JPH11261858A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the image pickup device of a digital still camera or the like capable of being strong against noise from a power source circuit, maintaining excellent image quality and being strong against external noise and static electricity by turning an outer shape to a small size with excellent portability. SOLUTION: For this image pickup device, the power source circuit is provided on the upper part of a battery chamber 42 for holding a battery 41, an almost U-shaped frame 40 is provided on the side face of the battery chamber, an optical block 201 with a built-in CCD 109 is provided on it adjacently to the battery chamber 42 and a signal processing circuit is provided adjacently to it. Further, a metallic armor, a main substrate 203 for processing signals and the power source or ground potential of the substrate for the power source circuit is fixed so as to be electrically conducted to a tripod screw 70 and it is strongly held.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup section, a signal processing section, a monitor section, a recording section, and a power supply section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image pickup apparatus of this type, FIG.
FIG. 16 is an external perspective view for explaining a conventional example, and 301 is a viewfinder.
Resin front cover having a square hole 301a
02 is a resin rear cover, 303 is a release button, 3
04 is a strobe, 305 is a viewfinder, 306 is a photographing lens, 307 is a black and white liquid crystal displaying information such as the number of recordable images, and 308 is a mode dial for changing the mode of the camera. It is rotatably supported in both directions P and Q. Reference numeral 309 denotes an index printed on the rear cover 302 to inform the operator which mode of the mode dial 308 is selected.

FIG. 17 shows a conventional photographing lens 3 shown in FIG.
06 is an approximately horizontal cross-sectional view at the center of the optical system. Reference numeral 310 denotes an optical block constituting an imaging system including an imaging lens 306 and a CCD (not shown). Reference numeral 311 denotes a signal processing board. Reference numeral 312 denotes a connector 313. The power supply board 314 connected to each is a battery that is a power supply,
It is electrically connected to the power supply board 312 by means not shown. 315 is a battery chamber for storing each battery 314.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional tripod screw portion. Reference numeral 316 denotes a tripod screw portion provided integrally with the rear cover 302.

In the digital still camera as the conventional image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 16, the mode dial 308 is turned in the direction of the arrow P to align the mark 308 a with the index 309. Then, the camera becomes capable of photographing by means of a CPU (not shown), and photographing conditions are displayed on the monochrome liquid crystal 307. Then, the operator looks into the viewfinder 305 and presses the release button 303 when he / she wants to take a picture. Release button 30
Reference numeral 3 denotes a two-step stroke in which the switch 1 is turned on in the first stroke to prepare for photographing such as a photometric distance, and the switch 2 is turned on in the second stroke to execute a photographing operation. When the subject is dark, the flash 304 automatically emits light. The photographed image is recorded in an internal memory (not shown).

When it is desired to reproduce a photographed image, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") is connected to a cable (not shown).
), The mode dial 308 is turned in the direction of arrow Q, and the mark 308b is set to the index 309 to set the reproduction mode. Thereafter, the operator can call the image to be reproduced by operating the PC.

Next, the internal structure of a conventional camera will be described: In FIG. 17, the optical block 310 is mounted inside the camera by means not shown and connected to the signal processing board 311 by means not shown. . Each battery 314 is
The power supply board 31 is housed in the battery chamber 315 and is not shown.
2 is connected. The signal processing board 311
Power is supplied from a power supply board 312 at 13.

As shown in FIG. 18, the tripod screw portion 316 is formed on a resin rear cover 302, and the front cover 301 and the rear cover 302 are connected by means not shown. The signal processing board 311 is not connected to the tripod screw 316.

[0009]

However, in the above conventional example, the power supply board 312 that generates noise and the signal processing board 311 are connected by the connector 313, and the distance between them is sufficiently short. There is a disadvantage that the image quality is degraded by riding on 311.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a camera which is resistant to noise from a power supply circuit and maintains good image quality.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a small camera which is resistant to noise and excellent in portability.

Further, in the above conventional example, there is a drawback that the exterior mold is not grounded to GND, and that the internal substrates (not shown) are weakly grounded, so that they are susceptible to external noise and static electricity.

Therefore, a third object of the present invention is to provide a camera which is resistant to external noise and static electricity.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is to achieve each of the above objects by providing any one of the following items (1) to (12).

(1) An image pickup section including an image pickup optical system for forming a subject image on an image pickup element and an image pickup element for converting the formed object image into an electric signal, and processing an electric signal output from the image pickup section A signal processing unit, a recording unit that records a subject image photographed by the imaging unit, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the imaging device, wherein the imaging unit includes the power supply unit and the signal processing unit. An imaging device, wherein the imaging device is disposed between units.

(2) The image pickup apparatus includes a monitor unit including a monitor for displaying an image photographed based on the electric signal from the signal processing unit, and the monitor unit and the recording unit are substantially coplanar. The image pickup apparatus according to the above (1), wherein

(3) In the above item (1), a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section is provided, the power supply unit and the signal processing unit are arranged on both sides of the frame, and the imaging unit is arranged in a central space. And a recording unit disposed behind the power supply unit and the monitor unit disposed behind the signal processing unit.

(4) In the above item (3), the recording section includes a memory card, the monitor section includes a liquid crystal monitor, and the signal processing section includes an oscillation source. Imaging device.

(5) The imaging apparatus, wherein the substantially U-shaped frame is constituted by a metal chassis having a shielding effect.

(6) An image pickup section including an image pickup optical system for forming a subject image on the image pickup element and an image pickup element for converting the formed object image into an electric signal, and processing an electric signal output from the image pickup section. A signal processing unit, a monitor unit including a monitor that displays an image captured based on the electric signal from the signal processing unit, a recording unit that records a subject image captured by the imaging unit, and an imaging device And a power supply unit for supplying power to the power supply unit, a plurality of exterior components, an electric circuit board, and a fixing member for accessories made of a conductive material or a conductive member integrally connected to the accessory fixing member. ,
At least two of the frames supporting the electric circuit board;
An image pickup device, wherein at least one of them is mechanically coupled and electrically coupled at the same time.

(7) The imaging device according to the above (6), wherein the accessory fixing member is a tripod seat.

(8) The imaging device according to the above (6), wherein the accessory fixing member is a strap fixing metal fitting.

(9) a photographing optical system block, a photographing block for converting a subject image formed by the photographing optical system into an electric signal, and a signal processing for performing a predetermined process on the electric signal output from the photographing block A block, a monitor block that displays an image signal output from the signal processing block, a storage block that stores the image signal output from the signal processing block, and a power supply block that supplies power. An imaging apparatus, wherein at least two or more are mechanically coupled to an exterior component using a conductive fixing member and are electrically connected to each other.

(10) In the above item (9), the fixing member is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the frame supporting each block and its circuit board to the exterior component at one place. An imaging device characterized in that:

(11) The image pickup apparatus according to the above (10), wherein the fixing member is a tripod seat or a strap fixing bracket.

(12) The image pickup apparatus according to the above (10), wherein the plurality of exterior parts are composed of a plurality of parts and are connected to each other by the fixing member.

[0027]

According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, the following effects can be obtained respectively: (1) The power supply unit and the signal processing unit are separated by the imaging unit, and the influence of noise from the power supply unit on the signal processing unit. Can be minimized.

(2) In the image pickup apparatus, since the monitor section and the recording section are arranged on substantially the same plane, the thickness of the image pickup apparatus can be reduced, and the portability is excellent against noise. A compact camera can be realized.

(3) Further, since the exterior, the signal processing board, and the electric circuit board are electrically fixed to a power supply or GND on a tripod seat having sufficiently large strength, they are grounded by a small ground resistance, and are protected from external noise and static electricity. A strong camera can be realized, and furthermore, a strong holding of the signal processing substrate and the electric circuit substrate can be realized at the same time.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
A detailed description will be given based on a plurality of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) <Structure> FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a first embodiment of a digital still camera that best illustrates the features of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a metal front cover having a hole 1a for the lens barrel 14, and a protrusion 1b is provided to prevent an operator from hiding the strobe 6 with a finger during photographing. It is. 2 is a metal rear cover, 3 is a release button, 4
Is a finder window, 5 is an AF auxiliary light for assisting distance measurement when photographing a dark subject, 6 is a strobe (flash) having a red-eye reduction lamp (not shown) inside, and 7 is the number of shootable images. A black-and-white liquid crystal display 8 for displaying information is a mode dial for changing the mode of the camera, and is rotatably supported by means (not shown) so as to be rotatable in both directions of arrows A and B.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an index for notifying the operator which mode of the mode dial 8 is selected.
0 is a barrier for protecting a lens (not shown), 11
Is a video jack for inserting a cable connecting the camera and the external monitor when projecting the photographed image on an external monitor such as a TV monitor, and 12 is connecting the camera and the PC when transferring the photographed image to the PC. This is a jack for inserting a cable to be connected.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in a photographable state. Reference numeral 13 denotes a lens, and 14 denotes an arrow by means (not shown) for holding the lens 13 and focusing on a subject. The lens barrel is movable in both directions E and F.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 2 in a photographable state.
7 square window 2a, finder hole 2b, focusing LED1
27 (FIG. 5 described later) and a hole 2d for a macro LED 128 (the same as above). Reference numeral 15 denotes a compact flash card (hereinafter, referred to as a recording medium for recording a captured image) which is rotatably supported by means (not shown) so as to be rotatable in both directions of arrows G and H, and which is held on the camera body by a claw (not shown).
The CF cover protects the CF cover 15) and detects whether or not the CF cover 15 is properly closed by a protrusion (not shown) of the CF cover 15.
The detection SW is pressed.

The CF 16 is urged in the direction of arrow J by urging means (not shown), and engages with a claw (not shown)
A CF lock holding the cover 15; a color liquid crystal 17 serving as an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter, referred to as “EVF”) for displaying an image to be shot and a monitor for displaying a shot image; 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a set button serving as an enter key when changing each setting of the camera, 19 denotes a menu button for calling each setting screen of the camera, and 20 denotes a macro button for changing to close-up shooting in the shooting mode. Yes, in the playback mode, used to change the display of the playback image.

Reference numeral 21 denotes an LCD button for turning on / off the color liquid crystal 17, and reference numeral 22 denotes a mode used for switching between forced flash emission, flash inhibition and red-eye reduction photographing in the program mode and the switch mode. A minus button for feeding, 23 is used for continuous shooting and a self-timer in a shooting mode, and a plus button for sequentially feeding playback images in a playback mode, 24 is a battery cover for a battery (not shown), and 25 is a strap bracket. is there.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the camera in a photographable state, wherein 25 is a lock member for preventing the battery cover 24 from being opened carelessly, and 26 is a member for fixing accessories. And has screw portions for screws 27, 28 and 29.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera, wherein 201 is an optical block, and 202 is an optical board.
101 is a barrier unit having a barrier for protecting the lens, 102 is a motor which is a driving source of the barrier unit 101, 103 is a driver for controlling the motor 102, and 104 is a drive for moving the lens barrel 14. Motor 105, a driver for controlling the motor 104, and I, an aperture,
G and 107 are motors for driving the IG 106, 108
Is a driver for controlling the motor 107;
Denotes a solid-state imaging device (hereinafter, referred to as “CCD”) that converts an optical signal into an electric signal, and 110 denotes a timing generator for the CCD 109.

Next, reference numeral 203 denotes a main board,
Is an AD for converting an analog signal to a digital signal.
A converter 112 is a digital IC (hereinafter, referred to as “DIC”) for processing digital signals, 113 is a gate array (hereinafter, referred to as “GA”), and 114 is a color liquid crystal 17 (FIG. 3). VRAM for storing image data to be displayed, 115 a main CPU, 116 a DR
AM, 117: JPEG IC, 118: CF substrate 20
4 is a CF card which is a recording medium of the image data.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an image pickup substrate;
Denotes an amplifier for video output, 120 denotes an IC for communication with a PC, 121 denotes a backlight which is a light source of the color liquid crystal 17, 122 denotes an inverter for driving the backlight 121, and 123 denotes a color liquid crystal. 17 controller.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a sub CPU for controlling the operation system of the camera; 125, a SW unit for collectively referring to the respective switches of the operation system; 126, a sounding body that emits a sound when the camera is in focus and when the shutter is released; An optical block with the illustrated components, 202 an optical substrate with the illustrated components, 203 a main substrate with the illustrated components,
204 denotes a CF substrate having the illustrated components, 205
Is an imaging board having the illustrated components, 206 is an inverter board having the illustrated components, 207 is an LCD board having the illustrated components, and 208 is a power board for supplying power to each circuit. , 209 are sub-boards having the illustrated components.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of an operation mode selection mark provided on the mode dial 8 (FIG. 2).
0 is a lock for stopping operation, 31 is a green mode for photographing in a state where the operator cannot change a preset image quality,
Reference numeral 32 denotes a program mode in which the operator can change the shooting conditions to shoot an image. 33 denotes a software for converting a continuous image of any of portrait, landscape, and 2 × 2 (two frames vertically and horizontally into one screen). A switch mode 34 for capturing images that can be combined is a PC communication mode 34 used when transferring images by connecting to a PC.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a reproduction mode used when reproducing an image recorded on the CF card 118, and reference numeral 36 denotes a multi mode for reproducing a recorded image every nine images.

FIG. 7 is a substantially horizontal sectional view at the center of the lens of the present camera. Reference numeral 40 denotes a substantially U-shaped frame, the opening of which faces the front of the camera. Reference numeral 41 denotes a battery serving as a power supply, which is connected to the power supply board 208 (FIG. 5) by contact means (not shown). 42 is a battery 41
The battery compartment 43 stores ejectors 44, 44, which are means for removing the CF card 118 from the camera body.
45 is each lens, 46 is a low-pass filter, 47 is a CCD block having the illustrated components, and 48 is a shield case having an inverter board 206 inside.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the internal configuration of the camera. 49 is a screw for fixing the optical block 201 to the frame 40, and 50 is a power supply board by means not shown. The shield cases U and 51 electrically connected to the power supply 208 are provided with lugs 51a for mechanically and electrically connecting to the frame 40, and are electrically connected to the power supply board 208 by means (not shown). Case D, 5
Reference numeral 2 denotes each screw for fixing the frame 40 and the tripod screw 26.

FIG. 9 is a substantially vertical sectional view of the tripod screw 26 substantially at the center thereof.
And a screw for fixing.

FIG. 10 is a substantially vertical sectional view from the vicinity of the mode dial 8 to the release button 3. Reference numeral 60 denotes a cylindrical portion 60a having an index 9 and rotatably supporting the boss 8a of the mode dial 8. A release base having a pilot hole 60b for fixing the release button 3 with a screw 67;
Reference numeral 1 denotes a piece for clicking on the rotation of the mode dial 8; 62, a spring for urging the piece 61; 63, a release switch having a two-stage stroke; Then, a photographing preparation operation such as a photometric distance is performed, and the switch 2 is turned on in the second stroke to perform a photographing operation.

Reference numeral 64 denotes an operation board having a release switch 63 and a dial code pattern formed thereon. Reference numeral 65 denotes a brush abutting on the dial code pattern of the operation board 64 at a hook portion 65a. Reference numeral 66 denotes a brush 65. For fixing the dial to the mode dial 8, 67
Are screws for fixing the release button 3 to the release base 60, and 68 and 69 are screws for fixing the operation board 64 to the release base 60.

FIG. 11 is a schematic horizontal sectional view including the mode dial 8 and the index 9 of the release base 60. The rib 60c of the release base 60 guides the piece 61 and the spring 62, and the piece 61 Engagement with each of the grooves 8b to 8h formed on the dial 8 creates a click feeling of rotation of the mode dial 8.

FIG. 12 is a schematic horizontal sectional view for explaining another example of the frame shape. Reference numeral 401 denotes a cover, 402 denotes a photographic lens, and 403 denotes an optical block constituting a photographic system including a CCD (not shown). , 404 are the electric circuit board 1,
405 is the electric circuit board 2, 406 is the power board, 407
Denotes a frame having a substantially H shape, and 408 denotes a battery serving as a power supply.
6 is connected. Reference numeral 409 denotes a battery room for storing a battery 408.

<Operation> Next, in the above configuration, the photographing operation will be described first: the camera of FIG. 1 shows a state where the operation is stopped, from which the operator turns the mode dial 8 to the arrow A
The green mode 31 in FIG. Then, the hook 65 of the brush 65 of FIG.
“a” short-circuits the pattern of the dial code pattern (not shown) in the green mode on the operation board 64.

As a result, a signal enters the sub CPU 124 from the SW unit 125 in FIG. A
The main CPU 115 is notified via the 113 that the operator has selected the green mode. Main CPU 115
Sends a signal to open the barrier 10 to the barrier unit 101 and then a signal to extend the lens barrel 14. At the same time, the CF card 118 is accessed to check the free space, and the number of images that can be shot and the shooting conditions such as image quality and image size that are set in advance are displayed on the monochrome liquid crystal 7.

In FIG. 1, the barrier 10 moves in the direction of arrow C around a fulcrum (not shown), and the barrier is opened.
Is extended in the direction of arrow E.

FIG. 2 shows this state. In this figure, the operator looks into the subject from the viewfinder 4 and presses the release button 3 when he or she wants to take a picture. Release button 3
As shown in FIG. 10, the release button 3 is fixed to the release base 60 by the screw 67 at the base portion 3 c and the release button 3 is urged upward by the arm portion 3 b having a substantially rectangular shape.
When pressed against this urging force, the projection 3a releases the release S
Press W63. As described above, the release SW 63 is a two-stage stroke switch, and the switch 1 is turned on in the first stroke.

Then, the sub CP is sent from the SW unit 125 in FIG.
A signal is input to the U.U. A11
3, the main CPU 115 is notified that the switch 1 has been pressed. The main CPU 115 starts preparation for photographing such as a photometric distance based on this signal, and performs a distance measurement by turning on the AF auxiliary light 5 (FIG. 2) for a dark subject. When the shooting preparation is completed, the main CPU 115 outputs a sounding body (buzzer).
At the same time, a focusing sound of "beep" is output from 126, and the green LED of the two colors provided on the focusing LED 2c (FIG. 3) is turned on for normal shooting, and red for strobe shooting. Inform the operator that the shooting is ready.

Thereafter, the operator further presses the release button 3, and the switch 2 is turned on in the second stroke to execute the photographing operation. When the photographing is completed, the completion sound of “peep” is emitted from the sounding body 126 and the CF card 11
A photographed image is recorded in 8.

In this green mode, the LC shown in FIG.
When the D button 21 is pressed, the main CPU 115 displays a live image on the color liquid crystal 17 and switches the color liquid crystal 17 to the EV mode.
Can be used as F.

When performing close-up photography, the macro button 2
Press 0. Then, from the SW unit 125 in FIG.
124, a signal is input to the sub CPU 124, and the sub CPU 124 A11
3, the main CPU 115 is notified that the macro button 20 has been pressed. With this signal, the main CPU 115 puts a macro mark on the monochrome liquid crystal 7 and changes the lens movement algorithm for close-up photography.

When the operator presses the release button 3 and focuses on the switch 1, the main CPU 115
At the same time, a focusing sound of "beep" is output from 26 and the orange LED of the macro LED 2d is lit to notify the operator that focusing has been achieved. The operator further presses the release button 3 and the second
The switch 2 is turned on by the stroke, and the photographing operation is executed. When the photographing is completed, the sounding body 126 emits a completion sound “peep” and the photographed image is recorded on the CF card 118.

Various settings such as image quality, image size, date, brightness of the color liquid crystal, turning on / off the power saving mode, resetting the file number, erasing the image, and formatting the CF card can be performed using the menu button 19 in FIG. When the menu button 19 is pressed, the main CPU 115 displays a menu screen (not shown) on the color liquid crystal 17. The operator selects an item to be set by pressing the plus button 23 or the minus button 22 and confirms it with the set button 18. When the user wants to end the menu screen, the user can press the menu button 19 again.

When it is desired to end the operation of the camera, the user turns the mode dial 8 in FIG.
To index 9. Then, the hook portion 65a of the brush 65 in FIG. 10 short-circuits a pattern that locks the dial code pattern (not shown) on the operation board 64.

As a result, a signal enters the sub CPU 124 from the SW unit 125 in FIG. A
Inform the main CPU 115 via 113 that the operator has selected the lock. The main CPU 115 first issues a signal for moving the lens barrel 14, and then issues a signal for closing the barrier unit 101 and the barrier 10 (FIG. 1). At the same time, the communication with the CF card 118 is terminated, and the display of the monochrome liquid crystal 7 is turned off.

In FIG. 1, the lens barrel 14 (not shown) moves in the direction of arrow F, and then the barrier 10 moves in the direction of arrow D about the fulcrum (not shown) to close the barrier.

To replace the CF card 118 (FIG. 5), the CF lock 16 is slid in the direction of arrow K in FIG. 3 to disengage the CF cover 15 from the not-shown claw. The CF cover 15 is moved by an arrow G with a CF detection switch (not shown).
When the CF cover 15 is disengaged, the CF cover 15 rotates in the direction of arrow G to expose the CF card 118. Therefore, in FIG.
Is moved in the direction of pushing it into the camera, and the CF card 1
18 can be taken out.

To replace the battery 41, in FIG.
Slide the lock member 25 in the direction of arrow L to
4 is disengaged (not shown). Next, the operator operates the battery cover 24.
The finger is slid in the direction of arrow M by placing a finger on the concave portion 24a provided in the, and the battery cover 24 is pinched to support the fulcrum 2 toward the front of the drawing.
4b, the battery 41 is exposed. This allows the operator to replace the battery.

When the lock member 25 is slid in the direction of arrow L, the lock member 25 and the main board 203 (FIG. 7)
The contact with the battery cover detection SW (not shown) provided in
As a result, the main CPU 115 forcibly shuts down the system during operation. This is because if the battery is accidentally removed during system operation, the CF card 11
This is because there is a fear that 8 will be destroyed.

<Internal Configuration> Next, the internal configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 7: in FIG. 7, the frame 40 has a substantially U-shape, and its opening faces the front of the camera. As a result, the optical block 201 as a photographing system, the main board 203 as a signal processing board, the LCD board 207 for controlling the imaging board 205 and the color LCD 17 are attached by means to be described later, and the inverter A configuration in which the shield case 48 covering the substrate 206 enters can be realized, and a compact camera that effectively utilizes space can be realized.

Here, the reason why the frame 40 has a substantially U-shape and the opening thereof is directed toward the front of the camera will be described. Since the camera must always face the front of the camera, it is necessary to make a hole large enough to allow the lens barrel 14 having the photographing lens to be extended, thereby deteriorating the strength of the frame and a flange for attaching the optical block 201 to the frame. A part is required, and the camera becomes large by the amount of avoiding this flange.

The substantially U-shape is shown in FIG.
This is because if the bent portion is provided on the front side of the drawing, the finder 4 cannot be formed, and if the bent portion is provided on the back side, it is necessary to reduce the size of each substrate or the size of the camera. In other words, it is impossible to provide a bent portion serving as an eave (eave) on the frame 40, and providing the bent portion serving as the bottom has a disadvantage that the camera becomes large. Is an optimal shape for miniaturization.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the frame 407 has a substantially H shape, the optical block 403 inevitably protrudes forward of the camera. (Fig. 5) and color liquid crystal 1
Even if the camera does not include the camera 7 (FIG. 3), the thickness of the camera will increase.

For the reasons described above, the frame 40 has a substantially U-shape, and its opening is directed toward the front of the camera.

Further, in FIG. 7, the frame 40
The short side portion is fixed to a battery chamber 42 in which a battery 41 is stored by screws (not shown), and forms a skeleton of the camera. Then, the color liquid crystal 1 is provided on the rear surface in substantially the same plane.
7. A backlight 121 and a CF substrate 204 serving as an image recording unit are arranged. On the CF substrate 204, a CF slot 204a mechanically and electrically connected to the CF card 118 is provided.
Is provided.

Color liquid crystal 17, backlight 121 and C
By arranging the F substrates 204 in substantially the same plane, the thickness of the camera can be reduced. This changes the arrangement and places the CF substrate 204 on the battery chamber 42.
And a color liquid crystal 17 and a backlight 121 on top of this.
When the camera is arranged, the camera becomes considerably thick even if sufficient space is provided for the electric circuit board.

When the portability of the camera is taken into consideration, if the thickness is large, problems such as not being able to fit in the breast pocket will occur and the commercial value will be reduced. Therefore, it is essential to realize a thin camera.

Next, the arrangement of each substrate inside the camera will be described with reference to FIG. 8: a power supply substrate 208 for supplying power to each substrate is electrically connected to a battery 41 (not shown) by contact means (not shown). And a shield case U50 and a shield case D for preventing noise.
Covered with 51.

Shield case U50 and shield case D
51 is electrically connected to GND of the power supply board 208 by means (not shown), and the lug 51a of the shield case D51 is mechanically attached to the frame 40 by fastening together with the screws 49 for fixing the optical block 201. Are electrically connected.

The optical block 201 is fixed to the frame 40 by screws 49 adjacent to the battery chamber 42. L
The CD board 207 uses the screw holes 40a and 207b to screw the screw seat 40a of the frame 40 and the tripod screw 26.
Is screwed to the screw seat 26a.

The image pickup substrate 205 is provided with each screw hole 205.
a, 205b, each screw seat 40 of the frame 40 is used.
Screwed to b and 40c.

The main substrate 203 is provided with each of the holes 203 for screws.
a, 203b, the screw seat 40d of the frame 40
And a screw seat 42a of the battery chamber 42.

The optical substrate 202 (not shown) is
Are screwed to the respective screw seats 40e and 40f. The strobe 6 (not shown) is screwed to a screw seat 40g of the frame 40.

The shield case 48 (not shown) that covers the inverter board 206 enters the inside of the camera using the square hole 40h of the frame 40 (see also FIG. 7).

The tripod screw 26 is mechanically and electrically connected to the frame 40 by a screw 49.

The reason for arranging the respective components as described above will be described below: In order to minimize the power transmission loss, the connection distance between the battery and the power supply circuit is physically minimized. In this sense, the power supply board 208 is provided above the battery chamber 42.

The power supply board 208 may generate noise during operation. If this noise jumps into a signal processing unit such as the main board 203 or the imaging board 205, the image quality deteriorates such as noise running on the image. Also,
In other electric circuit boards, malfunctions such as hang-up due to noise may occur. Therefore, the power supply board 208 is connected to the shield case U50 and the shield case D51.
Although it is trying to prevent noise by covering with the above, it is effective means to physically keep the distance from signal processing and other electric circuit units.

However, if the distance is simply set, a small camera excellent in portability cannot be realized. Therefore, the optical block 201 is arranged adjacent to the battery room 42 having the power supply board 208, and further, the signal processing unit and other electric circuit units are arranged adjacent to the optical block 201 on the side opposite to the battery room 42. did. Thus, by taking the physical distance of the optical block 201, a small camera that is resistant to noise and has no useless space because the optical block 201 is adjacent to the battery chamber 42 can be realized.

A further reason for placing the optical block 201 adjacent to the battery compartment 42 is to realize a more camera-like form. The camera design using 35 mm film has been around 100 years since its birth, and has consistently placed a taking lens in the approximate center thereof, and has been recognized worldwide as a culture of imaging devices.

On the other hand, some cameras, such as the camera of the present embodiment, which are usually called digital still cameras, have a photographing lens arranged at the left end as in the conventional example, and for the user, as an image pickup apparatus. Due to the tradition of 35mm film cameras, there was a possibility that they would feel uncomfortable and impair their willingness to purchase. In this sense, in the present camera, by placing the optical block 201 adjacent to the battery compartment 42, the photographing lens can be disposed substantially at the center, so that the user does not have a sense of incongruity, and furthermore, the camera is inspired by the miniaturization. Was realized.

The shield case 48 (not shown), which enters the camera through the square hole 40 h of the frame 40, has an inverter board 206 inside. The inverter board 206 may also generate noise, and it is necessary to keep a distance from a signal processing unit such as the main board 203 and the imaging board 205 inside the camera which has become complicated due to miniaturization. Therefore, by arranging the LCD substrate 207 for driving the color liquid crystal 17 as shown in FIG.

It is desirable that the tripod screw 26 is connected to the skeleton of the camera body from the viewpoint of its use. In this sense, the tripod screw 26 is fixed by the frame 40 and the screw 49. The frame 40 is, as described above, a shield case D
Since the power supply GND is connected to the lug 51a of the power supply 51, the tripod screw 26 is also grounded to GND.

Next, the tripod screw 26, the exterior and the frame 40
FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the center of the tripod screw 26. The front cover 1 is a screw 29, the rear cover 2 is a screw 28, and the LCD substrate 207 is a screw 53.
It is fixed to a tripod screw 26 so as to maintain electrical conduction. As described above, the tripod screw 26 is fixed to the frame 40, which is a skeleton of the camera body, and the rigid metal front cover 1 and the rear cover 2 are attached so as to surround the skeleton. Became a camera and screw part 26b
To fix it to a tripod, or conversely, to fix an accessory to the screw portion 26b.

Further, since the tripod screw 26 is grounded to GND with a small grounding resistance, the metal front cover 1,
The ground potential of the rear cover 2 and the LCD substrate 207 is also set to GND, and the camera is electrically wrapped with GND. Therefore, not only is it resistant to external noise and static electricity, but it is also emitted from the camera inside, which is called unnecessary radiation, to the outside. A camera with reduced noise was realized. Further, firm holding of the LCD substrate 207 can be realized at the same time.

<Mode Dial> Next, the mode dial 8 and the indicator 9 will be described: In FIG. 10, the mode dial 8 is rotatably supported by the boss 8a and the cylindrical portion 60a of the release base 60. At the tip is a screw 66
The brush 65 is fixed. When the operator turns the mode dial 8 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 11 to change the mode, the piece 61 moves along the slope of the groove 8b toward the center against the spring 62 and enters the groove 8c. . This action creates a click feeling. The same applies to the other grooves 8d to 8h.

At this time, which mode is selected can be determined by checking which mark in FIG. Since the operator frequently looks at the position of the mark and the index, if the position of the index 9 and the mode dial 8 is slightly shifted, even if the original function of determining where the index 9 is pointing can be performed, It gives the operator the impression of a cheap camera. Therefore, in this embodiment,
Release base 60 guiding mode dial 8
By forming the index 9 above, an index with high position accuracy is realized.

Further, a release base 6 having an index 9
Since 0 and the rear cover 2 are separate bodies, it is easy to make the color and the material feel of the release base 60 greatly different from those of the rear cover 2, so that an index with good visibility can be realized. Index 9
Thus, since the release base 60 and the rear cover 2 can be positioned, it is not necessary to newly provide the release base 60 with positioning.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment) for explaining a second embodiment according to the present invention. Reference numeral 70 denotes a tripod screw that best illustrates the features of the second embodiment, and includes a screw portion 70a for fixing the frame 40, a screw portion 70b for fixing the LCD substrate 207, and a fixing portion for fixing the imaging substrate 220. A screw portion 70c is provided. Reference numeral 220 denotes an imaging substrate, which is screwed to the tripod screw 70 with a screw 71.

The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the above configuration, in the second embodiment, the imaging substrate 220 as a signal processing substrate is newly grounded with a small ground resistance. When noise is applied to the signal processing board, the image quality is degraded and the commercial value of the camera is reduced. Therefore, a camera that is more resistant to noise can be realized by strengthening the GND of the signal processing board. Further, since the imaging substrate 220 is fixed to the tripod screw 70 which is sufficiently strong in mechanical strength, the substrate can be firmly held.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic rear perspective view (corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment) for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. It is a strap fitting that best shows its features, and is fixed to the camera by screws 76 and 77. 78 is a strap fitting 75
The front cover conforms to the shape of the
It is a cover after adjusting to the shape of.

The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 will not be described repeatedly.

FIG. 15 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the third embodiment (corresponding to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment). Reference numeral 80 denotes a frame to which a strap 75 is fixed.

The description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

In the above configuration, the strap fitting 75
As shown in FIG. 15, the screws 76,
It is fixed at 77. Since the frame 80 is grounded to the GND of the power supply circuit by means (not shown), the front cover 78 and the rear cover 79 are also grounded via the strap fitting 75.

As a result, since the camera is electrically wrapped in GND, a camera is realized which is not only resistant to external noise and static electricity, but also reduces noise which is called unnecessary radiation and is emitted from the inside of the camera to the outside. did it.

Further, the frame 80, which is the skeleton of the camera,
In addition, since the strap bracket 75 is fixed, the strap fixture is very firm and safe.

[0104]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained: (1) an image pickup unit including a photographing optical system and an image pickup device, a signal processing unit, and a photographed image is displayed. In an imaging apparatus having a monitor unit, a recording unit, and a power supply unit, by disposing the imaging unit between the power supply unit and the signal processing unit, the power supply unit and the signal processing unit are separated from each other, and a power supply to the signal processing unit is provided. It has become possible to minimize the effect of noise from the unit.

(2) Further, in the image pickup apparatus, by arranging the monitor section and the recording section on substantially the same plane, the thickness of the image pickup apparatus can be reduced, and the portable apparatus is resistant to noise and excellent in portability. Camera was realized.

(3) Further, in an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup section including a photographing optical system and an image pickup element, a signal processing section, a monitor section for displaying a photographed image, a recording section, and a power supply section, At least two or more of a plurality of exterior parts, an electric circuit board, and a frame supporting the electric circuit board by an accessory fixing member made of a conductive material or a conductive member integrally bonded thereto. Mechanically and simultaneously, the exterior, signal processing board, and electric circuit board are electrically fixed to a power supply or GND on a tripod base having a sufficiently large strength, and as a result, with a small ground resistance. The camera was grounded and resistant to extraneous noise and static electricity.

(4) Further, the signal processing board and the electric circuit board can be firmly held at the same time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external front perspective view of a digital still camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the camera in FIG. 1 in a photographable state.

FIG. 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the camera of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the camera in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of the camera in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a mode dial of the camera.

FIG. 7 is a substantially central horizontal sectional view of the camera in FIG. 2;

8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the center of a tripod screw.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of a mode dial portion.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal sectional view of a mode dial part.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal sectional view of another example of a frame shape.

FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic rear perspective view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a conventional example.

FIG. 17 is a horizontal sectional view of a conventional example.

FIG. 18 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional tripod screw.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 front cover 2 rear cover 3 release button 4 viewfinder 5 AF auxiliary light 6 strobe (flash) 7 monochrome liquid crystal 8 mode dial 9 index 10 barrier 13 lens 14 lens barrel 17 color liquid crystal 26, 70 tripod screw 40, 80 frame 41 battery 42 Battery compartment 60 Release base 75 Strap fitting 109 CCD 113 G. A 115 Main CPU 124 Sub CPU 201 Optical block 202 Optical substrate 203 Main substrate 204 CF substrate 205 Imaging substrate 206 Inverter substrate 207 LCD substrate 208 Power supply substrate 209 Sub substrate

Claims (12)

[Claims] An imaging unit including an imaging optical system that forms a subject image on the imaging device and an imaging device that converts the formed subject image into an electric signal; and processing an electric signal output from the imaging unit. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a signal processing unit; a recording unit that records a subject image photographed by the image pickup unit; and a power supply unit that supplies power to the image pickup device; wherein the image pickup unit includes the power supply unit and the signal processing unit. An imaging device, wherein the imaging device is disposed between the imaging devices. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a monitor unit including a monitor for displaying an image captured based on the electric signal from the signal processing unit, wherein the monitor unit and the recording unit are substantially coplanar. 2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein
An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, the power supply unit and the signal processing unit being arranged on both sides of the frame, and the imaging unit being arranged in a central space. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a recording unit disposed behind a power supply unit; and the monitor unit disposed behind the signal processing unit. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording unit includes a memory card, the monitor unit includes a liquid crystal monitor, and the signal processing unit includes an oscillation source. Imaging device. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the substantially U-shaped frame is formed of a metal chassis having a shielding effect. 6. An imaging unit including an imaging optical system that forms a subject image on an imaging device and an imaging device that converts the formed subject image into an electric signal, and processes an electric signal output from the imaging unit. A signal processing unit, a monitor unit including a monitor that displays an image captured based on the electric signal from the signal processing unit, a recording unit that records a subject image captured by the imaging unit, and an imaging device. A power supply unit for supplying power, and a plurality of exterior parts, an electric circuit board, and an electric circuit board, provided with an accessory fixing member made of a conductive material or a conductive member integrally coupled thereto. An imaging apparatus, wherein at least two or more of frames supporting a circuit board are mechanically and simultaneously electrically connected. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the accessory fixing member is a tripod seat. 8. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the accessory fixing member is a strap fixing bracket. 9. An imaging optical system block, an imaging block that converts a subject image formed by the imaging optical system into an electric signal, and a signal processing block that performs predetermined processing on the electric signal output from the imaging block. A monitor block that displays an image signal output from the signal processing block; a storage block that stores an image signal output from the signal processing block; and a power supply block that supplies power. An imaging apparatus, wherein two or more are mechanically coupled to an exterior component using a conductive fixing member and are electrically connected to each other. 10. The fixing device according to claim 9, wherein:
An image pickup apparatus characterized in that a frame supporting each block and its circuit board is mechanically and electrically connected to an exterior component at one place. 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fixing member is a tripod seat or a strap fixing bracket. 12. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the exterior components are composed of a plurality of components and are connected to each other by the fixing member.