Imaging device

Abstract

An imaging device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein: the first body holds an imaging part that includes an imaging element which receives light from a subject side; the second body is disposed on the opposite side from the subject side with respect to the first body; one of the first body and the second body holds the heat transfer part; and the heat transfer part is capable of contacting the other one of the first body and the second body and is capable of transmitting heat from the imaging part to the second body.　

Description

Imaging device

[0001] This relates to an imaging device.

[0002] There is a demand for an imaging device with improved heat dissipation from the imaging element (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-222294).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-103766

[0004] According to a first aspect, an imaging device includes a first body and a second body, the first body holds an imaging unit including an imaging element that receives light from a subject side, the second body is positioned on the opposite side of the first body from the subject side, one of the first and second bodies holds a heat transfer unit, the heat transfer unit is capable of contacting the other of the first body and the second body, and is capable of transferring heat from the imaging unit to the second body.

[0005] According to a second aspect, the imaging device comprises an imaging section including an imaging element, and a heat sink located on the opposite side of the imaging surface of the imaging element and in contact with the imaging section, and the heat sink dissipates heat from the imaging section.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a movable section, a support section, a locking mechanism, a heat transfer sheet, a plate member, and a pressing section, as viewed obliquely from the front; FIG. 3 is a side view showing the heat transfer sheet and the pressing section; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a third embodiment; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a fifth embodiment; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a sixth embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera 1 according to a first embodiment. The camera 1 includes an interchangeable lens 2 and a camera body 10. The interchangeable lens 2 is detachable from the camera body 10. The camera 1 may also be an integrated lens type. The camera 1 is an example of an imaging device. The camera body 10 includes a first body 10a and a second body 10b. The second body 10b is positioned on the opposite side of the first body 10a from the subject. In the first embodiment, the first body 10a holds an imaging unit 5. The imaging unit 5 includes a movable unit 20, a support unit 30, and a locking mechanism 40. The first body 10a has a mount unit 11 on the subject side to which the interchangeable lens 2 is attached. The movable unit 20 holds an imaging element 21. The imaging element 21 receives light from the subject side. FIG. 1 also shows a flange focal distance F, which is the distance from the mount unit 11 to the imaging surface 21a of the imaging element 21 along the optical axis OA.

[0008] The movable part 20 is movable relative to the support part 30. The support part 30 is fixed to the first body 10a. The locking mechanism 40 restricts movement of the movable part 20. The pressing part 70 is biased toward the locking mechanism 40 by springs S1 and S2. Note that if the locking mechanism 40 is not provided, the pressing part 70 may be biased toward the support part 30. The springs S1 and S2 are an example of a biasing part. The pressing part 70 sandwiches a portion of each of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c between itself and the locking mechanism 40. The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are elastic and flexible sheet-like. One end of each of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c is sandwiched between the locking mechanism 40 and the pressing part 70, thereby maintaining its position.

[0009] The second body 10b holds a plate member 60. The second body 10b is provided with a display unit 12, a release switch 13, and an operation unit 15. The display unit 12 displays, for example, a captured image. The release switch 13 is a member for operating the camera 1 to take photos. The operation unit 15 includes operation members for various settings. The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are held between the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60 so as to bridge the first body 10a and the second body 10b. The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are an example of a heat transfer unit.

[0010] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the movable section 20, support section 30, locking mechanism 40, heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c, plate member 60, and pressing section 70, as viewed obliquely from the front side. An XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is depicted in FIG. 2. In this coordinate system, when the photographer takes a landscape image with the optical axis OA horizontal (normal position), the left direction as seen from the photographer is the +X direction. In the normal position, the upward direction is the +Y direction. The direction from the subject side toward the photographer side is the +Z direction. The subject side is the front side. The side opposite the subject side is the rear side.

[0011] The movable section 20 includes a movable frame 22. The movable frame 22 holds an imaging element 21. The movable frame 22 holds a plurality of coils 23 at positions that do not overlap with the imaging element 21 in the +Z direction.

[0012] An engagement portion 27 is provided on the rear side of the movable frame 22. The engagement portion 27 is cylindrical and protrudes toward the rear side. Although only one engagement portion 27 is shown in FIG. 2, two engagement portions 27 are provided on the rear side of the movable frame 22 in the first embodiment. One of the two engagement portions 27 is provided on the upper side, approximately at the center of the movable frame 22 in the +X direction, as shown in FIG. 2. The other of the two engagement portions 27 is provided on the lower side, approximately at the center of the movable frame 22 in the +X direction. The positions, number, and shape of the engagement portions 27 are not limited to the above example.

[0013] The support section 30 includes a support frame 31. The support section 30 supports the movable section 20 from the rear side. Holes 37 are formed in the support frame 31. The positions of the holes 37 correspond to the positions of the engagement sections 27. The size of the holes 37 is larger than that of the engagement sections 27.

[0014] The support frame 31 holds a plurality of magnets 33. The positions of the plurality of magnets 33 correspond to the positions of the plurality of coils 23. The support frame 31 sandwiches the movable frame 22 between itself and a front yoke 32f. A back yoke 32b is fixed to the rear side of the support frame 31. The positions of the front yoke 32f and the back yoke 32b correspond to the positions of the plurality of coils 23 and the positions of the plurality of magnets 33.

[0015] The movable frame 22 and the support frame 31 are biased toward each other by magnets via three balls (not shown). This allows the movable unit 20 to be supported by the support unit 30 so as to be movable within the XY plane. Note that instead of or in addition to the magnets, the movable frame 22 and the support frame 31 may be biased toward each other by spring members.

[0016] Depending on the current flow state of these coils 23, an electromagnetic force is generated between the coils 23 and the magnets 33. This electromagnetic force drives the movable part 20 relative to the support part 30. The driving direction and driving force of the movable part 20 change depending on the direction of current flow and the magnitude of the current in the multiple coils 23. This controls the amount of movement of the movable part 20, thereby achieving camera shake correction.

[0017] The locking mechanism 40 is fixed to the rear side of the support frame 31. The locking mechanism 40 has a case 41. A hole 47 is formed in the case 41. The position of the hole 47 corresponds to the positions of the engagement portion 27 and the hole 37. The engagement portion 27 is located within the holes 37 and 47. An actuator and a locking member 48 are housed within the locking mechanism 40. In response to driving of the actuator, the locking member 48 moves between a position where it engages with the engagement portion 27 and a position where it is separated from the engagement portion 27. The engagement between the engagement portion 27 and the locking member 48 via the holes 37 and 47 restricts movement of the movable portion 20 in the XY plane. For example, when the above-described image stabilization is being performed, the locking member 48 separates from the engagement portion 27, allowing movement of the movable portion 20 in the XY plane. When the image stabilization is stopped, the locking member 48 engages with the engagement portion 27, restricting movement of the movable portion 20 in the XY plane. The locking mechanism 40 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0018] The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are lined up in order in the +X direction. The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are located behind the locking mechanism 40. The heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are each bent in a U-shape. The heat transfer sheets 50a and 50c are bent so as to be convex in the +Y direction. The heat transfer sheet 50b is bent so as to be convex in the -Y direction. The bent direction, size, and shape of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are not limited to these.

[0019] The plate member 60 is disposed behind the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c. The plate member 60 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. The pressing portion 70 is disposed between the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60. The pressing portion 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal. The rear surface of the pressing portion 70 is formed with protrusions 71 and 72 that protrude in the +Z direction. The protrusions 71 and 72 are each cylindrical. The front surface of the plate member 60 is formed with recesses 61 and 62. The base ends of the support shafts P1 and P2 are inserted into and held in the recesses 61 and 62. The support shafts P1 and P2 are inserted into springs S1 and S2, respectively. The springs S1 and S2 are coil-shaped. The tips of the support shafts P1 and P2 inserted into the springs S1 and S2, respectively, are inserted into and supported by the protrusions 71 and 72 of the pressing portion 70, respectively. As described above, the protrusions 71 and 72 are each cylindrical and support the support shafts P1 and P2 so that they can move relatively within a predetermined range in the ±Z direction. The springs S1 and S2 are compressed between the pressing portion 70 and the plate member 60. As a result, the pressing portion 70 is biased forward by the springs S1 and S2 while being supported by the support shafts P1 and P2.

[0020] The tips of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are urged by the pressing unit 70 toward the locking mechanism 40, i.e., toward the imaging unit 5. Therefore, the tips of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are in contact with the rear surface of the case 41 of the locking mechanism 40. The base ends of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are in contact with the front surface of the plate member 60. In other words, with the second body 10b positioned on the opposite side of the first body 10a from the subject side, the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c are in contact with the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60.

[0021] Heat from the imaging element 21 is transferred to the movable frame 22, the support portion 30, and the locking mechanism 40. The heat transferred to the locking mechanism 40 is transferred to the plate member 60 via the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c. As described above, the plate member 60 is held by the second body 10b. The imaging element 21 is held by the first body 10a, and heat from the imaging element 21 is transferred to the first body 10a, and also to the second body 10b via the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c, improving the heat dissipation of the imaging element 21.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the heat transfer sheet 50a and the pressing portion 70. The heat transfer sheet 50a has a first contact portion 51a and a second contact portion 52a. The first contact portion 51a is the leading end of the heat transfer sheet 50a. The second contact portion 52a is the base end of the heat transfer sheet 50a. The first contact portion 51a and the second contact portion 52a are in contact with the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60, respectively, via their bent portions. The second contact portion 52a is fixed to the plate member 60 with, for example, an adhesive. The first contact portion 51a is biased by the pressing portion 70 toward the locking mechanism 40, i.e., the imaging unit 5. This causes the first contact portion 51a to be in close contact with the locking mechanism 40. The same applies to the heat transfer sheets 50b and 50c.

[0023] For example, assume a configuration in which, instead of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c, an elastically deformable plate-shaped TIM (Thermal Interface Material) having a predetermined thickness is sandwiched between the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60. In this case, in order to bring the locking mechanism 40, the TIM, and the plate member 60 into close contact with each other, it is assumed that the position of the plate member 60 with respect to the second body 10b is adjusted so that a pressing force is applied from the plate member 60 to the locking mechanism 40 via the TIM. In this case, there is a risk that the pressing force acting from the plate member 60 on the imaging unit 5 via the TIM will move the imaging unit 5 forward, causing the flange focal distance F to become misaligned.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the first contact portion 51a of the elastic heat transfer sheet 50a is in contact with the locking mechanism 40, and the second contact portion 52a is in contact with the plate member 60 while the sheet 50a is in a bent state. This causes an elastic restoring force to act on the heat transfer sheet 50a, returning it to a horizontal state. This elastic restoring force causes the first contact portion 51a to adhere closely to the locking mechanism 40, and the second contact portion 52a to adhere closely to the plate member 60. The same applies to the heat transfer sheets 50b and 50c. Thus, the elastic restoring forces of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c act as a pressing force on the locking mechanism 40. In addition to the elastic restoring forces of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c, the biasing forces of the springs S1 and S2 also act as a pressing force on the locking mechanism 40. The pressing force of the TIM (the restoring force due to the elastic deformation of the TIM) is greater than the sum of the elastic restoring forces of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c and the biasing forces of the springs S1 and S2. Therefore, it is possible to bring parts of the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c into close contact with the locking mechanism 40 and the plate member 60 while suppressing the pressing force on the imaging unit 5. This improves the heat dissipation of the imaging element 21 while suppressing misalignment of the flange focal length F.

[0025] Furthermore, the pressing portion 70 causes the first contact portion 51a of the heat transfer sheet 50a to come into close contact with the locking mechanism 40. The same applies to the heat transfer sheets 50b and 50c. This improves the heat transfer efficiency from the locking mechanism 40 to the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c. The pressing portion 70 is biased by coil springs S1 and S2, but the pressing portion 70 may be biased by a plate spring instead of the springs S1 and S2.

[0026] Furthermore, heat from the imaging unit 5 is also transferred to the pressing unit 70 via the heat transfer sheets 50a to 50c. The pressing unit 70 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. The support shafts P1 and P2 and the springs S1 and S2 are also made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. Therefore, the heat transferred to the pressing unit 70 is easily transferred to the plate member 60 via the support shafts P1 and P2 and the springs S1 and S2. This also improves the heat dissipation of the imaging element 21.

[0027] 2, the size of the plate member 60 in the XY plane is larger than each of the movable portion 20, the support portion 30, the locking mechanism 40, and the pressing portion 70. This ensures the heat capacity of the plate member 60, improving the heat dissipation of the image sensor 21.

[0028] Next, we will explain the second to sixth embodiments. In the second to sixth embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment. FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3. In the second embodiment, a recess (not shown) is provided on the rear surface of the case 41a of the locking mechanism 40a, and the base end of the support shaft P1 is housed inside the recess. The same applies to the support shaft P2. Springs S1 and S2 are disposed between the locking mechanism 40a and the pressing portion 70, and the springs S1 and S2 bias the pressing portion 70 toward the plate member 60a. This allows the second contact portion 52a of the heat transfer sheet 50a to be in close contact with the plate member 60a, improving the heat dissipation of the image sensor 21.

[0029] FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of the third embodiment. FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 2 . FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 3 . The pressing portion 70a is formed of a magnetic material. Two magnets M1 and M2 are held by the support frame 31a of the support portion 30a. The magnets M1 and M2 have substantially the same shape and are substantially square plate-like when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The two magnets M1 and M2 are arranged so as to overlap the pressing portion 70a in the +Z direction, and the magnets M1 and M2 attract each other. The size, shape, and number of the magnets M1 and M2 are not limited thereto. No springs S1 and S2 are provided between the pressing portion 70a and the plate member 60. The magnetic attraction force of the magnets M1 and M2 biases the pressing portion 70a toward the locking mechanism 40, i.e., toward the imaging unit 5. This also suppresses misalignment of the flange focal length F while improving heat dissipation from the imaging element 21. The magnets M1 and M2 are an example of a biasing portion.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 corresponds to FIGS. 4 and 6. A magnet M1 is held on the plate member 60a. The same applies to the magnet M2. The magnets M1 and M2 attract the pressing portion 70a, thereby urging the pressing portion 70a toward the plate member 60a. This allows the second contact portion 52a of the heat transfer sheet 50a to be in close contact with the plate member 60a, improving the heat dissipation of the imaging element 21. Note that a spring and a magnet may be used to urge the pressing portion 70a.

[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 1. FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 2. A plate member 60A is held by the first body 10a of the camera 1A. A heat transfer member 50A is fixed to the front surface of the plate member 60A. The heat transfer member 50A is plate-shaped with a predetermined thickness in the +Z direction. The heat transfer member 50A is, for example, TIM. As shown in FIG. 9, adjustment holes 34 are formed at both diagonal ends of the support frame 31. An adjustment screw 35 is threaded into the adjustment hole 34. The head of the adjustment screw 35 is threaded into the adjustment hole 34 so that the head is positioned rearward of the support frame 31. The support frame 31 is fixed to the first body 10a by the adjustment screw 35. Note that, although hidden by other members in FIG. 9, another adjustment hole is formed in the support frame 31. The total number of adjustment holes formed in the support frame 31 is three, and the support frame 31 is fixed to the first body 10a in a balanced manner that maintains the flatness of the imaging element 21.

[0032] The plate member 60A is held in the first body 10a with the heat transfer member 50A sandwiched between the plate member 60A and the locking mechanism 40. Connection holes 63 are formed in each of the four corners of the plate member 60A. Screws are inserted into the connection holes 63. The plate member 60A comes into contact with and connects to a portion of the second body 10b through the screws inserted into the connection holes 63. This allows heat from the imaging unit 5 to be transferred to the second body 10b via the heat transfer member 50A and the plate member 60A. In this way, the heat dissipation performance of the imaging element 21 is improved.

[0033] An opening 64 is formed in the plate member 60A. The position of the opening 64 corresponds to the position of the adjustment hole 34. With the imaging unit 5 and plate member 60A attached to the first body 10a, a jig can be inserted into the opening 64 from the rear side of the plate member 60A. This allows the adjustment screw 35 to be rotated using the jig via the opening 64. For example, depending on the relative positions of the plate member 60A and the locking mechanism 40 in the ±Z directions, a pressing force may be applied from the plate member 60A to the locking mechanism 40 via the heat transfer member 50A, causing a shift in the flange focal distance F. In this case, by adjusting the amount of engagement of the adjustment screw 35 using the jig via the opening 64, the position of the support unit 30 relative to the first body 10a in the ±Z directions, i.e., the flange focal distance F, can be adjusted. The adjustment screw 35 is an example of an adjustment unit.

[0034] 9, the size of the plate member 60A in the XY plane is larger than each of the movable part 20, the support part 30, and the locking mechanism 40. This ensures the heat capacity of the plate member 60A, improving the heat dissipation performance of the image sensor 21.

[0035] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 2 . A heat sink 80 and a blower 90 are disposed behind the locking mechanism 40. The heat sink 80 and the blower 90 may be held, for example, by the first body 10a or the second body 10b. The heat sink 80 is disposed in contact with the locking mechanism 40. Both the locking mechanism 40 and the heat sink 80 are made of metal. The heat sink 80 has a plurality of plate-shaped fins 82 formed thereon. Each of the fins 82 extends in the +X direction. The fins 82 are arranged in the +Y direction at predetermined intervals. The fins 82 may have a bellows or pinholder shape, for example. Heat from the imaging unit 5 is transferred to the heat sink 80. In this manner, the heat dissipation performance of the imaging element 21 is improved.

[0036] The blower device 90 has a fan inside. As the fan rotates, air is blown from the air outlet 92 toward the heat sink 80. The air blowing direction of the blower device 90 is along the extension direction of the fins 82. This promotes heat dissipation from the heat sink 80, improving the heat dissipation performance of the image sensor 21. The locking mechanism 40 and the heat sink 80 may be in contact with each other via a metal plate member.

[0037] The above-described embodiment is a preferred example of implementation, but is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist, and any constituent elements may be combined.

[0038] OA Optical axis 1 Camera 5 Imaging unit 10 Camera body 10a First body 10b Second body 11 Mounting unit 20 Movable unit 21 Imaging element 30 Supporting unit 40, 40a Locking mechanism 50a to 50c Heat transfer sheet 50A Heat transfer member 60, 60a, 60A Plate member 64 Opening 70, 70a Pressing unit 80 Heat sink 90 Air blowing device S1, S2 Spring M1, M2 Magnet

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising a first body and a second body, wherein the first body holds an imaging unit including an image sensor that receives light from a subject, and the second body is disposed on the opposite side of the first body from the subject, and one of the first and second bodies holds a heat transfer unit, which is capable of contacting the other of the first body and the second body and is capable of transferring heat from the imaging unit to the second body.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer section contacts the imaging section and the second body when the second body is disposed on the opposite side of the first body from the subject side.

3. The imaging device of claim 2, wherein the second body holds a metal plate member, and when the second body is positioned on the opposite side of the first body from the subject side, the heat transfer section comes into contact with the plate member, and the heat transfer section transfers heat from the imaging section to the plate member.

4. The imaging device of claim 3, wherein the heat transfer section is in the form of an elastic and flexible sheet, and contacts the imaging section and the plate member with at least a portion of the heat transfer section being bent, and the heat transfer section includes a first contact portion that contacts the imaging section and a second contact portion that contacts the plate member.

5. An imaging device according to claim 4, comprising: a pressing portion located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; and a biasing portion that biases the pressing portion toward the imaging portion via the first contact portion or toward the plate member via the second contact portion.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the biasing portion includes a spring that biases the pressing portion.

7. The imaging device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the biasing portion includes a magnet that attracts the pressing portion by magnetic force.

8. The imaging device of claim 2, wherein the first body has a mount portion to which an interchangeable lens can be attached, and is equipped with an adjustment portion that adjusts the position of the imaging portion relative to the mount portion in a direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element, the first body holds a metal plate member, the plate member contacts the second body, the heat transfer portion contacts the plate member, and the plate member has an opening that allows access to the adjustment portion from the opposite side of the plate member to the adjustment portion.

9. An imaging device comprising: an imaging section including an imaging element; and a heat sink located on the opposite side to the imaging surface of the imaging element and in contact with the imaging section, wherein the heat sink dissipates heat from the imaging section.

10. The imaging device of claim 9, wherein the imaging unit includes a locking mechanism that restricts movement in a planar direction along the imaging surface of the imaging element, the locking mechanism is made of metal, and the heat sink is in contact with the locking mechanism.

11. The imaging device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a blower for blowing air to the heat sink.

Images