Imaging device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a handle having a first portion and a second portion; an electronic viewfinder for displaying a captured image; and a support mechanism that is provided to the handle and rotatably supports the electronic viewfinder. The longitudinal direction of the first portion is set to a first direction, the longitudinal direction of the second portion is set to a second direction, and the support mechanism includes a holding member for holding at least the electronic viewfinder in a first position at which the longitudinal direction of the electronic viewfinder is parallel to the first direction. The electronic viewfinder is rotatable from a second position at which the longitudinal direction is parallel to the second direction to a third position at which the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction through the first position.

Description

Imaging device

[0001] The present technology relates to a technical field of an imaging device equipped with a display device that displays an image of a subject during imaging.

[0002] Some imaging devices are provided with an electronic viewfinder that displays an image of a subject during imaging (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electronic viewfinder is used to visually determine the composition of an image before capturing an image with the imaging device and to check the image before and after capturing the image.

[0003] In addition, some imaging devices are equipped with a support mechanism that rotatably supports the electronic viewfinder, and the electronic viewfinder can be rotated to change its angle depending on the situation in which the imaging device is used, as well as the photographer's imaging style and posture, etc.

[0004] JP 2016-76770 A

[0005] However, in imaging devices equipped with electronic viewfinders, photographers may sometimes capture images without using the electronic viewfinder. For example, they may capture images using a liquid crystal display (image display device). In such cases, the electronic viewfinder may interfere with the photographer's vision and hinder capture. Furthermore, when storing the imaging device in a storage case or other container after capture, the electronic viewfinder may interfere with the container and hinder storage.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the imaging device of the present technology is to prevent interference with the electronic viewfinder when the electronic viewfinder is not in use, thereby improving usability.

[0007] The imaging device according to the present technology comprises a handle having a first portion and a second portion, an electronic viewfinder that displays a captured image, and a support mechanism that is attached to the handle and rotatably supports the electronic viewfinder, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first portion is a first direction and the longitudinal direction of the second portion is a second direction, the support mechanism has a holding member that holds at least the electronic viewfinder at a first position where its longitudinal direction is parallel to the first direction, and the electronic viewfinder is rotatable from a second position where its longitudinal direction is parallel to the second direction, via the first position, to a third position where its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] This allows the electronic viewfinder to be rotated to any position required between the first and third positions.

[0009] 2 to 12 show an imaging device according to the present technology, and this figure is a side view of the imaging device. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic viewfinder, a support mechanism, etc. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electronic viewfinder, a support mechanism, etc. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic viewfinder is in a first position. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the support mechanism. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the detection sensor is being operated. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic viewfinder is in a second position. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electronic viewfinder is in a third position. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the holding engagement portion is inserted into the plate engagement portion. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the imaging device.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an imaging device according to the present technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In the following embodiments of the present technology, the imaging device is applied to a video camera.

[0012] In the following description, the front-rear direction is the direction seen from the cameraman when capturing an image with a video camera, and the up-down-left-right direction is the direction where the handle is positioned, with the upper side being the side where the handle is positioned. Therefore, the subject side (object side) is the front, and the cameraman side is the rear. Note that the front-rear, up-down-left-right directions shown below are for the sake of convenience, and the implementation of the present technology is not limited to these directions.

[0013] Furthermore, the lens shown below includes both a lens configured from a single lens and a lens group configured from a plurality of lenses.

[0014] <General Configuration of Imaging Device> The imaging device 1 has a device body 2, a handle 3, an attachment arm 4, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 5, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) 6 (see FIG. 1).

[0015] The device main body 2 is composed of required components arranged inside and outside an outer casing 7. An imaging optical system (not shown) is arranged in the device main body 2, and the imaging optical system is composed of, for example, a plurality of lenses and imaging elements arranged in front and behind. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) is used as the imaging element. A battery 70 is detachably attached to the rear end of the device main body 2.

[0016] Various operation units 8 are arranged on the outer casing 7. The operation units 8 include, for example, a power button, a zoom knob, a mode switching knob, and an image quality adjustment button.

[0017] The handle 3 is connected to the top surface of the device body 2 and has a first portion 9 extending forward and backward, and a second portion 10 and a second portion 11 connected to the device body 2, respectively.

[0018] The first portion 9 is formed in a shape that extends front to back, and therefore its longitudinal direction is the front to back direction, i.e., the first direction P. The second portion 10 has an upper end that continues to the front end of the first portion 9 and a lower end that is connected to the upper surface of the device body 2, and is inclined so as to displace rearward as it extends downward. The second portion 11 has an upper end that continues to a portion closer to the rear end of the first portion 9 and a lower end that is connected to the upper surface of the device body 2, and is inclined so as to displace rearward as it extends downward. The longitudinal direction of the second portion 11 is inclined, for example, 55 degrees downward from the vertical direction, in a second direction Q. The inclination angles of the second portion 10 and the second portion 11 are approximately the same, but may be different angles.

[0019] The mounting arm 4 is continuous with the front end of the first portion 9 and is positioned in front of the first portion 9. Various devices such as a microphone are attached to the mounting arm 4.

[0020] The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided as an image display device, has a display, and is rotatably connected to the mounting arm 4. The liquid crystal display device 5 is rotatable, for example, within a range of 90 degrees in the direction of opening or closing the display, and when the display is in the open state, is rotatable, for example, within a range of 180 degrees between an angle at which the display faces upward and an angle at which the display faces downward. However, the rotation angle of the liquid crystal display device 5 may be other angles. Furthermore, instead of a liquid crystal display device, other image display devices such as a display device using an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) may be used as the image display device.

[0021] The electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the first portion 9 of the handle 3. The optical axis of the electronic viewfinder 6 is the longitudinal direction, and the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable upward and downward from the reference angle of 0 degrees, where the longitudinal direction is the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction).

[0022] In the electronic viewfinder 6, if the upper side is a positive angle and the lower side is a negative angle relative to 0 degrees, the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable relative to the first portion 9 within a range of, for example, plus 90 degrees and minus 55 degrees relative to 0 degrees, with the viewing window of the electronic viewfinder 6 facing upward at the plus 90 degree position. The rotation positions of the electronic viewfinder 6 are as follows: the 0 degree position is defined as first position A, the minus 55 degree position is defined as second position B, and the plus 90 degree position is defined as third position C. Note that the angle at second position B is not limited to minus 55 degrees, and the angle at third position C is not limited to plus 90 degrees.

[0023] A photographer normally uses the electronic viewfinder 6 in a range from a first position A to a third position C.

[0024] <Specific Configurations of Handle and Electronic Viewfinder> The specific configurations of the rear end of the handle 3 and the electronic viewfinder 6 will be described below (see FIGS. 2 to 7).

[0025] The rear end of the handle 3 has a first shielding member 12 positioned on the upper side and a second shielding member 13 positioned on the lower side (see Figures 2 to 4). Both the first shielding member 12 and the second shielding member 13 are provided as part of the outer casing of the handle 3. Required components are placed in the internal space defined by the first shielding member 12 and the second shielding member 13.

[0026] The first shielding member 12 is a component that constitutes part of the first section 9, and has a base surface portion 12a that faces substantially in the vertical direction and a shape-retaining portion 12b that is continuous with the front end of the base surface portion 12a. The shape-retaining portion 12b is formed in a curved shape that displaces downward as it goes rearward.

[0027] The second shielding member 13 is a member that constitutes part of the first part 9 and part of the second part 11, and has a flat portion 14, an insertion portion 15, a shape retention portion 16, a pair of arcuate surface portions 17, and a pair of side portions 18.

[0028] The flat portion 14 has a first inclined portion 14a that is inclined downward toward the front with respect to the vertical direction, and a second inclined portion 14b that is connected to the lower end of the first inclined portion 14a and is inclined downward toward the rear. The insertion portion 15 is formed in an inverted V-shaped plate, and its front lower end is connected to the upper end of the flat portion 14. The space formed by the insertion portion 15 is defined as an insertion space 15a. The shape maintaining portion 16 is curved in a downwardly convex manner, and its rear end is connected to the rear lower end of the insertion portion 15. The pair of arcuate surface portions 17 are provided continuously at both left and right ends of the shape maintaining portion 16, and are curved in a downwardly convex manner.

[0029] The arcuate surface portions 17 are positioned below the shape-retaining portion 16. Therefore, a space is formed between the two arcuate surface portions 17 on the underside of the shape-retaining portion 16, and this space is formed as the space 16a for the substrate. The rear ends of the arcuate surface portions 17 are positioned rearward of the shape-retaining portion 16. A pair of side portions 18 are provided on the left and right of the insertion portion 15, and are positioned contiguous to the rear sides of the arcuate surface portions 17 in a state of covering the insertion portion 15 from the sides.

[0030] The first shielding member 12 and the second shielding member 13 are attached by screws or the like to an attachment member (not shown) located at the rear, with the first shielding member 12 positioned above the second shielding member 13. The attachment member is a member that is fixed inside the handle 3. When the first shielding member 12 and the second shielding member 13 are joined to the attachment member, an arrangement space 19 is formed by the second shielding member 13 and the portion of the first shielding member 12 excluding the flat portion 14, and a horizontally elongated insertion hole 20 is formed between the tip of the shape maintaining portion 12 b and the tip of the shape maintaining portion 16.

[0031] A portion of the support mechanism 21 is disposed in the arrangement space 19, and the support mechanism 21 has a bracket 22, a rotating member 23, a click plate 24, and a plurality of disc springs 25 (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 6). The support mechanism 21 is a mechanism that rotatably supports the electronic viewfinder 6 on the handle 3.

[0032] The bracket 22 has an intermediate portion 26 formed in a U-shape that opens downward, mounting portions 27 protruding forward from both left and right ends of the intermediate portion 26, and arm portions 28 protruding rearward from both left and right ends of the intermediate portion 26.

[0033] The arm portion 28 has a support portion 29 formed in a generally annular plate shape facing the left-right direction, and a restricting protrusion 30 protruding from the rear end of the support portion 29. The space inside the support portion 29 is formed as a shaft insertion hole 29a. A first plate engaging portion 31 and a second plate engaging portion 32 extending radially are formed on the outer surface of one of the support portions 29, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Two first plate engaging portions 31 and two second plate engaging portions 32 are formed on opposite sides of the shaft insertion hole 29a at 180 degrees from each other.

[0034] The bracket 22 is attached to a mounting member by screwing the two mounting portions 27, etc. When the bracket 22 is attached to the mounting member, the insertion portion 15 of the second shielding member 13 is inserted from below into the inside of the intermediate portion 26, and the lower end of the support portion 29 is positioned along the arc surface portion 17 of the second shielding member 13.

[0035] The rotating member 23 has a mounting plate portion 33 formed in the shape of a horizontally long plate, a pair of rotating plate portions 34 protruding forward from both left and right ends of the mounting plate portion 33, and restricted protrusions 35 protruding in directions approaching each other from the outer periphery of the rotating plate portion 34. A rectangular shaft fitting hole 34a is formed in the rotating plate portion 34. The mounting plate portion 33 of the rotating member 23 is attached to the electronic viewfinder 6 by screws or the like, and the pair of rotating plate portions 34 are positioned on the support portion 29 facing each other from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0036] The click plate 24 and the disc springs 25 are both formed in a substantially annular shape. The click plate 24 and the plurality of disc springs 25 are positioned between one support portion 29 of the bracket 22 and one rotating plate portion 34 of the rotating member 23 in a state where they are in close contact with each other in the left-right direction.

[0037] The click plate 24 has a rectangular fitting hole 24a. The click plate 24 is provided with a first retaining engagement portion 36 and a second retaining engagement portion 37 that protrude toward the support portion 29 and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The disc springs 25 are spring members, and for example, three disc springs 25 are provided. The click plate 24 and disc springs 25 function as holding members that hold the electronic viewfinder 6 at a predetermined angle relative to the handle 3.

[0038] The rotating member 23 is rotatably connected to the bracket 22 by a crimped shaft 39. The crimped shaft 39 has a shaft portion 40 extending laterally, a flange portion 41 projecting outward from one end of the shaft portion 40, and a tip-side insertion portion 42 connected to the other end of the shaft portion 40. Two flat notched mating surfaces 40a are formed on the shaft portion 40 at opposite positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The tip-side insertion portion 42 is formed in a rectangular column shape.

[0039] One of the crimped shafts 39 has its shaft portion 40 inserted sequentially through the shaft insertion hole 29a of one of the support portions 29 of the bracket 22, the fitting hole 24a of the click plate 24, the three disc springs 25, and the shaft fitting hole 34a of one of the rotating plate portions 34 of the rotating member 23, and the tip of the tip-side insertion portion 42 is crimped to form a crimped portion 42a. At this time, the fitting surface 40a of the shaft portion 40 is fitted into the fitting hole 24a of the click plate 24, and the tip-side insertion portion 42 is fitted into the shaft fitting hole 34a. Therefore, the crimped shaft 39 is integral with the click plate 24 and the rotating member 23 and is made rotatable relative to the bracket 22.

[0040] Furthermore, the biasing force of the disc spring 25 presses the click plate 24 and the flange portion 41 of the crimped shaft 39 against the support portion 29 from the opposite side, and also presses the crimped portion 42a against the rotating plate portion 34. Therefore, when the rotating member 23 rotates relative to the bracket 22, friction occurs between the click plate 24 and the support portion 29, friction occurs between the click plate 24 and the disc spring 25, friction occurs between the disc spring 25 and the rotating plate portion 34, friction occurs between the flange portion 41 of the crimped shaft 39 and the support portion 29, and friction occurs between the crimped portion 42a of the crimped shaft 39 and the rotating plate portion 34.

[0041] The other crimped shaft 39 has its shaft portion 40 inserted, in order, through a washer (e.g., an earring) 43, the shaft insertion hole 29a of the other support portion 29 of the bracket 22, and the shaft fitting hole 34a of the other rotating plate portion 34 of the rotating member 23, and the tip of the tip-side insertion portion 42 is crimped to form a crimped portion 42a. At this time, the fitting surface 40a of the shaft portion 40 is fitted into the washer 43, and the tip-side insertion portion 42 is fitted into the shaft fitting hole 34a.

[0042] The rotating member 23 is rotatable relative to the bracket 22 with the crimped shaft 39 as a rotation axis, and when the rotating member 23 rotates, the click plate 24, the disc spring 25, and the crimped shaft 39 rotate integrally with the rotating member 23. Therefore, the crimped shaft 39 rotates with the flange portion 41 sliding on the support portion 29, and the crimped portion 42 a does not slide on the rotating plate portion 34.

[0043] In the crimped shaft 39, the crimped portion 42a is a portion that is mechanically crimped, and therefore the outer shape is smaller than the outer shape of the flange portion 41, and the thickness is also likely to be thinner than the thickness of the flange portion 41, and the portion is likely to have lower strength than the flange portion 41. Therefore, when the turning member 23 is turned relative to the bracket 22, the flange portion 41 slides on the support portion 29, and the crimped portion 42a does not slide on the turning plate portion 34. This prevents wear of the crimped portion 42a and maintains the strength of the crimped portion 42a, so that the turning member 23 can be maintained in a stable turning state relative to the bracket 22.

[0044] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of, for example, three disc springs 25 in the support mechanism 21, the rotational torque required when the rotating member 23 rotates relative to the bracket 22 is generated. By providing a plurality of disc springs 25, the amount of displacement per disc spring 25 is reduced, and the durability of the click plate 24 and the disc springs 25 is improved while the rotational torque required when rotating can be generated.

[0045] The number of disc springs 25 is not limited to three, and there may be one disc spring 25 or a number other than three. In addition, although the above example shows that the first plate engaging portion 31 and the second plate engaging portion 32 are formed in a concave shape and the first holding engaging portion 36 and the second holding engaging portion 37 are formed in a convex shape, the opposite may also be true: the first plate engaging portion 31 and the second plate engaging portion 32 are formed in a convex shape and the first holding engaging portion 36 and the second holding engaging portion 37 are formed in a concave shape.

[0046] A detection sensor 44 is attached to the side surface of the intermediate portion 26 of the bracket 22 to detect the rotational position (rotational angle) of the electronic viewfinder 6 relative to the handle 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 7). The detection sensor 44 is connected to a flexible printed wiring board, which will be described later.

[0047] The detection sensor 44 is operated by one of the regulated protrusions 35 of the rotating member 23, thereby detecting the rotational position of the electronic viewfinder 6 relative to the handle 3. In the imaging device 1, the detection sensor 44 is configured to be operated by the regulated protrusion 35 when the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated from the 0 degree side to, for example, minus 35 degrees.

[0048] A clamp member 45 is attached to the mounting portion 27 of the bracket 22 by screws or the like (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The clamp member 45 has a facing portion 46 positioned opposite the intermediate portion 26 of the bracket 22, coupling protrusions 47 protruding forward from both left and right ends of the facing portion 46, and a pressing portion 48 protruding rearward from the facing portion 46. The coupling protrusions 47 of the clamp member 45 are attached to the mounting portion 27 from above, and the facing portion 46 faces the intermediate portion 26 from above.

[0049] The pressing portion 48 has a flat receiving surface 48a facing in the vertical direction and a pair of pressing protrusions 48b protruding from both left and right ends of the rear end of the receiving surface 48a. The pressing protrusions 48b are positioned above the receiving surface 48a except for the portion connected to the receiving surface 48a.

[0050] The electronic viewfinder 6 has a housing 49 and a cap 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). An optical system such as a lens (not shown) and a display device (not shown) are arranged in an internal space 49a of the housing 49. The display device may be a liquid crystal display device or a display device using an OLED or the like. The cap 50 is attached to the rear end of the housing 49 and has an observation window that opens to the rear. The photographer's face may be pressed against the cap 50 when using the electronic viewfinder 6, and the cap 50 is made of a flexible material such as rubber.

[0051] The housing 49 is composed of a main body 51 having an internal space 49a and a pair of protrusions 52 protruding forward from both left and right ends of the main body 51. The main body 51 is composed of a cylindrically shaped tubular portion 53 and a closing portion 54 that closes the front opening of the tubular portion 53. A horizontally elongated board insertion hole 54a is formed in the closing portion 54. A visor portion 54b that protrudes forward is provided at the upper end of the closing portion 54. The pair of protrusions 52 are opposed to each other in the left-right direction.

[0052] A sensor switch 55 is disposed on the housing 49. The sensor switch 55 has the function of switching on and off the drive state of an eyepiece sensor (not shown) that detects whether or not an eye is placed in contact with the electronic viewfinder 6. Therefore, when the sensor switch 55 is turned on, the eyepiece sensor is driven, and when the photographer looks through the cap 50 and places their eye in contact, the eyepiece sensor detects that the eye has been placed in contact. On the other hand, when the sensor switch 55 is turned off, the eyepiece sensor is deactivated, and does not detect that the photographer has placed their eye in contact with the cap 50, even if they look through the cap 50.

[0053] A third shielding member 56 is attached to the housing 49 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The third shielding member 56 has an attachment base 56a extending laterally, a pair of side wall portions 56b protruding forward from both left and right ends of the attachment base 56a, and a shape-retaining portion 56c protruding forward from the attachment base 56a, with the shape-retaining portion 56c being positioned between the pair of side wall portions 56b. The shape-retaining portion 56c is curved so as to be convex downward.

[0054] The third shielding member 56 has an attachment base 56a attached by screws or the like to the underside of the board insertion hole 54a in the closing portion 54 of the housing 49. When the rotating member 23 is rotatably connected to the bracket 22, the shape-retaining portion 56c of the third shielding member 56 is positioned facing the shape-retaining portion 16 of the second shielding member 13.

[0055] At this time, the connecting portion of the rotating member 23 and the bracket 22 is positioned between a pair of protrusions 52 on the housing 49, and the connecting portion of the rotating member 23 and the bracket 22 is shielded from the left and right by the pair of protrusions 52, making it impossible to see from the left and right directions. Furthermore, when the rotating member 23 is rotatably connected to the bracket 22, the rear end of the first shielding member 12 is positioned below the visor portion 54b provided on the blocking portion 54 of the electronic viewfinder 6, making it difficult to see the rear end of the rotating member 23 from above.

[0056] A holder 57 is disposed in the internal space 49a of the housing 49. An optical system and a display device are held in the holder 57. A pressing portion 58 is provided at the front end of the holder 57.

[0057] The pressing portion 58 has a flat receiving surface portion 58a facing the front-rear direction and a pair of pressing protrusions 58b protruding from both left and right ends of the upper end of the receiving surface portion 58a. The pressing protrusions 58b are located forward of the receiving surface portion 58a except for the portion connected to the receiving surface portion 58a.

[0058] A flexible printed circuit board 59 is disposed across the arrangement space 19 for the handle 3 and the internal space 49a of the electronic viewfinder 6. The flexible printed circuit board 59 is formed from a highly flexible material, and has a first pressed portion 60 and a second pressed portion 61 in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction. The first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61 are formed by, for example, attaching a plate-shaped resin plate to a base material, and each have a pair of first protrusions 60a and a pair of second protrusions 61a protruding to the left and right.

[0059] The flexible printed wiring board 59 has functions such as supplying power to the display device arranged in the internal space 49 a and transmitting and receiving signals to the display device. The front end of the flexible printed wiring board 59 is connected to a control board (not shown) and the rear end is connected to another flexible printed wiring board arranged in the internal space 49 a. The other flexible printed wiring board is connected to the display device arranged in the internal space 49 a.

[0060] When the first pressed portion 60 is placed on the receiving surface 48a of the clamp member 45, the two first protrusions 60a are pressed by the pressing protrusions 48b, and when the second pressed portion 61 is placed on the receiving surface 58a of the holder 57, the two second protrusions 61a are pressed by the pressing protrusions 58b. Therefore, the flexible printed wiring board 59 is held with the first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61 clamped by the clamp member 45 and the holder 57.

[0061] A portion of the intermediate portion 62 of the flexible printed circuit board 59, which is positioned between the first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61, is inserted through the insertion hole 20 formed between the shape retention portion 12b of the first shielding member 12 and the shape retention portion 16 of the second shielding member 13.

[0062] Another part of the intermediate portion 62 of the flexible printed wiring board 59 is inserted through a board insertion hole 54a formed in the closing portion 54 of the electronic viewfinder 6. Of the intermediate portion 62, the part that is inserted through the insertion hole 20 is the insertion portion 62a, the part on the first pressed portion 60 side of the insertion portion 62a is the inner portion 62b positioned in the arrangement space 19, and the part on the second pressed portion 61 side of the insertion portion 62a is the outer portion 62c positioned between the insertion hole 20 and the board insertion hole 54a.

[0063] <Rotational Movement, etc. of Electronic Viewfinder> The rotational movement, etc. of the electronic viewfinder 6 will be described below.

[0064] The electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable relative to the handle 3 (see FIG. 1). The electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable, based on a first position A (see FIG. 4) where the longitudinal direction is parallel to a first direction P, between a second position B (see FIG. 8) where the longitudinal direction is parallel to a second direction Q, and a third position C (see FIG. 9) where the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction P.

[0065] The first position A of the electronic viewfinder 6 may be a position where the longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the first direction P, the second position B may be a position where the longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the second direction Q, and the third position C may be a position where the longitudinal direction is approximately perpendicular to the first direction P. The term "approximately" used here means that it includes an error of, for example, a few degrees.

[0066] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is in the first position A, the first holding engagement portion 36 of the click plate 24, which is pressed against the support portion 29 by the biasing force of the disc spring 25, is inserted into and engaged with the first plate engagement portion 31 of the bracket 22, and the electronic viewfinder 6 is held in a horizontal state (see FIG. 4 ). Therefore, because the first holding engagement portion 36 is engaged with the first plate engagement portion 31 while the click plate 24 is pressed against the support portion 29 by the biasing force of the disc spring 25, the electronic viewfinder 6 is held in a stable state at the first position A.

[0067] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is in the first position A, a portion of the inner portion 62b of the intermediate portion 62 of the flexible printed circuit board 59 is bent at approximately 90 degrees, and a portion of the outer portion 62c of the intermediate portion 62 is bent at approximately 90 degrees.

[0068] At this time, the outer portion 62c protrudes outward from the insertion hole 20 on the lower side, and is shielded from below by the third shielding member 56. Therefore, the outer portion 62c is in a state where it cannot be seen from below.

[0069] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated downward from the first position A, the click plate 24 is rotated relative to the support portion 29, so that the first holding engagement portion 36 is pulled out of the first plate engagement portion 31 and the engagement between them is released. The electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable up to, for example, minus 55 degrees, and when rotated to minus 55 degrees, it reaches the second position B and is tilted downward and rearward (see FIG. 8 ). When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the second position B, the second holding engagement portion 37 of the click plate 24 is inserted into and engaged with the second plate engagement portion 32 of the bracket 22, and the electronic viewfinder 6 is held in the second position B.

[0070] When the second holding engagement portion 37 is inserted into the second plate engagement portion 32, a clicking sensation is transmitted to the photographer, and the photographer recognizes that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated to the second position B.

[0071] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the second position B, the flexible printed wiring board 59 has a part of the inner portion 62b bent at approximately 90 degrees, a boundary between the outer portion 62c and the insertion portion 62a bent at an angle of 90 degrees or more, and a portion of the outer portion 62c on the board insertion hole 54a side bent at approximately 90 degrees. Furthermore, the outer portion 62c is positioned along the outer surface of the shape maintaining portion 16 of the second shielding member 13, with the portion between the two bent portions positioned in the board space 16a.

[0072] At this time, the outer portion 62c protrudes outward from the insertion hole 20 on the lower side, and is shielded from below by the third shielding member 56. Therefore, the outer portion 62c is not visible from below. The third shielding member 56, except for its rear end, is inserted into the insertion space 15a formed by the insertion portion 15 of the second shielding member 13, preventing interference between the second shielding member 13 and the third shielding member 56.

[0073] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the second position B, the cylindrical portion 53 of the electronic viewfinder 6 comes into contact with the first inclined portion 14a of the flat portion 14 of the second shielding member 13. Therefore, the electronic viewfinder 6 is prevented from being rotated to a negative angle side beyond the second position B, and excessive rotation of the electronic viewfinder 6 is restricted.

[0074] On the other hand, when the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated upward from the first position A, the click plate 24 is rotated relative to the support portion 29, the first holding engagement portion 36 is pulled out from the first plate engagement portion 31, and the engagement between the two is released. The electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable, for example, up to +90 degrees, and when rotated up to +90 degrees, it reaches the third position C and becomes vertical (see FIG. 9 ). When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the third position C, the pair of restricted protrusions 35 of the rotating member 23 respectively come into contact with the pair of restricting protrusions 30 of the bracket 22, restricting the rotation of the electronic viewfinder 6 and holding it at the third position C. Therefore, the electronic viewfinder 6 cannot be rotated to a positive angle side beyond the third position C, and excessive rotation of the electronic viewfinder 6 is restricted.

[0075] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the third position C, the flexible printed wiring board 59 is curved approximately 90 degrees at the boundary between the inner portion 62b and the insertion portion 62a, the portion of the inner portion 62b on the side of the first pressed portion 60 is curved approximately 90 degrees, and the boundary between the outer portion 62c and the insertion portion 62a is curved approximately 90 degrees. Furthermore, the outer portion 62c, except for the portion on the side of the second pressed portion 61, is curved gently while being positioned along the shape maintaining portion 12b of the first shielding member 12 and the shape maintaining portion 56c of the third shielding member 56.

[0076] At this time, the outer portion 62c is in a position covered by the canopy portion 54b of the housing 49, the first shielding member 12, and the third shielding member 56, and is in an invisible state from the outside.

[0077] Furthermore, when the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated from the second position B or the third position C to the first position A, the first holding engagement portion 36 is inserted into the first plate engagement portion 31, a click feeling is transmitted to the photographer, and the photographer recognizes that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated to the first position A. Note that the imaging device 1 is only required to be configured to transmit a click feeling at least at the first position A, and may be configured to transmit a click feeling at both the second position B and the third position C, or may be configured to transmit a click feeling at either the second position B or the third position C.

[0078] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the first position A, a portion of the inner portion 62b of the flexible printed circuit board 59 is bent at approximately 90 degrees, and a portion of the outer portion 62c is bent at approximately 90 degrees (see Figure 4).

[0079] When the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated between the second position B and the third position C, friction occurs in various parts, such as between the click plate 24 and the support part 29, making it possible to hold the electronic viewfinder 6 at any position between the second position B and the third position C. In particular, since photographers often take pictures using the electronic viewfinder 6 between the first position A and the third position C, by holding the electronic viewfinder 6 at a desired angle between the first position A and the third position C, the photographer can hold the electronic viewfinder 6 at the optimal angle for taking pictures.

[0080] As described above, in the imaging device 1, the first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61 of the flexible printed circuit board 59 are pressed inside the handle 3 and inside the electronic viewfinder 6, respectively, and the handle 3 and the electronic viewfinder 6 are provided with shape retaining portions 12b, 16, 56c that retain the portion of the flexible printed circuit board 59 between the first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61 in a curved shape.

[0081] Therefore, with the first pressed portion 60 and the second pressed portion 61 held down inside the handle 3 and inside the electronic viewfinder 6, respectively, the intermediate portion 62 is held in a curved shape by the shape maintaining portions 12b, 16, 56c, preventing excessive bending of the flexible printed wiring board 59 and improving the durability of the flexible printed wiring board 59, thereby achieving a longer lifespan. In particular, within the rotation range of the electronic viewfinder 6 between the second position B and the third position C, the flexible printed wiring board 59 does not bend beyond 90 degrees, and the high durability of the flexible printed wiring board 59 allows a longer lifespan.

[0082] The shape maintaining portion may be provided on either the handle 3 or the electronic viewfinder 6 .

[0083] In the imaging device 1, the first holding engagement portion 36 or the second holding engagement portion 37 is inserted into the first plate engagement portion 31 or the second plate engagement portion 32 at the first position A and the second position B, producing a clicking sensation, and the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are in line contact with the support portion 29 when inserted into the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32 (see Figure 10).

[0084] Specifically, the shapes of the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are not formed to fit into the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively. Therefore, when the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are inserted into the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively, the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are engaged in line contact with the support portion 29 at two contact positions S that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Note that in the imaging device 1, when the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are inserted into the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively, the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 may be in line contact with the support portion 29 at three or more positions or may be in point contact at two or more positions.

[0085] In this way, the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are in line contact or point contact, and the electronic viewfinder 6 is held at the first position A or the second position B, so that rattle of the click plate 24 relative to the bracket 22 is suppressed, and a stable holding state of the electronic viewfinder 6 can be ensured.

[0086] In addition, the friction between the click plate 24 and the support portion 29 of the bracket 22 is reduced when the electronic viewfinder 6 is released from its held state, making it easier to rotate the electronic viewfinder 6 when the electronic viewfinder 6 is released from its held state at the first position A and the second position B.

[0087] Furthermore, if the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 make surface contact when engaged with the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively, the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 may not feel as if they are clicked to the photographer or may generate a loud noise when they make surface contact, because the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 are fitted into the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively. Therefore, by configuring the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 to make line or point contact with the support portion 29, when the first holding engagement portion 36 and the second holding engagement portion 37 engage with the first plate engagement portion 31 and the second plate engagement portion 32, respectively, it is possible to transmit a good clicking sensation to the photographer and reduce the volume of the generated noise.

[0088] In addition, in the imaging device 1, a first holding engagement portion 36 and a second holding engagement portion 37 are provided on the click plate 24, and a first plate engagement portion 31 and a second plate engagement portion 32 are formed on the bracket 22, so that the first holding engagement portion 36 engages with the first plate engagement portion 31 to hold the electronic viewfinder 6 at the first position A, and the second plate engagement portion 32 engages with the second holding engagement portion 37 to hold the electronic viewfinder 6 at the second position B.

[0089] Therefore, since the electronic viewfinder 6 is held at two different positions by the click plate 24 and the bracket 22, the structure can be simplified and the electronic viewfinder 6 can be held stably at two positions.

[0090] <Drive states of liquid crystal display device and electronic viewfinder> Next, the drive states of the liquid crystal display device 5 and the electronic viewfinder 6 will be described (see Fig. 11). Note that the imaging device 1 is set so that the drive of the liquid crystal display device 5 and the electronic viewfinder 6 is selectively performed, so that when the liquid crystal display device 5 is driven, the electronic viewfinder 6 is deactivated, and when the liquid crystal display device 5 is deactivated, the electronic viewfinder 6 is driven.

[0091] Step (A): When the power button of the operation unit 8 is operated and the power is turned on, if the liquid crystal display device 5 is open, the process proceeds to step (B), and if the liquid crystal display device 5 is closed, the process proceeds to step (L).

[0092] Step (B) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and turned on, and the process proceeds to step (C).

[0093] Step (C) If the detection sensor 44 detects that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated to the second position B, the process proceeds to step (D), whereas if the electronic viewfinder 6 is located between the first position A and the third position C and has not been detected as having been rotated to the second position B, the process proceeds to step (E). However, the process may also proceed to step (D) if the detection sensor 44 detects that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated a predetermined angle from the first position A to the second position B, for example, to minus 35 degrees from the first position A. In this way, by the detection sensor 44 performing detection before the electronic viewfinder 6 reaches the second position B, erroneous detection by the eyepiece sensor will not occur even if the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated from the first position A to a position close to the second position B and the battery 70 enters the detection range of the eyepiece sensor.

[0094] Step (D) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and turned on.

[0095] Step (E) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and turned on, and the process proceeds to step (F).

[0096] Step (F) If the sensor switch 55 is turned on, the process proceeds to step (G), and if the sensor switch 55 is turned off, the process proceeds to step (J).

[0097] Step (G) The eyepiece sensor is activated and the process proceeds to step (H).

[0098] Step (H) If the photographer uses the electronic viewfinder 6 and the eyepiece sensor detects that the eye has been placed near the viewfinder, the process proceeds to step (I), and if the eyepiece sensor does not detect that the eye has been placed near the viewfinder, the process proceeds to step (K).

[0099] Step (I) The electronic viewfinder 6 is put into a driving state and turned on.

[0100] Step (J) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and turned on.

[0101] Step (K) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and is turned on.

[0102] Step (L) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a non-driving state and turned off, and the process proceeds to step (M).

[0103] Step (M) If the detection sensor 44 detects that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated to the second position B, the process proceeds to step (N), and if the electronic viewfinder 6 is located between the first position A and the third position C and has not been detected as having been rotated to the second position B, the process proceeds to step (O). However, as in step (C), the process may proceed to step (N) if the detection sensor 44 detects that the electronic viewfinder 6 has been rotated a predetermined angle from the first position A to the second position B, for example, to minus 35 degrees from the first position A.

[0104] Step (N) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a non-driving state and turned off.

[0105] Step (O) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a non-driving state and turned off, and the process proceeds to step (P).

[0106] Step (P) If the sensor switch 55 is turned on, the process proceeds to step (Q), and if the sensor switch 55 is turned off, the process proceeds to step (T).

[0107] Step (Q) The eyepiece sensor is activated and the process moves to step (R).

[0108] Step (R): If the photographer uses the electronic viewfinder 6 and the eyepiece sensor detects that the eye has been placed near the viewfinder, the process proceeds to step (S), and if the eyepiece sensor does not detect that the eye has been placed near the viewfinder, the process proceeds to step (U).

[0109] Step (S): The electronic viewfinder 6 is put into a driving state and turned on.

[0110] Step (T): The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a driving state and is turned on.

[0111] Step (U) The liquid crystal display device 5 is put into a non-driving state and turned off.

[0112] As described above, in the imaging device 1, when the detection sensor 44 detects rotation to at least the second position B between the first position A and the second position B, the driving state of the electronic viewfinder 6 is turned off.

[0113] Therefore, when the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated to the second position B, the driving state of the electronic viewfinder 6 is turned off and no image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 6, thereby suppressing the supply of unnecessary power when the electronic viewfinder 6 is not in use and reducing power consumption.

[0114] Also provided is a sensor switch 55 that switches on and off the driving state of an eyepiece sensor that detects whether or not an eye is placed in contact with the electronic viewfinder 6 .

[0115] Therefore, the driving state of the eyepiece sensor is switched on and off by the sensor switch 55, preventing unintentional detection by the sensor switch 55, suppressing unnecessary power supply when the electronic viewfinder 6 is not in use, reducing power consumption, and ensuring the proper operating state of the imaging device 1. In particular, since the driving state of the liquid crystal display device 5 is not unintentionally turned off when the liquid crystal display device 5 is in use, the proper operating state of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be maintained.

[0116] Furthermore, since the driving state of the liquid crystal display device 5 is controlled according to the operation state of the sensor switch 55, it is possible to ensure the appropriate usage state of the electronic viewfinder 6 and the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the imaging scene, usage environment, etc.

[0117] Furthermore, when the eye sensor detects that an eye is near the eye, the liquid crystal display device 5 is turned off.

[0118] Therefore, when the eyepiece is placed close to the liquid crystal display device 5 while the electronic viewfinder 6 is in operation, the liquid crystal display device 5 is turned off, thereby preventing unnecessary power supply when the liquid crystal display device 5 is not in use, reducing power consumption and ensuring proper use of the electronic viewfinder 6. For example, if the imaging device 1 is used in front of the body while the liquid crystal display device 5 is in use, the liquid crystal display device 5 will be put into a non-operating state if the eyepiece sensor detects the body. However, by keeping the sensor switch 55 off when the liquid crystal display device 5 is in use, the liquid crystal display device 5 will not be put into a non-operating state, and the liquid crystal display device 5 can be used properly.

[0119] Although the above example shows a setting in which the liquid crystal display device 5 and the electronic viewfinder 6 are selectively driven, the imaging device 1 can also be set to drive the liquid crystal display device 5 and the electronic viewfinder 6 simultaneously.

[0120] <Summary> As described above, in the imaging device 1, the support mechanism 21 holds at least the electronic viewfinder 6 at a first position A where its longitudinal direction is parallel to a first direction P, and the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotatable from a second position B where its longitudinal direction is parallel to a second direction Q, through the first position A, to a third position C where its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction P.

[0121] Therefore, it becomes possible to rotate the electronic viewfinder 6 to the required position between the first position A and the third position C, preventing interference with the electronic viewfinder 6 when the electronic viewfinder 6 is not in use and improving usability. In particular, because the electronic viewfinder 6 is stored by rotating it to the second position B, the electronic viewfinder 6 does not interfere with the photographer when capturing an image using the liquid crystal display device 5 and does not interfere with the image capture, and when the image capture device 1 is stored after capturing is completed, the electronic viewfinder 6 does not interfere with a storage container such as a storage case and does not interfere with storage.

[0122] In addition, the handle 3 and the electronic viewfinder 6 are each provided with at least one shielding member (first shielding member 12, second shielding member 13, third shielding member 56) that shields the internal structure within the rotation range of the electronic viewfinder 6.

[0123] Therefore, when the electronic viewfinder 6 is rotated, the internal structure is shielded by the shielding member, so that the internal structure can be protected.

[0124] Furthermore, the support mechanism 21 is provided with a disc spring 25 that functions as a spring member that generates friction against rotation when the electronic viewfinder 6 rotates, and a click plate 24 that holds the electronic viewfinder 6 at least in the first position A.

[0125] Therefore, since the member that generates friction and the member that holds the electronic viewfinder 6 are provided separately, the load on the click plate 24 can be reduced even when large friction occurs, thereby improving the durability of the click plate 24.

[0126] <One Embodiment of Imaging Apparatus> An example of the configuration of one embodiment of the imaging apparatus 1 will be described below (see FIG. 12).

[0127] The imaging device 1 has an imaging optical system 90 that controls incident light, a camera signal processing unit 91 that performs signal processing such as analog-to-digital conversion of captured image signals, and an image processing unit 92 that performs recording and playback processing of image signals. The imaging device 1 also has a display unit 93 (liquid crystal display device 5, electronic viewfinder 6) that displays captured images, etc., an R / W (reader / writer) 94 that writes and reads image signals to and from a memory 99, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 95 that controls the entire imaging device 1, a lens drive control unit 96 that controls the drive of lenses arranged in the imaging optical system 90, and an operation unit 97 (operation unit 8) such as various switches that are used by the user to perform required operations.

[0128] The imaging device 1 is provided with an imaging element 98 such as a CCD or CMOS that converts an optical image captured by the imaging optical system 90 into an electrical signal.

[0129] The camera signal processing unit 91 performs various signal processing such as converting the output signal from the image sensor 98 into a digital signal, removing noise, correcting image quality, and converting into a luminance and color difference signal.

[0130] The image processing unit 92 performs processes such as compression encoding and decompression decoding of image signals based on a predetermined image data format, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution.

[0131] The display unit 93 has a function of displaying various data such as the operation status of the user on the operation unit 97 and captured images.

[0132] The R / W 94 writes image data coded by the image processing unit 92 into the memory 99 and reads image data recorded in the memory 99 .

[0133] The CPU 95 functions as a control processing unit that controls each circuit block provided in the imaging device 1, and controls each circuit block based on instruction input signals from the operation unit 97, etc.

[0134] The lens drive control unit 96 controls a drive source that moves the lens based on a control signal from the CPU 95 .

[0135] The operation unit 97 outputs to the CPU 95 an instruction input signal in response to an operation by the user.

[0136] The memory 99 is, for example, a semiconductor memory that is detachable from a slot connected to the R / W 94 or a semiconductor memory that is pre-installed inside the imaging device 1 .

[0137] The operation of the imaging device 1 will be described below.

[0138] In a standby state for photographing, a photographed image signal is output to the display unit 93 via the camera signal processing unit 91 and displayed as a camera-through image under the control of the CPU 95. When an instruction input signal is input from the operation unit 97, the CPU 95 outputs a control signal to the lens drive control unit 96, and the lens is moved under the control of the lens drive control unit 96.

[0139] When a photographing operation is performed in response to an instruction input signal from the operation unit 97, the photographed image signal is output from the camera signal processing unit 91 to the image processing unit 92, where it is compressed and encoded and converted into digital data in a predetermined data format. The converted data is output to the R / W 94 and written to the memory 99.

[0140] When image data recorded in memory 99 is to be reproduced, the R / W 94 reads out the specified image data from memory 99 in response to an operation on the operation unit 97, and after the image processing unit 92 performs an expansion and decoding process, the reproduced image signal is output to the display unit 93 and the reproduced image is displayed.

[0141] In this technology, "imaging" refers to processing that includes only some or all of a series of processing, from photoelectric conversion processing that converts light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal, to processing by the camera signal processing unit 91 that converts the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to compression encoding / decompression decoding processing of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion processing of data specifications such as resolution, etc., by the image processing unit 92, and writing processing of the image signal to the memory 99 by the R / W 94.

[0142] In other words, "imaging" may refer only to the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal, or may refer to a range of processes from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 91 of converting the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc. Furthermore, "imaging" may refer to a range of processes from the photoelectric conversion process of converting the light captured by the imaging element 98 into an electrical signal to the processing by the camera signal processing unit 91 of converting the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, etc., to the compression-encoding / decompression-decoding processing of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format by the image processing unit 92, and conversion of data specifications such as resolution. Furthermore, "imaging" may refer to processes such as photoelectric conversion processing in which the light captured by the imaging element 98 is converted into an electrical signal, conversion of the output signal from the imaging element 98 into a digital signal by the camera signal processing unit 91, noise removal, image quality correction, conversion into luminance and color difference signals, and compression encoding / decompression decoding processing of the image signal based on a predetermined image data format and conversion processing of data specifications such as resolution by the image processing unit 92, and may also refer to processing in which the image signal is written to the memory 99 by the R / W 94.

[0143] In the above processes, the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0144] <Present Technology> The present technology can be configured as follows.

[0145] (1) An imaging device comprising: a handle having a first portion and a second portion; an electronic viewfinder that displays a captured image; and a support mechanism that is attached to the handle and rotatably supports the electronic viewfinder, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first portion is a first direction and the longitudinal direction of the second portion is a second direction, the support mechanism has a holding member that holds at least the electronic viewfinder in a first position where the longitudinal direction is parallel to the first direction, and the electronic viewfinder is rotatable from a second position where the longitudinal direction is parallel to the second direction, through the first position, to a third position where the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0146] (2) The imaging device according to (1), further comprising a detection sensor for detecting a rotational position of the electronic viewfinder, and wherein the driving state of the electronic viewfinder is turned off when the detection sensor detects rotation of the electronic viewfinder to at least the second position between the first position and the second position.

[0147] (3) The imaging device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a sensor switch that switches on and off the driving state of an eyepiece sensor that detects whether an eye is placed in contact with the electronic viewfinder.

[0148] (4) The imaging device according to (3), further comprising an image display device that displays a captured image, and a driving state of the image display device is controlled in accordance with an operation state of the sensor switch.

[0149] (5) The imaging device according to (4), wherein the driving state of the image display device is turned off when the eye sensor detects proximity to the eye.

[0150] (6) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the handle and the electronic viewfinder are each provided with at least one shielding member that shields the internal structure within a rotation range of the electronic viewfinder.

[0151] (7) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the support mechanism is provided with a spring member that generates friction against rotation when the electronic viewfinder rotates, and a click plate that holds the electronic viewfinder at least in the first position.

[0152] (8) The imaging device described in (7) above, wherein the support mechanism is provided with a bracket having a plate engagement portion, the click plate is provided with a holding engagement portion that engages with the plate engagement portion, and the electronic viewfinder is held at least in the first position by the plate engagement portion and the holding engagement portion engaging in a line contact or point contact state.

[0153] (9) The imaging device described in (8) above, wherein two of the plate engagement portions and two of the holding engagement portions are provided, and the electronic viewfinder is held at the first position by one of the plate engagement portions engaging with one of the holding engagement portions, and is held at the second position by the other of the plate engagement portions engaging with the other of the holding engagement portions.

[0154] (10) An imaging device described in any of (1) to (9), wherein a flexible printed circuit board is provided that has two pressed portions and is arranged across the inside of the electronic viewfinder and the inside of the handle, the pressed portions of the flexible printed circuit board are pressed inside the electronic viewfinder and the inside of the handle, and at least one of the handle and the electronic viewfinder is provided with a shape retention portion that retains the portion of the flexible printed circuit board between the two pressed portions in a curved shape.

[0155] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 imaging device 3 handle 5 liquid crystal display device (image display device) 6 electronic viewfinder 9 first portion 11 second portion 12 first shielding member 13 second shielding member 16 shape maintaining portion 21 support mechanism 25 disc spring (spring member) 31 first plate engaging portion 32 second plate engaging portion 36 first holding engaging portion 37 second holding engaging portion 44 detection sensor 55 sensor switch 56 third shielding member 56c shape maintaining portion 59 flexible printed wiring board

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: a handle having a first portion and a second portion; an electronic viewfinder that displays captured images; and a support mechanism attached to the handle and rotatably supporting the electronic viewfinder, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first portion is a first direction and the longitudinal direction of the second portion is a second direction, the support mechanism has a holding member that holds at least the electronic viewfinder in a first position where its longitudinal direction is parallel to the first direction, and the electronic viewfinder is rotatable from a second position where its longitudinal direction is parallel to the second direction, through the first position, to a third position where its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. An imaging device as described in claim 1, further comprising a detection sensor for detecting the rotational position of the electronic viewfinder, and wherein the driving state of the electronic viewfinder is turned off when the detection sensor detects rotation of the electronic viewfinder to at least the second position between the first position and the second position.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor switch for switching on and off the driving state of an eyepiece sensor that detects whether an eye is placed in contact with the electronic viewfinder.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising an image display device for displaying the captured image, the driving state of which is controlled in accordance with the operating state of the sensor switch.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the driving state of the image display device is turned off when the eye sensor detects proximity to the eye.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the handle and the electronic viewfinder are each provided with at least one shielding member that shields the internal structure within the rotation range of the electronic viewfinder.

7. An imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism is provided with a spring member that generates friction against rotation when the electronic viewfinder rotates, and a click plate that holds the electronic viewfinder at least in the first position.

8. An imaging device as described in claim 7, wherein the support mechanism is provided with a bracket having a plate engagement portion, the click plate is provided with a holding engagement portion that engages with the plate engagement portion, and the electronic viewfinder is held in at least the first position by the plate engagement portion and the holding engagement portion engaging in a line contact or point contact state.

9. An imaging device as described in claim 8, wherein two of the plate engagement portions and two of the holding engagement portions are provided, and the electronic viewfinder is held in the first position by one of the plate engagement portions engaging with one of the holding engagement portions, and is held in the second position by the other of the plate engagement portions engaging with the other of the holding engagement portions.

10. An imaging device as described in claim 1, wherein a flexible printed circuit board having two pressed portions is provided and is arranged across the interior of the electronic viewfinder and the interior of the handle, the pressed portions of the flexible printed circuit board are pressed inside the electronic viewfinder and inside the handle, and at least one of the handle and the electronic viewfinder is provided with a shape holding portion that holds the portion of the flexible printed circuit board between the two pressed portions in a curved shape.

Images