JP2023157248A - Imaging apparatus, and lens - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can ensure heat radiation performance while preventing dust from entering the inside of the apparatus during the attachment and detachment of a lens.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises: a mount 102a that allows attachment and detachment of a lens 500; lens attachment and detachment detection means 440a, 506a that detect that the lens 500 is attached to or detached from the mount; an image pick-up device 115; heat radiation fan 130 that generates an air flow for cooling the image pick-up device 115; and control means that controls the drive of the heat radiation fan. When the lens attachment and detachment detection means 440a, 506a detect that the lens 500 is detached from the mount during the drive of the heat radiation fan 130, the control means stops the heat radiation fan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device having a heat dissipation structure for heat generated from a heat source.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the demand for downsizing of electronic devices, the miniaturization and high density of components mounted inside the devices have become remarkable.

On the other hand, there is a growing demand for higher functionality in imaging devices, especially higher performance video functions, and the amount of heat generated by the devices is increasing.

When shooting a video in a high-temperature environment, there is a high possibility that the temperature inside the imaging device will rise, causing malfunctions of mounted components, deterioration of performance, and even failure of the imaging device.

Furthermore, in recent years, in order to improve image quality, imaging apparatuses that perform blur correction by moving an imaging element in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction have become popular.

Even in imaging devices that perform this type of shake correction, sufficient heat dissipation is required because the heat generated in the image sensor affects image quality when the shake correction mechanism is activated, when taking continuous shots, and when shooting video. be done.

Therefore, when the amount of heat dissipated by natural heat dissipation is not sufficient for the amount of heat generated by the imaging device, a heat dissipation structure using forced air cooling using a fan is used.

Furthermore, in an imaging device using an image sensor, an optical low-pass filter and an infrared cut filter are arranged on the subject side of the image sensor. It is known that when foreign matter such as dust that enters when a lens is replaced adheres to the filter surface, the attached portion becomes a black dot that appears in the photographed image, degrading the quality of the photographed image.

Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for cooling an optical system and a heat generating element arranged in a closed space using a fan.

JP2003-337380A

However, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, although a cooling effect can be obtained by the fan, it is necessary to maintain a closed space.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging device that can ensure heat dissipation performance while preventing dust from entering the device when a lens is attached and detached. The purpose is to

An imaging device including an image sensor of the present invention includes a mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an air flow for cooling the image pickup element, and the image pickup element. In an imaging device having a heat dissipation fan that generates heat, and a control means for controlling driving of the heat dissipation fan,
The control means may stop the heat dissipation fan when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven.

Further, an imaging device including an image sensor of the present invention includes a mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an air supply for cooling the image pickup element, and the image pickup element. An imaging device comprising: a heat dissipation fan that generates a flow; a control means that controls driving of the heat dissipation fan; and a mechanical shutter disposed closer to a subject than the image sensor;
The control means stops driving the heat dissipation fan when the mechanical shutter is closed when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. It is characterized by not

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to efficiently remove foreign matter such as dust attached to the imaging surface by the fan at a more effective timing.

Exploded perspective view of digital camera 100 of the present invention (a) It is a front exploded perspective view of the image sensor part 106 of this invention. (b) Rear exploded perspective view of the image sensor unit 106 of the present invention Rear view of the image sensor unit 106 and the heat dissipation fan 130 of the present invention A schematic rear view of the heat dissipation fan 130 of the image sensor unit 106 of the present invention A schematic diagram showing the flow of air by the heat dissipation fan 130 of the image sensor unit 106 of the present invention Rear view of the heat dissipation fan 130 and the image sensor unit 106 of the present invention A schematic back view of the heat dissipation fan 130 and the image sensor section 106 of the present invention Block diagram of the invention (a), (b) It is a front perspective view of the mount part 102a which performs the lens attachment and detachment of this invention. (c) Rear perspective view of the lens unit 500 of the present invention (a), (b) Schematic diagram showing the flow of wind around the mount part 102a of the present invention Flowchart showing control when attaching and detaching the lens of the present invention Flowchart showing shutter and fan control when attaching and detaching the lens of the present invention Flowchart showing control when attaching and detaching a lens in the second embodiment of the present invention

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below should be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following description.

For configurations and steps that are not particularly illustrated or described, well-known techniques or publicly known techniques in the technical field can be applied. Further, duplicate explanations may be omitted.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate elements that are the same or functionally similar.

[First embodiment]
(Description of rear exploded perspective view of digital camera 100)
FIG. 1 is an exploded rear perspective view of a digital camera 100, which is an imaging device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 includes a rear cover 101, a front base 102, a top cover 103, a bottom cover 104, and a side cover 105.

Inside the digital camera 100, an image sensor unit 106 having an image blur correction mechanism, a main board 107, a shutter 108, a finder 109, and a chassis 110 are arranged.

The image sensor section 106 includes a movable unit including an image sensor and a fixed unit, and is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis.

A front base 102 is made of magnesium die-casting or resin, for example, and includes a mount 102a for attaching an interchangeable lens.

The main board 107 is composed of a multilayer board, and electronic components are mounted on both sides. The main board 107 is fixed to the front base 102 and the metal chassis 110 with screws.

Mounted on the main board 107 are a control IC 107a for controlling imaging signals and the like, a recording medium connector 107b for storing an external recording medium, and an external communication terminal 107c for connecting a connection cable to an external device.

External communication terminal 107c is covered with child cover 105a.

The image sensor unit 106 is a member of the digital camera 100 that consumes particularly large amounts of power and generates a large amount of heat, and is subject to a rapid temperature rise.

The photographing time of the digital camera 100 is limited by the guaranteed operating temperature of each member. In order to maintain the imaging time as long as possible, it is necessary to take measures to dissipate the heat from the image sensor section 106, which is a heat source, so that the temperature does not exceed the guaranteed operation temperature.

The image sensor section 106 is fixed to the front base 102 with screws, and the heat of the image sensor section is dissipated to the front base 102.

The heat dissipation fan 130 is arranged around the image sensor section 106 so that the air blowing direction is perpendicular to the optical axis.

Wind passes through the back surface of the image sensor unit 106, which is a heat source, to prevent localized high temperatures (details will be described later).

In this embodiment, a centrifugal fan is used as the heat dissipation fan 130 as the air blowing means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited thereto as long as the purpose can be achieved, such as an axial fan.

Furthermore, the main board 107 is also one of the heat generation sources, and by arranging the heat dissipation fan 130 with its exhaust port 131a facing so that air is blown between the image sensor section 106 and the main board 107, a plurality of It is also possible to provide a heat dissipation effect to the heat source.

However, the exhaust port 131a is located closest to the image sensor section 106, which generates a larger amount of heat.

(Detailed explanation of the image sensor section 106)
Details of the image sensor section 106 will be explained using FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is an exploded front perspective view of the image sensor section 106, and FIG. 2(b) is an exploded perspective view of the rear side.

The movable part 114 has a coil part 116 in which a coil for moving the image sensor 115 and a Hall element are arranged, and is held by a sensor holder 117.

Three magnets 118 are held on the drive mechanism 113 side, and the movable part 114 is attracted and held by the magnets 118.

Between the movable part 114 and the drive mechanism 113, a ball (not shown) is placed in a ball holding part 117a provided in the sensor holder.

The movable part 114 can be moved by changing the amount of current applied to the coil part 116. Image stabilization can be applied by moving the movable portion 114 in a direction that cancels out the shake of the digital camera 100 body.

The imaging element 115 has a sensor chip (not shown) adhered to an imaging board 115a on which an imaging circuit is mounted, and is electrically connected to the imaging board by wire bonding.

The image sensor 115 and the sensor holder 117 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive. Elements 115b such as capacitors, resistors, regulators, etc. of the imaging circuit are mounted on the back side of the surface on which the sensor chip is attached on the imaging board 115a.

Electrical connection between the image sensor section 106 and the main board 107 is made using a flexible wiring board.

The image pickup signal flexible board 111 is wired with an image pickup signal output from the image pickup element and a control signal necessary for driving the image pickup element, and the signal is sent to the control IC 107a on the main board.

The imaging power supply flexible board 112 is a flexible board that supplies power for driving the imaging device. An inter-board connector is used to connect the imaging board 115a and each flexible board.

Note that the image sensor 115 has a foreign matter removing means for removing dust attached to the surface, and this will be explained using an exploded perspective view of the image sensor 115 in FIG. 2(c).

The image sensor 115 includes an image sensor unit 300, a vibration unit 400, and a biasing member 115i.

115c and 115f are light shielding members in which openings corresponding to the effective area of the image sensor 115a are formed.

115d is a well-known optical low-pass filter that cuts signals in a high frequency region.

Reference numeral 115e denotes an image sensor holding member made of a resin member in which an opening corresponding to the effective area of the image sensor 115a is formed, and an elastomer is integrally formed around the entire circumference near the edge of the opening.

115g is a cover glass coated with optical coatings such as infrared cut and anti-reflection.

115h is a well-known piezoelectric element, and is fixed to the cover glass 115g using a conductive adhesive or the like.

By applying a predetermined frequency voltage to the piezoelectric element 115h, the piezoelectric element 115h expands and contracts, and as a result, the cover glass 115g also undergoes periodic bending deformation, thereby shaking off dust and the like from the cover glass 115g.

Reference numeral 115i denotes a pressing member for biasing and fixing the above-described imaging unit 300 and vibration unit 300 to the imaging element 115a fixed to the sensor holder 117.

The elastomer of the holding member 115i and the image sensor holding member 115e forms a sealed space in the image sensor 115 that prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering.

(Explanation of the diagram of the heat dissipation fan 130 and the image sensor unit 106 seen from the back)
3(a) is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the heat dissipation fan, the image sensor unit 106, and the main board 107, FIG. 3(b) is the AA cross section of FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(c) shows the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram.

FIGS. 3(d) and 3(e) are a diagram of the heat dissipation fan 130 and the image sensor unit 106 viewed from the back, and a schematic diagram thereof.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the heat dissipation fan 130 is arranged between the image sensor section 106 and the main board 107 so that the exhaust port 131a is substantially perpendicular to the photographing optical axis.

This allows air to pass between the image sensor section 106 and the main board 107, as shown in FIG. 3(c).

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the image sensor section 106, which is a heat source, from becoming locally high temperature, and at the same time, it is also possible to provide a heat dissipation effect to the main board 107, which is one of the heat generating sources.

Further, the wind that has passed through the image sensor section 106 and the main board 107 is blown up by the bottom cover 104 as shown by the arrow in the figure and convected within the housing.

Note that the exhaust port 106a does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the photographing optical axis; it is also possible to increase the heat dissipation effect by tilting the exhaust port 106a with respect to the photographing optical axis to apply a stronger wind (airflow) to the image sensor 106. be.

Next, the movement of the movable section 114 of the image sensor section 106 and the positional relationship of the heat dissipation fan 130 will be explained. The movable part 114 is movable perpendicularly to the optical axis, and the moving range is indicated by 114a.

Moreover, the range in which the movable part always exists when the movable part 114 moves is indicated by 114b. This range is a range in which the movable part 114 exists no matter where the movable part 114 moves to 114a.

Specifically, the exhaust port 131 of the heat dissipation fan 130 is oriented so that when the movable part 114 moves, air is blown to the range 114b where the movable part is always present.

Here, the air blowing direction is schematically indicated by 131a. Since the air blowing direction 131a is within the range of the above-mentioned 114b, a heat dissipation effect can be obtained no matter where the movable part 114, which is the heat source of the image sensor part 106, moves.

Furthermore, since it is not physically connected to a movable part, it is possible to produce a heat dissipation effect without interfering with the image stabilization function caused by movement.

In the first embodiment, for example, the heat dissipation fan 130 is operated at a wind speed of 4.5 L/min.

Liters per minute (L/min) is a unit of volumetric flow rate. By incorporating the heat dissipation fan 130, it is possible to lower the maximum temperature of the image sensor unit 106 by 10°C.

This suppresses the temperature rise of the heat source, making it difficult for the digital camera 100 to reach a temperature limit at which it stops functioning due to heat generation.

(Explanation of a block diagram showing a configuration example of the digital camera 400)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera 400 according to the present invention.

The shutter 410 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of an imaging unit 411, which will be described later. This control is performed by a system control unit 420, which will be described later.

The imaging unit 411 is an imaging device that has an imaging surface on which a subject image (optical image) that has passed through the lens 501 is formed, and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) according to the optical image on the imaging surface by photoelectric conversion.

As the imaging unit 411, a CCD (Charge Couple Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) sensor is used.

The A/D converter 412 is a signal conversion means used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging section 411 into a digital signal.

The image processing unit 413 generates image data by performing predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the digital signal from the A/D converter 412 or the digital signal from the memory control unit 422, which will be described later. do.

Based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing section 413, the system control section 420 controls the aperture position and lens position.

The image processing unit 413 further performs arithmetic processing using the image data, and performs TTL-based AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.

The system control unit 420 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the digital camera 400 as a whole.

Each process of the present invention is realized by executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 423, which will be described later.

The memory 421 is a storage means for temporarily recording the digital signal obtained by the imaging section 411 and converted by the A/D converter 412 and the image data generated by the image processing section 413.

The memory 421 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images, a predetermined period of moving images, and audio.

The memory control unit 422 is a memory control unit that controls sending and receiving of data controlled by the system control unit 420 to and from the A/D converter 412, the image processing unit 413, and the memory 421.

The digital signal output from the A/D converter 412 is directly written into the memory 421 via the image processing section 413 and the memory control section 422, or only via the memory control section 422.

The nonvolatile memory 423 is an electrically erasable/recordable read-only storage means, and stores constants, programs, etc. for operation of the system control unit 420.

The system memory 424 is a readable and writable storage means in which constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 420, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 423, and the like are stored.

The system timer 425 is a timer that measures the time until auto power-off is executed to turn off various display members, which will be described later, and the exposure time.

Auto power off has a function of turning off various display members, which will be described later, in order to prevent battery consumption when it is determined that the photographer is not operating the digital camera 400.

The power supply unit 430 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

The power supply control unit 431 includes a circuit that detects the power supply unit 430 that is a power source for driving the digital camera 400, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches the power supply destination, and the like.

The power supply unit 430 then detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level.

Further, the power supply control section 431 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction from the system control section 420, and supplies the necessary voltage to the supply destination at the necessary timing.

Communication terminal 440 is provided in digital camera 400 and is electrically connected to lens communication terminal 506, which will be described later.

By electrically connecting the communication terminal 440, the system control unit 420 that controls the entire digital camera 400 can communicate with the lens 500, which will be described later.

The recording medium I/F 441 is an interface with a recording medium 600, which will be described later.

The attitude detection unit 442 detects the attitude of the digital camera 400 with respect to the direction of gravity.

Based on the orientation detected by the orientation detection unit 442, it is determined whether the image taken by the imaging unit 411 is an image taken with the digital camera held horizontally or an image taken with the digital camera held vertically. Orientation information can be output.

The system control unit 420 can add the orientation information output by the posture detection unit 442 to the image data.

As the posture detection section 442, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like can be used.

If an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor are used as the posture detection unit 442, it is also possible to detect movements of the digital camera 400 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether it is stationary, etc.).

The eyepiece section 443 is a part where the photographer's eye (object) 700 approaches (approaches) the digital camera 400 .

The eye-approach detection unit 444 is an approach or eye-approach detection sensor that detects when the eye 700 approaches (closes the eye) and leaves the eye 700 (closes the eye).

The eye proximity detection unit 444 detects the proximity of the eye 700 to the eyepiece unit 443 based on whether or not a light receiving unit (not shown) of an infrared proximity sensor receives light.

After detecting eye contact, the system control unit 420 determines that the eye is in the eye contact state until eye separation is detected.

After detecting eye separation, the system control unit 420 is assumed to be in a non-eye-approaching state until detecting eye-approach.

Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and other sensors may be used as the eye-approach detection unit 444 as long as they can detect the approach of an eye or an object that can be considered as an eye-approach.

The aforementioned memory 421 also serves as an image display memory (video memory).

Digital signals and image data written in the memory 421 are displayed on the rear display section 450 and EVF 451 via the memory control section 422.

The rear display section 450 performs display according to the signal from the memory control section 422.

The EVF 451 performs display according to the signal from the memory control unit 422 when the eye proximity detection unit 444 detects the close eye.

The analog signal generated by the imaging unit 411 is A/D converted by the A/D converter 412, and the digital signal recorded in the memory 421 is sequentially transferred to the rear display unit 450 or the EVF 451 and displayed.

As a result, live view shooting display, which is real-time display, can be performed.

The system control unit 420 switches between display (display state) and non-display (non-display state) of the rear display unit 450 and the EVF 451 according to the state detected by the eye contact detection unit 444 described above.

When the eyes are not being viewed, the screen is displayed on the rear display section 450, and the EVF 451 is not displayed.

Further, while the eye is close to the eye, the image is displayed on the EVF 451, and the rear display section 450 is not displayed.

The operation unit 460 is various operation members as an input unit that accepts operations from the user.

The operation unit 460 includes various operation members (a mode changeover switch 461, a shutter button 462, a first shutter switch 463, a second shutter switch 464, a touch panel 465, and a power switch 466), which will be described later.

Further, the operation section 460 is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control section 420.

The mode changeover switch 461 is a shooting mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the system control unit 420 to either a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, or the like.

The shooting modes included in the still image shooting mode are an automatic shooting mode, an automatic scene determination mode, and a manual shooting mode.

Further, the shooting modes included in the still image shooting mode include an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode).

Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include a plurality of shooting modes.

The shutter button 462 is a photographing start means for the photographer to issue photographic preparation instructions and photographing instructions, and is composed of a first shutter switch 463 and a second shutter switch 464.

The first shutter switch 463 is turned on when the shutter button 462 provided on the digital camera 400 is pressed halfway (instruction for photographing preparation) during operation, and generates the first shutter switch signal SW1.

The first shutter switch signal SW1 starts photographing preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and AWB (auto white balance) processing.

The second shutter switch 464 is turned ON when the operation of the shutter button 462 is completed, that is, when the shutter button 462 is fully pressed (photographing instruction), and generates the second shutter switch signal SW2.

The system control unit 420 reads analog signals from the imaging unit 411 and performs signal conversion processing in the A/D converter 412 and the image processing unit 413 using the second shutter switch signal SW2.

Furthermore, the system control unit 420 starts a photographing process operation up to writing the image data temporarily recorded in the memory 421 to a recording medium 600, which will be described later.

The touch panel 465 is a device that detects a touch or a drag operation by the photographer.

Here, it is integrated with the rear display section 450, and can be operated by touching the display section of the rear display section 450 with a finger.

The power switch 466 is a switch that turns the power ON/OFF. By the switching operation of the power switch 466, the power control unit 431 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 430.

The heat radiation fan 470 is controlled by the system control unit 420 and cools the heat source inside the digital camera 400.

Lens unit 500 is an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from digital camera 400 .

The lens 501 is a lens group for generating an optical image (subject image) from the subject light reflected by the subject, and is composed of multiple lenses, but in this figure, for the sake of simplicity, only one lens is shown. is displayed.

The lens side communication terminal 506 is a communication terminal for the lens unit 500 to communicate with the digital camera 400.

The lens unit 500 can communicate with the system control section 420 that controls the entire digital camera 400 by electrically connecting the lens side communication terminal 506 and the camera side communication terminal 440 as described above.

This allows the system control unit 420 to communicate with the lens system control circuit 505 and the aperture drive circuit 504 to control the position of the aperture 503 and the focus state of the real image by displacing the lens 501.

The recording medium 600 is removably attached to the digital camera 400, and is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images.

Examples include an SD card, FLASH (registered trademark) memory, and hard disk.

The temperature detection unit 471 is arranged on the board and detects the temperature of the elements inside the digital camera and the temperature of the exterior. The camera is controlled based on the acquired temperature to prevent damage to internal elements due to heat and low-temperature burns to the photographer due to increased exterior temperature.

(Mount section 102a for attaching and detaching the lens and lens unit 500)
FIG. 5 shows the mount section 102a and the lens unit 500 for attaching and detaching the lens of the digital camera 100.

5A shows a state in which the shutter 108 is closed to cover the front surface of the image sensor 115, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the shutter 108 is open and the image sensor 115 is exposed.

FIG. 5(c) is a perspective view of the lens unit 500 from the contact terminal side.

The connection between the lens unit 500 and the digital camera 100 will be explained.

When the lens is brought into contact with the camera-side mount by aligning the positioning indicators provided on the lens and camera body, and the lens is rotated, the lens and camera are fixed.

When fixed, the lock pin 120 is inserted into the hole 508 on the lens side to restrict rotation of the lens. When removing the lens, by pressing the lens attachment/detachment button 119, the lock pin 120 is retracted from the hole 508, allowing rotation, and the lens can be removed.

The mount part 102a provided in the digital camera 100 and the lens side mount part 507 provided in the lens unit 500 each have a plurality of electrical contacts that can be electrically connected to a camera side communication terminal 440 and a lens side communication terminal 440, respectively. A terminal 506 is provided.

In the digital camera 100, the camera-side communication terminal 440 is exposed to the outside of the digital camera 100 as a plurality of electrical contact pins on the mount portion 102a.

Further, in the lens unit 500, the plurality of lens-side communication terminals 506 are exposed to the outside of the lens unit 500 as a plurality of electrical contact surfaces in the lens-side mount section 507.

When the lens unit 500 is attached to the digital camera 100, the corresponding terminals of each of the plurality of terminals are in physical contact with each other, and their contacts are electrically connected to each other.

Among the communication terminals, lens attachment/detachment detection terminals 440a and 506a are terminals used to detect that the lens unit 500 is attached to the digital camera 100.

The system control unit 420 detects that a corresponding lens is attached to the digital camera 100 or that the lens is removed from the digital camera 100 by detecting the voltage level indicated by the lens attachment/detachment detection terminal 440a.

Then, after the system control unit 420 detects, for example, that a lens is attached, the system control unit 420 controls to start supplying power to the power system terminals and to start communication between the digital camera 100 and the lens.

Communication terminals 440b and 506b are ground terminals.

The lens attachment/detachment detection terminal 506a is electrically connected to the ground terminal 506b on the lens unit 500 side, and both have the same potential.

Further, the lens attachment/detachment detection terminal 440a is connected to a power source via a resistor on the camera side. With this configuration, when the lens is not attached, the voltage level of the detection section of the system control section 420 becomes equivalent to the power supply (3.3V) connected to the system control section 420.

Further, when the lens unit 500 is attached, the voltage level of the detection section of the system control section 420 becomes the ground level.

In this manner, it is possible to detect whether the corresponding lens is attached or not based on the potential level.

FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show schematic cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) and the flow of internal air, respectively. 6(a) shows a state in which the shutter 108 is closed, and FIG. 6(b) shows a state in which the shutter 108 is closed.

When the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven, air (air current) inside the digital camera 100 circulates.

If the shutter 108 is in a closed state, air (air current) will circulate inside the digital camera.

Thereby, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dust carried by the air flow from the outside, and the adhesion of dust to the surface of the image sensor 115 can be suppressed.

When the lens is attached, it is covered by the lens, making it difficult for dust to enter. However, if the lens is removed while the shutter 108 is open and the fan is driven, air will flow in and out of the camera. Therefore, external dust enters the inside of the camera and easily adheres to the surface of the image sensor 115.

(Explanation of the first flowchart)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control when attaching and detaching a lens in the imaging device of the present invention. Start with the lens attached.

In step S101, it is determined whether the temperature of the heat source exceeds a predetermined value based on information from the temperature detection unit 471.

If it exceeds the predetermined value, the process advances to step S102 and the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven. When the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven, air (air current) inside the imaging device is caused to convect and the imaging element 115 is cooled.

Next, when it is detected in step S103 that the lens has been removed from the signals from the lens attachment/detachment detection terminals 440a and 506a, the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is stopped in step S104. If the lens is removed when the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven, there is a risk that dust will enter the camera together with the outside air. Therefore, by stopping the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130, the convection inside the camera is stopped and the intrusion of dust is suppressed.

If the heat source temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined value in step S101, the process advances to step S106 and the heat dissipation fan 130 is stopped. Thereafter, even if removal of the lens is detected in step S107, the heat dissipation fan remains in a stopped state.

Next, the case where the lens is attached in step S105 will be explained. When attachment of the lens is detected, it is determined in step S108 whether the temperature of the heat source exceeds a predetermined value based on information from the temperature detection unit 471.

If the heat source temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the process advances to step S109, and driving of the heat dissipation fan 130 is started.

If the heat source temperature is below the predetermined value, the process advances to step S110, and the heat dissipation fan 130 is in a stopped state.

Next, the process advances to step S111, and the surface of the image sensor 115 is removed by removing foreign matter.

With the above flow, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the camera during attaching and detaching the lens.

(Explanation of second flowchart)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control when attaching and detaching the lens in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, and the operation of the heat dissipation fan 130 by opening and closing the shutter 108 is added. Portions with the same configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When it is detected in step S103 that the lens has been removed from the signals from the lens attachment/detachment detection terminals 440a and 506a, it is checked in step S111 whether the shutter 108 is closed.

If the shutter 108 is closed, the process advances to step S113 and the heat dissipation fan 130 continues to be driven. If the shutter 108 is open, the process advances to step S112. Here, it is determined whether or not to close the shutter 108. If the shutter 108 is to be closed, the process advances to step S113, and the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is continued.

If the shutter 108 is not closed in step S112, the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is stopped.

If the lens is removed when the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven and the shutter 108 is open, dust will enter the camera together with external air (airflow).

By stopping the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130, convection inside the camera is stopped, thereby suppressing the intrusion of dust. When the shutter 108 is closed, the heat dissipation fan 130 continues to be driven because the intrusion of dust can be suppressed.

With the above flow, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the camera during attaching and detaching the lens.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration and method.

(Configuration 1)
A mount 102a to which a lens 500 can be attached and detached, lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a and 506a for detecting that the lens 500 is attached to and detached from the mount, an image pickup device 115, and an air flow that cools the image pickup device 115 is generated. An imaging device comprising a heat dissipation fan 130 and a control means for controlling driving of the heat dissipation fan,
The control means stops the heat dissipation fan when the lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a, 506a detects that the lens 500 is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan 130 is being driven. Apparatus (Figure 7).

(Configuration 2)
A mount 102a to which a lens 500 can be attached and detached, lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a and 506a for detecting that the lens 500 is attached to and detached from the mount, an image pickup device 115, and an air flow that cools the image pickup device 115 is generated. An imaging device comprising a heat dissipation fan 130, a control means for controlling the drive of the heat dissipation fan, and a mechanical shutter disposed closer to a subject than the image sensor,
When the lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a, 506a detects that the lens 500 is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan 130 is being driven, the control means controls the control means when the mechanical shutter 108 is closed. An imaging device (FIG. 8) characterized in that the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is not stopped.

(Configuration 3)
When the lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a, 506a detects that the lens 500 is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan 130 is being driven, the control means controls the mechanical shutter 108 when the mechanical shutter 108 is open. The imaging device according to configuration 2 (FIG. 8), wherein the mechanical shutter 108 is closed and the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is not stopped.

(Configuration 4)
When the lens attachment/detachment detection means 440a, 506a detects that the lens 500 is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan 130 is being driven, the control means controls the mechanical shutter 108 when the mechanical shutter 108 is open. The imaging device according to configuration 2 (FIG. 8), characterized in that the drive of the heat dissipation fan 130 is stopped.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Portions with the same configuration will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, a switch (not shown) is placed directly below the lens attachment/detachment button 119 shown in FIG.

When the lens attachment/detachment button 119 is pressed, information on the lens attachment/detachment button press detection 472 in FIG. 4 is sent to the system control unit 420. The switch uses a contact type switch that uses a metal dome, or a non-contact detection means that uses a photo interrupter to detect the movement of a button.

(Explanation of the third flowchart)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control when attaching and detaching a lens in an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the flow similar to that described above will be omitted. This is the state in which the heat dissipation fan 130 is driven in step S102.

When it is detected in step S201 that the lens attachment/detachment button 119 has been pressed, the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 130 is made low in step S202.

Then, the process proceeds to step S203, and when the lens attachment/detachment detection terminals 440a and 506a detect that the lens has been removed, the process proceeds to step S204, where it is confirmed whether the shutter 108 is closed. If the shutter 108 is not closed, the process advances to step S114 and the heat dissipation fan 130 is stopped. Since the heat dissipation fan 130 is set to rotate at a low speed in advance, the time required for the heat dissipation fan 130 to stop when the lens is removed can be shortened.

This makes it possible to further suppress convection inside the camera and prevent dust from entering.

If the shutter 108 is closed in step S204, the process proceeds to step S113, and the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 130 is returned to the original rotation speed at step S102, and normal cooling is performed.

Although the rotational speed of the heat dissipation fan 130 is changed to a low speed in step S202, it may be stopped. In this case, it is determined whether to stop the heat dissipation fan 130 or to drive the fan again by opening and closing the shutter 108.

(Configuration 5)
Furthermore, it has an operation means 119 for attaching and detaching the lens, and an operation detection means 472 that detects that the operation means 119 is operated, and the control means detects that the operation means 119 is operated. In the imaging device according to configuration 1 (FIG. 9), the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 130 is reduced or stopped.

(Configuration 6)
Furthermore, it has an operation means 119 for attaching and detaching the lens, and an operation detection means 472 that detects that the operation means 119 is operated, and the control means detects that the operation means 119 is operated. In the imaging device according to configuration 2 (FIG. 9), the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 130 is reduced or stopped.

(Configuration 7)
A lens that is removably attached to the mount section of the imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the descriptions of the embodiments and modified examples are merely examples for explaining the technology of the present disclosure.

The techniques of the present disclosure can be appropriately modified or combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Specifically, the present invention is not limited to digital cameras, but can be widely applied to electronic devices and imaging devices with a video shooting function, such as video cameras and network cameras. Although the lens has been described as an example of a removable device, other removable accessories can also be applied.

The technology of the present disclosure is used in electronic devices and imaging systems.

100, 400 Digital camera 102 Front base 102a Mount 106 Imaging element section 107 Main board 108 Mechanical shutter 109 Finder 110 Chassis 111 Imaging signal flexible cable 112 Imaging power supply flexible cable 115 Imaging element 115a Imaging board (imaging element)
119 Lens attachment/detachment button 120 Lock pin 130 Heat dissipation fan 300 Image sensor unit 440 Camera side communication terminal 440a Lens attachment/detachment detection terminal 500 Lens unit 501 Lens 506 Lens side communication terminal 506a Lens attachment/detachment detection terminal 507 Lens mount section

Claims (7)

A mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an image sensor, a heat dissipation fan that generates an air flow to cool the image sensor, and a heat dissipation fan that An imaging device having a control means for controlling driving,
The imaging device is characterized in that the control means stops the heat dissipation fan when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. A mount to which a lens can be attached and detached, a lens attachment/detachment detection means for detecting that the lens is attached to and detached from the mount, an image sensor, a heat dissipation fan that generates an air flow to cool the image sensor, and a heat dissipation fan that In an imaging device having a control means for controlling driving, and a mechanical shutter disposed closer to a subject than the imaging element,
The control means stops driving the heat dissipation fan when the mechanical shutter is closed when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. An imaging device characterized in that: The control means closes the mechanical shutter when the mechanical shutter is open when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens has been removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein driving of the heat dissipation fan is not stopped. The control means controls driving of the heat dissipation fan when the mechanical shutter is open when the lens attachment/detachment detection means detects that the lens is removed from the mount while the heat dissipation fan is being driven. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the imaging device stops. Furthermore, it has an operation means for attaching and detaching the lens, and an operation detection means for detecting that the operation means is operated,
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means reduces or stops the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan when detecting that the operation means has been operated. Furthermore, it has an operation means for attaching and detaching the lens, and an operation detection means for detecting that the operation means is operated,
3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means reduces or stops the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan when detecting that the operation means has been operated. A lens that is removably attached to a mount section of an imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images