JP4307484B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device including an imaging unit, a signal processing unit, a monitor unit, a recording unit, and a power supply unit.

A conventional imaging apparatus of this type will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 16 is an external perspective view for explaining a conventional example. 301 is a resin front cover provided with a square hole 301 a for the finder 305, 302 is a resin rear cover, 303 is a release button, 304. Is a strobe, 305 is a viewfinder, 306 is a photographic lens, 307 is a black and white liquid crystal display for displaying information such as the number of shootable images, and 308 is a mode dial for changing the mode of the camera. , Q are pivotally supported in both directions. Reference numeral 309 denotes an index printed on the rear cover 302 in order to inform the operator which mode of the mode dial 308 is selected.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic horizontal sectional view at the center of the conventional photographing lens 306 in FIG. 16, where 310 is an optical block constituting a photographing system including the photographing lens 306 and a CCD (not shown), and 311 is signal processing. A substrate 312 is a power supply substrate connected to the signal processing substrate 311 by a connector 313, and 314 is each battery as a power supply, and is electrically connected to the power supply substrate 312 by means not shown. Reference numeral 315 denotes a battery chamber for storing each battery 314.

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

  In the digital still camera which is the conventional imaging apparatus of FIG. 16, the mode dial 308 is rotated in the direction of arrow P, and the mark 308a is aligned with the index 309. Then, the camera can take a picture by a CPU (not shown), and the shooting condition is displayed on the monochrome liquid crystal 307. Therefore, the operator looks into the viewfinder 305 and presses the release button 303 when he wants to take a picture. The release button 303 has a two-stage stroke. 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 perform a photographing operation. When the subject is dark, the strobe 304 automatically emits light. The captured image is recorded in an internal memory (not shown).

  To play back the captured image, connect to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) with a cable (not shown), rotate the mode dial 308 in the direction of arrow Q, and play back the mark 308b according to the index 309. Enter mode. Thereafter, the operator can call up an image to be reproduced by operating the PC.

Next, the internal configuration of a conventional camera will be described:
In FIG. 17, the optical block 310 is attached to the inside of the camera by means not shown, and is connected to the signal processing board 311 by means not shown. Each battery 314 is housed in a battery chamber 315 and connected to the power supply board 312 by means (not shown). The signal processing board 311 is supplied with power from the power supply board 312 by the connector 313.

As shown in FIG. 18, the tripod screw portion 316 is formed on the resin rear cover 302, and the front cover 301 and the rear cover 302 are joined by means not shown. The signal processing board 311 is not coupled to the tripod screw part 316.
JP-A-6-205251

  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 close, so that the noise rides on the signal processing board 311 and the image quality deteriorates. There was a drawback of end.

  Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a camera that 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 excellent in portability resistant to noise.

The present invention relates to a photographing optical system for forming a subject image on an image pickup device, an image pickup unit including an image pickup device for converting the formed subject image into an electric signal, and a signal for processing an electric signal output from the image pickup unit. A processing unit, a recording unit that records a subject image captured by the imaging unit, a battery chamber that houses a battery, a power source unit that is connected to a battery housed in the battery chamber and supplies power to each unit; The power supply unit is provided on one surface of the battery chamber, the battery chamber and the power supply unit are disposed on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is disposed on the other side of the imaging unit. And a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, wherein the imaging unit and the signal processing unit are disposed so as to be surrounded by the U-shaped portion of the frame .
The present invention relates to a photographing optical system for forming a subject image on an image pickup device, an image pickup unit including an image pickup device for converting the formed subject image into an electric signal, and a signal for processing an electric signal output from the image pickup unit. A processing unit, a recording unit that records a subject image captured by the imaging unit, a battery chamber that houses a battery, a power source unit that is connected to a battery housed in the battery chamber and supplies power to each unit; The image pickup apparatus includes a monitor unit including a monitor that displays an image captured based on an electrical signal from the signal processing unit, and the monitor unit and the recording unit are arranged on substantially the same plane. The power supply unit is provided on one surface of the battery chamber, the battery chamber and the power supply unit are arranged on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is arranged on the other side of the imaging unit. And

The present invention includes a power supply unit on one surface of a battery chamber, the battery chamber and the power supply unit are arranged on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is arranged on the other side of the imaging unit, so that the imaging unit and the signal processing are arranged. By arranging the part to be surrounded by the U-shaped part of the frame, it is possible to minimize the influence of noise from the power supply part to the signal processing part while improving the power supply efficiency to the power supply part .
In addition, the present invention provides a monitor unit including a monitor for displaying an image taken based on an electrical signal from a signal processing unit and a recording unit on substantially the same plane so that the power supply unit is placed on one surface of the battery chamber. The battery chamber and the power supply unit are arranged on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is arranged on the other side of the imaging unit, so that the imaging apparatus can be thinned and the signal processing unit is changed from the power source unit to the signal processing unit. It became possible to minimize the influence of noise on the camera.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail based on a plurality of examples with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
<Constitution>
FIG. 1 shows an external front perspective view of a first embodiment of a digital still camera that best represents the features of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a metal front cover provided with a hole 1a for the lens barrel 14, and a protrusion 1b is provided to prevent the operator from hiding the strobe 6 with a finger during shooting. It is. 2 is a metal rear cover, 3 is a release button, 4 is a finder window, 5 is AF auxiliary light for assisting distance measurement when shooting a dark subject, and 6 is a red-eye reduction lamp (not shown) inside. The strobe (flash) provided, 7 is a monochrome liquid crystal for displaying information such as the number of images that can be taken, and 8 is a mode dial for changing the camera mode, and in both directions of arrows A and B by means not shown. It is pivotally supported so that it can rotate.

  9 is an index for notifying the operator of which mode of the mode dial 8 is selected, 10 is a barrier for protecting a lens (not shown), and 11 is an external image such as a TV monitor. A video jack 12 for inserting a cable for connecting the camera and the external monitor when the image is displayed on the monitor, and a jack 12 for inserting a cable for connecting the camera and the PC when transferring a photographed image to the PC.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1 in a photographing enabled state. Reference numeral 13 denotes a lens. Reference numeral 14 denotes an arrow E, F by means not shown in order to hold the lens 13 and focus on a subject. It is a lens barrel that can move in both directions.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the camera of FIG. 2 in a photographing enabled state. The rear cover 2 has a square window 2a for the color liquid crystal 17, a finder hole 2b, and a focusing LED 127 (FIG. 5 to be described later). Hole 2c and a hole 2d for the macro LED 128 (same as above). A compact flash (registered trademark) card 15 is supported by a means (not shown) so as to be rotatable in both directions of arrows G and H, and is held in the camera body by a claw part (not shown) and is a recording medium for a photographed image. (Hereinafter, referred to as “CF card”) is a CF cover that protects the CF cover. Further, a CF detection SW that detects whether or not the CF cover 15 is properly closed by a protrusion (not shown) of the CF cover 15. Is pressed.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a CF lock which is urged in the direction of arrow J by an urging means (not shown), engages with a claw portion (not shown) of the CF cover 15 and holds the CF cover 15, and 17 denotes an image to be photographed. A color liquid crystal 18 serves as an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as “EVF”) for displaying and a monitor serving as a monitor for displaying captured images. , 19 are menu buttons for calling up each setting screen of the camera, and 20 is a macro button for changing to close-up shooting in the shooting mode, and is used for changing the display of the playback image in the playback mode.

  21 is an LCD button for turning on / off the color liquid crystal 17, and 22 is used for switching between forced flash emission, light emission inhibition, and red-eye mitigation shooting in the program mode and switch mode, and reverse playback of the playback image in the playback mode. A minus button 23 is used for continuous shooting and a self-timer in the photographing mode, and a plus button for sequentially feeding the reproduced images in the reproduction mode, 24 is a battery cover for a battery (not shown), and 25 is a strap fitting.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the camera in a photographing enabled state, 25 is a lock member for preventing the battery cover 24 from being opened carelessly, and 26 is a tripod screw as an accessory fixing member. And have screw parts for screws 27, 28, and 29.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram of the camera, in which 201 indicates an optical block and 202 indicates an optical substrate. Reference numeral 101 denotes a barrier unit having a barrier that protects the lens, 102 denotes a motor that is a driving source of the barrier unit 101, 103 denotes a driver that controls the motor 102, and 104 denotes driving for moving the lens barrel 14. The motor that is the source, 105 is the driver that controls the motor 104, 106 is the IG that is the diaphragm, 107 is the motor that drives the IG 106, 108 is the driver that controls the motor 107, 109 is the optical signal A solid-state imaging device (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 110 that converts an electrical signal is a timing generator for the CCD 109.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a main board, 111 an AD converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, 112 a digital IC (hereinafter referred to as “DIC”) for processing the digital signal, and 113 a gate. An array (hereinafter referred to as “GA”), 114 is a VRAM for storing image data to be displayed on the color liquid crystal 17 (FIG. 3), 115 is a main CPU, 116 is a DRAM, and 117 is a JPEG IC. , 118 is a CF card which is a recording medium for image data on the CF substrate 204.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes an imaging board, 119 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, and 122 denotes a backlight 121. An inverter 123 for driving is a controller for the color liquid crystal 17.

  124 is a sub CPU that controls the operation system of the camera, 125 is a SW unit that collectively refers to each SW of the operation system, 126 is a sound generator that emits sound when the camera is focused or released, and 201 is the configuration shown in the figure. Optical block with elements, 202 is an optical substrate with the illustrated components, 203 is a main substrate with the illustrated components, 204 is a CF substrate with the illustrated components, and 205 is illustrated. An imaging board with components, 206 is an inverter board with the components shown, 207 is an LCD board with the components shown, 208 is a power board that supplies power to each circuit, and 209 is It is a sub board | substrate provided with the component shown in figure.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode selection mark provided on the mode dial 8 (FIG. 2), in which 30 is an operation stop lock, and 31 is a state in which an operator cannot change a preset image quality. 32 is a program mode in which an operator can change the shooting conditions and shooting is performed. 33 is a portrait, landscape, or 2 × 2 (one screen with two portraits and two portraits). A switch mode for capturing images so that they can be combined with software, 34 is a PC communication mode used when connecting to a PC and transferring images, and 35 is used when reproducing images recorded on the CF card 118 The playback mode 36 indicates a multi mode in which recorded images are played back every nine frames.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic horizontal sectional view at the center of the lens of this camera, 40 is a substantially U-shaped frame, and its opening faces the front of the camera. Reference numeral 41 denotes a battery as a power source, which is connected to the power source substrate 208 (FIG. 5) by contact means (not shown). 42 is a battery chamber for storing the battery 41, 43 is an ejector as means for taking out the CF card 118 from the camera body, 44 and 45 are lenses, 46 is a low-pass filter, and 47 is provided with the components shown in the figure. The CCD block 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 each screw for fixing the optical block 201 to the frame 40, and 50 is an electrical connection with the power supply board 208 by means not shown. The shield cases U and 51 connected to each other are provided with lugs 51a for mechanically and electrically connecting to the frame 40, and shield cases D and electrically connected to the power supply board 208 by means not shown. Reference numerals 52 denote screws for fixing the frame 40 and the tripod screw 26.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view at the approximate center of the tripod screw 26, and 53 is a screw for fixing the LCD substrate 207 and the tripod screw 26.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical sectional view from the vicinity of the mode dial 8 to the release button 3. Reference numeral 60 denotes a cylindrical portion 60a which includes an index 9 and pivotally supports the boss portion 8a of the mode dial 8 and the release button. 3 is a release base having a pilot hole 60b for fixing 3 with a screw 67, 61 is a piece for clicking the rotation of the mode dial 8, 62 is a spring for urging the piece 61, and 63 is 2 This is a release switch having a stepped stroke. The switch 1 is turned on in the first stroke to perform a photographing preparation operation such as a photometric distance, and the switch 2 is turned on in the second stroke to perform a photographing operation.

  64 has a release switch 63 and an operation board on which a dial code pattern is formed, 65 is a brush that is in contact with the dial code pattern of the operation board 64 by a hook portion 65a, and 66 is a mode dial for the brush 65. A screw 67 for fixing the release button 3 to the release base 60, and 68, 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 indicator 9 of the release base 60, and the rib 60 c of the release base 60 guides the piece 61 and the spring 62, and the piece 61 is attached to the mode dial 8. Engage with each of the formed grooves 8b to 8h to create a rotational click feeling of the mode dial 8.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic horizontal sectional view for explaining another frame shape example, 401 is a cover, 402 is a photographing lens, 403 is an optical block constituting a photographing system including a CCD (not shown), 404 is Electrical circuit boards 1 and 405 are electrical circuit boards 2 and 406 are power supply boards, 407 is a substantially H-shaped frame, and 408 is a battery as a power supply. The power supply board 406 is electrically connected by means not shown. Connected. Reference numeral 409 denotes a battery chamber for storing the battery 408.

<Operation>
Next, in the above configuration, the photographing operation will be described first:
The camera of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the operation is stopped. From here, the operator rotates the mode dial 8 in the direction of arrow A, and matches the green mode 31 of FIG. Then, the hook portion 65a of the brush 65 in FIG. 10 short-circuits a pattern in the green mode of a 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 of FIG. The main CPU 115 is informed via A113 that the operator has selected the green mode. The main CPU 115 first outputs a signal for opening the barrier 10 to the barrier unit 101 and then outputs a signal for extending the lens barrel 14. At the same time, the CF card 118 is accessed to check the free space, and the black and white liquid crystal 7 displays the number of shots that can be taken, as well as shooting conditions such as preset image quality and image size.

  In FIG. 1, the barrier 10 moves in the direction of arrow C around a fulcrum (not shown) to open the barrier, and the lens barrel 14 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows this state. In FIG. 2, the operator looks into the subject through the viewfinder 4 and presses the release button 3 when he wants to take a picture. As shown in FIG. 10, the release button 3 is fixed to the release base 60 by a screw 67 at the base portion 3c, and the release button 3 is urged upward by an approximately letter-shaped arm portion 3b. When pressed against the force, the protrusion 3a presses the release SW 63. As described above, the release SW 63 is a two-stroke switch, and the switch 1 is turned on in the first stroke.

  Then, a signal enters the sub CPU 124 from the SW unit 125 of FIG. Informs the main CPU 115 that the switch 1 has been pressed via A113. Based on this signal, the main CPU 115 starts shooting preparations such as a photometric distance, and performs distance measurement by turning on the AF auxiliary light 5 (FIG. 2) for a dark subject. When the photographing preparation is completed, the main CPU 115 outputs a focusing sound “beep” from the sounding body (buzzer) 126 and, in the case of normal shooting, the green color of the two colors provided in the focusing LED 2c (FIG. 3). Is turned on, and if it is flash photography, red is lit to inform the operator that the camera is ready to shoot.

  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, a sound of completion “beep” is output from the sound generator 126 and a photographed image is recorded on the CF card 118.

  When the LCD button 21 in FIG. 3 is pressed in the green mode, the main CPU 115 displays a live image on the color liquid crystal 17 and can use the color liquid crystal 17 as an EVF.

  When the close-up shooting is performed, the macro button 20 is pressed. Then, a signal enters the sub CPU 124 from the SW unit 125 of FIG. Informs the main CPU 115 that the macro button 20 has been pressed via A113. With this signal, the main CPU 115 gives a macro mark to 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 outputs a focusing sound “pipi” from the sound generator 126 and lights the orange color of the macro LED 2 d to indicate that the operator is focused. Inform. 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, a sound of completion “beep” is output from the sound generator 126 and a photographed image is recorded on the CF card 118.

  Various settings such as image quality, image size, date, color liquid crystal brightness, power saving mode on / off, file number reset, image deletion, CF card format, etc. 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 with the set button 18. When it is desired to end the menu screen, it can be done by pressing the menu button 19 again.

  When it is desired to end the operation of the camera, the mode dial 8 is rotated in FIG. Then, the hook portion 65a of the brush 65 in FIG. 10 shorts a pattern that locks a dial code pattern (not shown) on the operation board 64.

  As a result, a signal is input to the sub CPU 124 from the SW unit 125 of FIG. The main CPU 115 is informed through the A 113 that the operator has selected the lock. The main CPU 115 first outputs a signal for retracting the lens barrel 14, and then outputs a signal for closing the barrier 10 (FIG. 1) for the barrier unit 101. 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 around a fulcrum (not shown) to close the barrier.

  In order to replace the CF card 118 (FIG. 5), in FIG. 3, the CF lock 16 is slid in the direction of arrow K to disengage the CF cover 15 from a claw portion (not shown). Since the CF cover 15 is urged in the arrow G direction by a CF detection SW (not shown), when the engagement is released, the CF cover 15 rotates in the arrow G direction to expose the CF card 118. Therefore, the operator can take out the CF card 118 by moving the ejector 43 in the direction of pushing into the camera in FIG.

  To replace the battery 41, in FIG. 4, the lock member 25 is slid in the direction of arrow L, and the engagement (not shown) with the battery lid 24 is released. Next, the operator puts a finger on the concave portion 24a provided in the battery lid 24 and slides it in the direction of the arrow M, and then pinches the battery lid 24 and rotates it around the fulcrum 24b toward the front side of the page, thereby removing the battery 41. Expose. Thereby, the operator can replace the battery.

  When the lock member 25 is slid in the direction of arrow L, the contact between the lock member 25 and a battery lid detection SW (not shown) provided on the main board 203 (FIG. 7) is also released, and the main CPU 115 operates as a result. Force the system to shut down if it is in the middle. This is because the CF card 118 may be destroyed if the battery is accidentally removed during system operation.

<Internal configuration>
Next, the internal configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, the frame 40 is substantially U-shaped, and its opening faces the front of the camera. Thereby, an optical block 201 as a photographing system, a main substrate 203 as a signal processing substrate, an image pickup substrate 205 and an LCD substrate 207 for controlling the color LCD 17 are attached by means described later so as to be held inside, and further, an inverter A configuration in which the shield case 48 covering the substrate 206 is inserted is possible, and a compact camera using space effectively can be realized.

Here, the reason why the frame 40 is substantially U-shaped and the opening is directed to the front of the camera will be described:
(1) When the substantially U-shaped opening is directed to the back of the camera, the photographic lens must always face the front of the camera. Therefore, it is necessary to make a large hole that allows the lens barrel 14 with the photographic lens to be extended. As a result, the strength of the frame is impaired, and a hook for attaching the optical block 201 to the frame is required, and the camera is enlarged by removing the hook.

  (2) In FIG. 7, when the bent portion is provided on the front side of the paper in FIG. 7, the finder 4 cannot be formed. When the bent portion is provided on the heel side, each substrate is reduced or the camera is enlarged. It is necessary to do. In other words, it is impossible to provide the frame 40 with a bent portion serving as an eave, and providing the bent portion serving as a bottom has the disadvantage of increasing the size of the camera. This is the optimum shape for miniaturization.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the frame 407 is substantially H-shaped, the optical block 403 inevitably protrudes in front of the camera, so even if the CF card 118 (FIG. 5) is used. ) And the color liquid crystal 17 (FIG. 3), the thickness is increased.

  For the reasons described above, the frame 40 is substantially U-shaped and its opening is directed to the front of the camera.

  Further, in FIG. 7, a frame 40 is fixed to a battery chamber 42 in which a battery 41 is stored with a screw (not shown) at its short side portion, and constitutes a skeleton of the camera. A color liquid crystal 17, a backlight 121, and a CF substrate 204 as an image recording unit are disposed on the back surface in substantially the same plane, and a CF card 118 mechanically and electrically connected to the CF card 118 is disposed on the CF substrate 204. A slot 204a is provided.

  The color liquid crystal 17, the backlight 121, and the CF substrate 204 are arranged in substantially the same plane, so that the thickness of the camera can be reduced. When the arrangement is changed and the CF substrate 204 is arranged on the battery chamber 42, and the color liquid crystal 17 and the backlight 121 are further arranged on the battery substrate 42, even if there is a sufficient margin on the electric circuit board, The thickness becomes considerably thick.

  Considering the portability of the camera, it is essential to realize a thin camera, because if it is thick, problems such as not being able to enter the chest pocket will occur and the product value will be reduced.

Next, the arrangement of each substrate inside the camera will be described with reference to FIG.
A power supply board 208 for supplying power to each board is electrically connected to a battery 41 (not shown) by contact means (not shown) and is provided on the upper part of the battery chamber 42. The shield case U50 and the shield case are provided to prevent noise. Covered with D51.

  The shield case U50 and the shield case D51 are electrically connected to the GND of the power supply board 208 by means (not shown), and the lug portion 51a of the shield case D51 is fastened together with the screws 49 for fixing the optical block 201. Thus, it is mechanically and electrically connected to the frame 40.

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

  The imaging board 205 is screwed to the screw seats 40b and 40c of the frame 40 using the holes 205a and 205b for screws.

  The main board 203 is screwed to the screw seat 40d of the frame 40 and the screw seat 42a of the battery chamber 42 using the holes 203a and 203b for screws.

  An optical substrate 202 (not shown) is screwed to each screw seat 40e and 40f of the frame 40. A strobe 6 (not shown) is screwed to a screw seat 40 g of the frame 40.

  A shield case 48 (not shown) covering 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 screws 49.

The reason why each component is arranged as described above will be described:
(1) It is desirable that the connection distance between the battery as the power source and the power supply circuit is physically minimized in order to minimize the loss of power transmission. In this sense, the power supply board 208 is provided above the battery chamber 42. Is provided.

  (2) The power supply board 208 may generate noise during operation. When 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. In addition, malfunctions such as hang-up due to noise also occur in other electric circuit boards. For this reason, the power supply board 208 is covered with the shield case U50 and the shield case D51 to prevent noise, but it is also an effective means to physically take a distance from the signal processing and other electric circuit units. is there.

  However, simply taking a distance cannot realize a compact camera with excellent portability. Therefore, the optical block 201 is disposed adjacent to the battery chamber 42 provided with the power supply substrate 208, and the signal processing unit and other electric circuit units are disposed adjacent to the opposite side of the optical block 201 to the battery chamber 42. did. As a result, by taking a physical distance of the optical block 201, a small camera that is strong against noise and has no wasted space can be realized because the optical block 201 is adjacent to the battery chamber 42.

  (3) Another reason why the optical block 201 is adjacent to the battery chamber 42 is to realize a form more like a camera. The design of cameras using 35 mm film has been consistently positioned around the center of the camera for almost 100 years since its birth, and is recognized worldwide as the culture of imaging devices.

  On the other hand, as in the present embodiment camera, there is a camera that is usually called a digital still camera in which a photographing lens is arranged at the left end as in the conventional example, and for a user, a 35 mm film as an imaging device. Because of the camera tradition, there was a possibility of feeling uncomfortable and detracting from purchasing. In this sense, in this camera, the optical block 201 is adjacent to the battery chamber 42, so that the photographing lens can be arranged at the substantially center, the user does not feel uncomfortable, and the downsizing makes the purchase motivated. Was realized.

  (4) A shield case 48 (not shown) entering the camera through the square hole 40h of the frame 40 includes an inverter board 206 therein. The inverter board 206 may also generate noise, and it is necessary to keep a distance from the signal processing unit such as the main board 203 and the imaging board 205 inside the camera that has become complicated due to downsizing. Therefore, by arranging the LCD substrate 207 for driving the color liquid crystal 17 as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to take noise countermeasures for the signal processing unit.

  (5) 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. As described above, since the frame 40 is connected to the power supply GND through the lug 51a of the shield case D51, the tripod screw 26 is also grounded to the GND.

Next, fixing of the tripod screw 26, the exterior, and the frame 40 will be described:
FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-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 board 207 is a screw 53. 26 is fixed. As described above, the tripod screw 26 is fixed to the frame 40 which is the skeleton of the camera body, and the rigid metal front cover 1 and rear cover 2 are attached so as to wrap around the skeleton. It becomes a camera and can be fixed to a tripod with the screw portion 26b, or conversely, accessories can be fixed to the screw portion 26b.

  Furthermore, since the tripod screw 26 is grounded to GND with a small grounding resistance, the ground potential of the metal front cover 1, rear cover 2, and LCD board 207 is also GND, and the camera is electrically wrapped in GND. As a result, we were able to realize a camera that not only resists external noise and static electricity, but also reduces the noise emitted from the inside of the camera, which is called unwanted radiation, to the outside. Furthermore, the 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 pivotally supported by the boss portion 8 a so as to be rotatable with the cylinder portion 60 a of the release base 60, and a brush 65 is fixed to the tip thereof by a screw 66. When the operator rotates the mode dial 8 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 11 to change the mode, the piece 61 moves in the center direction against the spring 62 along the slope of the groove 8b and enters the groove 8c. . This action creates a click feeling. The same applies to the other grooves 8d to 8h.

  Further, at this time, which mode is selected can be understood by looking at which mark in FIG. Since the operator frequently sees 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 where the index 9 is pointing can be fulfilled, It gives the operator the impression of a cheap camera. Therefore, in this embodiment, the index 9 with high positional accuracy is realized by forming the index 9 on the release base 60 that guides the mode dial 8.

  Furthermore, since the release base 60 provided with the index 9 and the rear cover 2 are separate, it is easy to make the color and texture of the release base 60 significantly different from that of the rear cover 2, so that a highly visible index can be realized. . In addition, since the release base 60 and the rear cover 2 can be positioned by the index 9, it is no longer necessary to newly provide the release base 60 with a positioning.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment) for explaining the second embodiment according to the present invention. Reference numeral 70 denotes a tripod screw that best shows the characteristics of the second embodiment. The screw portion 70a for fixing the frame 40, the screw portion 70b for fixing the LCD substrate 207, and the imaging substrate 220 are fixed. A threaded portion 70c is provided. An imaging substrate 220 is screwed to the tripod screw 70 with a screw 71.

  The same components as those in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

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

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a schematic rear perspective view illustrating the embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment), and 75 is a strap fitting that best shows the characteristics of the third embodiment, Each screw 76 and 77 is fixed to the camera. Reference numeral 78 denotes a front cover that matches the shape of the strap metal fitting 75, and 79 denotes a rear cover that matches the shape of the strap metal fitting 75.

  A duplicate description of the same components as in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment is omitted.

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

  A duplicate description of the same components as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the above configuration, the strap fitting 75 is fixed to the front cover 78, the rear cover 79, and the frame 80 with screws 76 and 77 so as to keep electrical continuity as shown in FIG. 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, the camera is electrically encased in GND, so that it is possible to realize a camera that not only is resistant to external noise and static electricity, but also reduces noise emitted from the inside of the camera, which is called unwanted radiation, to the outside.

  Furthermore, since the strap fitting 75 is fixed to the frame 80 which is the skeleton of the camera, the strap fixing tool is very solid and safe.

External front perspective view of the digital still camera of the first embodiment 1 is a schematic front perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the camera Figure 2 Schematic bottom view of the camera 2 block diagram of the camera 2 Mode dial explanatory diagram of the camera Fig. 2 Horizontal cross section of the camera 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the camera. Tripod screw approximate center vertical section Mode dial vertical section Mode dial horizontal section Horizontal sectional view of another frame shape example Schematic vertical sectional view of the second embodiment Outline rear perspective view of the third embodiment Substantially horizontal sectional view of the third embodiment External perspective view of a conventional example Horizontal cross section of conventional example Vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional tripod screw

Explanation of symbols

1 Front Cover 2 Rear Cover 3 Release Button 4 Viewfinder 5 AF Auxiliary Light 6 Flash (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 (4)

An imaging optical system that forms a subject image on the image sensor and an imaging unit that includes an image sensor that converts the imaged subject image into an electrical signal;
A signal processing unit that processes an electrical signal output from the imaging unit;
A recording unit for recording a subject image captured by the imaging unit;
A battery compartment for storing batteries;
In an imaging device having a power supply unit connected to a battery housed in the battery chamber and supplying power to each unit,
The power supply unit is provided on one surface of the battery chamber, the battery chamber and the power supply unit are arranged on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is arranged on the other side of the imaging unit ,
An imaging apparatus comprising a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section, wherein the imaging unit and the signal processing unit are arranged so as to be surrounded by a U-shaped part of the frame .   An imaging optical system that forms a subject image on the image sensor and an imaging unit that includes an image sensor that converts the imaged subject image into an electrical signal;
  A signal processing unit that processes an electrical signal output from the imaging unit;
  A recording unit for recording a subject image captured by the imaging unit;
  A battery compartment for storing batteries;
  In an imaging device having a power supply unit connected to a battery housed in the battery chamber and supplying power to each unit,
  A monitor unit including a monitor that displays an image captured based on an electrical signal from the signal processing unit, the monitor unit and the recording unit are arranged on substantially the same plane,
  The power supply unit is provided on one surface of the battery chamber, the battery chamber and the power supply unit are arranged on one side of the imaging unit, and the signal processing unit is arranged on the other side of the imaging unit. An imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the recording unit is disposed behind the battery chamber, and the monitor unit is disposed behind the signal processing unit. The recording unit includes a memory card, the monitor unit is a liquid crystal monitor, the signal processing section imaging apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it is configured to include an oscillation source.

Images