CN115701559A - Image capturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The imaging device is provided with: a shooting main body part; a fan housing part which is arranged on the upper part of the shooting main body part; and a cooling fan disposed in the fan housing portion, the fan housing portion including an upper surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a front surface covering the cooling fan, and an intake port and an exhaust port for intake and exhaust of the cooling fan being provided on a surface of the pentaprism portion different from the upper surface.

Description

Image capturing apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that images a subject. The imaging device of patent document 1 includes heat sources such as an image sensor and an image engine, and various heat dissipation mechanisms for dissipating heat generated from these heat sources have been proposed.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2019-57887

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

With the recent trend toward higher image quality and higher performance and the mainstream use of moving images, heat generated by heat sources such as image sensors and image engines tends to increase greatly. When the operation stop of the imaging device due to overheating is likely to be a problem, various members such as a heat sink (heat sink) and a fan are necessary for a heat radiation mechanism capable of radiating large-capacity heat, and the imaging device is likely to be large-sized, and the design may be impaired. In addition, there is a case where deterioration of sound characteristics due to noise of the fan becomes a problem. Accordingly, it can be said that there is room for improvement in terms of improving the quality of the heat dissipation characteristics while suppressing deterioration of the sound characteristics.

The invention provides an imaging device which can inhibit the deterioration of sound characteristics and improve the quality of heat dissipation characteristics.

Means for solving the problems

The imaging device of the present invention includes: a shooting main body part; a fan housing section provided at an upper portion of the imaging main body section; and a cooling fan disposed in the fan housing unit, the fan housing unit including an upper surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a front surface covering the cooling fan, and an intake port and an exhaust port for the cooling fan to intake and exhaust air are provided in a surface of the fan housing unit different from the upper surface.

Effects of the invention

According to the imaging device of the present invention, the quality of the heat dissipation characteristic can be improved while suppressing deterioration of the sound characteristic.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging main body and the grip in embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging main body and the grip of embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a side view showing a heat source and a heat radiation mechanism according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a heat source and a heat radiation mechanism according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tunnel part according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a tunnel part according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a tunnel part according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a tunnel part according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the heat sink and the fan according to embodiment 1 as viewed from below.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the first heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the first heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the first heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a first heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the following portion of the first heat transfer member according to embodiment 1, as viewed from the front side.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the second heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the second heat transfer member of embodiment 1.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the EVF unit of embodiment 1.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the EVF unit of embodiment 1.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the peripheral structure of the EVF unit of embodiment 1.

Fig. 22 is a side view schematically showing the layout of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing the layout of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 1 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 1 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 1 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 2 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 2 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 3 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing an imaging apparatus according to modification 3 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 4 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to modification 4 of embodiment 1.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view schematically showing the layout of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to a modification of embodiment 2.

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 39 is a front view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 40 is a rear view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 41 is a side view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 42 is a side view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 43 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 3 (a view showing the flow of air).

Fig. 45 is a perspective view of the imaging device according to embodiment 3 (a view showing an attached state of an external microphone).

Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing the imaging device in a state where the heat radiation mechanism of embodiment 3 is exposed.

Fig. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the heat radiation mechanism according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the heat radiation mechanism according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 49 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the cooling fan is removed from the heat radiation mechanism of embodiment 3.

Fig. 50 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a cooling fan is removed from the heat radiation mechanism of embodiment 3.

Fig. 51 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the heat dissipation mechanism according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 52 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the heat radiation mechanism of embodiment 3.

Fig. 53 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a heat radiation mechanism according to a modification of embodiment 3.

Fig. 54 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to another modification of embodiment 3.

Fig. 55 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to another modification of embodiment 3.

Fig. 56 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to still another modification of embodiment 3.

Fig. 57 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to still another modification of embodiment 3.

Fig. 58 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 59 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 60 is an enlarged perspective view showing a heat radiation mechanism provided in the imaging apparatus according to embodiment 4.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already known matters and repetitive descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to make it readily understandable to the person skilled in the art. The drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and the subject matter described in the claims is not intended to be limited by the drawings and the description.

(embodiment mode 1)

In embodiment 1, a digital camera will be described as an example of the imaging device of the present invention.

The configuration of the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the left-right direction viewed from a user using the imaging device 2 is referred to as an X-axis direction, the front-rear direction is referred to as a Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is referred to as a Z-axis direction. Although terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", and the like are used, it is not meant to limit the use state and the like of the imaging apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of an imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1. The imaging device 2 shown in fig. 1 and 2 includes an imaging main body 4 and a grip 6.

The imaging main body section 4 is a section for imaging a subject using a lens not shown. The imaging main body portion 4 incorporates various components such as an image sensor and an image engine described later, and images an object (not shown) positioned on the front side along the optical axis L in the imaging direction a (Y-axis direction).

The grip portion 6 is a portion for the user to grip the imaging device 2. The grip portion 6 is provided on the side (right side in embodiment 1) of the body portion 4. A release button 16 is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 6. A gyro sensor 84 (fig. 23) described later is built in the grip portion 6. The grip portion 6 of embodiment 1 is formed integrally with the imaging main body portion 4, but may be detachable.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the imaging body section 4 includes a lens cover 8 (fig. 1), a heat dissipation mechanism 10, an EVF unit 12, and a monitor section 14 (fig. 2).

The lens cover 8 is a member that covers a lens mount section (not shown) for mounting an interchangeable lens. Various lenses can be mounted on the lens mount portion covered by the lens cover 8. The heat radiation mechanism 10 is a mechanism for radiating heat from a heat source such as an image sensor or an image engine built in the imaging main body 4. The heat radiation mechanism 10 according to embodiment 1 is located at a central upper portion (directly above the optical axis L) of the imaging main body 4 and is disposed at a position corresponding to a front surface side of a so-called "pentaprism portion". The detailed structure of the heat dissipating mechanism 10 will be described later.

An EVF (Electronic View Finder) unit 12 is a unit that displays an image (through image) being captured by the capturing device 2 in the viewfinder. The monitor unit 14 shown in fig. 2 is a monitor that displays an image (through image) being captured by the imaging device 2. The monitor unit 14 can change the posture by the angle changing mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging main body 4 and the grip 6, and fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view thereof. In fig. 3 and 4, only necessary members are illustrated, and other members are not illustrated.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the imaging body section 4 and the grip section 6 include a front case 18, a rear case 20, and an upper case 22. The front case 18 is disposed at the front, the rear case 20 is disposed at the rear, and the upper case 22 is disposed at the upper side. Front housing 18, rear housing 20, and upper housing 22 are fixed to each other by screw fastening.

As shown in fig. 4, the heat source H is mounted to the front case 18. The heat dissipation mechanism 10 for dissipating heat from the heat source H is connected to the heat source H, and a part of the heat dissipation mechanism 10 is disposed inside the upper case 22. The heat source H and the heat radiation mechanism 10 will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6.

Fig. 5 and 6 show a side view and a perspective view of the heat source H and the heat dissipation mechanism 10, respectively.

As shown in fig. 5, the heat source H includes an image sensor 24 and an image engine 26.

The image sensor 24 is an element that captures a subject image incident through a lens to generate image data (RAW data). The image sensor 24 is, for example, a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor 24 has a plate-like shape and has a main surface 24A. The optical axis L extends perpendicularly to the main surface 24A, and extends in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), which is the thickness direction of the imaging device 2. The image sensor 24 is located in front of the image engine 26.

The image engine 26 is a means for generating and outputting data obtained by performing various processing on image data generated by the image sensor 24. The image engine 26 includes a processor, electronic circuitry, etc. that processes image data. The image engine 26 has a plate-like shape like the image sensor 24, and has a main surface 26A. The main surface 26A extends in a direction (XZ plane) orthogonal to the optical axis L, similarly to the main surface 24A of the image sensor 24.

As shown in fig. 5, the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 are arranged such that the principal surfaces 24A and 26A thereof face each other along the optical axis L and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

The image sensor 24 is mounted on a sensor substrate 28. The sensor substrate 28 is a substrate for mounting and supporting the image sensor 24, and has a plate-like shape. The sensor substrate 28 is supported by a sensor holder 29 attached to the front housing 18. The sensor board 28 and the sensor holder 29 are movably supported inside the imaging main Body 4, and are driven in the XZ plane during BIS (Body Image Stabilization) control for correcting shake. The sensor substrate 28 and the sensor holder 29 are supported by a steel ball, which is a highly rigid member, so as to be movable in the XZ direction while being attracted by magnetic force.

The image engine 26 is mounted on the main board 30. The main board 30 is a board in which a program for controlling the operation of the imaging device 2 and the like are stored, and mounts and supports the image engine 26. The main board 30 has a plate-like shape and is fixed to a main frame (not shown) fastened to the front case 18.

The heat dissipation mechanism 10 includes a heat sink 32, a fan 33, a first heat transfer member 34, and a second heat transfer member 36 as members for dissipating heat generated by the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 as the heat source H.

The heat sink 32 is a member for accumulating and dissipating heat of the heat source H that has transferred heat via the heat transfer members 34 and 36. The heat sink 32 has a plurality of fins 38. The heat sink 38 is a plurality of plate-like members arranged at intervals from each other, and is arranged at a position facing the fan 33. A recess 40 for disposing the fan 33 is formed in the center of the heat sink 32.

The fan 33 is a member for radiating heat of the heat sink 32 to the outside by bringing air into contact with the inner surface of the heat sink 32 including the fins 38. The fan 33 and the radiator 32 constitute a duct portion 11 for air intake and exhaust. In fig. 5 and 6, a part of the tunnel part 11 is omitted from the drawings, and the structure of the tunnel part 11 will be described with reference to fig. 7 to 11.

Fig. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the duct portion 11, fig. 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views of the duct portion 11, and fig. 11 is a perspective view of the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 constituting the duct portion 11 as viewed from below.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the duct portion 11 includes an intake hood 41 and two exhaust hoods 45 and 47. The intake cover 41 forms the intake port 42, and the exhaust covers 45 and 47 form the exhaust ports 46 and 48, respectively. The intake port 42 is an opening for taking in air by driving of the fan 33, and the exhaust ports 46 and 48 are openings for discharging air. The intake port 42 and the exhaust covers 45 and 47 are also formed of a plurality of openings. In embodiment 1, the intake port 42 opens upward, and the exhaust ports 46 and 48 open in the left-right direction (see fig. 1 and 2).

The intake hood 41 and the exhaust hoods 45, 47 are mounted to the radiator 32. In a state where the fan 33 shown in fig. 9 and 10 is disposed in the recess 40 of the radiator 32, the intake cover 41 is attached to the upper portion of the radiator 32, and the exhaust covers 45 and 47 are attached to the sides of the radiator 32 so as to cover the opening 43 of the radiator 32.

When the fan 33 is driven, air is sucked from the air inlet 42 opening upward (arrow C in fig. 7 and 8), and is discharged from the air outlets 46 and 48 opening in the left-right direction (arrows D1 and D2). While the air flows from the air inlet 42 to the air outlets 46 and 48, the air contacts the inner surface of the heat sink 32 including the heat radiation fins 38, and thereby the heat of the heat source H transferred to the heat radiation fins 38 can be radiated to the outside of the imaging apparatus 2.

In embodiment 1, an axial fan is used as the fan 33. As shown in fig. 9 to 11, the fan 33, which is an axial fan, has an air inlet 50 formed on the front side and an air outlet 52 (fig. 11) formed on the rear side. As shown in fig. 11, the fan 33 has a plurality of blades 53, and the blades 53 rotate about a rotation axis E extending in the Z-axis direction, thereby sucking air (arrow C1) from the air inlet 50 of the fan 33 and blowing air (arrow C2) from the air outlet 52. The fan 33 as an axial fan intakes and exhausts air in a direction along the rotation axis E (arrows C1, C2). Fig. 9 to 11 schematically show the shapes of the air inlet 50, the air outlet 52, and the blades 53.

When the fan 33 is disposed in the recess 40, the outlet 52 of the fan 33 is disposed so as to face the heat dissipation fins 38 of the heat sink 32. The air blown out from the air outlet 52 of the fan 33 directly contacts the heat sink 38. This causes air to flow inside the heat sink 32, and the heat collected by the heat sink 38 can be efficiently dissipated while the air is distributed over the entire surface.

Returning to fig. 5 and 6, the first heat transfer member 34 is a member that transfers heat of the image sensor 24 to the heat sink 32. The second heat transfer member 36 is a member that transfers heat of the image engine 26 to the radiator 32.

The heat transfer members 34 and 36 each extend upward (arrow B) from the heat source H and are connected to the heat sink 32. In other words, the heat transfer members 34, 36 extend in a direction along the main surface 24A of the image sensor 24 and the main surface 26A of the image engine 26, respectively.

The first heat transfer member 34 is attached to the upper end portion 29A of the sensor holder 29 that supports the image sensor 24. As shown in fig. 5, the first heat transfer member 34 includes a following portion 54 and a sheet portion 56. The following portion 54 and the sheet portion 56 will be described with reference to fig. 12 to 16.

Fig. 12 and 13 are perspective views showing the peripheral structure of the first heat transfer member 34, fig. 14 and 15 are perspective views showing the first heat transfer member 34, and fig. 16 is a perspective view of the following portion 54 as viewed from the front side.

The following unit 54 is a member having a shape to follow the movement of the sensor substrate 28 and the sensor holder 29 that support the image sensor 24. The following portion 54 is attached to the upper end portion 29A of the sensor holder 29. The sheet portion 56 is connected to the following portion 54 and attached to a bottom surface 58 (fig. 11) of the heat sink 32.

As shown in fig. 14 to 16, the following portion 54 includes a concentric sheet portion 60, bundling portions 62 and 64, and a sheet portion 66. The concentric sheet portion 60 is a portion where sheets are concentrically arranged, and the binding portions 62 and 64 are portions binding a part of the concentric sheet portion 60. The first bundling portion 62 bundles a lower center portion of the concentric sheet portion 60, and the second bundling portion 64 bundles an upper center portion of the concentric sheet portion 60. The sheet portion 66 is a portion that is connected to the second bundling portion 64 and is attached to the back surface 70 (fig. 13) of the heat sink 32.

By providing the concentric sheet portion 60, even when the sensor substrate 28 and the sensor holder 29 are driven in the XZ plane by the BIS control, the concentric sheet portion 60 deforms in accordance with the movement of the sensor holder 29 and can follow the movement of the sensor holder 29. This allows both BIS control by driving the sensor substrate 28 and the sensor holder 29 and heat conduction by the first heat transfer member 34.

Each member constituting the first heat transfer member 34 may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity (for example, a graphite sheet).

Next, the second heat transfer member 36 will be described with reference to fig. 17 and 18. Fig. 17 and 18 are perspective views showing the peripheral structure of the second heat transfer member 36.

The second heat transfer member 36 shown in fig. 17 and 18 is attached to a main frame (not shown), and is in contact with the image engine 26 attached to the main substrate 30 via an elastic heat transfer member (thermal Interface Material). The second heat transfer member 36 includes a first sheet portion 72 and a second sheet portion 74.

The first sheet portion 72 is a portion attached to the image engine 26 via an elastic heat transfer member. The second sheet portion 74 extends upward relative to the first sheet portion 72 and is attached to the back surface 70 (fig. 13) of the heat sink 32. The first sheet portion 72 and the second sheet portion 74 are integrally formed by bending one sheet.

As shown in fig. 17, the second sheet portion 74 is in contact with the sheet portion 66 of the following portion 54 (dashed arrow), is attached to the back surface 70 of the heat sink 32, and is in contact with the heat sink 32 at a location different from the sheet portion 66.

Next, the EVF unit 12 shown in fig. 1 to 4 will be described with reference to fig. 19 to 21. Fig. 19 to 21 are perspective views showing the peripheral structure of the EVF unit 12.

The EVF unit 12 shown in fig. 19 is fixed by screws to the upper case 22 (fig. 4) and is disposed so as to sandwich the eyecup attachment portion 78 provided on the rear case 20.

As shown in fig. 20, the EVF unit 12 includes a main body 80 and an eye cover 82. The main body 80 and the eyecup 82 are disposed so as to sandwich the eyecup mounting portion 78 of the rear case 20.

The main body 80 is a part constituting the main body of the EVF unit 12, and includes a heat source such as a liquid crystal panel and an IC, and a substrate connection portion 83. The board connection portion 83 is a portion for connecting the EVF unit 12 and the main board 30, and the operation of the EVF unit 12 is controlled by the main board 30. The eye cover 82 is a portion for aligning eyes when the user views the screen of the EVF unit 12.

As shown in fig. 21, the main body portion 80 of the EVF unit 12 is disposed close to the rear surface of the sheet portion 74 of the second heat transfer member 36. Thus, when the EVF unit 12 generates a large amount of heat, the heat can be transferred from the EVF unit 12 to the sheet portion 74 via the elastic heat transfer member, and can be dissipated to the heat sink 32 via the second heat transfer member 36.

The layout including the heat source H and the heat radiation mechanism 10 in the imaging device 2 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to fig. 22 and 23. Fig. 22 and 23 are side and perspective views schematically showing a layout including the heat source H and the heat dissipation mechanism 10.

As shown in fig. 22, the heat transfer members 34 and 36 extend upward from the heat source H and are connected to the heat sink 32, and the heat sink 32 is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the imaging main body 4 with respect to the heat source H (arrow B). According to such an arrangement, when the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 are provided as the heat dissipation mechanism 10, the arrangement can be made by effectively utilizing the space of the imaging device 2, and the thickness of the imaging device 2, particularly in the front-rear direction, can be suppressed to be small. This can ensure heat dissipation and make the imaging device 2 compact, and can easily achieve both heat dissipation and design.

As shown in fig. 23, the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 are disposed on the outer periphery and the central upper portion (particularly, directly above the optical axis L) of the imaging main body portion 4. By arranging the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 at a position such as a "pentaprism portion (a position in which a pentaprism is built up)" in the conventional film camera, the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 can be newly arranged without largely changing the configuration of the conventional digital camera. This makes it possible to realize the digital camera 2 that can easily achieve both heat dissipation and design. The "central upper portion" may be a position where an area other than both end portions faces upward (+ Z direction) in the lateral width (X direction) of the imaging main body 4.

Further, the radiator 32 and the fan 33 are provided in an area in front of the EVF unit 12. This makes it possible to newly arrange the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 without significantly changing the configuration of the conventional imaging device of the EVF unit 12.

As shown in fig. 22, the tunnel part 11 (the radiator 32 and the fan 33) is disposed directly above the image sensor 24, and the EVF unit 12 is disposed directly above the image engine 26. Thereby, the tunnel part 11 and the EVF unit 12 can be arranged while effectively utilizing the space of the imaging device 2.

As shown in fig. 1, 20, the heat dissipation mechanism 10 overlaps the EVF unit 12 in size when viewed from the front of the camera in the Y-axis direction. As shown in fig. 23, the tunnel portion 11 and the EVF unit 12 are both disposed directly above the optical axis L (arrows D1 and D2). This makes it possible to form the entire configuration of the imaging apparatus 2 with good balance, and to improve design.

A gyro sensor 84 for detecting shaking is housed inside the grip portion 6. Compared to a configuration in which a gyro sensor is housed in the central upper portion of the imaging main body 4 (a pentaprism portion in a conventional film camera) as in a conventional imaging device, the space in the imaging main body 4 is increased, and the imaging device 2 in which the channel portion 11 and the like are newly provided in the upper portion of the imaging main body 4 can be prevented from being increased in size.

According to the above configuration, even when a large amount of heat is generated by the heat source H such as the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26, the heat is efficiently dissipated by the heat dissipation mechanism 10 including the heat sink 32 and the fan 33, and thereby the stop of the operation of the imaging device 2 due to overheating can be suppressed. Recently, the tendency toward higher image quality and higher performance and the use of moving images have become the mainstream, and the problem of the stop of the camera function due to overheating has been highlighted. On the other hand, the tunnel portion 11 having the radiator 32 and the fan 33 is disposed at the central upper portion of the imaging main body portion 4 corresponding to the vacant space such as the front area of the EVF unit 12, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the imaging device 2 and facilitating both heat radiation and design.

As described above, the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 includes the heat source H, the heat radiation mechanism 10 for radiating heat from the heat source H, the imaging main body 4 to which the heat source H and the heat radiation mechanism 10 are attached, and the grip portion 6 provided on the side of the imaging main body 4, and the heat radiation mechanism 10 (particularly, the heat sink 32 and the fan 33) is disposed on the outer periphery of the imaging main body 4.

With this configuration, the heat radiation mechanism 10 can be disposed while effectively utilizing the space of the imaging device 2, and heat radiation and design properties can be easily achieved at the same time. When the heat dissipation mechanism 10 is disposed on the outer periphery of the imaging main body 4, at least the air inlet 42 and the air outlet 46 may be disposed so as to be exposed on the outer periphery of the imaging main body 4, and the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 may be disposed in the vicinity thereof.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the heat radiation mechanism 10 is disposed at the central upper portion of the imaging main body 4. This allows the heat radiation mechanism 10 to be disposed without significantly changing the configuration of the conventional imaging device, and makes it easy to achieve both heat radiation and design.

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 further includes an EVF unit 12, and the heat radiation mechanism 10 is disposed in front of the EVF unit 12. Thus, the heat radiation mechanism 10 can be disposed without significantly changing the configuration of the imaging device of the existing model of the EVF unit, and heat radiation and design properties can be easily achieved at the same time.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the heat radiation mechanism 10 is disposed directly above the optical axis L. This makes it possible to balance the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 2.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the heat radiation mechanism 10 includes a heat sink 32, a fan 33, and heat transfer members 34 and 36 that transfer heat from a heat source H to the heat sink 32, the heat source H extends the main surfaces 24A and 26A in a direction intersecting the optical axis L, the heat transfer members 34 and 36 extend from the heat source H in a direction along the main surfaces 24A and 26A and are connected to the heat sink 32, and the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 are disposed on the outer periphery of the imaging main body portion 4. Thus, the radiator 32 and the fan 33 having a relatively large volume are disposed in the vacant space of the imaging main body portion 4, and the heat radiation performance is easily ensured without impairing the design of the imaging device 2.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the heat source H includes the image sensor 24 (first heat source) and the image engine 26 (second heat source), and the heat transfer members 34 and 36 include a first heat transfer member 34 that transfers heat of the image sensor 24 to the heat sink 32 and a second heat transfer member 36 that transfers heat of the image engine 26 to the heat sink 32.

With this configuration, the plurality of heat sources H can be connected to the heat sink 32 to dissipate heat.

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 further includes a sensor substrate 28 that supports the image sensor 24, and the first heat transfer member 34 includes a following portion 54 that follows the movement of the sensor substrate 28 when driven by the BIS control, and a sheet portion 56 that is attached to the heat sink 32.

According to such a configuration, even when the sensor substrate 28 supporting the image sensor 24 is driven by the BIS control, the BIS control for driving the sensor substrate 28 and the heat transfer by the first heat transfer member 34 can be achieved at the same time by the following portion 54 of the first heat transfer member 34 following the movement of the sensor substrate 28.

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 further includes a duct portion 11, and the duct portion 11 communicates with the intake port 42 and the exhaust ports 46 and 48 for the intake and exhaust of the fan 33 and passes through the radiator 32, and the imaging main body portion 4 houses the duct portion 11.

With such a configuration, the imaging device 2 can be made compact by housing the tunnel 11 in the imaging main body 4.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the heat sink 32 includes the heat radiation fins 38, and the heat radiation fins 38 are disposed at positions facing the air outlet 52 of the fan 33.

With this configuration, the air blown out from the fan 33 can be brought into direct contact with the heat sink 38, and the heat radiation efficiency can be improved.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the fan 33 is an axial fan.

With such a configuration, when the fan 33 is mounted in the external appearance as in embodiment 1, the axial flow fan can provide the heat radiation fins 38 over a larger area than the centrifugal fan, and therefore, the imaging device 2 can be made compact and the heat radiation efficiency can be improved.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1, the rotation axis E of the fan 33 extends in a direction intersecting the optical axis L (in embodiment 1, in the Z-axis direction).

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 further includes a gyro sensor 84 for detecting a shake, and a grip portion 6 for housing the gyro sensor 84.

According to such a configuration, by providing the gyro sensor 84 in the grip portion 6, a space is left above the imaging main body portion 4 in which the gyro sensor is conventionally disposed, and the tunnel portion 11 including the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 can be disposed above the imaging main body portion 4, thereby making the imaging apparatus 2 compact.

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 1 includes a heat source H having main surfaces 24A and 26A extending in a direction intersecting an optical axis L (optical axis direction), a heat dissipation mechanism 10 for dissipating heat from the heat source H, and an imaging main body 4 (main body) to which the heat source H and the heat dissipation mechanism 10 are attached, the heat dissipation mechanism 10 includes a heat sink 32, a fan 33, and heat transfer members 34 and 36 for transferring heat from the heat source H to the heat sink 32, the heat transfer members 34 and 36 extend from the heat source H in a direction along the main surfaces 24A and 26A and are connected to the heat sink 32, and the heat sink 32 is disposed on an outer peripheral side of the imaging main body 4 with respect to the heat source H.

With such a configuration, the heat radiation mechanism 10 including the heat sink 32 and the fan 33 can ensure heat radiation, and the imaging device 2 can be made compact by suppressing the thickness of the imaging main body 4 in the front-rear direction to a small value. This makes it possible to realize the imaging device 2 that can easily achieve both heat dissipation and design.

(modification of embodiment 1)

In embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the description has been given of the case where the intake port 42 is opened upward and the exhaust ports 46 and 48 are opened in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The positions of the intake port and the exhaust port, and the directions of the intake and exhaust gases may be changed as appropriate, and this modification will be described with reference to fig. 24 to 30.

Fig. 24 and 25 show an imaging device 100 according to modification 1. The imaging device 100 shown in fig. 24 and 25 includes an imaging main body 104, a grip 106, a heat dissipation mechanism 110, and an EVF unit 112, and a duct portion 111 included in the heat dissipation mechanism 110 forms an intake port 113 and an exhaust port 114.

In the example shown in fig. 24 and 25, the intake port 113 is disposed below the exhaust port 114, the intake port 113 opens downward, and the exhaust port 114 opens forward. The intake port 113 admits air from below to above (arrow F1), and the exhaust port 114 exhausts air to the front (arrow F2). Even with such a configuration, the same effects can be achieved by arranging the heat sink 32, the fan 33, the heat transfer members 34, 36, and the like with respect to the heat source H in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

The air inlet 113 and the air outlet 114 are not limited to those that are always open, and may be provided with a lid that can be opened and closed by a user. For example, in the example shown in fig. 26, a cover 116 for opening and closing the exhaust port 114 is provided. Fig. 26 shows a state in which the cover 116 closes the exhaust port 114, and when the user opens the cover 116, the exhaust port 114 is exposed as shown in fig. 23 and 24. By providing such a cover 116, the cover 116 can be opened to secure heat dissipation when a moving image or the like is captured, and the cover 116 can be closed to prevent the air outlet 114 from being exposed to the outside when a still image or the like is captured or not used, thereby improving appearance. In the example shown in fig. 26, the air inlet 113 is opened downward and is a position that is difficult to see from the outside, and therefore, a cover may not be provided.

Fig. 27 and 28 show an imaging device 200 according to modification 2. The imaging device 200 shown in fig. 27 and 28 has an exhaust port 202 (fig. 27) different from the exhaust port 114, except for the same configuration as the imaging device 100 of modification 1.

In the example shown in fig. 27 and 28, the exhaust port 202 opens upward to exhaust air upward (arrow F3). With such a configuration, the two types of exhaust ports 114 and 202 are provided, whereby the exhaust paths (arrows F2 and F3) can be dispersed, and the heat radiation efficiency can be improved.

Fig. 29 and 30 show an imaging device 300 according to modification 3. Unlike the imaging devices 100 and 200 of the modified examples 1 and 2, the imaging device 300 shown in fig. 29 and 30 has exhaust ports 302 and 304 for exhausting air in the left-right direction instead of the exhaust port 114 for exhausting air in the front direction.

In the example shown in fig. 29 and 30, the exhaust port 302 opens to the left and exhausts air in the left direction (arrow F4), and the exhaust port 304 opens to the right and exhausts air in the right direction (arrow F5). With this configuration, the three types of exhaust ports 202, 304, and 306 are provided, whereby the exhaust paths (arrows F3, F4, and F5) can be dispersed, and the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

The exhaust port 202 shown in fig. 29 may be omitted. Specifically, as in the imaging apparatus 400 of modification 4 shown in fig. 31 and 32, only the exhaust ports 302 and 304 may be provided, and the exhaust paths may be distributed in the left and right directions (arrows F4 and F5).

In the above-described modifications 1 to 4, the intake port may be changed to the exhaust port, or the exhaust port may be changed to the intake port.

(embodiment mode 2)

An imaging device 100 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 33 to 35. In embodiment 2, the differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. The same or equivalent structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

While embodiment 1 provides a tunnel 11 at the central upper part of the imaging main body 4, embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that a tunnel is provided at the side of the imaging main body.

Fig. 33 and 34 are perspective views showing an imaging device 500 according to embodiment 2. The imaging device 500 shown in fig. 33 and 34 includes an imaging main body 504, a grip 506, a heat radiation mechanism 510, and an EVF unit 512. In particular, the heat radiation mechanism 510 includes a tunnel portion 520 provided on the side of the imaging main body portion 504.

As shown in fig. 33 and 34, the grip 506 is provided on the right side (-X direction) of the imaging main body 504, and the tunnel 520 is provided on the opposite side of the grip 506, i.e., on the left side (+ X direction) of the imaging main body 504. With such an arrangement, the grip portion 506 and the heat dissipation mechanism 510 (particularly, the tunnel portion 520) are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the imaging main body portion 504, and the structural balance can be improved when the imaging apparatus 2 is viewed from the front. This makes it possible to realize the imaging device 500 that can easily achieve both heat dissipation and design.

Note that a pentagonal prism portion 505 may be provided at the central upper portion of the imaging main body portion 504, or a member different from the pentagonal prism portion 505 may be arranged.

The channel portion 520 forms an intake port 542 and an exhaust port 544. In the example shown in fig. 33 and 34, air inlet 542 opens upward to draw air downward (arrow F6), and air outlet 544 opens downward to discharge air downward (arrow F7).

The configuration of the heat dissipation mechanism 510 and the layout of the imaging apparatus 500 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to fig. 35. Fig. 35 is a perspective view schematically showing the layout of the photographing device 500.

As shown in fig. 35, the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 as the heat source H are provided inside the imaging main body portion 504, and the radiator 532 and the fan 533 are provided inside the duct portion 520 provided on the side of the imaging main body portion 504.

Two heat transfer members 534, 536 for connecting the heat source H and the heat sink 132 are provided inside the imaging main body portion 504. The first heat transfer member 534 transfers heat of the image sensor 24 to the heat sink 532, and the second heat transfer member 536 transfers heat of the image engine 26 to the heat sink 532. The heat transfer members 534, 536 may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity (e.g., graphite) as in the heat transfer members 34, 36 of embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 35, the heat transfer members 534 and 536 each extend from the heat source H in the direction along the main surfaces 24A and 26A (arrow B1) and are connected to the heat sink 532. The heat sink 532 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the imaging main body 504 with respect to the heat source H. That is, the heat radiation mechanism 510 having the heat sink 532 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the imaging main body portion 504.

With such a configuration, as in embodiment 1, heat radiation can be ensured by the heat radiation mechanism 510 including the heat sink 532 and the fan 533, and the thickness of the imaging device 500 in the front-rear direction can be reduced, thereby making the imaging device 500 compact. This makes it possible to realize the imaging device 500 that can easily achieve both heat dissipation and design.

As in embodiments 1 and 2, by disposing the heat radiation mechanism for radiating the heat source H such as the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 at the central upper portion of the imaging main body portion (embodiment 1) or at the side opposite to the side where the grip portion is provided with respect to the imaging main body portion (embodiment 2), it is possible to realize an imaging device that can easily achieve both heat radiation and design properties.

(modification of embodiment 2)

In embodiment 2, an example (arrows F6 and F7) in which the duct portion 520 sucks air from above and discharges air downward has been described, but the direction of intake and exhaust is not limited to this. For example, as in the imaging device 600 of the modification example shown in fig. 36, the air inlet 622 may suck air from the lateral direction (arrow F8) and the air outlet 624 may discharge air upward or obliquely upward (arrow F9) in the duct portion 620 provided on the side of the imaging main body portion 604. In the case of the configuration shown in fig. 36, the fan (not shown) provided inside the tunnel part 620 may be a centrifugal fan. In this way, even when the duct portion 620 is provided on the side of the imaging main body portion 604, the direction of intake and exhaust can be set to any direction, and the arrangement and specification of the radiator and the fan can be appropriately changed accordingly.

The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments 1 and 2 and modifications thereof, but the present invention is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2 and modifications thereof. For example, the imaging apparatus may not have the EVF unit 12. In addition, when the imaging device 2 includes the EVF unit 12, a third heat transfer member that is different from the heat transfer members 34 and 36 and connects the EVF unit 12 to the heat sink 32 through a separate heat radiation path may be provided.

In embodiments 1 and 2, the case where the imaging device 2 includes the grip 6 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the case where the grip 6 is not provided may be employed.

In embodiments 1 and 2, the case where the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 are radiated by the same radiation mechanism 10 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, one of the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 may be heat-radiated by the heat radiation mechanism 10 (e.g., the central upper portion of the main body 4), and the other may be heat-radiated by another heat radiation mechanism (e.g., the rear side of the main body 4).

In embodiments 1 and 2, the case where the heat source H is the image sensor 24 and the image engine 26 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and may include another heat source (for example, a storage unit for a recording medium). The heat source H may include at least three heat sources, such as the image sensor 24 (first heat source), the image engine 26 (second heat source), and the storage section of the recording medium (third heat source), and the principal surfaces of these heat sources may all extend in the direction intersecting the optical axis L. The image engine 26 (processor) and the storage unit may be mounted on a different board from the main board 30.

(embodiment mode 3)

In embodiment 3, a digital camera will be described as an example of the imaging device of the present invention.

The configuration of the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to fig. 37 to 43. Hereinafter, the left-right direction viewed from the user using the imaging device 2 is referred to as the X-axis direction, the front-rear direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is referred to as the Z-axis direction. With regard to the orientation of the imaging device 2 in the independent state, terms indicating the orientation such as "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", and the like are used, but are not meant to limit the use state of the imaging device of the present invention.

Fig. 37 and 38 are perspective views of the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, fig. 39 is a front view of the imaging device 2, fig. 40 is a rear view of the imaging device 2, fig. 41 and 42 are side views of the imaging device 2, and fig. 43 is a plan view of the imaging device 2.

The imaging device 2 shown in fig. 37 to 43 includes an imaging main body 4 and a grip 6.

The main body 4 is a portion for shooting a subject using a lens not shown. The imaging main body portion 4 incorporates various components including a heat source such as an image sensor and an image engine, and images an object (not shown) positioned on the front surface side along the optical axis L in the imaging direction B (Y-axis direction).

The grip portion 6 is a portion for the user to grip the imaging device 2. The grip portion 6 is provided on the side (the right side in embodiment 3) of the imaging main body portion 4. A release button 18 is provided on the upper surface of the grip 6. The grip 6 of embodiment 3 is formed integrally with the imaging main body 4, but may be detachable.

The imaging body section 4 includes a lens cover 8, an EVF unit 10, a pentaprism section 12, and dial sections 14 and 16.

The lens cover 8 is a member that covers a lens mount section (not shown) for mounting an interchangeable lens. The lens cover 8 is provided on the front surface 4A of the photographing body section 4. Various lenses can be attached to the lens mount portion covered by the lens cover 8.

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

The pentaprism portion 12 is provided above the imaging main body portion 4 and projects forward. The pentagonal prism portion 12 is an example of a "protrusion portion". When the image pickup device 2 is a single lens reflex camera, a pentaprism (not shown) as an optical system of a finder is housed in the pentaprism unit 12. In the case of the imaging device 2 without a mirror, the pentaprism is not housed in the pentaprism portion 12. In the present specification, the "protrusion portion" is referred to as a pentaprism portion 12 regardless of whether or not a pentaprism is present. A heat radiation mechanism 36 (fig. 46) including a cooling fan 38 described later is housed in the pentaprism portion 12 of embodiment 3. The pentagonal prism portion 12 is an example of a "fan housing portion" that houses the cooling fan 38.

The pentagonal prism portion 12 of embodiment 3 has an upper surface 20, a pair of side surfaces 22A, 22B, a front surface 24, and a lower surface 26. As shown in fig. 37 and the like, an accessory shoe (access shoe) 32 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism portion 12. An external device such as an external microphone 34 (fig. 45) may be attached to the accessory shoe 32. Accessory shoe 32 may also be referred to as a "hot shoe".

As shown in fig. 37 and 38, the front surface 24 of the pentaprism portion 12 is located at a position protruding forward with respect to the front surface 4A of the imaging main body portion 4. The lower surface 26 is formed so as to connect the front surface 24 of the pentaprism portion 12 and the front surface 4A of the imaging main body portion 4.

The pentaprism portion 12 also forms an intake port 28 (fig. 38, etc.) and exhaust ports 30A, 30B (fig. 37, fig. 38, etc.) as components of the heat radiation mechanism 36.

The air inlet 28 is an opening for drawing air into the interior of the pentagonal prism portion 12. The exhaust ports 30A and 30B are openings for discharging the air taken in from the intake port 28 to the outside of the pentaprism portion 12. In embodiment 3, the intake port 28 is provided in the lower surface 26 of the pentaprism portion 12, and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided in the side surfaces 22A and 22B of the pentaprism portion 12, respectively.

In the above configuration, when the cooling fan 38 is operated, as shown in fig. 44, a flow (arrows A2 and A3) is generated in which air is taken in from the front side of the pentaprism portion 12 through the air inlet 28 (arrow A1) and is discharged to the side of the pentaprism portion 12 through the air outlets 30A and 30B. This enables cooling of various heat sources incorporated in the imaging main body 4.

As shown in fig. 37, 38, and the like, openings for intake and exhaust are provided in the side surfaces 22A, 22B and the lower surface 26 of the pentaprism portion 12, whereas openings for intake and exhaust are not provided in the upper surface 20 and the front surface 24. According to such a configuration, as shown in fig. 45, in a state where the external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32, since the distance from the external microphone 34 to the openings (the intake port 28, the exhaust ports 30A, 30B) for intake and exhaust becomes long, the operating sound of the cooling fan 38 can be made difficult to be collected by the external microphone 34. In the example shown in fig. 45, the external microphone 34 is located directly above the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism portion 12 and extends in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The intake port 28 and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are not opened in the direction facing the external microphone 34. Accordingly, in contrast to the configuration in which the openings for intake and exhaust are provided in the upper surface 20 and the front surface 24, deterioration in the sound collection quality of the external microphone 34 can be suppressed, which contributes to improvement in the quality of the imaging apparatus 2.

The dial portions 14 and 16 are members for the user to perform dial operations, and stand on the upper surface 4B of the imaging main body portion 4. As shown in fig. 41, the dial portion 14 is provided at a position overlapping the exhaust port 30A when the imaging device 2 is viewed from the side (left side), and as shown in fig. 42, the dial portion 16 is provided at a position overlapping the exhaust port 30B when the imaging device 2 is viewed from the side (right side). By providing the dial parts 14 and 16 at positions overlapping the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, it is difficult to visually recognize the exhaust ports 30A and 30B from the outside. This allows the pentagonal prism unit 12 to be provided with the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, while also achieving the design of the imaging device 2.

Since there is a gap between the exhaust ports 30A, 30B and the dial portions 14, 16, the air discharged from the exhaust ports 30A, 30B contacts the dial portions 14, 16, respectively, and is discharged to the outside from the empty space. Further, since it is difficult for fingers to enter the gap, it is effective to prevent the user from blocking the exhaust ports 30A and 30B by mistake.

Next, the heat dissipation mechanism 36 housed in the pentagonal prism portion 12 will be described with reference to fig. 46 to 52.

Fig. 46 is a perspective view showing the imaging device 2 in a state where the pentaprism portion 12 is removed and the heat radiation mechanism 36 is exposed, fig. 47 and 48 are exploded perspective views of the heat radiation mechanism 36, and fig. 49 and 50 are enlarged perspective views showing a state where the cooling fan 38 is removed from the heat radiation mechanism 36. Fig. 51 and 52 are a vertical sectional view and a transverse sectional view, respectively, showing a schematic configuration of the heat dissipation mechanism 36.

As shown in fig. 46, the heat radiation mechanism 36 housed in the pentaprism portion 12 is disposed at the upper portion of the imaging main body portion 4, and includes, in addition to the cooling fan 38, a mounting member 40, a radiator 42, an intake cover 44, and two exhaust covers 46A and 46B, as shown in fig. 47, 48, and the like.

The cooling fan 38 is a fan for cooling a heat source H (fig. 51) such as an image sensor and an image engine. The cooling fan 38 discharges air to the heat sink 42 to dissipate heat from the heat sink 42, thereby indirectly cooling the heat source H connected to the heat sink 42.

The cooling fan 38 of embodiment 3 is an "axial flow fan" that causes air to flow in a direction along the center axis E. In the attached state shown in fig. 46, the cooling fan 38 takes in air from above and discharges the air downward.

The mounting member 40 is a member for mounting the cooling fan 38. An opening 41 for disposing the cooling fan 38 is formed in the center of the mounting member 40. By housing the mounting member 40 to which the cooling fan 38 is mounted in the heat sink 42, the cooling fan 38 is positioned with respect to the heat sink 42.

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

The heat sink 42 has a plurality of heat dissipation pins 43. Each of the plurality of heat dissipation pins 43 is a rod-shaped member that protrudes upward toward the cooling fan 38. As shown in fig. 52, the heat dissipation efficiency is improved by dispersing a plurality of heat dissipation pins 43. It is designed that the air blown out from the cooling fan 38 is in contact with the plurality of heat dissipation pins 43. The heat dissipation pins 43 are not limited to pin shapes, and may be rib-shaped, and may have any shape as long as the heat dissipation performance is improved. The heat radiation pin 43 is an example of a "heat radiation promoting member".

As shown in fig. 47, 48, and the like, the radiator 42 has an intake hood mounting portion 48 on the front side and exhaust hood mounting portions 50A, 50B on the side. The intake hood mounting portion 48 is a portion for mounting the intake hood 44, and the exhaust hood mounting portions 50A, 50B are portions for mounting the exhaust hoods 46A, 46B, respectively. As the mounting method, any mounting method such as screw fixing and claw fitting may be adopted, or integral molding may be adopted. The intake hood mounting portion 48 and the exhaust hood mounting portions 50A and 50B each form an opening for flowing air.

The intake hood 44 is a member that forms the intake port 28, and is attached to the intake hood attachment portion 48. The intake port 28 of the intake shroud 44 communicates with an opening provided in the intake shroud mounting portion 48. The intake cover 44 constitutes the lower surface 26 of the aforementioned pentaprism portion 12 (fig. 38 and the like). The exhaust hoods 46A and 46B are members forming the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, respectively, and are attached to the exhaust hood attachment portions 50A and 50B. The exhaust ports 30A, 30B of the exhaust hoods 46A, 46B communicate with openings provided in the exhaust hood mounting portions 50A, 50B, respectively. The exhaust covers 46A, 46B constitute the side surfaces 22A, 22B of the above-described pentaprism section 12, respectively.

According to the above configuration, as shown in fig. 51, by the operation of the cooling fan 38, air is sucked upward through the air inlet 28 provided in the lower surface 26 of the pentaprism portion 12, revolves toward the upper surface side of the cooling fan 38, flows downward along the central axis E inside the cooling fan 38, and generates an air flow blown out toward the heat radiation pins 43 of the heat sink 42. As shown in fig. 52, the air that has contacted the plurality of heat dissipation pins 43 and absorbed heat is blown out in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) through the air outlets 30A, 30B provided in the side surfaces 22A, 22B of the pentaprism portion 12.

As shown in fig. 51, the cooling fan 38 according to embodiment 3 is disposed such that the central axis E is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. More specifically, the center axis E is inclined such that the rear portion of the cooling fan 38 is located above the front portion. With such an arrangement, a space for air to flow can be formed on the front side of the cooling fan 38. Accordingly, when air is sucked from the lower surface 26 located on the front side of the pentagonal prism portion 12, efficient arrangement can be made, and an increase in size of the imaging device 2 including the pentagonal prism portion 12 can be suppressed. Further, by using an axial flow fan as the cooling fan 38, the air volume can be increased, and the heat radiation performance can be improved.

The cooling fan 38 shown in fig. 51 is disposed so as to be "horizontal" and performs air intake and exhaust substantially in the vertical direction. As shown in fig. 51, the "inclined position" in which the center axis E is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V is also included, and is referred to as "horizontal position".

[ conclusion ]

According to the above configuration, even when a large amount of heat is generated from the heat source H such as an image sensor or an image engine, the heat can be efficiently dissipated by the heat dissipation mechanism 36 including the cooling fan 38 and the heat sink 42, and the stop of the operation of the imaging device 2 due to overheating can be suppressed. Recently, the trend toward higher image quality and higher performance and the use of moving images are becoming the mainstream, and when the problem of the stop of the camera function due to overheating becomes serious, it becomes possible to effectively solve the problem of the heat, and it is possible to provide a sense of security to the user. On the other hand, by accommodating the heat radiation mechanism 36 having the cooling fan 38 in the pentagonal prism portion 12 located at the upper center of the imaging main body portion 4 and disposing it in front of the EVF unit 10, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the imaging device 2 and easily achieve both heat radiation and design.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the intake port 28 is provided in the lower surface 26 of the pentagonal portion 12, the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided in the side surfaces 22A and 22B of the pentagonal portion 12, and no intake/exhaust opening is provided in the upper surface 20 and the front surface 24 of the pentagonal portion 12. As a result, as shown in fig. 45, even when the external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32 on the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism section 12, the operating sound of the cooling fan 38 is less likely to be collected through the openings for intake and exhaust, and deterioration in the sound characteristics of the external microphone 34 can be suppressed.

As shown in fig. 37 to 43, the intake port 28 and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are disposed at positions that are difficult to see from the outside. In particular, the intake port 28 provided in the lower surface 26 of the pentagonal portion 12 is difficult to see from the outside, and the exhaust ports 30A, 30B provided in the side surfaces 22A, 22B also overlap the dial portions 14, 16 in the lateral direction, and are difficult to see from the outside. This allows the pentagonal prism portion 12 to be provided with an opening for intake and exhaust, while also achieving the design of the imaging device 2.

[ Effect ]

As described above, the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3 includes the imaging main body 4, the pentaprism unit 12 (fan housing unit) provided in the upper portion of the imaging main body 4, and the cooling fan 38 provided in the pentaprism unit 12. The pentaprism portion 12 includes an upper surface 20 covering the cooling fan 38, a pair of side surfaces 22A, 22B, and a front surface 24. The intake port 28 and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B for the cooling fan 38 to intake and exhaust air are provided on the surfaces (the side surfaces 22A and 22B and the lower surface 26) of the pentaprism portion 12 different from the upper surface 20.

With such a configuration, when the external microphone 34 is attached to the upper portion of the imaging device 2, it is difficult for the external microphone 34 to pick up the operation sound of the cooling fan 38. As compared with a configuration in which openings for intake and exhaust are provided in the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism portion 12, deterioration of the sound characteristics collected by the external microphone 34 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to provide the cooling fan 38 to improve the quality of the heat radiation characteristic and suppress the deterioration of the sound characteristic.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, no openings for intake and exhaust are provided in the upper surface 20 and the front surface 24. This makes it difficult for the external microphone 34 to pick up the operating sound of the cooling fan 38, and improves the design of the imaging device 2.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, a pentagonal portion 12 (projecting portion) that is provided above the imaging main body portion 4 and projects forward is used as a fan housing portion that houses the cooling fan 38. Thus, by housing the cooling fan 38 in the pentagonal portion 12, the imaging device 2 can be prevented from being enlarged, and the design of the imaging device 2 can be improved.

The imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3 further includes a radiator 42 disposed below the cooling fan 38, and the cooling fan 38 blows air downward toward the radiator 42. This enables heat collected in the heat sink 42 to be efficiently dissipated.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided in the side surfaces 22A and 22B. This makes it possible to provide the exhaust ports 30A and 30B at positions that are difficult for the user to visually recognize, which contributes to improvement in design. Instead of the exhaust ports 30A, 30B, intake ports may be provided on the side surfaces 22A, 22B. That is, at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port may be provided on the side surfaces 22A and 22B.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the dial portions 14 and 16 that overlap the exhaust ports 30A and 30B provided in the side surfaces 22A and 22B when viewed from the side (X-axis direction) are provided upright on the imaging main body portion 4. This makes it more difficult for the user to visually recognize the exhaust ports 30A and 30B, and the design of the imaging device 2 can be improved.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the front surface 24 of the pentagonal prism portion 12 is positioned to protrude forward from the imaging main body portion 4, and an air inlet 28 is provided in a lower surface 26 that connects the front surface 24 and the front surface 4A of the imaging main body portion 4. This makes it difficult for the user to visually recognize the air inlet 28, thereby improving the design. Instead of the intake port 28, an exhaust port may be provided on the lower surface 26. That is, at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port may be provided on the lower surface 26.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, an intake port 28 is provided in the lower surface 26, and exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided in the side surfaces 22A and 22B. This allows the intake/exhaust opening to be disposed at a position where it is difficult to visually recognize, thereby improving the design of the imaging device 2.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the accessory shoe 32 is provided on the upper surface 20 of the pentaprism portion 12. Thus, when the external microphone 34 is attached to the accessory shoe 32, it is possible to make it difficult for the external microphone 34 to pick up the operation sound of the cooling fan 38.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the central axis E of the cooling fan 38 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. This enables various designs of the flow of the wind generated by the cooling fan 38.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the central axis E of the cooling fan 38 is inclined such that the rear side of the cooling fan 38 is higher than the front side. This makes it possible to efficiently arrange the cooling fan 38 and easily form an air passage on the front side thereof.

In the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, the cooling fan 38 is an axial fan. This can increase the air volume and improve the heat dissipation.

(modification of embodiment 3)

In embodiment 3, an axial flow fan is used as the cooling fan 38, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, as shown in a modification of fig. 53, a cooling fan 138 as a centrifugal fan may be provided inside the pentaprism portion 12. The cooling fan 138, which is a centrifugal fan, is disposed horizontally, and sucks air along the horizontal axis E1 and blows air downward along a vertical axis (central axis) E2 orthogonal to the horizontal axis E1. With such a configuration, similarly to the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3, air can be taken in from the air inlet 28 provided on the lower surface 26 of the pentagonal portion 12, and air can be brought into contact with the heat radiation pins 43 of the heat sink 42, thereby generating air flows that blow air from the air outlets 30A, 30B provided on the side surfaces 22A, 22B.

In embodiment 3, one intake port 28 and two exhaust ports 30A and 30B are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the number of intake ports and exhaust ports may be any number. The positions of the intake port and the exhaust port, and the directions of the intake and exhaust gases may be changed as appropriate.

For example, in the imaging device 100 of the modification of fig. 54, the side surface 22A is provided with the air outlet 30A, whereas the opposite side surface 22B is not provided with the air outlet (no air flow of the arrow A3). In the imaging device 200 of the modification of fig. 55, the side surface 22B is provided with the exhaust port 30B, while the opposite side surface 22A is not provided with an exhaust port (no airflow indicated by arrow A2). In the configuration shown in fig. 54 and 55, air can be sucked and discharged by the operation of the cooling fan 38.

Fig. 56 and 57 show an imaging device 300 according to still another modification. The imaging device 300 shown in fig. 56 and 57 corresponds to the configuration in which the intake port and the exhaust port are exchanged in the imaging device 2 according to embodiment 3. Specifically, the intake port 28 is changed to the exhaust port 302, and the exhaust ports 30A and 30B are changed to the intake ports 304A and 304B. This can generate an airflow (arrow C3) that draws in air from the air inlets 304A and 304B (arrows C1 and C2) and blows out the air from the air outlet 302.

The air inlet and the air outlet are not limited to those that are always open, and a cover that can be opened and closed by a user may be provided.

(embodiment 4)

An imaging device 400 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 58 to 60. In embodiment 4, the point different from embodiment 3 will be mainly described. The same or equivalent structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 3 is different from embodiment 3 in that cooling fans 38 and 138 are disposed "vertically" to intake air laterally, as shown in fig. 51 and 53, or in that air is taken in upward, as shown in fig. 56 and 57, and air is discharged downward, as shown in fig. 3, whereas embodiment 4 is different from embodiment 3 in that cooling fans are disposed "vertically" to intake air laterally.

Fig. 58 and 59 are perspective views of the imaging device 400 according to embodiment 4, and fig. 60 is an enlarged perspective view showing the heat dissipation mechanism 436 provided in the imaging device 400.

In the imaging apparatus 400 shown in fig. 58 and 59, an intake port 428 is provided on a side surface 422B of the pentaprism portion 412 (fig. 59), and an exhaust port 430 is provided on an opposite side surface 422A (fig. 58). This generates an airflow (arrow D2) that draws air from the air inlet 428 into the pentaprism portion 412 and blows air out of the pentaprism portion 412 from the air outlet 430.

In embodiment 4, no opening for intake and exhaust is provided in the lower surface 426 of the pentaprism portion 412. No openings for intake and exhaust are provided in the upper surface 420, the front surface 424, and the lower surface 426 of the pentaprism portion 412.

As shown in fig. 60, a heat dissipation mechanism 436 is incorporated inside the pentaprism portion 412. The heat radiation mechanism 436 includes a heat sink 442 and two cooling fans 438 and 439.

The radiator 442 houses the two cooling fans 438 and 439, and has a plurality of heat dissipation pins 443 built therein.

The cooling fans 438 and 439 are disposed in the radiator 442 in a vertical manner, and blow air in a lateral direction (X-axis direction) along the central axis F. Cooling fan 438 is disposed on the upstream side, and cooling fan 439 is disposed on the downstream side. The cooling fan 438 is disposed adjacent to the air inlet 428 and generates an air flow (arrow D1) that draws air from the air inlet 428. The cooling fan 439 is disposed adjacent to the air outlet 430, and generates an air flow (arrow D2) for blowing air from the air outlet 430.

The plurality of heatsink pins 443 are disposed between the cooling fans 438 and 439. The air generated by the cooling fans 438 and 439 flows through the plurality of radiation pins 443, and radiates heat of the heat source H transferred to the radiation pins 443.

According to the imaging apparatus 400 of embodiment 4, since the intake port 428 and the exhaust port 430 are provided one each, the number of openings for intake and exhaust is small compared to the imaging apparatus 2 of embodiment 3, and the appearance is simplified. On the other hand, the two cooling fans 438 and 439 are provided inside the pentaprism portion 412, and the volume of intake air and exhaust air can be increased as compared with the case where only one cooling fan is provided, and heat dissipation can be improved. Thus, the heat dissipation can be improved while simplifying the appearance, and both the design and the heat dissipation can be easily achieved.

The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments 3 and 4 and modifications thereof, but the present invention is not limited to embodiments 3 and 4 and modifications thereof. For example, the imaging device may not include the grip 6 and the EVF unit 10. The heat source H is not limited to the image sensor and the image engine, and may be another heat source (for example, a storage unit for a recording medium). In embodiment 4, two cooling fans 438 and 430 are provided, but only one cooling fan may be provided.

The present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, combinations of elements and changes in the order of the elements of the embodiments can be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

In addition, by appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and various modifications, the effects possessed by each can be exhibited.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is applicable to an imaging device for imaging a subject such as a digital camera.

Claims (13)

1. An imaging device is provided with:

a shooting main body part;

a fan housing section provided above the imaging main body section; and

a cooling fan disposed in the fan housing section,

the fan housing section includes an upper surface, a pair of side surfaces, and a front surface that cover the cooling fan,

an air inlet and an air outlet for air intake and exhaust of the cooling fan are provided on a surface of the fan housing portion different from the upper surface.

2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein,

the upper surface and the front surface are not provided with openings for intake and exhaust.

3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the fan housing portion is a protruding portion that is provided above the imaging main body portion and protrudes forward.

4. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein,

the imaging device further includes a heat sink disposed below the cooling fan,

the cooling fan blows air downward toward the radiator.

5. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet is disposed on the side surface.

6. The camera of claim 5, wherein,

a dial portion that overlaps with at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port provided in the side surface when viewed from the side is provided upright on the imaging main body portion.

7. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the front surface is positioned at a position protruding forward from the main body,

at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet is provided on a lower surface connecting the front surface and the imaging main body.

8. The camera of claim 7, wherein,

the lower surface is provided with the air inlet, the side is provided with the exhaust port.

9. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

an accessory socket is arranged on the upper surface of the fan accommodating part.

10. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the center axis of the cooling fan is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

11. The camera according to claim 10,

the center axis of the cooling fan is inclined so that the rear side of the cooling fan is higher than the front side.

12. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the cooling fan is an axial flow fan.

13. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the cooling fan is a centrifugal fan.

Images