upright bend portion 210c. The second upright bend portion 210c has a female screw portion 210d formed by a processing method such as burring, and also has a bend portion having a heat transfer surface 210e.

[0031] The video control board 220 is an electrical circuit board on which electrical elements for performing various image processing based on electrical signals obtained from the image sensor board 131 are mounted. The video control board 220 is fixed to the first upright bend portion 210b of the board holding member 210 by fixing means such as screws (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 230 by electrical connection means such as cables or FPCs (not shown).

[0032] The main control board 230 is a board on which electrical elements such as a CPU and memory are mounted, and which has a communication unit and a storage unit, and which performs all processing of the image sensor 1, including the control of the viewfinder unit 700 described later. The main control board 230 is fixed to the bottom surface 210a of the board holding member 210 by fixing means such as screws (not shown), and is connected to the power supply board 240 by electrical connection means such as cables and FPCs (not shown).

[0033] The power supply board 240 is a board on which electrical elements for controlling the power supply voltage, such as a sub-CPU, are mounted, and which controls the power supplied from the battery unit 30. The power supply board 240 is fixed to the second vertical bend portion 210c of the board holding member 210 by fixing means such as screws (not shown), and is connected to the first interface board 430, which will be described later, by electrical connection means such as cables or FPCs (not shown).

[0034] In this configuration, the power supply board 240 is fixed by sandwiching a first thermal conductive member 250 between it and the heat transfer surface 210e of the board holding member 210. Here, the first thermal conductive member 250 is an elastic member molded from a material such as acrylic or silicone. This configuration makes it possible to transfer the heat generated by the operation of the power supply board 240 to the board holding member 210.

[0035] The heat diffusion member 270 is a sheet metal member made of a material such as aluminum or copper, and is fixed to the second upright bend portion 210c of the substrate holding member 210 by fastening means such as screws (not shown). Alternatively, it may be fixed together with the power supply board 240. In this case, the heat diffusion member 270 is fixed between it and the power supply board 240 with a second heat conductive member 260 sandwiched in between. This configuration makes it possible to diffuse locally generated heat from electrical elements such as a sub-CPU on the power supply board 240.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, the configuration of the rear housing portion 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 5, the rear housing portion 300 consists of a rear outer housing 310, an eye cup 320, a viewfinder portion 700, a viewfinder portion holding member 330, a first heat transfer member 340, and a second heat transfer member 350.

[0037] The rear exterior housing 310 is a roughly rectangular part made of a material such as resin or metal. When made of metal, it is formed using a process such as die casting or thixomolding using materials such as aluminum or magnesium. The rear exterior housing 310 has an opening for viewing the captured image displayed by the viewfinder unit 700, and has an extension with a flange around the opening to which the eyecup 320 is assembled.

[0038] The eyecup 320 is molded from an elastic material such as rubber, which reduces the strain on the photographer when viewing the captured image displayed in the viewfinder section 700.

[0039] Next, in Figure 6, the viewfinder section 700 is composed of a case section 710, a display panel section 720, an elastic member 730, and a heat dissipation section (holding member) 740, which are arranged in order from the rear in the Z direction.

[0040] The case portion 710 consists of a core frame cover 712 to which the cover glass 711 is fixed by means such as adhesive, and a core frame 713.

[0041] The core frame cover 712 and the core frame 713 are parts molded from, for example, a resin material, and are assembled to enclose the viewfinder optical system 714 inside.

[0042] The viewfinder optical system 714 has at least one lens and is configured so that the photographer can view the captured image displayed on the display panel 720 at a desired size.

[0043] The display panel section 720 is composed of a cover glass (not shown), an outer frame 722, and a display panel 723, arranged in order from the rear in the Z direction. The display panel 723 is made up of elements that display images, such as liquid crystal or organic EL, and is connected to the main control board 230 by electrical connection means such as an FPC (not shown). With this configuration, it is possible to supply power to the display panel section 720 and display images acquired by the image sensor board 131 on the display panel 723 via the main control board 230.

[0044] The elastic member 730 is a component that has thermal conductivity. For example, it may be a component molded from a thermally conductive sheet member using acrylic or silicone as a base material, or it may be a configuration in which a thin thermally conductive sheet member is attached around an independent or continuously foamed component. Alternatively, a component with increased thermal conductivity may be used, which is made by filling acrylic or silicone with a highly thermally conductive substance such as graphite as a filler.

[0045] The heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 is a sheet metal part made of, for example, aluminum or copper, and is fixed to the core frame 713 of the case section 710 from the front side in the Z direction by fastening means such as screws (not shown). At this time, the display panel section 720 and the elastic member 730 are assembled between the core frame 713 and the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740, in order from the rear side in the Z direction. With this configuration, the heat generated in the display panel 723 of the display panel section 720 can be transferred to the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 via the elastic member 730.

[0046] In Figure 5, the viewfinder unit holding member 330 is a sheet metal part made of, for example, iron or aluminum. The viewfinder unit holding member 330 is fixed to the rear exterior housing 310 by fastening means such as screws (not shown) after the viewfinder unit 700 has been fixed to it by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0047] The first heat transfer member 340 is a component made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as a graphite sheet. It has a straight shape and is attached and fixed so that one end is in contact with the heat dissipation part (holding member) 740 and the other end is in contact with the second heat transfer member 350. In this configuration, the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 is thermally connected to the second heat transfer member 350 via the first heat transfer member 340.

[0048] In Figure 7, the second heat transfer member 350 is a sheet metal part made of a metal material with a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing, such as aluminum or copper. The second heat transfer member 350 has a heat transfer surface 350a that contacts the first heat transfer member 340, and has a bent portion as a fixed portion 350b on the Z-direction side and a bent portion as a hanging portion 350c on the opposite side. In addition, a vertical bend portion 350d is formed on the X-direction side. The vertical bend portion 350d has, for example, a female threaded portion 350e into which a press-fit nut is machined, and a vertical bend portion 350f is formed on the Z-axis side.

[0049] In this embodiment, the female thread portion 350e is constructed using a press-fit nut, but it is also possible to form the female thread portion directly into the member by processing means such as burring. The upright bent portion 350f has a further bent portion at the tip of the bent portion, which serves as a fixing portion 350g on the X direction side.

[0050] The second heat transfer member 350 is fixed to the rear outer casing 310 by fastening means such as screws (not shown) at the Z-direction side fixing portion 350b.

[0051] With the viewfinder section 700 configured in this way, the heat generated in the display panel 723, which is transmitted to the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740, can be transmitted to the upright bending section 350d via the first heat transfer member 340.

[0052] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the configuration of the mounting section 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mounting section 400 consists of a mounting base 410, an interface holding member 420, a first interface substrate 430, and a second interface substrate 440.

[0053] The mount base 410 is a substantially circular component made of a metal material (thermal conductive material) such as iron or aluminum. A male screw portion 410a is formed on the outer circumference, and it has a first opening 410b and a second opening 410c. A protrusion 410d is also formed, through which a screw (not shown) can be inserted, and the protrusion 410d has a heat transfer surface 410e.

[0054] The interface holding member 420 is a sheet metal member made of a material such as iron or aluminum, and forms vertical bent portions on the upper and lower sides in the Y direction. Each vertical bent portion has a bent portion on its side that serves as a fixing portion 420a.

[0055] The first interface board 430 is equipped with input / output terminals (first electrical terminals) 430a capable of video output and power supply, such as USB connectors and pin connectors, and is fixed to the interface holding member 420 by fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0056] The second interface board 440 has a recording medium slot (not shown) and is connected to the power supply board 240 by electrical connection means such as cables and FPCs (not shown). This connection allows it to be connected to the main control board 230 via the power supply board 240, enabling the recording of captured video signals onto a recording medium.

[0057] Here, the recording medium slot allows for the insertion, removal, or retention of recording media such as SD cards, SDHC cards, SDXC cards, CF cards, PC cards, and microSD cards. The second interface board 440 is fixed to the interface holding member 420 by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0058] The interface holding member 420 is fixed to the mount base 410 by fixing means such as screws (not shown) at the fixing portion 420a, with the first interface board 430 and the second interface board 440 fixed to it.

[0059] In this configuration, the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the first interface board 430 is positioned to pass through the first opening 410b of the mount base 410. Furthermore, the recording medium slot of the second interface board 440 is positioned to be accessible from a second opening (not shown) of the mount base 410.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the assembly of the camera body 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Figure 3, first, the front housing 100 is assembled to the main outer housing 21 from the front side in the Z direction, and the front outer housing 120 is fixed to the front side wall 21b in the Z direction by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0061] Next, the main circuit board section 200 is inserted into the main outer casing 21 from the upper side in the Y direction, and the circuit board holding member 210 is assembled by fixing it to the lower bottom surface 21a in the Y direction with fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0062] Next, the rear housing portion 300 in Figure 3 is assembled by fixing the rear outer housing 310 to the rear side wall 21c in the Z direction using fastening means such as screws (not shown). At this time, the second heat transfer member 350, which is made up of the rear housing portion 300, is inserted through the rear opening 21f in the Z direction of the main outer housing 21 and is positioned inside the main outer housing 21.

[0063] Next, the X-direction side fixing portion 350g formed on the vertically bent portion 350f of the second heat transfer member 350 shown in Figure 7 is fixed to the female screw portion 210d of the substrate holding member 210 shown in Figure 4 using fixing means such as screws (not shown). With this configuration, it becomes possible to transfer the heat generated by the power supply board 240 that has been transferred to the substrate holding member 210 to the second heat transfer member 350.

[0064] Next, the right-side outer casing 22 in Figure 3 is fixed and assembled to the right-side 21e in the X-direction from the right side using fastening means such as screws (not shown). At this time, a protrusion (not shown) of the right-side outer casing 22 is inserted through the right-side opening 21h in the X-direction of the main outer casing 21 and fixed in contact with the heat diffusion member 270 of the main circuit board 200 in Figure 4. This configuration makes it possible to transfer the heat generated by the power supply board 240 to the right-side outer casing 22.

[0065] Next, the mount section 400 is assembled by fixing the mount base 410 shown in Figure 8 to the left side wall 21d in the X direction from the left side in the X direction in Figure 3 using fixing means such as screws (not shown). At this time, the protrusion 410d of the mount base 410 in Figure 8 is inserted through the left side opening 21g in the X direction of the main outer casing 21 in Figure 3. The heat transfer surface 410e of the mount base 410 in Figure 8 is then fixed to the female screw portion 350e of the upright bent portion 350d of the second heat transfer member 350 in Figure 7 using fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0066] With this configuration, the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 is thermally connected to the mounting section 400 via the first heat transfer member 340 and then via the second heat transfer member 350. In other words, the heat generated in the display panel 723 of the viewfinder section 700 is transferred to the mounting section 400 via the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740, the first heat transfer member 340, and the second heat transfer member 350.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the configuration of the battery unit 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The battery unit 30 consists of a lower battery unit outer casing 31, a battery-side mounting base 32, a plug substrate 33, a plug substrate cover 34, an operating ring 35, a battery holding member 36, a battery 37, and an upper battery unit outer casing 38.

[0068] The lower outer casing 31 of the battery section is a roughly rectangular component made of a metal material such as aluminum or magnesium, and has an opening 31a. A rib portion 31b is formed around the opening 31a, and a stepped cylindrical portion 31c is further formed around the rib portion 31b.

[0069] The battery-side mount base 32 is a substantially cylindrical component made of a metal material such as aluminum, with an outer peripheral flange portion 32a formed on its outer circumference. It also has a fixed-side cylindrical portion 32b, and an inner peripheral flange 32c is formed on the opposite end of the fixed-side cylindrical portion 32b. The battery-side mount base 32 is fixed to the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section by fixing means such as screws (not shown) at the fixed-side cylindrical portion 32b.

[0070] In this case, the plug board 33 and plug board cover 34, which are integrally fixed with fastening means such as screws (not shown), are assembled so as to be sandwiched between the rib portion 31b of the lower outer housing 31 of the battery section and the inner circumferential flange 32c of the battery-side mount base 32.

[0071] In this configuration, the integrally fixed plug board 33 and plug board cover 34 are configured to be movable within a certain gap. The plug board 33 is equipped with a plug terminal (second electrical terminal) 33a that can be inserted into and removed from the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the first interface board 430 of the camera body 20.

[0072] The plug substrate cover 34 is a component made of resin material and has an opening 34a. With the plug substrate 33 and the plug substrate cover 34 fixed together, the plug terminal (second electrical terminal) 33a is assembled so as to pass through the opening 34a.

[0073] The operating ring 35 is a substantially cylindrical component made of a metal material (thermal conductive material) such as iron or aluminum. An inner flange 35a is formed on the inner circumference, and a female threaded portion 35b is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical part on the battery-side mount base 32 side.

[0074] The operating ring 35 is assembled as follows when the battery-side mounting base 32 is fixed to the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section.

[0075] The inner flange 35a is assembled so that it is sandwiched between the stepped cylindrical portion 31c of the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section and the outer flange portion 32a of the battery-side mount base 32. At this time, the inner end face of the inner flange 35a fits onto the outer surface of the fixed cylindrical portion 32b of the battery-side mount base 32.

[0076] With this configuration, the operating ring 35 can be rotated between the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section and the battery-side mounting base 32, around the fixed cylindrical portion 32b of the battery-side mounting base 32.

[0077] The battery holding member 36 is a roughly box-shaped component made of, for example, a resin material, and is capable of housing a battery 37 inside. The battery 37 is electrically connected to a battery connector 36a located on the bottom surface of the battery holding member 36.

[0078] The battery connector 36a is connected to the plug board 33 by an electrical connection means such as a cable or FPC (not shown).

[0079] The battery holding member 36, with the battery 37 housed inside, is fixed to the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0080] The upper outer casing 38 of the battery section is a roughly rectangular part made of a material such as resin or metal. When molded from a metal material, it is formed using a process such as die casting or thixomolding using materials such as aluminum or magnesium.

[0081] The upper outer casing 38 of the battery section houses the battery 37 and contains a fixed battery holding member 36, and is fixed to the lower outer casing 31 of the battery section by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0082] The battery unit 30 configured in this way is attached to the camera body 20 such that the plug terminal (second electrical terminal) 33a is inserted into the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the camera body 20 shown in Figure 8.

[0083] At this point, the male threaded portion 410a of the mount base 410 of the camera body 20 is screwed into the female threaded portion 35b of the operating ring 35 of the battery unit 30. Through this screwing, the outer flange portion 32a of the battery-side mount base 32 is sandwiched between the mount base 410 of the mount unit 400 and the inner flange portion 35a of the operating ring 35, thereby attaching and fixing the battery unit 30 to the camera body 20.

[0084] With this configuration, power is supplied from the battery 37 of the battery unit 30 to the camera body unit 20, enabling the operation of the imaging device 1.

[0085] Furthermore, the mounting section 400 and the battery section 30 are thermally connected by the screwing of the male threaded portion 410a of the mounting base 410 of the camera body section 20 with the female threaded portion 35b of the operating ring 35 of the battery section 30. With this configuration, the heat from the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 flows to the battery section 30, thereby further reducing the temperature of the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740.

[0086] Next, with reference to Figures 10, 11, and 12, the heat transfer path of the viewfinder section according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to the imaging device 1 configured as described above, the heat generated in the display panel section 720 of the viewfinder section 700 is transferred to the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 via the elastic member 730.

[0087] Subsequently, the heat transferred to the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 is transferred to the mounting section 400 via the first heat transfer member 340 and the second heat transfer member 350, which have higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing material of the imaging device 1. In other words, the heat dissipation section (holding member) 740 is thermally connected to the mounting section 400 via the first heat transfer member 340 and then via the second heat transfer member 350.

[0088] This configuration allows the heat generated by the viewfinder section 700 to be transferred to the mount section 400, thereby improving the natural heat dissipation performance of the imaging device 1.

[0089] Next, with reference to Figures 8, 9, 13, and 14, the configuration when the battery unit 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is removed from the camera body unit 20 will be described. The battery unit 30 is removed from the camera body unit 20, and the plug terminal (second electrical terminal) 33a in Figure 9 and the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a in Figure 8 are connected with a power supply cable 930. This connection allows power to be supplied from the battery unit 30 to the camera body unit, enabling the imaging device 1 to operate.

[0090] In this case, the cap member 900 shown in Figure 13 is attached to the mount portion 400 of the camera body 20. In Figure 14, the cap member 900 consists of a cap base 910, an operating ring 35, and a cap cover 920.

[0091] The cap base 910 is a substantially cylindrical component made of a material such as resin or metal. An outer flange 910a is formed on one end.

[0092] The cap cover 920 is a substantially circular component made of a material such as resin or metal, and is fixed to the cap base 910 by fastening means such as screws (not shown). In this assembly, the inner circumferential flange 35a of the operating ring 35 is sandwiched between the cap base 910 and the cap cover 920.

[0093] Here, the end face of the inner flange 35a fits with the cylindrical outer circumference of the cap base 910. With this assembly, the operating ring 35 can be rotated around the cylindrical outer circumference of the cap base 910.

[0094] The cap member 900 is attached by screwing the male threaded portion 410a of the mount base 410 of the camera body 20 (see Figure 8) with the female threaded portion 35b of the operating ring 35 of the cap member 900. Through this screwing, the outer flange 910a of the cap base 910 is sandwiched between the mount base 410 of the mount part 400 and the inner flange 35a of the operating ring 35, thereby attaching and fixing the cap member 900 to the camera body 20.

[0095] The cap member 900 is configured to have an opening that allows access to the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the first interface board 430 shown in Figure 8 when attached to the camera body 20. This configuration makes it possible to connect the power supply cable 930 while the cap member 900 is attached.

[0096] As described above, according to the imaging device 1 of this embodiment, even if the camera body and battery unit are detachable, it is possible to cool the viewfinder unit without increasing the size of the imaging device. <Second Embodiment>

[0097] Referring to Figure 15, the rear housing portion 3000 of the imaging device 2 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components having the same function as the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0098] The rear housing consists of a rear outer housing 310, an eye cup 320, a viewfinder section 7000, a viewfinder section holding member 330, a first heat transfer member 3400, and a second heat transfer member 350.

[0099] The viewfinder section 7000 is composed of a case section 710, a heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200, an elastic member 730, and a retaining member 7400, which are arranged in order from the rear in the Z direction.

[0100] The case portion 710 consists of a core frame cover 712 to which the cover glass 711 is fixed by means such as adhesive, and a core frame 713.

[0101] The core frame cover 712 and the core frame 713 are parts molded from, for example, a resin material, and are assembled to enclose the viewfinder optical system 714 inside.

[0102] The viewfinder optical system 714 has at least one lens and is configured so that the captured image displayed on the heat dissipation unit (display panel unit) 7200 can be viewed by the photographer at the desired size.

[0103] The heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 is the display panel section of the viewfinder section 7000. The heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 is composed of a cover glass (not shown), an outer frame 722, and a display panel 723, arranged in order from the rear in the Z direction.

[0104] The display panel 723 is made of a component such as liquid crystal or organic EL, and is connected to the main control board 230 by electrical connection means such as an FPC (flexible printed circuit) (not shown). With this configuration, it is possible to supply power to the display panel 720 and display the image acquired by the image sensor board 131 on the display panel 723 via the main control board 230.

[0105] The retaining member 7400 is a sheet metal part made of, for example, aluminum or copper, and is fixed to the core frame 713 of the case portion 710 from the front side in the Z direction by fastening means such as screws (not shown).

[0106] In this configuration, the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200, the first heat transfer member 3400, and the elastic member 730 are assembled between the core frame 713 and the holding member 7400, in that order from the rear in the Z direction. With this configuration, it becomes possible to transfer the heat generated in the display panel 723 of the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 to the first heat transfer member 3400.

[0107] The first heat transfer member 3400 is a component made of a highly thermally conductive material such as a graphite sheet. It has a straight shape and is attached and fixed so that one end is in contact with the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 and the other end is in contact with the second heat transfer member 350.

[0108] With the viewfinder section 7000 configured in this way, the heat generated in the display panel 723 of the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 can be transferred to the upright bent portion 350d of the second heat transfer member 350 via the first heat transfer member 3400.

[0109] According to the imaging device 2 described above, the heat generated in the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 of the viewfinder section 7000 is transferred to the mount section 400 via the first heat transfer member 3400 and the second heat transfer member 350, which have a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing material of the imaging device 2. In other words, the heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7200 is thermally connected to the mount section 400 via the first heat transfer member 3400 and then via the second heat transfer member 350.

[0110] This configuration allows the heat generated by the viewfinder section 7000 to be transferred to the mount section 400, thereby improving the natural heat dissipation performance of the imaging device 2.

[0111] Although 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 its gist. <Third Embodiment>

[0112] Referring to Figures 8, 9, 18, and 19, the configuration of the imaging device 3 in the third embodiment of the present invention when the battery unit 30 is removed from the camera body unit 20 will be described. Components having the same function as those in the imaging device 1 in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0113] Figure 18 shows the state in which the cap member 9000 is attached to the mount part 400 in place of the battery part 30. Also, the plug terminal (second electrical terminal) 33a of the plug board 33 and the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the first interface board 430 are connected by the power supply cable 930. By connecting the power supply cable 930, power can be supplied from the battery part 30 to the camera body, enabling the operation of the imaging device 3.

[0114] In Figure 19, the cap member 9000 consists of a cap base 910, an operating ring 35, and a cap cover 9200.

[0115] The cap base 910 is a substantially cylindrical component made of a material such as resin or metal. An outer flange 910a is formed on one end.

[0116] The cap cover 9200 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped component made of a metal material such as aluminum, with a cylindrical portion formed as a fixing portion 9200a, and a fin-shaped portion 9200b formed on the opposite side of the fixing portion 9200a. The cap cover 9200 is fixed to the cap base 910 by fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0117] In this assembly, the inner circumferential flange 35a of the operating ring 35 is sandwiched between the cap base 910 and the fixing portion 9200a of the cap cover 9200. Here, the end face of the inner circumferential flange 35a fits with the cylindrical outer circumference of the cap base 910. With this assembly, the operating ring 35 can be rotated around the cylindrical outer circumference of the cap base 910.

[0118] The cap member 9000 is connected by screwing the male threaded portion 410a of the mount base 410 of the camera body 20 with the female threaded portion 35b of the operating ring 35 of the cap member 9000.

[0119] The outer flange 910a of the cap base 910 is sandwiched between the mount base 410 of the mount portion 400 shown in Figure 8 and the inner flange 35a of the operating ring 35, thereby attaching and fixing the cap member 9000 to the camera body portion 20. Consequently, the mount portion 400 and the cap member 9000 are thermally connected by the screwing of the male threaded portion 410a of the mount base 410 of the camera body portion 20 and the female threaded portion 35b of the operating ring 35.

[0120] With this configuration, the heat from the heat dissipation section flows to the cap member 9000, which further reduces the temperature of the heat dissipation section.

[0121] The cap member 9000 is configured to have an opening as shown in Figure 18 so that, when attached to the camera body 20, it can access the input / output terminal (first electrical terminal) 430a of the first interface board 430 in Figure 8.

[0122] With this configuration, it becomes possible to connect the power supply cable 930 while the cap member 9000 is attached.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the cap cover 9200 has a fin-shaped portion 9200b, which makes it possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the heat transferred from the viewfinder portion 700 to the mount portion 400, even when the battery portion 30 is removed. <Other>

[0124] The above-described embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) It has an external casing, A camera body comprising a viewfinder section and a mount section, In an imaging device having a battery and a battery unit that is detachable from the camera body via the mount, The viewfinder section has a heat dissipation section, The camera body has at least one heat transfer element with a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing, The imaging device is characterized in that the heat dissipation section is thermally connected to the mounting section by the heat transfer member. (Configuration 2) The viewfinder section further comprises a case section, a display panel section, and a thermally conductive elastic member. The viewfinder section is configured such that the case section and the heat dissipation section sandwich the display panel section and the elastic member, in that order. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the heat dissipation part is a holding member. (Composition 3) The imaging device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the heat dissipation portion is a holding member that holds the display panel portion and the elastic member between itself and the case portion. (Composition 4) The viewfinder section further comprises a case, a thermally conductive elastic member, and a holding member. The viewfinder section is configured such that the case section and the holding member sandwich the heat dissipation section and the elastic member, in that order. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the heat dissipation section is a display panel section. (Composition 5) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that the heat dissipation section is a display panel section including a display panel consisting of elements for displaying images. (Composition 6) The aforementioned mounting portion is made of a thermally conductive material. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the mounting portion and the battery portion are thermally connected when the battery portion is attached to the camera body. (Composition 7) The camera body further has a cap member that can be attached to and detached from the camera body via the aforementioned mounting portion. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the cap member is attached to the camera body from which the battery unit has been removed, via the mount unit. (Composition 8) The imaging device according to configuration 7, wherein the cap member has a fin-shaped portion. (Composition 9) Power supply cable and The first electrical terminal is located on the mounting portion, The battery unit is located in the aforementioned battery section and further comprises a second electrical terminal that can be inserted into and removed from the first electrical terminal when the battery unit is attached to and detached from the camera body via the mounting section. The imaging device according to configuration 7, characterized in that, with the cap member attached, the power supply cable is connected between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal, thereby enabling power to be supplied from the battery unit to the camera body unit.

[0125] Although 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 its gist. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1: Imaging device 21: Main exterior enclosure 22: Right side exterior housing 700: Viewfinder section 400: Mounting section 20: Camera body 30: Battery section 740: Heat dissipation section (holding member) 340: First heat transfer component 350: Second heat transfer component 710: Case section 720: Display Panel 730: Elastic member 7200: Heat dissipation section (display panel section) 7400: Retaining member 900: Cap component

Claims

1. It has an external casing, A camera body comprising a viewfinder section and a mount section, In an imaging device having a battery and a battery unit that is detachable from the camera body via the mount, The viewfinder section has a heat dissipation section, The camera body has at least one heat transfer element with a higher thermal conductivity than the outer casing, The imaging device is characterized in that the heat dissipation section is thermally connected to the mounting section by the heat transfer member.

2. The viewfinder section further comprises a case section, a display panel section, and a thermally conductive elastic member. The viewfinder section is configured such that the case section and the heat dissipation section sandwich the display panel section and the elastic member, in that order. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat dissipation part is a holding member.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the heat dissipation portion is a holding member that holds the display panel portion and the elastic member between itself and the case portion.

4. The viewfinder section further comprises a case, a thermally conductive elastic member, and a holding member. The viewfinder section is configured such that the case section and the holding member sandwich the heat dissipation section and the elastic member, in that order. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat dissipation section is a display panel section.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the heat dissipation section is a display panel section including a display panel consisting of elements for displaying images.

6. The aforementioned mounting portion is made of a thermally conductive material. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting portion and the battery portion are thermally connected when the battery portion is attached to the camera body portion.

7. The camera body further has a cap member that can be attached to and detached from the camera body via the aforementioned mounting portion. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap member is attached to the camera body from which the battery unit has been removed, via the mount unit.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the cap member has a fin-shaped portion.

9. Power supply cable and The first electrical terminal is located on the mounting portion, The battery unit is located in the aforementioned battery section and further comprises a second electrical terminal that can be inserted into and removed from the first electrical terminal when the battery unit is attached to and detached from the camera body via the mounting section. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, with the cap member attached, the power supply cable is connected between the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal, thereby enabling power to be supplied from the battery unit to the camera body unit.

Images