Tilt mechanism and imaging device

Abstract

The present invention provides a tilt mechanism and an imaging device which make it possible to enable flexibility in imaging while suppressing a decrease of the degree of freedom of attachment of an accessory device.　Provided is a tilt mechanism of an imaging device comprising an imaging device body (2) that has an imaging unit, a plate (4), and a display (6) that has a monitor unit (61). The tilt mechanism includes: a first hinge (31) that connects the imaging device body (2) and the plate (4) so that the imaging device body (2) and the plate (4) can rotate about a first axis A; and a second hinge (41) that connects the plate (4) and the display (6) so that the plate (4) and the display (6) can rotate about a second axis B. The imaging device body (2) has a first accessory shoe (22) to which an accessory device can be attached. The first hinge (31) has a recess (34) that, when a rotation state of the first hinge (31) is a closed state, exposes the first accessory shoe (22) on the rear side of the imaging device body (2).

Description

Tilt mechanism and imaging device

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilt mechanism and an imaging device.

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an electronic device that includes a main body, an LCD monitor, a first hinge shaft, a second hinge shaft, and a slide plate, in which the slide plate is supported by the first hinge shaft so as to be rotatable around an axis along one side of the upper back surface of the main body, and the LCD monitor is supported by the second hinge shaft so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the first hinge shaft.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an imaging device that is composed of a camera body and a display unit, the display unit being connected to the camera body via a vertical tilt mechanism and a horizontal vari-angle mechanism, the vertical tilt mechanism having a first support plate and a second support plate in that order, the lower edge of the first support plate being rotatably supported on the back of the camera body via a first tilt axis, and the upper edge rotatably supporting the second support plate via a second tilt axis, the horizontal vari-angle mechanism having two degrees of freedom with respect to the second support plate, the opening / closing axis and the rotation axis, and allowing various positions of the display unit to be arranged by rotation on four axes (first tilt axis, second tilt axis, opening / closing axis, rotation axis).

[0004] Patent document 3 describes an electronic device in which an opening / closing mechanism having four rotation axes (first axis to fourth axis) allows the display unit to be tilted in four different directions (right, left, down, and up) relative to the housing, and the display unit and a signal processing board mounted inside the housing are electrically connected by a flexible board.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes an electronic device that has a camera body and a variable angle unit including a liquid crystal display panel, and one horizontal end of an exterior cover that covers the camera body is provided with a hinge portion that supports the variable angle unit so that it can rotate around two axes (a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis), and the variable angle unit has a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor, the geomagnetic sensor detects the orientation in which the display surface of the variable angle unit is facing relative to the geomagnetism, and the acceleration sensor detects acceleration in two (or three) mutually perpendicular axes acting on the variable angle unit.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-088945 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-114934 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-177068 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-102958

[0007] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides a tilt mechanism and an imaging device that can enable flexible imaging configurations while suppressing a decrease in the degree of freedom in attaching accessory devices.

[0008] (1) A tilt mechanism for an imaging device including a first part having an imaging unit, a second part, and a third part having a monitor part, the tilt mechanism including: a first hinge connecting the first part and the second part so as to be rotatable around a first axis; and a second hinge connecting the second part and the third part so as to be rotatable around a second axis, wherein the first part has a first attachment part to which an accessory device can be attached, and the first hinge has a recess that exposes the first attachment part to a side in a predetermined direction when the rotation state of the first hinge is in a first state.

[0009] (2) A tilt mechanism according to (1), wherein the first attachment portion is provided on a first direction side of a portion of the first component where the first hinge is provided, and an accessory device can be attached by insertion from a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the predetermined direction is the second direction.

[0010] (3) A tilt mechanism according to (1) or (2), wherein at least a portion of the first mounting portion is positioned within the first component, and in the first state, the first mounting portion is only partially visible when viewed from a first direction on the first component, and is entirely visible when viewed from a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] (4) The tilt mechanism according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first state is a rotation state of the first hinge in which the second component is closed relative to the first component.

[0012] (5) A tilt mechanism according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the imaging device further includes a fourth component, and the tilt mechanism further includes a third hinge that connects the second component and the fourth component so as to be rotatable around a third axis, and the second hinge connects the fourth component and the third component so as to be rotatable around the second axis.

[0013] (6) The tilt mechanism according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first component has a second mounting portion to which an accessory device can be attached at a position different from that of the first mounting portion and in an attachment direction different from that of the first mounting portion.

[0014] (7) The tilt mechanism according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the imaging device has a flexible electronic board that electrically connects the first component and the third component.

[0015] (8) An imaging device equipped with the tilt mechanism described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the third component has a first acceleration sensor, a first proximity sensor that detects proximity to the first component, and a second proximity sensor that detects proximity to the second component, and the imaging device further includes a control unit that controls display by the monitor unit based on detection results by the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, and the second proximity sensor.

[0016] (9) The imaging device according to (8), wherein a predetermined device can be attached when the rotation state of the first hinge is in the second state, and the imaging device is provided with an attachment sensor that detects whether the predetermined device is attached or not, and the control unit controls the display based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, and the attachment sensor.

[0017] (10) The imaging device according to (9), wherein the second state is a rotation state of the first hinge in which the second component opens relative to the first component.

[0018] (11) The imaging device according to (9) or (10), wherein the first component has a second acceleration sensor, and the control unit controls the display based on detection results from the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, the attachment sensor, and the second acceleration sensor.

[0019] (12) The imaging device according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the first proximity sensor detects the proximity of the first part in a third direction of the third part, the second proximity sensor detects the proximity of the second part in the third direction of the third part, and when the third part is divided into a first area and a second area by a straight line passing through the center of the third part as viewed from the third direction, the first proximity sensor is provided in the first area and the second proximity sensor is provided in the second area.

[0020] (13) An imaging device including the tilt mechanism according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first component is capable of being fitted with a cooling device that cools the first component when the rotation state of the first hinge is in the second state.

[0021] (14) A tilt mechanism for an imaging device including a first part having an imaging unit, a second part, and a third part having a monitor part, comprising: a first hinge connecting the first part and the second part so as to be rotatable around a first axis; and a second hinge connecting the second part and the third part so as to be rotatable around a second axis, wherein the first part has a first attachment part to which an accessory device can be attached, and the accessory device can be attached to the first attachment part when the rotation state of the first hinge is such that the second part is closed relative to the first part, and attachment to the first attachment part is restricted when the rotation state of the first hinge is such that the second part is open relative to the first part.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tilt mechanism and an imaging device that are capable of enabling flexible imaging configurations while suppressing a decrease in the degree of freedom in attaching accessory devices.

[0023] 1 is a simplified front perspective view of an example of an imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an example of a state in which the display 6 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the plate 4. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an example of a state in which the plate 4 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the imaging device main body 2. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an example of a state in which the plate 4 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6 is also open relative to the plate 4. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an example of an imaging device 1 in which a cooling device 8 is attached to the back surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device main body 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection between the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a first mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a third mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a fourth mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. 1 is a diagram showing a fifth form of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first form of horizontal shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third form of horizontal shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fourth form of horizontal shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fifth form of horizontal shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sixth form of horizontal shooting in the imaging device 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first form of arrangement of the body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second form of arrangement of the body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified tilt mechanism. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a horizontal shooting form in an imaging device 1 equipped with a modified tilt function.

[0024] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, the terms "upward," "downward," "leftward," "rightward," "forward," and "rearward" are used, but these directions are relative directions set for the imaging device shown in each drawing for the sake of convenience.

[0025] <Imaging Device of the Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a simplified example of an imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an example of an imaging device is a digital camera or a single-lens reflex camera capable of capturing video. The imaging device 1 includes an imaging device main body 2, which is an example of the "first part" of the present invention, a plate 4, which is an example of the "second part," and a display 6, which is an example of the "third part."

[0026] The imaging device body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front (the front side of the imaging device 1), and is a horizontally long rectangular body with the top and bottom sides being long and the left and right sides being short. The imaging device body 2 is provided with a lens 20 constituting part of the imaging unit at the front of the imaging device body 2. The imaging device body 2 also has an imaging element (not shown) constituting part of the imaging unit inside it. The imaging device body 2 is also provided with a release button 21 at the right side of the top surface.

[0027] Furthermore, the imaging device body 2 is provided with a first accessory shoe 22, which is an example of the "first attachment portion" of the present invention, on the left side of the imaging device body 2, and a second accessory shoe 23, which is an example of the "second attachment portion" of the present invention, on the upper part. The first accessory shoe 22 is an accessory shoe provided on the short side of the imaging device body 2. The second accessory shoe 23 is an accessory shoe provided on the long side of the imaging device body 2. The first accessory shoe 22 and the second accessory shoe 23 are attachment portions to which accessory devices such as a microphone, a flash, an external viewfinder, etc. can be attached. The first accessory shoe 22 and the second accessory shoe 23 may be hot shoes or cold shoes.

[0028] The imaging device body 2 also has a first hinge 31 provided on the left rear side of the imaging device body 2. The first hinge 31 has a first axis A extending along the left short side of the imaging device body 2. The first hinge 31 is provided adjacent to the first accessory shoe 22 at a position rearward of the position where the first accessory shoe 22 is provided.

[0029] The plate 4 is attached to the rear side of the imaging device body 2. The plate 4 is connected to the imaging device body 2 by a first hinge 31 so as to be rotatable about a first axis A.

[0030] The display 6 is attached to the rear side of the imaging device body 2 together with the plate 4. A second hinge 41 is provided on the upper part of the display 6. The display 6 is connected to the plate 4 via the second hinge 41. The second hinge 41 has a second axis B extending along the upper long side of the imaging device body 2. The direction in which the second axis B extends is perpendicular to the direction in which the first axis A extends. The display 6 is connected to the plate 4 by the second hinge 41 so as to be rotatable around the second axis B. Note that the first axis A and the second axis B "along" the sides of the imaging device body 2 means that the first axis A and the second axis B are parallel to the sides of the imaging device body 2 without moving away from the sides.

[0031] As such, the imaging device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a tilt mechanism having a first hinge 31 that connects the imaging device main body 2 and the plate 4 so that they can rotate around the first axis A, and a second hinge 41 that connects the plate 4 and the display 6 so that they can rotate around the second axis B.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the display 6 has a monitor unit 61. The display 6 is substantially flat and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The display 6 can function as a rear monitor for the imaging device 1. The monitor unit 61 of the display 6 appropriately displays a captured image of the imaging subject, an operation panel, or the like. The plate 4 is disposed in front of the display 6. Like the display 6, the plate 4 is substantially flat and has a substantially rectangular shape. The plate 4 and the display 6 are disposed in a stacked state along the rear surface of the imaging device body 2, with the plate 4 on the side closer to the imaging device body 2 and the display 6 on the side farther from the imaging device body 2.

[0033] As described above, the display 6 can rotate about the second axis B relative to the plate 4 by the second hinge 41, and the display 6 shown in FIG. 2 is in a state in which the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4. The closed state is a state in which the part of the display 6 other than the part where the second hinge 41 is provided is closest to the plate 4. Also, as described above, the plate 4 can rotate about the first axis A relative to the imaging device body 2 by the first hinge 31, and the plate 4 shown in FIG. 2 is in a state in which the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2. The closed state is a state in which the part of the plate 4 other than the part where the first hinge 31 is provided is closest to the imaging device body 2. The state in which the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 is the "first state" of the first hinge 31.

[0034] The first accessory shoe 22 is provided in front of the first hinge 31 at the left rear end of the imaging device body 2, for example, on the left side of the imaging device body 2. At least a portion of the first accessory shoe 22 is recessed (sunk) into the left side of the imaging device body 2. Therefore, the height of the portion of the first accessory shoe 22 exposed to the left of the left side surface of the imaging device body 2 is lower than the height of the portion of the second accessory shoe 23, which is provided on the top of the imaging device body 2 and exposed above the top surface of the imaging device body 2. The first accessory shoe 22 is configured so that an accessory device can be attached by inserting it from the rear (back side) of the imaging device body 2. The front direction of the imaging device body 2 is an example of the "first direction" in the present invention. The rear direction of the imaging device body 2 is an example of the "second direction" in the present invention.

[0035] The second accessory shoe 23 is provided at a different position (top of the imaging device body 2) from the first accessory shoe 22. The second accessory shoe 23 is configured to allow an accessory device to be attached in an attachment direction different from that of the first accessory shoe 22. The "attachment direction" here refers to, for example, the attachment direction in the case of the first accessory shoe 22, which is appropriate for vertical shooting of the imaging device 1. The attachment direction in the case of the second accessory shoe 23, which is appropriate for horizontal shooting of the imaging device 1. The appropriate orientation is the orientation in which the two stereo microphones are aligned left and right when attached to the first accessory shoe 22 or the second accessory shoe 23. The stereo microphone attached to the first accessory shoe 22 when the imaging device 1 is set in a vertical shooting orientation and the stereo microphone attached to the second accessory shoe 23 when the imaging device 1 is set in a horizontal shooting orientation are both attached to the upper side of the imaging device body 2.

[0036] The first hinge 31 has a first fixed portion 32a provided on the upper side of the imaging device main body 2, a second fixed portion 32b provided on the lower side, and a rotating portion 33 provided between the first fixed portion 32a and the second fixed portion 32b.

[0037] The first fixed portion 32a and the second fixed portion 32b are fixed to the imaging device body 2. The rotating portion 33 is held so as to be rotatable about a first axis A relative to the first fixed portion 32a and the second fixed portion 32b. The rotating portion 33 also supports the plate 4. Therefore, the rotating portion 33 can rotate together with the plate 4 about the first axis A relative to the imaging device body 2.

[0038] The first hinge 31 has a recess 34 in the pivoting portion 33. The recess 34 is formed on the left side of the pivoting portion 33. The recess 34 is formed to have a width W34 that is wider than the width W22 (vertical width) of the first accessory shoe 22 provided in front of the first hinge 31. Therefore, when the first hinge 31 is rotated so that the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first accessory shoe 22 in front of the first hinge 31 is exposed to the rear of the imaging device body 2 through the recess 34 of the first hinge 31 when viewed from the rear of the imaging device 1. In other words, when viewed from the rear of the imaging device 1 in this state, the entire first accessory shoe 22 (including the portion recessed into the imaging device body 2) can be seen through the recess 34 of the first hinge 31. When the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 and the recess 34 is exposed, an accessory device can be inserted into the first accessory shoe 22 from the rear of the imaging device body 2. The rear (second direction) of the imaging device body 2 is an example of the "predetermined direction" in the present invention. On the other hand, when the imaging device 1 is viewed from the front, the exposed portion of the first accessory shoe 22 to the left of the left side surface of the imaging device body 2 can be seen, but the portion inserted into the imaging device body 2 cannot be seen.

[0039] The second hinges 41 are provided as a pair of second hinges 41 at both ends of the plate 4 and the display 6 on the second axis B. The second hinges 41 directly connect the plate 4 and the display 6 at both ends on the second axis B.

[0040] In the following description, with regard to the rotational states indicating the opening and closing of the plate 4 and the display 6, a reference rotational state is defined as a state in which the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 and the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the reference state, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is exposed on the rear side of the imaging device 1. This allows a user to directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the rear side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hands. In this reference state, the opening and closing angle of the first hinge 31 about the first axis A is defined as 0°, and the opening and closing angle of the second hinge 41 about the second axis B is defined as 0°. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the opening and closing angles of the first hinge 31 and the second hinge 41 is defined as 180°. The structures of the first hinge 31 and the second hinge 41 described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Various hinges can be used as long as they are rotatable around their respective axes.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view showing an example of a state in which the display 6 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the plate 4. In the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 3, the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2, and the display 6 is completely open relative to the plate 4. In other words, the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 3 is in a state in which only the display 6 has rotated to the maximum extent about the second axis B relative to the plate 4 from the reference state shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In this rotated state, the opening / closing angle of the first hinge 31 about the first axis A is 0°, and the opening / closing angle of the second hinge 41 about the second axis B is 180°.

[0042] When the rotation state of the display 6 transitions from the standard state to a 180° open state, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is disposed facing forward at a position above the imaging device body 2. This allows the user to directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while, for example, holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand. At this time, the display on the monitor unit 61 on the display 6 is displayed upside down, which is a configuration suitable for the user to take a selfie.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, when the rotation state of the display 6 transitions from the standard state to a 180° open state, the back surface 62 of the display 6, which is opposite to the side on which the monitor unit 61 is provided, is positioned so that it faces the rear of the imaging device body 2. Furthermore, when the display 6 transitions to the 180° open state, the surface 42 of the plate 4, which overlaps with the back surface 62 of the display 6 in Figs. 1 and 2, i.e., the surface 42 opposite to the side overlapping the back surface of the imaging device body 2 in Figs. 1 and 2, is positioned so that it faces the rear of the imaging device body 2.

[0044] The back surface 62 of the display 6 is provided with a main body proximity sensor 63, which is an example of the "first proximity sensor" of the present invention, a plate proximity sensor 64, which is an example of the "second proximity sensor" of the present invention, and a display acceleration sensor 65, which is an example of the "first acceleration sensor" of the present invention.

[0045] The main body proximity sensor 63 is a sensor capable of detecting the proximity of the imaging device main body 2 in the direction of the back surface of the display 6. The plate proximity sensor 64 is a sensor capable of detecting the proximity of the plate 4 in the direction of the back surface of the display 6. For example, a photoreflector or a magnetic sensor can be used as the proximity sensor. The back surface direction of the display 6 refers to the direction opposite to the display direction of the monitor unit 61 of the display 6. The back surface direction is an example of the "third direction" in the present invention. The display acceleration sensor 65 is a sensor capable of detecting the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity.

[0046] 4 , the main body proximity sensor 63 is provided in the upper left part of the back surface 62 of the display 6. Similarly, the plate proximity sensor 64 is provided in the lower left part of the back surface 62 of the display 6. Similarly, the display acceleration sensor 65 is provided in the center right part of the back surface 62 of the display 6.

[0047] The plate 4 is provided with a proximity detection hole 43. The proximity detection hole 43 is a detection hole that is used by the main body proximity sensor 63 to detect the proximity of the imaging device main body 2. The proximity detection hole 43 is formed through the plate 4. The proximity detection hole 43 is provided at a position that corresponds to the position of the main body proximity sensor 63 provided on the display 6 when the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4.

[0048] For example, the imaging device 1 can detect whether the imaging device body 2 is close to the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and determine whether the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 based on the detection result. At this time, the body proximity sensor 63 detects whether the imaging device body 2 is close to the display 6 through the proximity detection hole 43 provided in the plate 4. The imaging device 1 can also detect whether the plate 4 is close to the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64, and determine whether the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4 based on the detection result. The imaging device 1 can also detect the orientation of the display 6 in the gravity direction using the display acceleration sensor 65, and determine the orientation of the imaging device 1 (portrait or landscape) based on the detection result.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing an example of a state in which the plate 4 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the imaging device body 2. In the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5, the plate 4 is fully open relative to the imaging device body 2, and the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4. That is, the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5 is in a state in which only the plate 4 has rotated to the maximum extent about the first axis A relative to the imaging device body 2 from the reference state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this rotated state, the opening / closing angle of the first hinge 31 about the first axis A is 180°, and the opening / closing angle of the second hinge 41 about the second axis B is 0°. However, because the display 6 is connected to the plate 4 by the second hinge 41, the display 6 rotates together with the plate 4 about the first axis A when the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device body 2.

[0050] When the rotation state of the plate 4 transitions from the reference state to a 180° open state, the plate 4 is disposed on the left side of the imaging device body 2 so as to be aligned with the imaging device body 2. Furthermore, when the plate 4 transitions to the 180° open state, the display 6 connected to the plate 4 is disposed on the left side of the imaging device body 2 together with the plate 4, with the monitor unit 61 facing the front side of the imaging device 1. This allows the user to directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while, for example, holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand. At this time, the display on the monitor unit 61 on the display 6 is a so-called mirror inversion display, which is a configuration suitable for users to take selfies.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, when the rotation state of the plate 4 transitions from the standard state to a 180° open state, the imaging device main body 2 is positioned with the back surface 24 appearing on the rear side. Furthermore, by transitioning to the 180° open state, the plate 4 is positioned on the left side of the imaging device main body 2, and the surface 44 of the plate 4, which overlaps the back surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2 in Figs. 1 and 2, is positioned facing the rear side of the imaging device 1.

[0052] The imaging device body 2 can be fitted with a cooling device for cooling the imaging device body 2 when the plate 4 is in an open state relative to the imaging device body 2. The cooling device is, for example, an external fan. The cooling device is an example of the "predetermined device" in the present invention. The open state refers to a state other than the "closed state" and is not limited to the 180° open state shown in FIG. 6 , but may be a state opened to less than 180°. The state in which the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device body 2 is the "second state" of the first hinge 31.

[0053] The rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2 is provided with screw holes 25a and 25b for attaching the cooling device, and an electronic contact 26 for supplying power to the attached cooling device.

[0054] Furthermore, when the plate 4 is in an open state relative to the imaging device body 2, the rotating portion 33 also rotates together with the rotation of the plate 4, and as a result of this rotation, the recess 34 of the rotating portion 33 changes position from the left side to the right side of the rotating portion 33. In this way, when the plate 4 is in an open state relative to the imaging device body 2 and the position of the recess 34 changes, the first accessory shoe 22 is not exposed when viewed from the rear of the imaging device 1, and therefore it becomes impossible to insert an accessory device into the first accessory shoe 22 from the rear direction of the imaging device body 2.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing an example of a state in which the plate 4 of the imaging device 1 is open relative to the imaging device body 2 and the display 6 is also open relative to the plate 4. In the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7, the plate 4 is fully open relative to the imaging device body 2, and the display 6 is fully open relative to the plate 4. That is, the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7 is in a state in which the plate 4 has been rotated to its maximum extent about the first axis A relative to the imaging device body 2, and the display 6 has been rotated to its maximum extent about the second axis B relative to the plate 4, from the reference state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this rotated state, the opening / closing angle of the first hinge 31 about the first axis A is 180°, and the opening / closing angle of the second hinge 41 about the second axis B is 180°. In other words, the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7 is in a state in which the display 6 of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5 has been rotated 180° about the second axis B. Alternatively, the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7 is the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 3 in a state where the plate 4 is rotated 180 degrees around the first axis A.

[0056] When the plate 4 transitions to a 180° open state and the display 6 also transitions to a 180° open state, the plate 4 is disposed on the left side of the imaging device main body 2 so as to be aligned with the imaging device main body 2, and the surface 42 of the plate 4 that overlapped with the back surface 62 of the display 6 in Figures 1 and 2 is disposed facing the front side of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, when the plate 4 transitions to a 180° open state and the display 6 also transitions to a 180° open state, the display 6 is disposed above the plate 4 so as to be aligned with the plate 4 in the vertical direction, and the back surface 62 of the display 6 that overlapped with the surface 42 of the plate 4 in Figures 1 and 2, i.e., the back surface 62 opposite to the side where the monitor unit 61 is provided, is disposed facing the front side of the imaging device 1.

[0057] 8 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 7 . As shown in FIG. 8 , when the plate 4 transitions to a 180° open state and the display 6 also transitions to a 180° open state, the imaging device main body 2 is positioned with the rear surface 24 appearing on the rear side. Furthermore, when the plate 4 transitions to a 180° open state and the display 6 also transitions to a 180° open state, the plate 4 is positioned on the left side of the imaging device main body 2, and the surface 44 of the plate 4, which overlaps the rear surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2, is positioned facing the rear side of the imaging device 1. Furthermore, when the plate 4 transitions to a 180° open state and the display 6 also transitions to a 180° open state, the display 6 is positioned above the plate 4, and the monitor unit 61 is positioned facing the rear side of the imaging device 1.

[0058] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view showing an example of an imaging device 1 in which the cooling device 8 is attached to the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the cooling device 8 can be attached to the imaging device body 2 when the rotation state of the first hinge 31 is such that the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device body 2. In the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 9, the plate 4 is open 180° relative to the imaging device body 2, and the display 6 is also open 180° relative to the plate 4.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the cooling device 8 is attached to the rear surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2 with screws 81a and 81b through screw holes 25a and 25b (see Fig. 8) provided in the rear surface 24. The cooling device 8 is also attached in a state where electronic contacts (not shown) provided on the cooling device 8 are connected to electronic contacts 26 (see Fig. 8) provided on the rear surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2.

[0060] The imaging configuration of the imaging device 1 in Figures 9 and 10 is a configuration in which the orientation of the lens 20 of the imaging device body 2 and the orientation of the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 are set to be opposite sides, that is, the imaging direction of the imaging device 1 and the display direction of the monitor unit 61 are opposite sides, which is a configuration used for so-called normal imaging.

[0061] 9 shows the imaging device 1 in a state where the plate 4 and display 6 are opened 180 degrees as an example of a form of the imaging device 1 to which the cooling device 8 can be attached, but the imaging device 1 is not limited to this rotated state. For example, the cooling device 8 can be attached to the imaging device main body 2 even when only the plate 4 is opened as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0062] <Hardware Configuration of Imaging Device Main Body 2> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device main body 2. As shown in Fig. 11, the imaging device main body 2 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a main body acceleration sensor 13, an imaging unit 14, an accessory communication interface 15, a display communication interface 16, and a cooling device communication interface 17. The processor 11, the memory 12, the main body acceleration sensor 13, the imaging unit 14, the accessory communication interface 15, the display communication interface 16, and the cooling device communication interface 17 are connected by, for example, a bus 18.

[0063] The processor 11 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU that controls the entire imaging device body 2. The processor 11 may be realized by other digital circuits such as an FPGA or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor 11 may also be realized by combining multiple digital circuits.

[0064] The memory 12 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a work area for the processor 11. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or flash memory. The auxiliary memory stores various programs that operate the imaging device main body 2. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 11. The auxiliary memory may also include portable memory that is removable from the imaging device main body 2. Examples of portable memory include memory cards such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and external hard disk drives.

[0065] The main body acceleration sensor 13 is a sensor capable of detecting the orientation of the imaging device main body 2 in the direction of gravity. The processor 11 can determine the orientation of the imaging device 1 (portrait or landscape) based on the detection results of the main body acceleration sensor 13. The processor 11 can also determine the relative positional relationship between the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6 based on the main body acceleration sensor 13 and the detection results of the main body acceleration sensor 13. The main body acceleration sensor 13 is an example of a "second acceleration sensor" in the present invention.

[0066] The imaging unit 14 includes a lens 20 and an imaging element. The lens 20 includes at least an imaging lens such as a focus lens or a zoom lens. The imaging element can be configured, for example, as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 14 also includes a signal processing circuit that performs sampling and digital conversion on the captured image signal output from the imaging element. The imaging unit 14 also includes an image processing unit that performs digital signal processing on the captured image signal processed by the signal processing circuit to generate captured image data in, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

[0067] The accessory communication interface 15 is a communication interface that performs communication with a first accessory shoe 22 and a second accessory shoe 23 provided on the imaging device body 2 .

[0068] The display communication interface 16 is a communication interface that performs communication with the display 6 .

[0069] The cooling device communication interface 17 is a communication interface for communicating with the cooling device 8 attached to the imaging device body 2. As described above, the cooling device 8 is attached with its electronic contacts connected to the electronic contacts 26 of the imaging device body 2. The cooling device communication interface 17, together with the electronic contacts 26, can detect whether or not a cooling device is attached to the imaging device body 2. The cooling device communication interface 17 and the electronic contacts 26 (see FIG. 8) are an example of an "attachment sensor" of the present invention.

[0070] For example, the processor 11 controls the display information to be displayed on the monitor unit 61 based on the orientation of the display 6 in the gravity direction detected by the display acceleration sensor 65, the proximity state of the imaging device main body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 detected by the main body proximity sensor 63, and the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 detected by the plate proximity sensor 64. Specifically, the processor 11 determines the imaging orientation (portrait or landscape) based on the detection results of the display acceleration sensor 65, determines the open / closed state of each hinge (roughly an open or closed state) based on the detection results of the main body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64, and controls the display on the monitor unit 61 (up / down / left / right inversion processing) based on these determination results.

[0071] The processor 11 also controls the display information displayed on the monitor unit 61 based on information detected by the display acceleration sensor 65, the main body proximity sensor 63, and the plate proximity sensor 64, and on whether or not the cooling device 8 is attached, detected by the cooling device communication interface 17 (attachment sensor). For example, if the cooling device 8 is attached, the processor 11 determines that the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device main body 2 by detecting the attachment of the cooling device 8 by the cooling device communication interface 17 (attachment sensor).

[0072] The processor 11 also controls the display information displayed on the monitor unit 61 based on information detected by the display acceleration sensor 65, the main body proximity sensor 63, the plate proximity sensor 64, and the cooling device communication interface 17, and the orientation of the imaging device main body 2 in the direction of gravity detected by the main body acceleration sensor 13. Specifically, the processor 11 determines the imaging orientation (portrait or landscape) based on the detection results from the display acceleration sensor 65 and the main body acceleration sensor 13, determines the open / closed state of each hinge (roughly an open or closed state) based on the detection results from the main body proximity sensor 63, the plate proximity sensor 64, and the cooling device communication interface 17, and controls the display on the monitor unit 61 (up / down / left / right inversion processing) based on these determination results.

[0073] <Example of Connection Between Imaging Device Main Body 2 and Display 6> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6. As shown in Fig. 12, the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6 are electrically connected by FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 9, which is an example of a "flexible electronic board" of the present invention. In this example, the FPC 9 is formed in an L-shape, is placed on the plate 4, and is fixed to the plate 4 with, for example, a screen sheet attached. The imaging device main body 2 controls the display of information displayed on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 via the FPC 9. The imaging device main body 2 also acquires information from a main body proximity sensor 63, a plate proximity sensor 64, and a display acceleration sensor 65 provided on the display 6 via the FPC 9.

[0074] <Display Control by Processor 11 of Imaging Device Body 2> Next, a description will be given below of display control performed by the processor 11 in various imaging modes in the imaging device 1. First, display control in the vertical shooting mode in the imaging device 1 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0075] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a first mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. Fig. 13 shows a rear view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (lower view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the release button 21 side.

[0076] In the first mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a vertical shooting mode in which the release button 21 is positioned downward. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4 by detecting the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also determines that the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 by detecting the proximity state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63.

[0077] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "vertical shooting_normal position mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned on the lower side, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing rearward of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing rearward is positioned superimposed on the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 performs control to display information corresponding to the vertical shooting_normal position mode on the monitor unit 61.

[0078] For example, the processor 11 controls the display of the monitor unit 61, with the upper right corner of the monitor unit 61 in this rear view as the display origin 61a. The processor 11 also controls the display by defining the horizontal and vertical directions of the monitor unit 61 in the vertical shooting normal position mode as the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows shown in FIG. 13 . For example, the processor 11 may perform display control by scanning in the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is referred to as "normal display" for vertical shooting. In normal display, the user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the back side of the imaging device main body 2 of the imaging device 1 while holding the imaging device main body 2 in their hand, for example.

[0079] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a second mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. Like Fig. 13, Fig. 14 shows a rear view of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view of the imaging device 1 as seen from the release button 21 side.

[0080] In the second mode, similarly to the first mode, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a vertical shooting mode in which the release button 21 is positioned downward, based on the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4 by detecting the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 by the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 by the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is open at an angle of 90° or less relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the results of the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13 and the results of the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65.

[0081] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "vertical shooting low-angle mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned downward, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing rearward from the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing rearward is opened at an angle of 90° or less (approximately 30° in this example) from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information corresponding to the vertical shooting low-angle mode. For example, similar to the first mode described above, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information normally. In this case, the user can view the display information on the monitor unit 61 at a low angle from the rear side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand.

[0082] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a third mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. Fig. 15 shows a front view (left diagram) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the lens 20 side of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (right diagram) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the release button 21 side.

[0083] In the third mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a vertical shooting mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located on the lower side and the display 6 is located above the imaging device body 2. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4 by detecting the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and by combining the results of the orientation detection of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13 and the orientation detection of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65, determines that the plate 4 is open at an angle greater than 90° relative to the imaging device body 2.

[0084] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging configuration of the imaging device 1 is a "vertical shooting_upper position configuration" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned on the lower side, the monitor section 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing the front of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor section 61 facing forward is positioned open and upward on the imaging device body 2 at an angle of more than 90° (180° in this example) from the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2.

[0085] In the display 6 in Fig. 15 in the vertical shooting_top position mode, the position of the display origin 61a, which was the upper right corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 13, becomes the lower left corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 15. Also, the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows of the monitor unit 61 defined in Fig. 13 are opposite to the directions of the arrows in Fig. 13 on the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 15. Therefore, the processor 11 performs display control on the monitor unit 61 corresponding to this vertical shooting_top position mode.

[0086] For example, the processor 11 performs a conversion process to flip the display state of the monitor unit 61 upside down from the normal display for vertical shooting, and displays the converted information on the monitor unit 61. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is referred to as, for example, a "vertically flipped display" for vertical shooting. With this vertically flipped display, even when the display 6 is flipped upside down about the first axis A of the first hinge 31, information and the like are displayed on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 in a manner that is easy for the user to view. At this time, the user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand, for example, and can take a selfie.

[0087] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a fourth mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. Fig. 16 shows a front view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the lens 20 side of the imaging device body 2, and a top view (lower view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the top side (the side of the first accessory shoe 22).

[0088] In the fourth mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a vertical shooting mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned downward. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64 and determines that the display 6 is open relative to the plate 4. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the detection result of the remote state of the plate 4 by the plate proximity sensor 64, the detection result of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13, and the detection result of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65.

[0089] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "vertical shooting_landscape position mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned downward, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing forward of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing forward is positioned on the right side of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the display of information corresponding to the vertical shooting_landscape position mode on the monitor unit 61. Note that in the display 6 of FIG. 16 in the vertical shooting_landscape position mode, the position of the display origin 61a and the orientations of the horizontal and vertical arrows on the monitor unit 61 are the same as those described above in FIG. 13. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is referred to as a "mirror-inverted display" for vertical shooting. In the mirror-inverted display, a user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand, enabling them to take selfies.

[0090] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a fifth mode of vertical shooting in the imaging device 1. Fig. 17 shows a rear view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a bottom view (lower view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the bottom (the side of the first accessory shoe 22). In the example shown in Fig. 17, a cooling device 8 is attached to the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2.

[0091] In the fifth mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a vertical shooting mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located on the lower side and the display 6 is located above the imaging device body 2. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64, thereby determining that the display 6 is open relative to the plate 4. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is open at an angle greater than 90° relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the detection result of the remote state of the plate 4 by the plate proximity sensor 64, the detection result of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13, and the detection result of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65. In addition, the processor 11 determines that the cooling device 8 is attached to the back surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2 by detecting the connection state of the electronic contacts of the cooling device 8 to the electronic contacts 26 of the imaging device main body 2 using the cooling device communication interface 17.

[0092] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging configuration of the imaging device 1 is a "vertical shooting_cooling device attached configuration" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned on the downward side, the monitor section 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing the rear of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor section 61 facing rearward is opened upward at an angle of more than 90° (180° in this example) from the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2 and is further positioned to the right of the plate 4.

[0093] In the display 6 in Fig. 17 in the vertical shooting-cooling device attached mode, the position of the display origin 61a, which was the upper right corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 13, is the lower left corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 17. Also, the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows of the monitor unit 61 defined in Fig. 13 are opposite to the directions of the arrows in Fig. 13 on the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 17. Therefore, the processor 11 performs display control on the monitor unit 61 corresponding to this vertical shooting-cooling device attached mode.

[0094] For example, the processor 11 performs a conversion process to flip the display state of the monitor unit 61 upside down from the normal display for vertical shooting, and displays the converted information on the monitor unit 61. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is called a "mirrored / vertically inverted display" for vertical shooting. This mirrored / vertically inverted display allows information to be displayed on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 in a manner that is easy for the user to view, even when the display 6 is inverted upside down about the first axis A of the first hinge 31. At this time, the user can directly view (not from a low angle) the display information on the monitor unit 61 from the back side of the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1, for example, while holding the imaging device body 2 with the cooling device 8 attached in his / her hand.

[0095] Next, display control in landscape mode in the imaging device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0096] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a first mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Fig. 18 shows a rear view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (lower view) of the imaging device 1.

[0097] In the first mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a landscape mode with the release button 21 located at the upper right. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4 by detecting the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also determines that the plate 4 is closed relative to the imaging device body 2 by detecting the proximity state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63.

[0098] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is the "landscape_normal position mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the top right, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is located facing rearward of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing rearward is located superimposed on the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 performs control to display information corresponding to the landscape_normal position mode on the monitor unit 61.

[0099] For example, the processor 11 controls the display of the monitor unit 61, with the position of the upper left corner of the monitor unit 61 in this rear view as the display origin 61a. Furthermore, the processor 11 controls the display by defining the horizontal and vertical directions of the monitor unit 61 in the landscape-shooting normal position mode as the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows as shown in FIG. 18 . For example, the processor 11 may perform display control by scanning in the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is referred to as a horizontal "normal display." In the normal display, the user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the rear side of the imaging device main body 2 of the imaging device 1, for example, while holding the imaging device main body 2 in his / her hand.

[0100] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a second mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Note that Fig. 19 shows a rear view of the imaging device 1 and a right side view of the imaging device 1, similar to Fig. 18 .

[0101] 18 , the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is landscape mode with the release button 21 located at the upper right, based on the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is open relative to the plate 4 by detecting the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 by the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 by the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is open at an angle of 90° or less relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the results of the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13 and the results of the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65.

[0102] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape_low-angle mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the upper right, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing rearward from the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing rearward is opened at an angle of 90° or less (approximately 30° in this example) from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information corresponding to the landscape_low-angle mode. For example, similar to the first mode of FIG. 18 , the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information normally on the monitor unit 61. At this time, the user can view the display information on the monitor unit 61 at a low angle from the rear side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand.

[0103] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a third mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Fig. 20 shows a front view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the lens 20 side of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (lower view) of the imaging device 1.

[0104] In the third mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity with the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity with the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a landscape mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the top right and the display 6 is located above the imaging device body 2. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction of the back of the display 6 with the plate proximity sensor 64, and by combining the results of the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the results of the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13, determines that the display 6 is open at an angle greater than 90° relative to the plate 4. In addition, the processor 11 detects the remote state of the imaging device main body 2 in the direction of the back of the display 6 using the main body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is in a closed state relative to the imaging device main body 2 by combining the detection result of the remote state of the plate 4 by the plate proximity sensor 64, the detection result of the attitude of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65, and the detection result of the attitude of the imaging device main body 2 by the main body acceleration sensor 13.

[0105] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging configuration of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape_upper position configuration" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned at the top right, the monitor section 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing the front of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor section 61 facing forward is positioned open and facing upward from the back surface 24 of the imaging device body 2 at an angle of more than 90° (180° in this example).

[0106] In the display 6 in Fig. 20 in the landscape-top position mode, the position of the display origin 61a, which was the upper left corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 18, becomes the lower right corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 20. Also, the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows of the monitor unit 61 defined in Fig. 18 are opposite to the directions of the arrows in Fig. 18 on the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 20. Therefore, the processor 11 performs display control on the monitor unit 61 corresponding to this landscape-top position mode.

[0107] For example, the processor 11 performs a conversion process on the display state of the monitor unit 61 from a normal display taken over to a top-down inversion, and displays the converted information on the monitor unit 61. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is called a top-down inverted display. With this top-down inverted display, even when the display 6 is inverted upside down around the second axis B of the second hinge 41, information and the like are displayed on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 in a manner that is easy for the user to view. At this time, the user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand, for example, and can take a selfie.

[0108] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a fourth mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Fig. 21 shows a front view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the lens 20 side of the imaging device body 2, and a top view (lower view) of the imaging device 1.

[0109] In the fourth mode, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a landscape mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the upper right. The processor 11 also detects the proximity state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64, thereby determining that the display 6 is closed relative to the plate 4. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the detection result of the proximity state of the plate 4 by the plate proximity sensor 64, the detection result of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13, and the detection result of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65.

[0110] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape_landscape position mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the upper right, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is located facing forward of the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing forward is located on the left side of the imaging device body 2. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the display of information corresponding to the landscape_landscape position mode on the monitor unit 61. Note that, in the display 6 in FIG. 21 in the landscape_landscape position mode, the position of the display origin 61a and the orientations of the horizontal and vertical arrows on the monitor unit 61 are the same as those described above in FIG. 18. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is referred to as a "mirror-inverted display" for landscape. In the mirror-inverted display, a user can directly view the display information on the monitor unit 61 on the front side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand, enabling them to take a selfie.

[0111] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a fifth mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Fig. 22 shows a rear view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (lower view) of the imaging device 1. In the example shown in Fig. 22, a cooling device 8 is attached to the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2.

[0112] In the fifth embodiment, the processor 11 detects the orientation of the display 6 in the direction of gravity using the display acceleration sensor 65 and detects the orientation of the imaging device body 2 in the direction of gravity using the body acceleration sensor 13, thereby determining that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a landscape mode in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is located at the upper right. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 using the plate proximity sensor 64, and determines that the display 6 is open at an angle greater than 90° relative to the plate 4 by combining the results of the orientation detection of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the results of the orientation detection of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 using the body proximity sensor 63, and determines that the plate 4 is open relative to the imaging device body 2 by combining the results of the detection of the remote state of the plate 4 by the plate proximity sensor 64, the results of the orientation detection of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13, and the results of the orientation detection of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65. In addition, the processor 11 determines that the cooling device 8 is attached to the back surface 24 of the imaging device main body 2 by detecting the connection state of the electronic contacts of the cooling device 8 to the electronic contacts 26 of the imaging device main body 2 using the cooling device communication interface 17.

[0113] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape shooting_cooling device attached mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device main body 2 is positioned at the upper right, the plate 4 is opened from the imaging device main body 2, the display 6 is opened upward from the plate 4 at an angle of more than 90° (180° in this example), and the monitor section 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing the rear of the imaging device 1.

[0114] In the display 6 in Fig. 22 in the landscape shooting_cooling device attached mode, the position of the display origin 61a, which was the upper left corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 18, becomes the lower right corner of the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 22. Also, the directions of the horizontal and vertical arrows of the monitor unit 61 defined in Fig. 18 are opposite to the directions of the arrows in Fig. 18 on the monitor unit 61 in Fig. 22. Therefore, the processor 11 performs display control on the monitor unit 61 corresponding to this landscape shooting_cooling device attached mode.

[0115] For example, the processor 11 performs a conversion process to flip the display state of the monitor unit 61 upside down from the normal display for landscape orientation, and displays the converted information on the monitor unit 61. The display state on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 at this time is called a "mirrored / vertically inverted display" for landscape orientation. This mirrored / vertically inverted display allows information to be displayed on the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 in a manner that is easy for the user to view, even when the display 6 is inverted upside down about the second axis B of the second hinge 41. At this time, the user can directly view (not from a low angle) the display information on the monitor unit 61 from the back side of the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1, for example, while holding the imaging device body 2 with the cooling device 8 attached in their hand.

[0116] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a sixth mode of landscape photography in the imaging device 1. Like Fig. 22, Fig. 23 shows a rear view of the imaging device 1 and a right side view of the imaging device 1. A cooling device 8 is attached to the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2.

[0117] In the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment of Fig. 22 , the processor 11 determines, based on attitude detection by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the body acceleration sensor 13, that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is landscape mode with the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 located at the upper right. Similarly to the fifth embodiment, the processor 11 also determines, based on detection by the plate proximity sensor 64, the display acceleration sensor 65, and the body acceleration sensor 13, that the display 6 is in a state of being opened more than 90° relative to the plate 4. Similarly to the fifth embodiment, the processor 11 also determines, based on detection by the body proximity sensor 63, the plate proximity sensor 64, the body acceleration sensor 13, and the display acceleration sensor 65, that the plate 4 is in an opened state relative to the imaging device body 2. Similarly to the fifth embodiment, the processor 11 also determines, based on detection by the cooling device communication interface 17, that the cooling device 8 is attached to the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2.

[0118] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape_low-angle mode with cooling device attached," in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned at the upper right, the plate 4 is opened from the imaging device body 2, the display 6 is opened upward from the plate 4 at an angle exceeding 90° (approximately 150° in this example), and the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing the rear of the imaging device 1. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information corresponding to the landscape_low-angle mode with cooling device attached. For example, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information in a mirrored or upside-down manner, similar to the fifth mode shown in FIG. 22 . In this case, the user can view the displayed information on the monitor unit 61 at a low angle from the rear side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 with the cooling device 8 attached in their hand.

[0119] <Example of Arrangement of Proximity Sensors> Next, the arrangement of the main body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64 provided on the display 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG.

[0120] 24 is a diagram showing a first arrangement of the main body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64. The arrangement in the first arrangement is the same as the arrangement of the main body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64 on the display 6 of the above-described imaging device 1 (see, for example, FIG. 4). That is, when the display 6 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the direction opposite to the display direction of the monitor unit 61 (the direction toward the back surface 62 of the display 6), the main body proximity sensor 63 is located in the upper left of the display 6, and the plate proximity sensor 64 is located in the lower left.

[0121] Specifically, when the display 6 is divided into a first area 62a and a second area 62b by a straight line 66 passing through the center of the display 6, the main body proximity sensor 63 is provided in the first area 62a, and the plate proximity sensor 64 is provided in the second area 62b. The center of the display 6 in the first form is the center in the vertical direction of the display 6 shown in FIG.

[0122] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a second arrangement of the main body proximity sensor 63 and the plate proximity sensor 64. As shown in Fig. 25, in the second arrangement, when the display 6 is divided into a first area 62c and a second area 62d by a straight line 67 passing through the center of the display 6, the main body proximity sensor 63 is provided in the first area 62c and the plate proximity sensor 64 is provided in the second area 62d. The center of the display 6 in the second arrangement is the center in the horizontal direction of the display 6 shown in Fig. 25.

[0123] <Modification of tilt mechanism> Fig. 26 is a diagram showing a modification of the tilt mechanism. As shown in Fig. 26, the tilt mechanism of the modification includes a first hinge 31 that connects the imaging device body 2 and the plate 4 to be rotatable about a first axis A, a second modified hinge 91 that connects the arm member 92 and the display 6 to be rotatable about a second axis B, and a third hinge 93 that connects the plate 4 and the arm member 92 to be rotatable about a third axis C.

[0124] The arm member 92 is a member that connects the plate 4 and the display 6. The arm member 92 is made up of two arm members. The arm member 92 is provided along the short sides of the plate 4 and the display 6. Although not shown in FIG. 26 , another arm member 92 is provided along the right short side of the plate 4 and the display 6. One end of the arm member 92 is connected to the plate 4 by a second deformable hinge 91, and the other end is connected to the display 6 by a third hinge 93. The arm member 92 is an example of the "fourth component" of the present invention.

[0125] The configuration of the first hinge 31 is similar to the configuration of the first hinge 31 in the above-described embodiment. The second axis B of the second modified hinge 91 is an axis extending along the upper long side of the imaging device body 2. The second axis B is provided on an arm member 92 connected to the plate 4. The third axis C of the third hinge 93 is an axis extending along the lower long side of the imaging device body 2. The third axis C is provided on the arm member 92 connected to the display 6. Although not shown, the body proximity sensor 63, plate proximity sensor 64, and display acceleration sensor 65 of the display 6, the proximity detection hole 43 of the plate 4, and the body acceleration sensor 13 of the imaging device body 2 are similar to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0126] <Display Control by Imaging Device with Modified Tilt Mechanism> Display control performed by the processor 11 in the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 with the modified tilt function shown in FIG. 26 will be described below.

[0127] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of landscape shooting mode in an imaging device 1 equipped with a modified tilt function. Fig. 27 shows a rear view (upper view) of the imaging device 1 as seen from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2, and a right side view (lower view) of the imaging device 1.

[0128] In this example, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is landscape mode with the release button 21 located at the top right, based on the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65 and the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13. The processor 11 also determines that the display 6 is open relative to the plate 4 by detecting the remote state of the plate 4 in the direction behind the display 6 by the plate proximity sensor 64. The processor 11 also detects the remote state of the imaging device body 2 in the direction behind the display 6 by the body proximity sensor 63, and by combining the results of the detection of the orientation of the imaging device body 2 by the body acceleration sensor 13 and the results of the detection of the orientation of the display 6 by the display acceleration sensor 65, determines that the plate 4 is open at an angle of 90° or less relative to the imaging device body 2.

[0129] Based on these determination results, the processor 11 determines that the imaging mode of the imaging device 1 is a "landscape_high-angle mode" in which the release button 21 of the imaging device body 2 is positioned at the upper right, the monitor unit 61 of the display 6 is positioned facing rearward from the imaging device 1, and the display 6 with the monitor unit 61 facing rearward is opened at an angle of 90° or less (approximately 30° in this example) from the rear surface 24 of the imaging device body 2 around the third axis C (see FIG. 26 ) of the third hinge 93. Based on this determination result, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information corresponding to the landscape_high-angle mode. For example, the processor 11 controls the monitor unit 61 to display information normally, similar to the first mode described in FIG. 18 . In this case, the user can view the display information on the monitor unit 61 at a high angle from the rear side of the imaging device body 2 while holding the imaging device body 2 of the imaging device 1 in their hand.

[0130] As described above, the imaging device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a tilt mechanism including the first hinge 31 that connects the imaging device main body 2 and the plate 4 rotatably about the first axis A, and the second hinge 41 that connects the plate 4 and the display 6 rotatably about the second axis B, and has a recess 34 that exposes the first accessory shoe 22 of the imaging device main body 2 to the rear side of the imaging device main body 2 when the first hinge 31 is rotated in the closed state. According to this configuration, when the first hinge 31 is in the closed state, an accessory device can be attached to the first accessory shoe 22 provided in front of the first hinge 31 from the rear side of the imaging device main body 2 via the recess 34. This makes it possible to achieve a two-axis imaging device 1 while suppressing a decrease in the degree of freedom in attaching accessory devices to the imaging device main body 2.

[0131] The imaging device 1 also has a first accessory shoe 22 on the short side of the imaging device body 2 and a second accessory shoe 23 on the long side of the imaging device body 2. With this configuration, when taking landscape shots with the imaging device 1, for example, in the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 5 , a stereo microphone serving as an accessory device can be attached to the second accessory shoe 23 located on the upper side of the imaging device body 2. When taking portrait shots with the imaging device 1, for example, in the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 16 , a stereo microphone can be attached to the first accessory shoe 22 located on the upper side of the imaging device body 2. Therefore, whether taking landscape or portrait shots, the two microphones of the stereo microphones attached to the accessory shoe can be attached side by side, ensuring good sound quality. Furthermore, whether taking landscape or portrait shots, the stereo microphone attached to the accessory shoe can be positioned so as not to overlap the monitor portion 61 of the display 6, so as not to interfere with the selfie.

[0132] The imaging device 1 also includes a body proximity sensor 63 that detects proximity to the imaging device body 2 and a plate proximity sensor 64 that detects proximity to the plate 4 on the imaging device body 2. For example, if these sensors were provided on the plate 4, it would be suitable for determining whether the first hinge 31 and the second hinge 41 are open or closed, but it would require providing proximity sensors on both sides of the plate 4, which would increase costs and the size of the device. Furthermore, if these sensors were provided on the imaging device body 2, when a cooling device 8 is attached to the imaging device body 2, the cooling device 8 would get in the way and prevent the sensors from properly making determinations. However, by providing two proximity sensors on the imaging device body 2, these problems can be avoided.

[0133] Furthermore, in the imaging device 1, when the rotation state of the first hinge 31 in the imaging device body 2 is in the open state, the cooling device 8 can be attached to the imaging device body 2. For example, if the imaging device 1 has a conventional single-axis configuration, when the cooling device 8 is attached to the back surface of the imaging device body 2, the cooling device 8 gets in the way, making it impossible to rotate the display direction of the monitor unit 61 on the display 6 until it is parallel to the back surface of the imaging device body 2, resulting in imaging being performed in a selfie mode (where the imaging direction and the display direction are the same) or a low-angle mode (where the display 6 is opened about 90 degrees). In contrast, by using a two-axis configuration as in the present invention, normal imaging in which the imaging direction and the display direction are opposite in both landscape and portrait modes is possible, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 10 and 17 .

[0134] Furthermore, in the imaging device 1, the imaging device main body 2 and the plate 4 are connected by the first hinge 31, and the plate 4 and the display 6 are connected by the second hinge 41, so that twisting of the signal wiring does not occur between the imaging device main body 2 and the plate 4, and between the plate 4 and the display 6. This allows the FPC 9 to be used as the signal wiring electrically connecting the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6. This eliminates the need to use a thin coaxial cable to connect the imaging device main body 2 and the display 6, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, the FPC 9 can be simply bent between the imaging device main body 2 and the plate 4, and between the plate 4 and the display 6, eliminating the need to fold the FPC 9 in a complex manner to accommodate twisting, thereby enabling the imaging device 1 to be made more compact.

[0135] Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0136] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2023-218070) filed on December 25, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0137] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Imaging device 2 Imaging device main body 4 Plate 6 Display 8 Cooling device 9 FPC 11 Processor 12 Memory 13 Main body acceleration sensor 14 Imaging unit 15 Accessory communication interface 16 Display communication interface 17 Cooling device communication interface 18 Bus 20 Lens 21 Release button 22 First accessory shoe 23 Second accessory shoe 24 Back surface 25a, 25b Screw hole 26 Electronic contacts 31 First hinge 32a First fixing portion 32b Second fixing portion 33 Rotating portion 34 Recess 41 Second hinge 42, 44 Surface 43 Proximity detection hole 61 Monitor unit 61a Display origin 62 Back surface 62a, 62c First area 62b, 62d Second area 63 Main body proximity sensor 64 Plate proximity sensor 65 Display acceleration sensor 66, 67 Straight line 81a, 81b Screw 91 Second deformation hinge 92 Arm member 93 Third hinge

Claims

1. A tilt mechanism for an imaging device, comprising a first component having an imaging unit, a second component, and a third component having a monitor unit, the tilt mechanism including: a first hinge that rotatably connects the first component and the second component about a first axis; a second hinge that rotatably connects the second component and the third component about a second axis; the first component having a first mounting portion to which an accessory device can be attached; the first hinge having a recess that exposes the first mounting portion to a side in a predetermined direction when the rotation state of the first hinge is in a first state.

2. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting portion is provided on a side in a first direction of a portion of the first component where the first hinge is provided, and an accessory device can be attached by insertion from a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the predetermined direction is the second direction.

3. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first mounting portion is disposed to protrude into the first component, and in the first state, from a view in the direction from the first direction of the first component, only a part is visible, and from a view in the direction from the second direction opposite to the first direction, all is visible.

4. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first state is a rotation state of the first hinge in which the second component closes with respect to the first component.

5. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device further includes a fourth component, the tilt mechanism further includes a third hinge that rotatably connects the second component and the fourth component about a third axis, and the second hinge rotatably connects the fourth component and the third component about the second axis.

6. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first component has a second mounting portion at a position different from the first mounting portion and capable of attaching an accessory device in a mounting direction different from that of the first mounting portion.

7. The tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device has a flexible electronic substrate that electrically connects the first component and the third component.

8. An imaging device including the tilt mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the third component has a first acceleration sensor, a first proximity sensor for detecting proximity to the first component, and a second proximity sensor for detecting proximity to the second component, and includes a control unit that controls display by the monitor unit based on detection results by the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, and the second proximity sensor. Imaging device.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein a predetermined device can be attached when the rotation state of the first hinge is in a second state, and includes an attachment sensor for detecting the presence or absence of attachment of the predetermined device, and the control unit is based on detection results by the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, and the attachment sensor. Imaging device that controls the display.

10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the second state is a rotation state of the first hinge in which the second component opens with respect to the first component. Imaging device.

11. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the first component has a second acceleration sensor, and the control unit is based on detection results by the first acceleration sensor, the first proximity sensor, the second proximity sensor, the attachment sensor, and the second acceleration sensor. Imaging device that controls the display.

12. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the first proximity sensor detects proximity of the first component in a third direction of the third component, and the second proximity sensor detects proximity of the second component in the third direction of the third component. When the third component is divided into a first region and a second region by a straight line passing through the center of the third component as viewed from the third direction, the first proximity sensor is provided in the first region, and the second proximity sensor is provided in the second region. Imaging device.

13. An imaging device including the tilt mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first component can be attached with a cooling device for cooling the first component when the rotation state of the first hinge is in a second state. Imaging device.

14. A tilt mechanism of an imaging device including a first component having an imaging unit, a second component, and a third component having a monitor unit, the tilt mechanism comprising: a first hinge that rotatably connects the first component and the second component about a first axis; a second hinge that rotatably connects the second component and the third component about a second axis; the first component having a first mounting portion to which an accessory device can be attached; the accessory device being attachable to the first mounting portion when the rotation state of the first hinge is such that the second component is closed with respect to the first component, and attachment to the first mounting portion being suppressed when the rotation state of the first hinge is such that the second component is open with respect to the first component.

Images