JP4496868B2 - Portable image capture system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable image photographing system including a portable image photographing device.

  Conventionally, air-cooled and water-cooled cooling devices and radiators have been used to cool high-temperature engines in cars and motorcycles, and refrigerants such as CFCs and CFC substitutes are used in household refrigerators, coolers, and air conditioners. A heat pump type cooling device that utilizes a temperature difference between a compressor type to be used and an outside air temperature is used. Also in an electronic device, an air cooling fan or the like is used so that a temperature rise due to heat generation in an electronic circuit unit is suppressed and a semiconductor element or the like performs a desired operation within a rating or an operating temperature range. Recently, in a personal computer or the like whose CPU (Central Processing Unit) frequency has become as fast as GHz, a CPU using a Peltier element or water cooling to operate the CPU at a higher speed or to suppress fan noise. A personal computer product equipped with a cooling kit or a water cooling device is also on the market.

  On the other hand, in electronic cameras, semiconductor imaging devices such as CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) are known to increase in dark noise due to dark current and lower imaging sensitivity as the temperature rises in principle and the exposure time increases. Conventionally, in dedicated high-sensitivity camera devices such as astrophotography cameras that take long exposure exposures of minute light and microscope cameras for scientific research, the back of the CCD is connected to the Peltier element, air or water cooling, Liquid nitrogen, etc., mostly -20 ° C to -45 ° C, depending on the model, forced cooling to -80 ° C to -90 ° C, greatly reducing dark current noise, S / N even for long exposure A cooled CCD camera that can obtain a high-sensitivity, high-sensitivity captured image is used.

  For example, a cooled CCD camera is conceivable in which a heater is provided inside a porous body made of a metal element belonging to Group 4A of the periodic table to prevent condensation (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a cooling type CCD camera device is conceivable in which a window is provided in a heat conduction fitting in contact with the Peltier element, and condensation is first caused on a CCD package, heat conduction fitting or Peltier element to prevent condensation on the CCD surface (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

  An imaging system that supplies power to the Peltier element with an internal battery when an external additional device with an air cooling fan is not attached to the camera, and supplies power to the Peltier element from an external power source when the external additional device is attached In addition, an imaging device is considered (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

In addition, the cooled CCD camera can shoot high-quality photos with a shorter exposure time than film, and even in the suburbs of cities where there is a lot of light pollution, photos of faint celestial bodies such as the nebula star clusters can also be obtained from the observatory a long time ago. The number of amateur astronomy manias that use cooled CCDs is increasing because they can be reproduced like a telescope.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-9116 JP-A-9-162379 JP 2000-228734 A

  However, even with portable devices such as electronic cameras and mobile phones that operate only with batteries, as the degree of integration increases and the CPU speed increases, the increase in power consumption and heat generation is becoming a problem as with personal computers. It was large to mount, large in power consumption, and difficult to use.

  Some of the water / liquid cooling methods have been used on personal computers, but the purpose of use is to increase the processing capacity by operating the CPU as fast as possible, or to eliminate fan noise at best. The maximum operating temperature (about 60 ° C.) should be kept below about room temperature.

  In water cooling, water and glycol antifreeze are circulated around the CPU board with copper pipes and pumps, so water leakage and short circuit may cause failure, but piping durability and water leakage countermeasures are difficult. It becomes cost. In order to increase the cooling efficiency, it is necessary to dissipate and recirculate the coolant that has absorbed the heat generated by the CPU. However, since the case of a personal computer is large, the heat dissipation part that becomes hot can be replaced with a desktop body or display panel. Although it can be provided in places such as the back where it is difficult for human hands to touch, there has been a problem that portable devices have a limited number of places for providing a heat dissipation portion.

  Also, in summer, air cooling does not lower the temperature, and when it is cooled by several tens of degrees, the humidity is saturated, moisture in the air is condensed on the CCD imaging surface and lens, and the electronic circuit is exposed to moisture. There were problems such as failure and the possibility of mold on the lens.

  Further, in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, countermeasures against condensation are taken, but in the conventional cooling CCD camera such as the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a cooling unit such as a Peltier element, air cooling, or water cooling is used. Because of the large driving voltage and power consumption, the equipment becomes large and requires an AC power source and the like, so it is not suitable for a portable camera.

  In addition, the structure of the conventional cooling CCD camera has a large structure of the cooling part and the heat radiation part. Especially in the case of water cooling or liquid nitrogen cooling, the pump and the nitrogen cylinder are handled except for being installed in a telescope. There was a problem that it was not easy to use.

  Furthermore, since a special camera for astronomical photography and research is a small number of orders, the cooled CCD module is expensive at about 300,000 to 2,000,000 yen, which is difficult to use with a general small camera.

  The subject of this invention is cooling the imaging means of a portable image photographing device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A portable image capturing system comprising a portable image capturing device and a cooling device that can be attached to and detached from the back surface of the portable image capturing device,
The portable image pickup device includes an image pickup lens provided on a front surface, an image pickup device that picks up an image of a subject through the image pickup lens, a first cooling unit that electronically cools the image pickup device using a Peltier effect, and the first A first heat conductor that is attached in contact with the cooling means and exposed on the outside of the back surface, and is imaged by the image sensor provided on the back surface and on the side of the first heat conductor. Display means for displaying an image of the subject,
The cooling device includes a second thermal conductor that comes into contact with the surface of the first thermal conductor when mounted on the back surface of the portable image pickup device, the second thermal conductor, and the first thermal conductor. A first cooling means and a second cooling means for cooling the imaging device via a heat conductor, and a battery or a power generation means for supplying power to the first and second cooling means, The cooling device is formed in a shape that does not cover the display means when the cooling device is mounted on the back surface of the portable image capturing device.

Further, the portable image pickup device may be configured such that a cover member that covers the first heat conductor exposed to the outside can be attached when the cooling device is removed .

Further, for example, the liquid cooling means is
A coolant tank for storing the coolant;
A cooling section for cooling by circulating a cooling liquid;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates heat from the cooled coolant;
A pump that sends out the cooling liquid from the cooling liquid tank and circulates the cooling liquid to the cooling unit and the heat radiating unit may be provided.

Also, for example, the refrigerant compression cooling means is
An expansion valve for expanding the liquefied refrigerant;
A cooling unit for cooling by vaporization of the expanded refrigerant;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates and liquefies the cooled refrigerant;
And a compressor that compresses the liquefied refrigerant and sends it to the expansion valve.

Further, for example, the refrigerant heating / cooling means includes:
A heating section for heating and evaporating the refrigerant solution;
A separation unit for separating the vaporized refrigerant solution into a refrigerant and a solvent;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates and liquefies the separated refrigerant;
A cooling section for cooling by vaporization of the liquefied refrigerant;
An absorption part that dissolves the vaporized refrigerant in the separated solvent to generate a refrigerant solution may be provided.

Also, for example, the cooling gas jet cooling means is
A cooling gas container for storing the cooling gas; and
An injection unit for injecting the cooling gas;
A cooling unit that cools with the injected cooling gas may be provided.

Further, for example, the coolant cooling means is
You may comprise as a cooling part which accommodates and cools a coolant.

  Further, for example, the cooling device may be configured to include a communication unit through communication between the portable image capturing device and an external device.

Further, for example, the portable image capturing device includes an attaching unit for attaching the imaging unit,
The cooling means can cool only the attachment means,
The portable image capturing device may be configured to include a control unit that causes the cooling unit to cool only the attachment unit before the imaging unit is cooled.

Also, for example, the portable image capturing device is
At least one of a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the imaging means and a humidity sensor for detecting the ambient humidity of the imaging means;
Control means for controlling cooling of the cooling means based on at least one of the detected temperature and humidity, and a target cooling time and priority of dehumidification may be provided.

Further, for example, the portable image capturing device includes an attaching unit for attaching the imaging unit,
The first cooling means can cool only the attachment means,
The portable image capturing apparatus may include a control unit that causes the first cooling unit to cool only the mounting unit before the imaging unit is cooled.

Also, for example, the portable image capturing device is
At least one of a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the imaging means and a humidity sensor for detecting the ambient humidity of the imaging means;
Control means for controlling cooling of the first and second cooling means based on at least one of the detected temperature and humidity, and a target cooling time and priority of dehumidification. Also good.

For example, a compressor that compresses air;
You may comprise as a said injection part which injects the said compressed air to the said imaging means.

Also, for example, the portable image capturing device is
You may comprise as a cooling chamber which accommodates the said imaging means.

  Further, for example, the cooling chamber may be configured to be filled with a filler instead of air.

  Further, for example, a vacuum pump that depressurizes the air in the cooling chamber may be provided.

  For example, you may comprise as a heat insulating material provided in at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the said cooling chamber.

  Further, for example, a hygroscopic material provided in the cooling chamber may be provided.

  For example, you may comprise as a heating part which heats the said hygroscopic material.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the band image capturing device can be reduced in size and weight, and the image noise of the portable image capturing device can be reduced at low cost by reducing the image noise. In addition, during normal shooting without using a cooling device, shooting can be performed using only the power of the built-in battery of the portable image shooting device, and the cooling device includes a battery or a power generation unit that supplies power to the first and second cooling units. Therefore, in the case of cooling photography, power can be supplied from the cooling device to the cooling means that requires a large amount of power, and it can be used for high-sensitivity photography by the imaging means to be cooled. Further, since the cooling device is mounted on the back surface of the portable image capturing device without covering the display means, even when the cooling device is mounted, the cooling device is displayed in the same state as normal. Shooting while checking the content is possible.

  Hereinafter, first to third embodiments and modifications thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the apparatus structure of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1A shows a front external configuration of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B shows a rear external configuration. FIG. 2 shows an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 and the cooling power supply unit 40. FIG. 4A shows a rear external configuration showing a state before the cooling power supply unit 40 of the digital camera 1 is attached, and FIG. 4B shows a rear external configuration showing a state after the cooling power supply unit 40 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera 1 as a portable image capturing apparatus of the present embodiment has a photographing lens 2, an optical finder window 4, a strobe light emitting unit 5, and a front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate body. A photometric / ranging sensor 14 and a heat radiating unit 15 are arranged, and a power key 6 and a shutter key 7 are arranged on the upper surface. Further, a memory card slot 38a and a battery unit cover 12b are arranged on the side surface, and a battery 12a as a built-in battery or a rechargeable battery is arranged inside the battery unit cover 12b.

  The photographic lens 2 is, for example, a single focus lens and a fixed focus in order to be mounted on a thin body, and does not perform a zoom operation or a focus operation, but is not limited thereto. The power key 6 is a key for turning on / off the power each time a pressing operation is performed. The shutter key 7 functions as a key for instructing release in the shooting mode, and for instructing setting / execution in menu selection or the like.

  The heat radiating unit 15 performs heat radiating when cooling a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) 23 described later. A memory card as a recording medium is detachably attached to the memory card slot 38a. Assume that a flash memory 38, which will be described later, is enclosed in the memory card.

  In addition, a mode switch (SW) 8, a selection key 9, a cross key 10, an optical viewfinder 11, a display unit 13, and a cooling heat radiating unit 15a are arranged on the back of the digital camera 1.

  The mode switch 8 is constituted by a slide switch, for example, and switches between a photographing mode, a reproduction mode, and a setting mode. The shooting mode is further divided into a normal shooting mode and a cooling shooting mode in which cooling is performed. The cooling shooting mode is further equipped with a quick cooling mode in which images can be taken immediately after cooling, a dehumidification & cooling mode in which images are taken with dehumidification and cooling, and dehumidification priority post-cooling in which dehumidification is prioritized and then taken after dehumidification. Divided into modes.

  The selection key 9 is a key operated at the time of various selections. The display unit 13 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight, and performs monitor display as an electronic viewfinder in the photographing mode, while reproducing and displaying the selected image in the reproduction mode. The cooling and radiating unit 15 a cools and radiates heat on the back surface of the CCD 23.

  The photometry / ranging sensor 14 measures the amount of light as a shooting environment of the digital camera 1 or applies the emitted light to a subject to receive light and measures the distance to the subject. In addition, the digital camera 1 has a connection terminal 19 a on the lower surface of the digital camera 1 for connection to a cooling power supply unit 40 described later.

  Next, an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the monitoring state in the photographing mode, as an imaging unit that is an imaging element disposed behind the photographing optical axis of the lens optical system 22 including the photographing lens 2 whose aperture position is moved by driving the motor (M) 21. The CCD 23 is scan-driven by a timing generator (TG) 24 and a vertical driver 25, and outputs one screen of photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at regular intervals.

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, then sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 26, and digital data by an A / D converter 27 The color process circuit 28 performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing to generate a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb, Cr, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 29. Is output.

  The DMA controller 29 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 28 by using the composite synchronization signal, memory write enable signal, and clock signal from the color process circuit 28 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 31 used as a buffer memory via the DRAM interface (I / F) 30.

  The camera control unit 32 is composed of a CPU, a ROM that fixedly stores an operation program executed by the CPU including a color enhancement process described later, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. It controls the operation. After the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 31 is completed, the luminance and color difference signals are read from the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30 and written to the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33.

  The digital video encoder 35 periodically reads out the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 13. As described above, the display unit 13 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 35, the display unit 13 captures from the VRAM controller 33 at that time. An image based on the image information is displayed in real time.

  When the shutter key 7 constituting the key input unit 36 is operated at a timing when it is desired to take a still image while the image at that time is displayed in real time as a monitor image on the display unit 13 as described above, a trigger signal is generated. appear. In response to this trigger signal, the camera control unit 32 immediately stops the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 immediately after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen captured from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 is completed. , Transition to the record storage state.

  In this recording and storage state, the camera control unit 32 outputs the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30 for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels. A pixel unit called a basic block is read out and written into a JPEG (Joint Photograph coding Experts Group) circuit 37. The JPEG circuit 37 uses ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform) and Huffman, which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as encoding.

  The obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 37 as a data file of one image, and is written in the flash memory 38 enclosed in the memory card to be mounted. Further, the flash memory 38 may be separately incorporated in the digital camera 1.

  The camera control unit 32 activates the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 again when the luminance and color difference signals for one frame are compressed and all the compressed data is written to the flash memory 38. The key input unit 36 includes the power key 6, the shutter key 7, the mode switch 8, the selection key 9, and the cross key 10 described above, and signals associated with these key operations are sent directly to the camera control unit 32. .

  In the reproduction mode, the camera control unit 32 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the flash memory 38, and the image data compressed by the JPEG circuit 37 in the opposite procedure to the data compression in the image shooting mode is obtained. The decompressed image data is expanded and stored in the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33, and is read out periodically from the VRAM 34, and a video signal is generated based on the image data. Play and output.

  Here, the shutter key 7 of the key input unit 36 operates with a two-stage stroke, and the AE (automatic exposure) process is started in a first-stage operation state generally expressed as “half-press”. It is assumed that shooting is performed and shooting is performed in the second stage operation state in which the press operation is more strongly expressed, which is generally expressed as “full press”.

  The sensor input unit 39 also passes signals input from temperature sensors 16a and 16b, a humidity sensor 16c, and a photometry / ranging sensor 14 described later in the cooling chamber 20 described later. The cooling control unit 32a controls cooling of the cooling chamber 20 described later (controls the cooling unit 17). Moreover, the communication part 39a transmits / receives information with external apparatuses, such as the cooling power supply unit 40 mentioned later, via the connection terminal 19a.

  Next, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 and the cooling power supply unit 40 as a power supply device will be described with reference to FIG. In the digital camera 1, a cooling unit 17 as an electronic cooling unit including a Peltier cooling module having a Peltier element for cooling the CCD 23, and a cooling chamber 20 are provided. The Peltier element uses the Peltier effect in which N-type and P-type semiconductors are joined via an electrode such as copper, and heat is absorbed from one electrode direction and heat is generated from the other electrode direction depending on the direction of the direct current flowing through the electrode. It is an element to do. The Peltier cooling module has a plurality of sets of N-type and P-type semiconductors, and absorbs heat from one electrode surface (heat absorption surface) and generates heat from the other electrode surface (heat generation surface).

  In addition, the CCD 23 is housed in the cooling chamber 20, and a heat conductor 18 as a heat pipe made of metal such as Al, Cu is provided on the back surface of the CCD 23 or on the back surface of the circuit board 18 a covered with a waterproof sheet. The heat absorption surface of the Peltier element of the part 17 is arranged and cooled. A heat radiating portion 15 as a heat sink made of Al, Cu or the like is provided on the heat generating surface on the back surface of the cooling portion 17 to radiate heat to the outside air.

  Further, a heat insulating material 18b is provided around the side surfaces of the heat conductor 18 and the cooling unit 17, and a circuit board 18a to which the CCD 23 is attached via a resin or ceramic package or a CCD mounting frame 23a as an outer frame, and a heat conductor 18 and the heat insulating material 18b surrounding the cooling portion 17 are sandwiched between the cooling chamber casing 20a made of Al, stainless steel or the like and the heat radiating portion 15 from both sides, and the waterproof packing 18c is sandwiched and tightened with bolts and nuts 18d. The structure is fixed, and the cooling side and heat dissipation side are insulated as much as possible to increase the cooling efficiency. The cooling chamber housing 20a is provided with a heat insulating material 20b and a glass 20c through which a light beam incident through the lens optical system 22 is transmitted.

  Further, the heat conductor 18 is divided into a portion corresponding to the CCD 23 and a portion corresponding to the CCD mounting frame 23a, and the cooling unit 17 can cool the CCD 23 and the CCD mounting frame 23a separately. Shall.

  The surface of the metal on both sides in contact with the Peltier element of the cooling unit 17 should be polished as flat as possible, and the surface in contact with the Peltier element should be coated with a thermally conductive electrical insulating material such as silicon grease. When in close contact, the thermal conductivity increases. Further, in order to prevent dew condensation of the Peltier element itself and the penetration of condensed water into the inside of the Peltier element, it is desirable that the side end surface of the Peltier element is filled with a waterproofing agent such as silicon rubber.

  A temperature sensor 16a such as a thermistor is provided on the back surface of the CCD 23. In the cooling chamber 20, an automatic shutter 20d, a temperature sensor 16b for detecting temperature and humidity in the cooling chamber, and a humidity sensor 16c are provided.

  Further, circuits such as the sensor input unit 39, the camera control unit 32, the battery 12a, and the cooling control unit 32a are insulated from the cooling chamber 20 by the heat insulating material 19. For this reason, the cooling unit 17 efficiently cools only the cooling chamber 20. In addition, cooling, heat dissipation methods, countermeasures for condensation, etc. may be limited to the cooling chamber 20. The digital camera 1 also includes a connection terminal 19a for supplying power to the cooling unit 17, charging the battery 12Aa, and connecting an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer).

  The cooling power supply unit 40 includes a large capacity battery 40a for cooling driving and a connection terminal 40b. As shown in FIG. 4, the digital camera 1 connects the cooling power supply unit 40 via connection terminals 40b and 19a as communication means and supplies power to the cooling unit 17 or the like with high power consumption in the cooling shooting mode. .

  Although the cooling unit 17, the cooling chamber 20, and the heat radiation unit 15 are built in the digital camera 1, the large power source required for cooling such as Peltier element driving is supplied from the cooling power supply unit 40. One body can be made small. In addition, the cooling unit 17 can be controlled while monitoring the measurement values from the temperature sensors 16 a and 16 b and the humidity sensor 16 c provided around the CCD 23 by the camera control unit 32.

  The cooling power supply unit 40 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) connector 40c, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 40d, an AC adapter 41 or a charger connector 40e for connecting external devices. , And a cable for each device is connected to each connector, and communication or charging to the digital camera 1 is possible via the connection terminals 40B and 19a.

  Next, the temperature characteristics of the dark current of the CCD, the drive circuit of the Peltier element, and the cooling characteristics will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the characteristics of dark current noise with respect to the cooling temperature of the CCD. FIG. 6 shows a drive circuit example of the cooling unit 17. FIG. 7A shows the endothermic characteristics with respect to the temperature difference between the endothermic surface of the Peltier element and the surroundings, and FIG. 7B shows the endothermic characteristics with respect to the temperature difference between the endothermic surface and the heat generating surface of the Peltier element.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the characteristic of dark current noise (dark current per pixel per second) with respect to the cooling temperature of the CCD is about 0 degree to about -80 degrees. It can be seen that the dark current drops by about 1/10, by an order of magnitude. Therefore, it can be seen that the imaging sensitivity and S / N ratio of the CCD can be increased to about 10 times if the temperature can be cooled by 20 degrees, and to about 100 times if the temperature is lowered by 40 degrees. Thus, dark current noise can be reduced by cooling the CCD.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, as an example of the driving circuit of the cooling unit 17, the driving power of the Peltier element of the cooling unit 17 is set to 5 to 12V DC power, and the electromagnetic relay switch is turned on / off from the digital camera 1 circuit. A description will be given of a configuration in which the power sources of the digital camera 1 side and the cooling side are separated by controlling. The driving circuit of the cooling unit 17 includes a resistor 171, a variable resistor 172, the thermistors 173 and 174, a differential amplifier 175, a capacitor 176, an LED 177, a transistor 178, and a relay SW 179. The thermistors 173 and 174 are examples of the temperature sensors 16a and 16b.

  Thermistors 173 and 174 are provided on the back surface of the CCD 23 and the cooling chamber 20, and the temperature difference is compared by the differential amplifier 175. If there is a temperature difference, the LED 177 is turned on, and the transistor 178 and the relay SW 179 are turned on to turn on the cooling unit. A current is passed through 17. When the temperature difference disappears (assuming that the cooling capacity is saturated), the LED 177 is turned off and the power of the Peltier element of the cooling unit 17 is automatically turned off. From the camera control unit 32, the detection temperature for turning on / off the power to the Peltier element, the drive voltage and current are arbitrarily set and controlled, or in combination with the humidity sensor 16c, the measured humidity is 80 to 90% RH and the dew point When approaching, the Peltier element may be turned off, and the cooling may be temporarily interrupted, and the cooling may be resumed when the humidity decreases.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, as the drive current flowing through the cooling unit 17 is increased from 1A to 2A and 3A, the maximum value (cooling capacity) of the endothermic amount is increased and the temperature difference (endothermic) can be cooled. (Surface temperature-heating surface temperature) can be increased. When the drive current is reduced, the cooling capacity is also limited. In this example of Peltier element, 1A has a limit of about 27 degrees below the heat generating surface. In practice, even if driving with the same driving current, if the heat dissipation capacity of the heat generating surface is small, cooling cannot be performed as specified. For example, in the characteristics of the Peltier element shown in FIG. 7A, the heat absorption amount is 5 to 10 W and the cooling temperature difference (heat absorption surface temperature− In order to lower the cooling temperature, it is important to increase the heat dissipating capacity and reduce the temperature of the heat generating surface.

  Next, the cooling control process of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the cooling control process. FIG. 9 shows a state transition example with respect to temperature and water vapor pressure.

  It is assumed that the cooling power supply unit 40 is connected to the digital camera 1 in advance. Then, triggered by the selection input of various modes via the mode switch 8 by the user, the camera control unit 32 reads the cooling control program read from the built-in ROM and developed in the built-in RAM, and the built-in CPU. By the cooperation, the cooling control process is executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the mode selected and input is a shooting mode (step S11). In the shooting mode (step S11; YES), shooting conditions such as exposure conditions are set by an operation input by the user via the key input unit 36 (step S12). Then, the cooling target temperature, the target photographing sensitivity, and the like are set by an operation input through the key input unit 36 by the user (step S13). Then, based on an operation input by the user via the key input unit 36, the photometry / ranging sensor 14 measures the light amount and the distance to the subject, and sets the white balance (step S14).

  The temperature sensor 16b and the humidity sensor 16c detect the temperature (t [° C.]) and the humidity (RH [%]) in the cooling chamber 20 and display them on the display unit 13 (step S15). Then, it is determined whether or not the mode selected and input is the cooling shooting mode (step S16). When it is in the cooling photographing mode (step S16; YES), it is determined whether or not the detected temperature t> the target temperature tc (step S17). If the detected temperature t> the target temperature tc (step S17; YES), it is determined whether or not the mode selected and input is the quick cooling mode (step S18).

  If it is the quick cooling mode (step S18; YES), it is determined whether or not the detected humidity RH <80% (step S19). When the detected humidity RH <80% (step S19; YES), the cooling control unit 32a causes the cooling unit 17 to cool the CCD 23 so that the cooling is performed (step S20). Then, the temperature t and humidity RH in the cooling chamber 20 are detected by the temperature sensor 16b and the humidity sensor 16c (step S21).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the current detected temperature t ≦ the target temperature tc (step S22). When the detected temperature t ≦ the target temperature tc (step S22; YES), the cooling control unit 32a stops energizing the cooling unit 17 and stops the cooling operation (step S23). If the detected temperature t> the target temperature tc (step S22; NO), it is determined whether or not the detected humidity RH ≧ 90% (step S24). If the detected humidity RH ≧ 90% (step S24; YES), the process proceeds to step S23. When the detected humidity RH <90% (step S24; NO), the process proceeds to step S20.

  Then, zoom processing, AF (autofocus) processing, through image display processing, and shooting preparation processing by half-pressing the shutter key 7 are executed by an operation input via the key input unit 36 by the user (step S25). When it is not in the cooling photography mode (step S16; NO), or when the detected temperature t ≦ the target temperature tc (step S17; NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a shooting operation has been performed by fully pressing the shutter key 7 (step S26). When a photographing operation is performed (step S26; YES), the photographing process as described in FIG. 2 is performed (step S27). The photographed image data encoded by the JPEG circuit 37 is stored in the flash memory 38 together with photographing condition information such as the detected temperature and humidity at the time of photographing (step S28). Then, other processes such as a key input process via the key input unit 36 and a display process on the display unit 13 are executed (step S29), and a cooling control process is executed.

  If it is not the quick cooling mode (step S18; NO), it is determined whether or not the mode selected and input is the dehumidification & cooling mode (step S30). When the dehumidifying & cooling mode is selected (step S30; YES), the temperature t and humidity RH in the current cooling chamber 20 are detected by the temperature sensor 16b and the humidity sensor 16c (step S31). Then, it is determined whether or not the detected humidity RH <60% (step S32). If the detected humidity RH ≧ 80% (step S19; NO), the process proceeds to step S32.

  When the detected humidity RH ≧ 60% (step S32; NO), the dehumidifying process is executed (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S31. Specifically, in the dehumidification process, only the CCD mounting frame 23a is precooled by the cooling unit 17, and the CCD mounting frame 23a is first condensed to lower the humidity.

  If the detected humidity RH <60% (step S32; YES), steps S34 to S37 are executed. Steps S34 to S37 are the same as steps S20 to S24. If the detected humidity RH ≧ 90% (step S37; YES), the process proceeds to step S31.

  When the dehumidification & cooling mode is not set (step S30; NO), the dehumidification priority post-cooling mode is set, and the temperature t and humidity RH in the current cooling chamber 20 are detected by the temperature sensor 16b and the humidity sensor 16c (step S38). . Then, the target humidity RHc of the dehumidification target is calculated (step S39). The target humidity RHc is the target humidity at the current temperature corresponding to the saturated water vapor pressure at the target cooling temperature.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the detected humidity RH ≦ the target humidity RHc (step S40). If the detected humidity RH> the target humidity RHc (step S40; NO), the dehumidifying process is executed (step S41), and the process proceeds to step S38. If the detected humidity RH ≦ the target humidity RHc (step S40; YES), steps S42 to S44 are executed. Steps S42 to S44 are the same as steps S20 to S23. When it is detected temperature t> target temperature tc (Step S44; NO), it shifts to Step S42.

  In the post-dehumidification priority cooling mode, the target humidity RHc is calculated in step S39. However, the dehumidification target water vapor pressure may be calculated. The dehumidification target water vapor is a saturated water vapor pressure at the target cooling temperature. In this case, in step S40, it is determined whether or not the current water vapor pressure is equal to or lower than the dehumidification target water vapor pressure.

  FIG. 9 shows a transition example of the state with respect to the temperature and the water vapor pressure for each of the quick cooling mode, the dehumidifying & cooling mode, and the cooling mode after the dehumidifying priority. The initial state is point A. In the quick cooling mode, a transition is made from A to B due to cooling, and the cooling time can be shortened at point B to take a picture. In the dehumidification & cooling mode, the transition is made from A to B by cooling, the dehumidification and cooling are alternately repeated, the transition is made to the C point, and the image is taken at the C point. In the cooling mode after the dehumidification priority, the transition is made from A to D by dehumidification, and then the transition is made to the point C, and photographing is performed with priority given to the dehumidification before cooling.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 includes the CCD 23 and the cooling unit 17, and the external cooling power supply unit 40 includes the large-capacity battery 40 a for cooling. Since the power is supplied to the cooling unit 17 from the battery 40a, the digital camera 1 can be reduced in size and weight, and the CCD 23 of the portable digital camera 1 can be cooled at a low cost. In addition, during non-cooling normal shooting, the digital camera 1 can be used for shooting with the power of only the built-in battery 12a, and in the case of cooling shooting, power is supplied from the cooling power supply unit 40 to the cooling unit 17 that requires high power. It can also be used for high-sensitivity imaging with the cooled CCD 23.

  In addition, the CCD 23 can be cooled together with appropriate dehumidification based on the detection temperature and humidity detected by the temperature sensors 16a, 16b and the humidity sensor 16c, and the quick cooling mode, dehumidification & cooling mode, and cooling mode after priority dehumidification. it can.

  In addition, the dehumidification structure using the temperature sensors 16a and 16b and the humidity sensor 16c is not limited to the dehumidification structure demonstrated using FIG.8 and FIG.9. For example, when the temperature detected on the back surface of the CCD 23 by the temperature sensor 16a falls to any one of the following conditions (1) to (3) before cooling to the desired cooling temperature during cooling of the CCD 23, the camera The control unit 32 may perform the following control (4) or (5).

(1) When the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 16c is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity set in advance, such as 80% to 90% RH, or near a dew point.
(2) When the temperature is higher than a predetermined humidity corresponding to the temperature detected in the cooling chamber 20 by the temperature sensor 16b or the saturated water vapor amount at that temperature.
(3) When the humidity becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity corresponding to the difference between the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16a and 16b, that is, the temperature difference between the cooling temperature on the back surface of the CCD 23 and the temperature in the cooling chamber 20.
(4) The cooling operation by the cooling unit 17 is temporarily stopped, and control is performed so as to enable cooling imaging at the CCD cooling temperature at that time.
(5) Control is performed so that the cooling operation of the cooling unit 17 is resumed when the humidity decreases and the conditions (1) to (3) are not satisfied after the cooling is temporarily stopped.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 10A to 10C show another cooling configuration example of the digital camera. FIGS. 11A and 11B show another cooling configuration example of the digital camera. 12A to 12C show another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera. FIGS. 13A and 13B show another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera. FIGS. 14A to 14C show another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), as another cooling configuration example of the digital camera 1, the back surface of the CCD 23 is directly cooled by the cooling unit 17a without providing the cooling chamber 20 and without passing through the heat conductor 18. It is good also as composition to do. The cooling unit 17a is configured to cool the CCD mounting frame 23a and the CCD 23 together. The cooling unit 17 a arranges a heat conductive electrical insulating material such as silicon or glass between the CCD 32, the CCD mounting frame 23 a and the heat radiating unit 15. Moreover, the cooling unit 17a distributes a waterproofing agent such as silicon or rubber on the side surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, as another cooling configuration example of the digital camera 1, the cooling chamber 20 is not provided, and the thermal conductor 18 is not passed through the CCD mounting frame 23b. It is good also as a structure which cools the back surface of CCD23 with the cooling part 17a. The CCD mounting frame 23 b is arranged so as to cover the back surface of the CCD 23.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, as another cooling configuration example of the digital camera 1, the cooling unit 17a cools the back surface of the CCD 23 via the heat conductor 18e without providing the cooling chamber 20. It is good. The CCD mounting frame 23 b is arranged so as to cover the back surface of the CCD 23.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11A, as another cooling configuration example of the digital camera 1, the back surface of the CCD 23 is placed on the back surface of the CCD 23 with the cooling unit 17b and the cooling unit 17c which are stacked without providing the cooling chamber 20. It is good also as a structure cooled via 18e. The heat generating surface of the cooling unit 17b is cooled by the cooling surface of the cooling unit 17c. The number of cooling units to be stacked may be two or more.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, as another cooling configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20A is provided by a cooling chamber housing 20a1, and the CCD 23, the camera control unit 32 shown in FIG. The electronic circuit unit 32b such as a component may be housed in the cooling chamber 20A and cooled by the cooling unit 17d via the heat conductor 18f. By cooling the CCD 23 together with the electronic circuit portion 32b, overheating of the electronic circuit portion 32b can be prevented, and performance can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18e and the CCD mounting frame 23b. It is good also as composition to do. Due to the cooling of the cooling unit 17a, the CCD mounting frame 23b is first cooled and condensed, and the CCD 23 is cooled after the humidity is lowered, so that the condensation of the CCD 23 is reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23a. It is good also as composition to do. In the first embodiment, the temperature and humidity are detected. However, in the present dehumidifying configuration, only the humidity is detected by the humidity sensor 16c, and the cooling unit 17 is cooled based on the detected humidity, whereby the CCD mounting frame 23a. As a result, only the CCD 23 is cooled and condensed, and the CCD 23 is cooled after the detected humidity is lowered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23a. In addition, the cooling chamber 20 has a confidential structure or a waterproof structure, and instead of the atmosphere or air, a high-purity nitrogen gas or inert gas, or a transparent, electrically insulating metal, semiconductor, or resin is used in the cooling chamber 20. In addition, it may be configured to be filled with a filler 42 such as an inert and non-flammable fluorine-based inert liquid or “fluorylate”. Further, a waterproof packing 20c1 is provided on the side surface of the glass 20c, and a circuit board 18Aa1 covered with a waterproof sheet is provided. In order to eliminate the moisture itself which forms dew condensation, dew condensation of the CCD 23 is completely prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23a. In addition, the small vacuum pump 43 and its motor 44 may be provided in the digital camera 1 or in an external cooling module. If the suction port of the vacuum pump 43 is connected to the cooling chamber 20 through the pipe 45 in the cooling chamber 20 and the humidity becomes close to the dew point before or during forced cooling, the inside of the cooling chamber 20 Condensation of the CCD 23 is prevented by sucking moisture together with air or drawing a vacuum to reduce moisture that forms condensation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23a. In addition, the compact compressor 47 and its motor 48 may be provided in the digital camera 1 or in an external cooling module. If the discharge port of the compressor 47 is connected to the inside of the cooling chamber 20 via the pipe 46 in the cooling chamber 20 and the humidity is close to the dew point before or during forced cooling, it is close to the surface of the CCD 23. Air is blown to prevent condensation on the CCD 23 surface. Further, instead of the compressor 47, a blower (air sprayer) may be used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a through the heat conductor 18e and the CCD mounting frame 23b. In addition, a circuit board 18h covered with a heat insulating material 18g and a heat insulating insulating sheet is provided between and around the cooling surface of the cooling unit 17a and the heat radiating unit 15, and a heat insulating material 20b is provided around the cooling chamber casing 20a. It is good also as a structure to provide. Thermal insulation between the cooling surface of the cooling unit 17a and the heat radiating unit 15 and between the cooling chamber 20 and other circuit units increases the cooling efficiency (allows cooling in a short time) and prevents condensation. prevent.

  Furthermore, it is good also as raising the heat insulation of the glass surface in which fogging occurs, such as making glass 20c into double glass or 2 sheets glass, or putting gas between double glasses. Insulating materials include synthetic resins such as urethane, urethane foam, and polystyrene, foamed materials (foam), fiber-based heat insulating materials such as glass wool, etc., and casing materials are synthetic resins such as FRP, cured urethane, polypropylene, and polyacetal. Or what laminated | stacked the synthetic resin and the said heat insulating material etc. can be utilized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23b. In addition, the cooling chamber housing is a hygroscopic cooling chamber housing 20g, a hygroscopic material 20e is provided inside the cooling chamber housing 20g, and a circuit board 18i covered with a hygroscopic and waterproof insulating sheet is provided. It is good also as a structure. Although the hygroscopic material having hygroscopicity has been described here, a water absorbing material and a desiccant may be included as the hygroscopic material. For this reason, even when moisture is saturated in the cooling chamber 20, moisture is absorbed to reduce condensation. Alternatively, the glass surface of the CCD 23 and the cooling chamber housing 20g may be provided with a coating film 20f that is coated with a hygroscopic material such as a transparent water-absorbing polymer.

Hygroscopic materials (agents), water absorbent materials (agents), and desiccants include silica (SiO ₂ ), alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), calcium oxide (CaO), adsorptive Highly porous metals, ceramics, fibers, water-absorbing polymers, etc., silica gel in bags and individual packaging, zeolite (hydrated alkali metal salt of crystalline aluminum silicate or alkaline earth metal salt), desiccite ( Clay (silica alumina gel as the main component), clay (clay), quicklime (calcium oxide), activated carbon, anhydrous calcium chloride, etc. can be used, but other hygroscopic and water-absorbing materials and the structure of FIG. A combination of the above and a water-absorbing heat insulating material may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, as another dehumidifying configuration example of the digital camera 1, a cooling chamber 20 is provided, and the back surface of the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18 and the CCD mounting frame 23b. In addition, a heating part 20i as a heating means such as an electric heater is provided in a porous material 20h such as a hygroscopic, water-absorbing, and adsorptive porous metal, ceramic, or polymer provided in the cooling chamber 20, The air in the cooling chamber 20 is intermittently warmed and the hygroscopic material is heated to control the hygroscopicity, or the adsorbed fine particles are burned or removed to regenerate the hygroscopic water absorption. You may comprise as follows. Alternatively, the cooling chamber housing 20a may be made of a porous material and heated by a heating unit.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combines at least 2 suitably among 1st Embodiment and its modification. For example, the dehumidifying process in steps S33 and S41 of the cooling control process in FIG. 8 may be configured as the evacuation process in FIG.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15A shows a front external configuration of the digital camera 1α of the present embodiment, and FIG. 15B shows a rear external configuration. FIG. 16A shows a rear external configuration showing the state of removal of the cover 51 of the digital camera 1α, FIG. 16B shows a rear external configuration showing a mounting state of the cooling module 52 of the digital camera 1α, and FIG. The rear external structure of the module 52 is shown. FIG. 17 shows the internal configuration of the digital camera 1α and the cooling module 52. FIG. 18 shows a front external configuration showing a state where the power supply unit 40α of the digital camera 1α is attached. FIG. 19 shows an electronic circuit configuration of the cooling module 52.

  The digital camera 1α according to the present embodiment has a part having the same configuration as that of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment, and different parts will be mainly described. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the digital camera 1α is the same as the digital camera 1, but does not include a cooling unit and is provided with a cover 51 for attaching a cooling module 52 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, in the case of cooling photography, the cover 51 is removed from the digital camera 1α, and a cooling module 52 as a cooling device as shown in FIG. Install.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, the cooling module 52 cools the CCD 23 and dissipates heat at the time of cooling, and a connection terminal 58 connected to the digital camera 1α (connection terminal 19b). A cooling control unit 32c; a battery 54 as a cooling power supply; and a connector 59a such as a LAN or USB as a communication means.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the digital camera 1α includes a cooling chamber 20 including a CCD 23, a CCD mounting frame 23b, a cooling chamber housing 20a, a heat insulating material 20b, glass 20c, and a circuit board 18a of the CCD 23. Is configured. In addition, a thermal conductor 18e is disposed on the CCD mounting frame 23a, a heat insulating material 18b is disposed around the heat conductive body 18e, and the circuit board 18a and the heat insulating material 18b cover the waterproof packing 18c and tighten bolts and nuts. It is fastened and fixed at 18j. Further, in the digital camera 1α, the heat conductor 18k exposed to the outside is provided on the back surface of the heat conductor 18e and the heat insulating material 18b, and the connection terminal 19b is provided on the bottom surface.

  The cooling module 52 is provided with a heat conductor 55 whose surface is in contact with the heat conductor 18k, a Peltier element cooling portion 17d, and a heat radiating portion 53a of the cooling portion 17d corresponding to the cooling heat radiating portion 53. The bolt and nut 56 are tightened and fixed. In addition, these cooling and heat dissipating members, a cooling controller 32c, a battery 54, and a connection terminal 58 connected to the connection terminal 19b of the digital camera 1α are provided by being insulated by the heat insulating material 57. The cooling control unit 32 c is obtained by moving the cooling control unit 32 a (main part thereof) of FIG. 3 into the cooling module 52.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the electronic circuit configuration of the cooling module 52 includes a large-capacity battery 54, a power supply circuit 54a, a charge control unit 54b, a cooling control unit 32c, a cooling drive circuit 32d, and a communication unit 59. Is provided. The power supply circuit 54a outputs the power from the battery 54 to the cooling control unit 32c and the cooling drive circuit 32d. The charging control unit 54b outputs the DC power input from the AC adapter 41 to the digital camera 1α via the connection terminal 58 for charging, or outputs it to the cooling control unit 32c and the cooling drive circuit 32d. The cooling control unit 32c controls the cooling of the cooling unit 17d so that the power from the battery 54 and the charging control unit 54b can be input via the cooling drive circuit 32d.

  The communication unit 59 is connected to a connector 59a such as a USB or LAN, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device via the connector. The cooling module 52 may be provided with an operation unit through an operation input such as a cooling on / off instruction by a user, a display unit for displaying cooling on / off, and the like. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can operate digital camera 1 (alpha) from the cooling module 52 side by the operation part and the display part.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the digital camera 1α includes the CCD 23, the external cooling module 52 includes the cooling unit 17d, and the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17d so that the digital camera 1α is compact. The image noise can be reduced by cooling the CCD 23 of the portable digital camera 1α at low cost. Further, since the cooling module 52 includes a large capacity battery 54 for cooling, the digital camera 1α can be further reduced in size and weight.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20A shows the internal configuration of the digital camera 1β and the cooling module 61 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 20B shows the external configuration of the diaphragm compressor.

  The digital camera 1β of the present embodiment has a part that has the same configuration as the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment, and the different part will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 20A, the digital camera 1β is the same as the digital camera 1, but in order to attach a cooling module 61 described later, heat exposed to the outside on the back surfaces of the cooling unit 17a and the heat insulating material 18b. A conductor 18k is provided. Further, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are not provided, and the dehumidification control based on the detected temperature and the detected humidity is not performed.

  In the digital camera 1β, the cooling chamber 20 is formed, but the cooling module 61 as a cooling device further cools the (second) cooling chamber 60 so as to cover the digital camera 1β. The cooling module 61 is a compressor 66 provided on a heat conductor 62 whose surface is in contact with the heat conductor 18k, a large capacity battery 63 for cooling, a switch 64a, and a pipe 65 as refrigerant compression cooling means. And a heat radiating part (liquefaction condenser) 67, an expansion valve 68, and a cooling part (evaporator) 69. The cooling module 61 is connected to the digital camera 1β via the connection terminal 19b so as to be able to supply power and communicate with the connection terminal 60a.

  The operation button 64 receives a cooling on / off instruction from the user. The switch 64 a turns on / off the power supply from the battery 63 to the compressor 66 based on the operation input of the operation button 64. A refrigerant such as chlorofluorocarbon or alternative chlorofluorocarbon is sealed in the pipe 65. For example, chlorofluorocarbon is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, liquefied when pressurized, vaporized when decompressed, and cooled by taking heat away from the heat of vaporization.

  As the compressor 66, for example, a small bimorph type compressor using a piezoelectric element is used. A piezoelectric element has the property of “stretching” or “shrinking” depending on the direction in which the voltage is applied. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric bimorph vibrator, one piezoelectric element “stretches” and the other piezoelectric element “shrinks”. As a result, the deformation direction changes from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, and the bending operation is performed. Therefore, a continuous displacement operation is repeated by applying an AC voltage. The amount of displacement (amplitude) is substantially proportional to the voltage, and the number of times of displacement (speed) is the same as the frequency.

   The bimorph type pump uses the displacement operation of the piezoelectric bimorph vibrator directly as a drive source for the pump operation, and is mounted on a synthetic resin housing such as polypropylene, polyacetal, chemical-resistant polyphenylene sulfite, and fluororesin. Therefore, a small and low-power pump can be realized, and it can be used as a small pump for circulating the cooling liquid for a CCD liquid cooling type cooling module. Of course, as the compressor 66, a fine piston structure, compression structure, motor structure, etc. are formed on a silicon substrate, etc., using a semiconductor micromachining technology, recent micromachining technology, nanotechnology materials, etc. Other types of small pumps may be used, such as manufacturing the above pump.

  For example, the compressor 66 may be configured to use a diaphragm compressor shown in FIG. The diaphragm compressor includes a compression unit 661 that compresses the refrigerant and a motor unit 662 that drives the compression unit 661. The compression unit 661 includes a refrigerant suction port 663 and a discharge port 664.

  The expansion valve 68 adjusts the amount of refrigerant passing through the pipe 65. The heat dissipating part 67 is provided so as to face the outside, and dissipates the refrigerant to liquefy it. The cooling unit 69 is provided in contact with the heat conductor 62, and cools the heat conductor 62 by evaporating the refrigerant.

  The refrigerant gas that has been compressed by the compressor 66 to a high temperature is sent to the heat radiating section 67, where the heat is radiated and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the cooling unit 69 via the expansion valve 68, and the rapidly expanded refrigerant is vaporized to take heat of vaporization, and the heat conductor 62 is cooled. The vaporized refrigerant is sent to the compressor 66, and the refrigerant circulates through the pipe 65. The cooled heat conductor 62 cools the heat generating surface of the cooling unit 17a via the heat conductor 18k, and the cooling efficiency can be further improved as compared with the configuration in which the CCD 23 cools by the single cooling unit 17a.

  For example, an ordinary cooling shooting mode in which noise reduction is required and a two-stage cooling shooting mode in which further noise reduction is required are prepared, and cooling shooting in the cooling shooting mode is performed by one digital camera 1β, and the digital camera 1β The cooling module 61 may be configured to perform cooling imaging in the two-stage cooling imaging mode.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the digital camera 1β includes the CCD 23 and the cooling unit 17a, the external cooling module 61 includes the cooling unit 69, and the CCD 23 is cooled by the cooling unit 17a so as to be portable. Since the cooling unit 17a and the CCD 23 are cooled by 69, the digital camera 1β can be reduced in size and weight, and the CCD 23 of the portable digital camera 1β can be cooled at a low cost to reduce image noise. Can be raised. In addition, since the cooling module 61 includes a large capacity battery 63 for cooling and supplies power to the cooling unit 17a and the compressor 66, the digital camera 1β can be further reduced in size and weight.

  In this embodiment, the cooling is performed in two stages of the cooling unit 17a and the cooling unit 69, but a cooling structure of three or more stages may be used.

(Modification of the second and third embodiments)
In the second embodiment, the case of electronic cooling by the cooling module 52 has been described, and in the third embodiment, the case of electronic cooling by the cooling unit 17a and the refrigerant compression cooling of the cooling module 61 has been described. However, another cooling method may be used for the external cooling module.

  Here, modified examples of the second and third embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 shows an example of a refrigerant compression cooling configuration. FIG. 22 shows a cooling configuration example of electronic cooling and refrigerant compression type. FIG. 23 shows an example of a cooling configuration of electronic cooling and air cooling. FIG. 24 shows a cooling configuration example of electronic cooling and liquid cooling. FIG. 25A shows a rear external configuration showing the state of removal of the cover 51 of the digital camera 1α, FIG. 25B shows a rear external configuration showing a state where the cooling module 100 is attached to the digital camera 1α, and FIG. The rear external appearance structure of the cooling module 100 is shown. FIG. 26 shows a cooling configuration example of the refrigerant heating type. FIG. 27 shows a cooling gas injection type cooling configuration example. FIG. 28 shows an example of a coolant type cooling configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 21, as a configuration in which the refrigerant compression type cooling configuration described in the third embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, a configuration in which a cooling module 61a is attached to the digital camera 1α may be employed. In the cooling module 61a, the compressor 66 is started by supplying power from the battery 63a, and the heat conductors 62 and 18k and the CCD mounting frame 23b are connected by circulating the refrigerant through the heat radiating part 67, the expansion valve 68, and the cooling part 69 in this order. The CCD 23 is cooled sequentially.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, as a cooling configuration of electronic cooling and refrigerant compression that is a modification of the third embodiment, a configuration in which a refrigerant compression cooling module 61b is attached to the digital camera 1β may be adopted. In the cooling module 61b, on the pipe 65, a compressor 66, a heat radiating part 67, a heat exchanger 71, an expansion valve 68, a refrigerant tank 72, a switch 68a, a cooling part 69, an accumulator 73, The refrigerant is circulated through the heat exchanger 71 and the check valve 68b in order. In the heat exchanger 71, heat exchange is performed between the liquefied refrigerant after heat radiation and the vaporized refrigerant after cooling, so that heat radiation and cooling are efficiently performed.

  The refrigerant tank 72 stores the liquefied refrigerant, and an appropriate amount of refrigerant is sent to the cooling unit 69 by the switch 68a. The accumulator 73 increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas and outputs it, and the reverse flow of the refrigerant is prevented by the check valve 68b, so that the refrigerant gas can be reliably sent to the compressor 66. As described above, the cooling efficiency may be further increased by the heat exchanger 71, the refrigerant tank 72, the accumulator 73, and the like. Further, this configuration may be applied to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 23, as an electronic cooling and air cooling type cooling configuration which is a modification of the third embodiment, an air cooling type cooling module 80 may be attached to an electronic cooling type digital camera. Good. This digital camera includes a cooling chamber 20, a CCD 23, a CCD mounting frame 23a, a heat conductor 18, a cooling unit 17 for electronic cooling, and a heat dissipation unit 15b for a heat sink.

  In the cooling module 80, as an air cooling means, a housing 81 is provided with a fan 82 located on the back surface of the heat radiating portion 15b and a motor 83 for driving the fan 82. The housing 81 is bolted via a fixture 84. And the nut 85 is fastened and fixed to the digital camera. With the rotation of the fan 82, air can be sent from the outside to enhance the heat dissipation effect of the heat dissipation portion 15b. The direction of the wind is preferably opposite to that of a general heat dissipating fan, but is preferably directed from the outside toward the internal heat dissipating plate. An air-cooling type cooling configuration may be applied to the second embodiment.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, as an electronic cooling and liquid cooling type cooling configuration which is a modified example of the third embodiment, a liquid cooling type cooling module 90 may be attached to an electronic cooling type digital camera. Good. The digital camera includes a cooling chamber 20, a CCD 23, a CCD mounting frame 23a, a heat conductor 18, a cooling unit 17 for electronic cooling, and a heat conductor 18l.

  The cooling module 90 has a bottom portion 91a made of a heat conductive metal such as Al and Cu, and a lid portion 91b provided with a water supply hole 92a and a drain hole 92b, which are fastened and fixed by bolts and nuts 93b through a waterproof packing 93a. A liquid cooling chamber 94 for storing the cooling liquid is configured. The hose 95 has a water supply hole attachment port 95a attached to the water supply hole 92a at one end, and a drainage hole attachment port 95b attached to the drainage hole 92b at the other end. On the hose 95, a heat radiating portion (radiator) 96, a coolant tank 97, and a small pump 98 such as a piezoelectric type are provided in this order from a drain hole attachment port 95b.

  The coolant absorbed from the coolant tank 97 by the pump 98 is sent to the liquid cooling chamber 94 through the water supply hole 92a, and the cooling surface cools the heat generating surface of the cooling unit 17 through the bottom 91a and the heat conductor 18l. Is done. The coolant that has become hot due to the cooling is cooled by the heat dissipating section 96 provided with meandering pipes through the drain holes 92 b, stored in the coolant tank 97, and then recirculated by the pump 98. Since there is an uneven portion similar to the heat sink also inside the metal of the bottom portion 91a of the liquid cooling chamber 94, the heat dissipation is good. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides a spiral shape or a meandering groove | channel and piping in the bottom part 91a, and makes a cooling fluid pass through it and improves heat dissipation. Further, the heat dissipation part 96 may be further provided with an air cooling fan to improve heat dissipation.

  As the cooling liquid, a liquid such as a glycol-based antifreeze liquid or a fluorine-based inert agent may be used. For example, if a fluorine-based inert liquid such as “Fluorinert” that is electrically insulating and thermally conductive and inert to metals, semiconductors, resins, etc. is used, the coolant may leak into the circuit or be submerged. Even in this case, there is no risk of short circuit, rust or failure, and there is no fire because it is nonflammable.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 25, a liquid cooling type cooling module 100 may be attached to the digital camera 1β as an electronic cooling and liquid cooling type cooling structure that is a modification of the third embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the cover 51a on the back surface of the electronic cooling digital camera 1β is removed, and the cooling module 100 is attached to the heat conductor 18k and the connection terminal 19b on the back surface of the CCD 23.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (c), the cooling module 100 includes a cooling unit 102, a pump 103, a coolant tank 104, and a heat radiating unit (radiator unit) in a waterproof pan case 101 as a liquid cooling cooling unit. 105, and further includes a cooling drive circuit 106, a battery 107, a ventilation hole 108, and a connection terminal 109. The power supply of the cooling unit 17a of the Peltier element built in the digital camera 1β and the power supply of the pump 103 and the like are supplied from the large capacity battery 107 built in the cooling module 100, and the operation of the cooling unit is via the connection terminals 109 and 19b. And can be controlled from the camera control unit 32.

  Although the heat radiating portion 105 is provided in the waterproof pan case 101, the heat radiating portion may be provided outside the waterproof pan case 101 or on the outer surface of the cooling module 100 housing. In addition, a ventilation hole 108 and an air cooling fan are provided in the casing of the cooling module 100 for air cooling, and are installed behind them. A connection terminal 109 connected to the connection terminal 19b of the digital camera 1β main body is provided below the cooling module 100 to connect to the digital camera 1β, a cooling control signal is input from the digital camera 1β main body, and the pump 103 is driven. At the same time, the driving power can be supplied to the cooling unit 17a built in the main body of the digital camera 1β.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, a cooling module 110 may be attached to the digital camera 1α as an electronic cooling and refrigerant heating type cooling configuration that is a modification of the second embodiment. The cooling module 110 has a burner function that burns gas supplied from a heat conductor 111 made of a heat conductive metal such as Al or Cu, and a gas cylinder (or gas writer) 112 such as LP gas or butane gas, and an AC adapter 41 or a vehicle. A heating unit 113 having a heater function of heating with electric power supplied from a DC power source 41a such as a cigarette lighter via a power source unit 112a is provided.

  The cooling module 110 includes a generator 115, a rectifier (separator) 116, a condenser (condenser unit) 117, and an expansion valve 117 a on a pipe 114 that sends out refrigerant as refrigerant heating and cooling means. The cooling unit 118 and the absorber 119 are provided. Although the case where a mixed liquid of ammonia and water is used as the refrigerant liquid will be described, a mixed liquid of water and lithium bromide may be used as the refrigerant liquid. Further, it is assumed that hydrogen gas is sealed in a pipe through which ammonia or the like in the cooling unit 118 and the absorber 119 passes.

  First, ammonia + water gas is generated in the generator 115 by heating of the heating unit 113. The ammonia + water gas is separated into gaseous ammonia gas and liquid water by the rectifier 116. The separated ammonia gas is cooled by outside air by the condenser 117 and liquefied. The heat generated during this liquefaction is dissipated. The liquefied ammonia is sent to the cooling unit 118 through the expansion valve 117a. In the cooling unit 118, the liquefied ammonia is vaporized by touching the enclosed hydrogen gas, and the heat conductor 111 is cooled by removing the heat of vaporization.

  Liquid ammonia has a property of vaporizing when it comes into contact with hydrogen. That is, hydrogen gas acts as a catalyst, promotes vaporization of liquid ammonia into ammonia gas, and enhances the cooling effect. The cooled heat conductor 111 cools the CCD 23 via the heat conductor 18k and the CCD mounting frame 23b.

  The vaporized ammonia is sent to the absorber 119 together with hydrogen. On the other hand, the water separated by the rectifier 116 is sent to the absorber 119. In the absorber 119, the vaporized ammonia is dissolved in water, and the mixed solution is sent again to the generator 115, and ammonia + water is circulated. Further, in the absorber 119, hydrogen is sent to the cooling unit 118, and hydrogen is circulated.

  In this configuration, a special heat exchanger in which ammonia or water is sealed is required, but a large compressor is not required and the size can be reduced. Besides the power source, the lantern LP gas cylinder 112, the AC adapter 41, and the DC power source 41a Therefore, when a large power source cannot be obtained, such as outdoors or in-vehicle use, the energy source options are increased, which is convenient. Further, the cooling module 110 may be configured to be shared with a portable stove or portable lantern for outdoor use or camping, and the heating portion may be configured to be used also with the heating unit 113 for the cooling module 110.

  Moreover, although the example in which hydrogen gas is enclosed in the pipe | tube in the cooling unit 118 and the absorber 119 was demonstrated, it is not limited to this, Hydrogen gas is enclosed in the pipe | tube in the cooling unit 118 and the absorber 119 at least. It is good also as a structure made. For example, the cooling module 110 may be configured such that hydrogen is sealed in the entire pipe through which ammonia or the like circulates. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which does not use hydrogen gas.

  As shown in FIG. 27, a cooling module 120 may be attached to a digital camera similar to the digital camera 1α as an electronic cooling and cooling gas injection type cooling configuration that is a modification of the second embodiment. . The digital camera used here includes a heat conductor 18m instead of the heat conductor 18e of the digital camera 1α.

  The cooling module 120 includes a heat conductor 121 made of a heat conductive metal such as Al and Cu, a casing 122, a small and removable cooling gas gas cylinder 123, and a casing 122 as cooling gas jet cooling means. And a connection port 122a for fixing the injection port of the gas cylinder 123. The cooling module 120 includes a valve 125, a pressure reducing valve 126, an injection nozzle 127, a cooling unit 128 having a heat insulating material 128 a, and an exhaust hole 124 a on the pipe 124.

  Cooling gas includes ultra-low temperature cooling gas such as liquid oxygen (boiling point -193 ° C), liquid nitrogen (boiling point -196 ° C), mixed gas, liquid carbon dioxide gas (boiling point -78 ° C), HFC134a (boiling point- 58 ° C) or other alternative chlorofluorocarbon gas or instantaneous coolant. The cooling gas injected from the gas cylinder 123 is injected from the injection nozzle 127 via the valve 125 and the pressure reducing valve 126. The cooling unit 128 is cooled by the injected cooling gas, and the heat conductor 121 is cooled. The cooled heat conductor 121 cools the CCD 23 via the heat conductors 18k and 18m and the CCD mounting frame 23b. The cooled cooling gas is exhausted from the exhaust hole 124a.

  According to this configuration, since the cooling gas is exhausted in a disposable manner, it can be used only for a short time, but it can be cooled simply by setting the gas cylinder 123 in the cooling module 120, and a special power source is unnecessary, which is convenient for outdoor use. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 28, a cooling module 130 may be attached to the digital camera used in FIG. 27 as an electronic cooling and coolant cooling structure that is a modification of the second embodiment.

  The cooling module 130 includes, as a coolant cooling means, a bottom portion 131a made of a heat conductive metal such as Al or Cu, a lid portion 131b having a control valve 132, and a heat insulating material 133 around the bottom portion 131a. The lid portion 131b is fastened and fixed by a lock 134 to form a cooling chamber 135 that stores the coolant. Further, the bottom 131a and the digital camera are fastened and fixed by a fixture 134a having a bolt and a nut.

  As the coolant, for example, a CMC (carboxycellulose) synthetic product, a superabsorbent polymer or the like, which is frozen in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 140 and used in a cooler box, etc., sodium polyacrylate, ethylene glycol, etc. A cooling pack 136 using a gelling coolant, a methanol-based liquid coolant, or the like may be used. Also, as a coolant, instant coolant such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, etc., which cools rapidly when mixing water or hitting the bag to break the water bag inside and mixing, or cold insulation agent A cooling pack 137 such as a cooling sheet may be used. Furthermore, a cooling pack 138 such as bagged or pellet-shaped dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) (−78 ° C.) may be used as the coolant.

  The temperature of the above-mentioned coolant is at most + 5 ° C to -10 ° C except for dry ice, but it is easy to take a picture with low cooling of about 0 ° C to ice temperature, or secondary cooling of the cooling part for electronic cooling. It is also effective for pre-cooling. In particular, an instantaneous coolant that can be used simply by breaking a bag without freezing in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 140 is convenient because it can be carried outside. In this example, it is convenient because a coolant that has been frozen or at a low temperature can be used without any special power supply simply by being set in the cooling module.

  According to the modifications of the second and third embodiments, the cooling unit of the cooling module is not limited to the electronic cooling unit, and various cooling methods and specifications can be used. As described above, various cooling systems and specifications of cooling modules can be selected and attached to the digital cameras 1α and 1β, and the power source such as a power source can be adapted to the cooling method. is there.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, it is possible to install a cooling power supply unit or a cooling module at a low cost even with a general small thin digital camera instead of a special camera for an astronomical telescope. By simply attaching it, you can easily realize a camera with ultra-high sensitivity, a camera that can be exposed for a long time, a camera that can capture beautiful images even at high-speed shooting with a short exposure, and a camera that can capture images at night or in the sunlight.

  In addition, the detailed part demonstrated by said each embodiment and its modification is not limited to the said content, It can change suitably.

  For example, you may comprise combining suitably at least 2 structure of said each embodiment and its modification. For example, the dehumidifying configuration described in the first embodiment and its modifications may be applied to the second and third embodiments and its modifications.

  In the second and third embodiments and the modifications thereof, the power supply for driving the cooling unit, the cooling unit of the CCD 23, the cooling unit of the cooling module, the back surface of the CCD 23 of the digital camera, and the connection terminal However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CCD 23 itself may be built in the cooling module, and the entire CCD 23 may be replaced so that the CCD imaging signal is transmitted to the digital camera 1 through the connection terminal. In addition, although the number of CCDs increases and becomes slightly expensive, there is no influence of condensation on the CCD as an element exclusively for cooling photography (receives light from the back side of the CCD semiconductor substrate and images in the infrared or ultraviolet region). ) Type CCD, or a cooling unit with an improved cooling and heat dissipation efficiency by integrating the structure of the CCD and the cooling unit.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, the digital camera 1, 1α, 1β is used as the portable image capturing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The portable image photographing device may be a portable device such as a cellular phone with a photographing function, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, in the case of a cooling method that requires a power supply, the cooling power supply unit and the cooling module are provided with a battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the battery is replaced. In addition, a configuration may be provided in which a power generation means such as a manual type is provided.

  Further, as the liquid cooling means, the configuration shown in FIG. 25 which is a modified example of the third embodiment has been described, but is not limited to this. For example, the semiconductor chip of the image pickup device such as the CCD 23, its base, and the package itself are provided with finely processed channels, pipes, grooves, irregularities and the like through which the cooling liquid circulates and the liquid crystal is directly connected to the image pickup device such as the CCD 23. It is good also as a liquid cooling means cooled by.

(A) is a figure showing the front appearance composition of digital camera 1 of a 1st embodiment concerning the present invention. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a rear external configuration of the digital camera 1. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic circuit configuration of a digital camera 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a digital camera 1 and a cooling power supply unit 40. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state before the cooling power supply unit 40 attachment of the digital camera 1. FIG. (B) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state after cooling power supply unit 40 attachment. It is a figure which shows the characteristic of the dark current noise with respect to the cooling temperature of CCD. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive circuit of a cooling unit 17. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the endothermic characteristic with respect to the temperature difference of the endothermic surface of a Peltier device, and circumference | surroundings. (B) is a figure which shows the thermal absorption characteristic with respect to the temperature difference of the thermal absorption surface of a Peltier device, and a heat generating surface. It is a flowchart which shows a cooling control process. It is a figure which shows the example of a state transition with respect to temperature and water vapor pressure. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows another cooling structural example of a digital camera. (A), (b) is a figure which shows another cooling structural example of a digital camera. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows another dehumidification structure example of a digital camera. (A), (b) is a figure which shows another dehumidification structure example of a digital camera. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows another dehumidification structure example of a digital camera. (A) is a figure which shows the front external appearance structure of the digital camera 1 (alpha) of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. (B) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure of digital camera 1 (alpha). (A) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state of the cover 51 removal of the digital camera 1 (alpha). (B) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state of the cooling module 52 attachment of the digital camera 1 (alpha). (C) is a diagram showing a rear external configuration of the cooling module 52. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the digital camera 1 (alpha) and the cooling module 52. FIG. It is a figure which shows the front external appearance structure which shows the state of power supply unit 40 (alpha) attachment of digital camera 1 (alpha). 3 is a diagram showing an electronic circuit configuration of a cooling module 52. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the internal structure of the digital camera 1 (beta) and the cooling module 61 of 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention. (B) is a diagram showing an external configuration of the compressor 66. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of a refrigerant | coolant compression type. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of an electronic cooling and a refrigerant | coolant compression type. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of an electronic cooling and an air cooling type. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of an electronic cooling and a liquid cooling type. (A) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state of the cover 51 removal of the digital camera 1 (alpha). (B) is a figure which shows the back external appearance structure which shows the state of the cooling module 100 attachment of the digital camera 1 (alpha). (C) is a diagram showing a rear external configuration of the cooling module 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of a refrigerant | coolant heating type. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of a cooling gas injection type. It is a figure which shows the cooling structural example of a coolant type.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1α, 1β Digital camera 2 Shooting lens 4 Optical finder window 5 Strobe light emitting unit 6 Power key 7 Shutter key 8 Mode switch 9 Selection key 10 Cross key 11 Optical finder 12a Built-in battery 12a Battery 12b Battery unit cover 13 Display unit 14 Measurement Distance sensor 15, 15b Heat radiation part 15a Cooling heat radiation part 16a, 16b Temperature sensor 16c Humidity sensor 17, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Cooling part 171 Resistance 172 Variable resistance 173, 174 Thermistor 175 Differential amplifier 176 Capacitor 178 Transistor 179 Relay SW
18, 18e, 18f, 18k, 18l, 18m Thermal conductors 18a, 18a1, 18h, 18i Circuit boards 18b, 18g Thermal insulation 18c Waterproof packing 18d, 18j Bolts and nuts 19 Thermal insulation 19a, 19b Connection terminals 20, 20A Cooling chamber 20a, 20a1, 20g Cooling chamber housing 20b Heat insulating material 20c Glass 20c1 Waterproof packing 20d Automatic shutter 20f Coating film 20e Hygroscopic material 20h Porous material 20i Heating unit 21 Motor 22 Lens optical system 23 CCD
23a, 23b CCD mounting frame 24 Timing generator 25 Vertical driver 26 Sample hold circuit 27 A / D converter 28 Color process circuit 29 DMA controller 30 DRAM interface 31 DRAM
32 Camera control units 32a and 32c Cooling control unit 32b Electronic circuit unit 32d Cooling drive circuit 33 VRAM controller 34 VRAM
35 Digital Video Encoder 36 Key Input Unit 37 JPEG Circuit 38 Flash Memory 38a Memory Card Slot 39 Sensor Input Unit 39a Communication Unit 40 Cooling Power Supply Unit 40a Battery 40b Connection Terminal 40c, 40d, 40e Connector 40α Power Supply Unit 41 AC Adapter 42 Filling Material 43 Vacuum pump 44 Motor 45, 46 Pipe 47 Compressor 48 Motor 51 Cover 51a Cover 52 Cooling module 53 Cooling heat dissipating part 53a Heat dissipating part 54 Battery 54a Power supply circuit 54b Charging control part 55 Thermal conductor 56 Bolt and nut 57 Insulating material 58 Connection terminal 59 Communication part 59a Connector 60 Cooling chamber 60a Connection terminal 61, 61a, 61b Cooling module 62 Thermal conductor 63 Battery 63a Power supply part 64 Operation button 64a Switch 64 Compressor 65 Pipe 66 Die Diaphragm compressor 661 Compressor 662 Motor 663 Suction port 664 Discharge port 67 Heat radiating unit 68 Expansion valve 68a Switch 68b Check valve 69 Cooling unit 71 Heat exchanger 72 Refrigerant tank 73 Accumulator 80 Cooling module 81 Housing 82 Fan 83 Motor 84 Attaching tool 85 Bolt and nut 90 Cooling module 91a Bottom 91b Cover 92a Water supply hole 92b Drainage hole 93b Bolt and nut 93a Waterproof packing 94 Liquid cooling chamber 95 Hose 95a Water supply hole attachment port 95b Drainage hole attachment port 96 Heat radiation part 97 Cooling Liquid tank 98 Pump 100 Cooling module 101 Waterproof pan case 102 Cooling part 103 Pump 104 Cooling liquid tank 105 Heat radiation part 106 Cooling drive circuit 107 Battery 108 Ventilation hole 109 Connection terminal 110 Cooling module 111 Thermal conductor 112 Gas cylinder 1 2a Power supply unit 113 Heating unit 114 Pipe 115 Generator 116 Rectifier 117 Condenser 117a Expansion valve 118 Cooling unit 119 Absorber 120 Cooling module 121 Thermal conductor 122a Connection port 122 Housing 123 Gas cylinder 124 Pipe 124a Exhaust hole 125 Valve 126 Pressure reducing valve 127 Injection nozzle 128 Cooling part 128a Heat insulation material 130 Cooling module 131a Bottom part 131b Cover part 132 Control valve 133 Heat insulation material 134 Lock 134a Fixing tool 135 Cooling chamber 136 Cooling pack 137 Cooling pack 138 Cooling pack 140 Refrigerator

Claims (17)

A portable image capturing system comprising a portable image capturing device and a cooling device that can be attached to and detached from the back surface of the portable image capturing device,
The portable imaging apparatus, an imaging lens provided in front, and an imaging device for imaging a subject through the image pickup lens, a first cooling means for electronic cooling the imaging device by the Peltier effect, the this A first thermal conductor attached in contact with one cooling means and having a surface exposed to the outside of the rear surface; and provided on the rear surface and on a side of the first thermal conductor and imaged by the imaging device. Display means for displaying an image of the subject
The cooling device includes a second thermal conductor that comes into contact with the surface of the first thermal conductor when mounted on the back surface of the portable image pickup device, the second thermal conductor, and the first thermal conductor. A second cooling means for cooling the first cooling means and the imaging element via the heat conductor, and a battery or power generation means for supplying power to the first and second cooling means,
The said cooling device is formed in the shape which does not cover the said display means, when it mounts | wears with the said back surface of the said portable image imaging device . The cover image that covers the first heat conductor exposed to the outside when the cooling device is removed can be attached to the portable image pickup device. The portable image capturing system described. The second cooling means of the cooling device is :
A coolant tank for storing the coolant;
A cooling section for cooling by circulating a cooling liquid;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates heat from the cooled coolant;
A pump that sends out the coolant from the coolant tank and circulates the coolant to the cooling unit and the heat dissipation unit;
The portable image photographing system according to claim 1 , further comprising: The second cooling means of the cooling device is :
An expansion valve for expanding the liquefied refrigerant;
A cooling unit for cooling by vaporization of the expanded refrigerant;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates and liquefies the cooled refrigerant;
A compressor that compresses the liquefied refrigerant and sends it to the expansion valve;
The portable image photographing system according to claim 1 , further comprising: The second cooling means of the cooling device is :
A heating section for heating and evaporating the refrigerant solution;
A separation unit for separating the vaporized refrigerant solution into a refrigerant and a solvent;
A heat dissipating part that dissipates and liquefies the separated refrigerant;
A cooling section for cooling by vaporization of the liquefied refrigerant;
An absorber that dissolves the vaporized refrigerant in the separated solvent to produce a refrigerant solution;
The portable image photographing system according to claim 1 , further comprising: The second cooling means of the cooling device is :
A cooling gas container for storing the cooling gas; and
An injection unit for injecting the cooling gas;
A cooling unit for cooling by the injected cooling gas;
The portable image photographing system according to claim 1 , further comprising: The second cooling means of the cooling device is :
The portable image capturing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a cooling unit that houses and cools the coolant.   The portable image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device includes a communication unit that communicates between the portable image capturing device and an external device. The portable image capturing device includes an attaching means for attaching the image sensor ,
The first cooling means can cool only the attachment means,
The portable image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the portable image capturing apparatus includes a control unit that causes the first cooling unit to cool only the mounting unit before the image pickup device is cooled. The portable image capturing device includes:
At least one of the humidity sensor for detecting the ambient humidity of the temperature sensor and the imaging element for detecting the ambient temperature of the image sensor,
Wherein based on the priority of the at least one goal cooling time of the detected temperature and humidity and dehumidification, and control means for controlling cooling the first and second cooling means,
The portable image capturing system according to claim 1, 2, or 9. The first cooling means of the portable image capturing device is:
A compressor for compressing air;
An injection unit for injecting the compressed air to the image sensor ;
The portable image photographing system according to claim 1 , further comprising: The portable image capturing device includes:
Mobile imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a cooling chamber for housing the imaging means.   The portable image capturing system according to claim 12, wherein the cooling chamber is filled with a filler instead of air.   The portable image capturing system according to claim 12, further comprising a vacuum pump that decompresses air in the cooling chamber. Mobile imaging system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a heat insulating material provided on at least one of the inner and outer side of the cooling chamber. Mobile imaging system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a moisture absorbing material provided in the cooling chamber.   The portable image capturing system according to claim 16, further comprising a heating unit that heats the hygroscopic material.

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