JP7532050B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device, and in particular to an imaging device that has a built-in wireless module capable of wireless communication with an external device.

In recent years, imaging devices such as digital cameras have been proposed that incorporate wireless communication means that allow data to be transferred without being connected to other electronic devices via wires.

In these imaging devices, there are increasing opportunities to transfer large volumes of data, such as video data, and to wirelessly operate other electronic devices, so there is a demand for improved communication distances and speeds. At the same time, there is also a need to miniaturize imaging devices for portability.

Conventionally, wireless communication means have used wireless modules that integrate an antenna pattern with a signal processing unit, such as an integrated circuit that processes the signal output from the antenna pattern. However, in recent years, the use of wireless modules with separate antenna patterns and signal processing units has increased in order to increase communication speed and reduce the size of devices (Patent Document 1).

In these wireless modules, the antenna pattern and signal processing unit are generally connected with a cable such as a fine coaxial wire, but when considering assembly, separate processing of the fine coaxial wire is required. Even in conventional integrated wireless modules, it is preferable to provide a wiring processing unit from the viewpoint of assembly. Furthermore, with improvements in wireless performance, in addition to the distance between the conventional wireless module and nearby conductive materials, the distance between the wireless module and the exterior material that the user touches has become important from the viewpoint of SAR (Specific Absorption Rate).

JP 2009-225235 A

However, in the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the wireless communication unit is attached to a holding member, which is a non-conductive member, and the holding member equipped with the wireless communication unit is attached to an opening of an exterior case that has an opening in the gripping portion. This reduces variation in the distance between the wireless communication unit and the exterior member. In addition, the wireless communication unit and the antenna pattern are connected by a flex cable, but when connecting with a cable, in particular, cable wiring processing is required considering measures against pinching, excess length, and workability.

In addition, when considering wireless performance, it is desirable to firmly connect the ground of the antenna pattern to a conductive member. Furthermore, regarding the placement of the wireless communication unit, if it is placed in a place that the user touches when using the camera, such as the grip part, the wireless characteristics will be degraded by the influence of the user, so it is desirable to place the wireless communication unit in a place that the user cannot touch as much as possible.

An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that has a wireless module that can be precisely positioned on an exterior member and has good assembly workability, while performing wiring processing with a space-saving configuration, and that can ensure good wireless communication characteristics with the outside .

In order to achieve the above object, the imaging device according to claim 1 is an imaging device including a non-conductive exterior that constitutes an exterior, an imaging element disposed within the non-conductive exterior, a wireless module board that performs wireless communication with an external device, a non-conductive wireless module holding member, and a conductive wireless module fixing member, wherein an antenna pattern, a transmission section, and a wiring processing section are mounted on a first surface of the wireless module board that faces the non-conductive exterior, the antenna pattern is not mounted on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the wireless module board, and the antenna pattern, the transmission section, and the wiring processing section are arranged on the first surface in this order. the wireless module board and the wireless module fixing member are mechanically fixed to ground in an area on the first surface closer to the wiring processing section than the transmission section , the wireless module board and the wireless module fixing member are not mechanically fixed to ground in an area on the antenna pattern side than the transmission section, the wireless module board and the wireless module holding member are positioned and fixed in an area of the wireless module board closer to the antenna pattern than the transmission section , and the wireless module holding member and the wireless module fixing member are positioned on the non-conductive exterior in an integrated state.

The present invention provides an imaging device that uses a space-saving configuration, positions the wireless module and processes the wiring, and positions the wireless module accurately relative to the exterior.

1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a top cover of the imaging device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the imaging device of FIG. 1 . 2 is an external view of a wireless module applied to the imaging device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless module unit applied to a second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the front side of the imaging device, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the rear side of the imaging device.

In FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 serving as an imaging device has a display unit 28 on the rear surface. The display unit 28 is a display unit that displays images and various information. The display unit 28 is configured with a touch panel 70a, which detects touch operations on the display surface (operation surface) of the display unit 28.

The eyepiece 16 and eyepiece detection unit 57 are provided above the display unit 28. The eyepiece 16 is the eyepiece of an eyepiece finder (a peer-type finder), and the user can view the image displayed on the internal electronic viewfinder 29 (hereinafter referred to as "EVF 29") through the eyepiece 16. The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects whether the user has placed his or her eye on the eyepiece 16.

An operation unit (70) on which various buttons, keys, etc. are arranged is provided adjacent to the right side of the display unit 28 and the eyepiece unit 16. That is, a multi-directional key 74 is arranged as part of the operation unit 70 adjacent to the right side of the eyepiece unit 16. The multi-directional key 74 is an eight-way key that can be operated in eight directions: up, down, left, right, diagonally upper right, diagonally lower right, diagonally lower left, and diagonally upper left. By pressing any of the eight directions, operation corresponding to the part of the multi-directional key 74 that is pressed becomes possible.

To the right of the multi-directional key 74, an AE lock button 77 is located as part of the operation unit 70. The AE lock button 77 can be pressed in the shooting standby state to fix the exposure state.

Below the multi-directional key 74, a magnification button 78 is located as part of the operation unit 70. The magnification button 78 is an operation button for turning the magnification mode ON and OFF in the live view display in the shooting mode. After turning the magnification mode ON, the LV image can be enlarged or reduced by operating the main electronic dial 71, which will be described later. In the playback mode, the magnification button 78 functions as a magnification button for enlarging the playback image and increasing the magnification ratio.

Below the enlarge button 78, adjacent to the right side of the display unit 28, a SET button 75 is disposed as part of the operation unit 70. The SET button 75 is a push button, and is mainly used for confirming selected items, etc. Below the SET button 75, a playback button 79 is disposed as part of the operation unit 70. The playback button 79 is an operation button for switching between shooting mode and playback mode. Pressing the playback button 79 during shooting mode switches to playback mode, and the most recent image recorded on the recording medium 200, described below, can be displayed on the display unit 28.

A menu button 81 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the eyepiece 16. The menu button 81 is also part of the operation unit 70, and when the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen in which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 28.

The right end of the digital camera body is the grip section 90. The grip section 90 is a handle shaped to be easily held in the right hand when the user holds the digital camera 100. When the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip section 90 with the little finger, ring finger, and middle finger of the right hand, the shutter button 61 and main electronic dial 71, which will be described later, are located in positions that can be operated with the index finger of the right hand.

The multi-directional key 74 described above is located in a position that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand when the digital camera 100 is held by gripping the grip unit 90. The mode change switch 60 is located near the multi-directional key 74. The mode change switch 60 is an operation unit for switching between various modes. The sub electronic dial 73 is located on the outer periphery of the mode change switch 60. The sub electronic dial 73 is a rotary operation member included in the operation unit 70, and is a dial for instructing the movement of the selection frame, image forwarding, etc. The lid 202 provided on the grip unit 90 is a lid for a slot that stores the recording medium 200.

The main electronic dial 71 is disposed between the sub electronic dial 73 and the shutter button 61. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for issuing instructions to shoot. The main electronic dial 71 is also a rotating operation member included in the operation unit 70, and by turning the main electronic dial 71, settings such as the shutter speed and aperture can be changed. The movie button 76 is disposed between the sub electronic dial 73 and the main electronic dial 71. The movie button 76 is used to issue instructions to start and stop movie shooting (recording).

A terminal cover 40 is provided on the left side of the digital camera body. The terminal cover 40 is a cover that protects a connector (not shown) such as a connection cable that connects an external device to the digital camera 100. In addition, a power switch 72 is provided on the upper left side of the digital camera body. The power switch 72 is an operating member that switches the power of the digital camera 100 ON and OFF.

The top surface of the digital camera 100 is covered with a top cover 300 that constitutes the upper exterior part of the imaging device body. Details of the top cover 300 will be described later. An accessory shoe 303 is provided so as to protrude from approximately the center of the top cover 300. An outside viewfinder display unit 43 is provided adjacent to the right side of the accessory shoe 303. The outside viewfinder display unit 43 displays various settings of the camera, including the shutter speed and aperture.

A mount unit for mounting an interchangeable lens is located in the center of the front of the digital camera 100. A camera-side communication terminal 10 is located at the bottom inside the mount unit. The camera-side communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal that allows the digital camera 100 to communicate with the lens side (detachable).

In a digital camera 100 configured in this way, the user intuitively configures various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28, the multi-directional key 74, the SET button 75, etc.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the imaging device in Figure 1.

In FIG. 2, the digital camera 100 as an imaging device includes a shutter 101, an image sensor 22, and an A/D converter 23, which are arranged in sequence along the optical axis of a lens unit 150 (described later). The image sensor 22 is connected to the AE sensor 17 and the focus detection unit 11. The A/D converter 23 is connected to the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15 via an address bus or a data bus, respectively, and the memory control unit 15 is connected to the D/A converter 19 via an address bus or a data bus. The D/A converter 19 is connected to an electronic viewfinder 29 (EVF 29) and a display unit 28, respectively. The EVF 29 is connected to the eyepiece unit 16.

The digital camera 100 includes a system control unit 50. The system control unit 50 is connected to the camera side communication terminal 10, the shutter 101, the image sensor 22, and the image processing unit 24. The system control unit 50 is also connected to the shutter button 61 via the first shutter switch 62 and the second shutter switch 64, and is also connected to the mode change switch 60 and the power switch 72.

The system control unit 50 is also connected to the power supply unit 30 via the power supply control unit 80, to the viewfinder display unit 43 via the viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44, and is also connected to the operation unit 70 and the touch panel 70a. The system control unit 50 is also connected to the non-volatile memory 56, the eyepiece detection unit 57, the attitude detection unit 55, the communication unit 54, the system timer 53, and the system memory 52.

The system control unit 50 is also connected to the memory control unit 15, memory 32, and recording medium I/F 18 via an address bus or a data bus, and is also connected to the recording medium 200 via the recording medium I/F 18.

The AE sensor 17 measures the brightness of the subject through the lens unit 150. The focus detection unit 11 outputs defocus amount information to the system control unit 50. The system control unit 50 controls the lens unit 150 based on the defocus amount information to perform phase difference AF. The focus detection unit 11 may be a dedicated phase difference sensor, or may be configured as an imaging surface phase difference sensor of the image sensor 22.

The shutter 101 is a focal plane shutter that can freely control the exposure time of the image sensor 22 under the control of the system control unit 50. The image sensor 22 is an image sensor that is composed of a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The A/D converter 23 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A/D converter 23 is used to convert the analog signal output from the image sensor 22 into a digital signal.

The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on the data from the A/D converter 23 or the data from the memory control unit 15. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data. The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This allows TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing to be performed. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and performs TTL type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation results.

The output data from the A/D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and memory control unit 15, or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data obtained by the image sensor 22 and converted to digital data by the A/D converter 23, as well as image data to be displayed on the display unit 28 and EVF 29. The memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined period of moving images and audio. The memory 32 also serves as a memory for displaying images (video memory).

The D/A converter 19 converts the image display data stored in the memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28 and the EVF 29. In this way, the display image data written to the memory 32 is displayed on the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 via the D/A converter 19. The display unit 28 and the EVF 29 display an image according to the analog signal from the D/A converter 19 on a display such as an LCD or an organic EL.

The viewfinder display unit 43 displays various camera settings such as shutter speed and aperture via the viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44. The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 50.

The system control unit 50 is a control unit consisting of at least one processor or circuit, and controls the entire digital camera 100. By executing the programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 described above, each process of this embodiment, which will be described later, is realized.

The system memory 52 may be, for example, a RAM, and stores constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs read from the non-volatile memory 56, and the like. The system control unit 50 also controls the display by controlling the memory 32, the D/A converter 19, the display unit 28, and the like.

The system timer 53 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock. The mode change switch 60, the first shutter switch 62, the second shutter switch 64, and the operation unit 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. The mode change switch 60 switches the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to one of still image shooting mode, video shooting mode, playback mode, etc.

Modes included in the still image shooting mode include an auto shooting mode, an auto scene determination mode, a manual mode, an aperture priority mode (Av mode), a shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and a program AE mode (P mode). There are also various scene modes and custom modes that provide shooting settings for different shooting scenes. The user can directly switch to one of the various modes using the mode change switch 60. Note that after switching to a list screen of shooting modes with the mode change switch 60, one of the displayed multiple modes may be selected and then switched using other operating members. Similarly, the video shooting mode may also include multiple modes.

The first shutter switch 62 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 on the digital camera 100 is pressed halfway (instruction to prepare for shooting) and generates a first shutter switch signal SW1. The first shutter switch signal SW1 starts preparation operations for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. The second shutter switch 64 is turned ON when the shutter button 61 is pressed fully (instruction to prepare for shooting) and generates a second shutter switch signal SW2.

The system control unit 50, in response to the second shutter switch signal SW2, starts a series of shooting processing operations from reading the signal from the image sensor 22 to writing the captured image to the recording medium 200 as an image file.

The operation unit 70 is a variety of operation members that serve as an input unit that accepts operations from the user. The operation unit 70 includes at least the following operation units. That is, the operation unit includes the shutter button 61, the main electronic dial 71, the power switch 72, the sub electronic dial 73, the multi-directional key 74, the SET button 75, the movie button 76, the AE lock button 77, and the enlarge button 78. The operation unit also includes a playback button 79 and a menu button 81.

The power supply control unit 80 is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches between blocks to which electricity is applied, and other components, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The power supply control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, and supplies the necessary voltage to each unit, including the recording medium 200, for the necessary period of time.

The power supply unit 30 consists of a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, etc. The recording medium I/F 18 is an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and is composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, etc.

The communication unit 54 is connected wirelessly or via a wired cable, and transmits and receives video and audio signals. The communication unit 54 can also connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate with external devices via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images (including LV images) captured by the imaging element 22 and images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can also receive images and various other information from external devices.

The attitude detection unit 55 detects the attitude of the digital camera 100 with respect to the direction of gravity. Based on the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 55, it is determined whether the image captured by the image sensor 22 was captured with the digital camera 100 held horizontally or vertically. An acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor can be used as the attitude detection unit 55. It is also possible to detect the movement of the digital camera 100 (panning, tilting, lifting, whether it is stationary, etc.) using the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor that is the attitude detection unit 55.

The eyepiece detection unit 57 is an eyepiece detection sensor that detects (approach detection) the approach (eyepiece) and departure (eye departure) of the eye (object) to the eyepiece unit 16 of the finder. The system control unit 50 switches the display unit 28 and the EVF 29 between display (display state) and non-display (non-display state) depending on the state detected by the eyepiece detection unit 57. More specifically, at least in the shooting standby state and when the display destination switching is automatic switching, when the eye is not placed near the camera, the system control unit 50 sets the display destination to the display unit 28, turns on the display of the display unit 28, and hides the EVF 29. Also, when the eye is placed near the camera, the system control unit 50 sets the display destination to the EVF 29, turns on the display of the EVF 29, and hides the display unit 28.

The touch panel 70a and the display unit 28 can be configured as one unit. For example, the touch panel 70a is configured so that the light transmittance does not interfere with the display of the display unit 28, and is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display unit 28. Then, input coordinates on the touch panel 70a are associated with display coordinates on the display screen of the display unit 28. This makes it possible to provide a GUI (graphical user interface) that gives the user the feeling that they can directly operate the screen displayed on the display unit 28.

In FIG. 2, a lens unit 150 is attached to the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 is a unit equipped with an interchangeable photographic lens. The lens unit 150 includes a lens 103, an aperture 1, an aperture drive circuit 2, an AF drive circuit 3, a lens system control circuit 4, and a lens side communication terminal 6. The lens 103 is usually composed of multiple lenses, but here only one lens is shown for simplicity.

The lens unit 150 controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the lens system control circuit 4, and adjusts the focus by displacing the position of the lens 103 via the AF drive circuit 3. The lens side communication terminal 6 is a communication terminal through which the lens unit 150 communicates with the digital camera 100. The lens unit 150 communicates with the system control unit 50 via the lens side communication terminal 6 and the above-mentioned camera side communication terminal 10. The camera side communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal through which the digital camera 100 communicates with the lens unit 150.

The following describes in detail the characteristics of this embodiment using Figures 3 to 5.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the top cover 300 of the imaging device of Figure 1. In Figure 3, Figure 3(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the top cover 300, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing the top cover 300 of Figure 3(a) with the non-conductive exterior 301 removed.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the top cover 300 of the digital camera 100 as an imaging device is composed of a conductive exterior 302 that is, in principle, electrically conductive. The conductive exterior 302 is composed of a metal material such as magnesium or aluminum. The conductive exterior 302 may also be composed of a conductive resin material containing carbon or the like, or may be composed of a material in which a conductive material is painted or coated on the surface of a resin member.

Generally, conductive materials have a higher thermal conductivity than non-conductive materials, so by using a conductive exterior 302 as the top cover 300, heat dissipation is improved and heat can be diffused throughout the entire top cover 300. In addition, by using a conductive exterior material, a shielding effect is achieved, making it possible to reduce EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), which is electromagnetic waves generated by the digital camera 100 that interfere with other electronic devices. Similarly, this is also effective against EMS (Electromagnetic Susceptibility), which is the noise resistance of the digital camera 100 from external electronic devices.

The center of the top cover 300 is partially composed of a non-conductive exterior 301. The non-conductive exterior 301 is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin material that does not conduct electricity. An accessory shoe 303 is disposed on the rear side of the non-conductive exterior 301. The accessory shoe 303 has a communication contact in addition to an attachment/detachment mechanism. The accessory shoe 303 allows the attachment/detachment and use of external accessories such as an external strobe or external microphone.

In FIG. 3(b), a wireless module 304 is placed directly below the removed non-conductive exterior 301. The wireless module 304 is an example of the communication unit 54 (see FIG. 2), and is an electrical component that performs wireless communication with an external device. The conductive exterior 302 blocks radio waves, GPS, and Bluetooth, but the non-conductive exterior 301 does not have a shielding effect.

Therefore, by constructing only the area directly above the wireless module 304 with the non-conductive exterior 301, the heat dissipation and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) characteristics provided by the conductive exterior 302 can be maintained. In addition to maintaining the heat dissipation and EMC characteristics provided by the conductive exterior 302, the effect of the non-conductive exterior 301, which is the ability to communicate with various devices, can be ensured. The upper cover 300 other than the area directly above the wireless module 304 is constructed with the conductive exterior 302.

The wireless module 304 is fixed to a wireless module fixing member 305, which serves as an antenna fixing portion, with screws, and the wireless module fixing member 305 is fastened to the conductive exterior 302 with screws. As a result, the ground of the wireless module 304 is connected to the conductive exterior 302 via the wireless module fixing member 305. The wireless module fixing member 305 is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel sheet metal, but can also be made of a conductive resin material instead.

Figure 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the imaging device of Figure 1. In Figure 4, Figure 4(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view along the optical axis of the lens unit 150, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram in which area (A) of Figure 4(a) is enlarged and parts unnecessary for explanation are not shown.

In FIG. 4(b), device 400 is, for example, attitude detection unit 55 (see FIG. 2) configured with an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor that detects the attitude of the camera and camera shake. Device 400 may also be a GPS that measures the position of digital camera 100, a short-range wireless device that communicates with external devices, or a fan that cools the inside of digital camera 100 by forced air cooling. Furthermore, device 400 is not limited to an electrical device, but may also be a mechanical part such as a heat dissipation fin that cools by increasing the surface area, and is not limited in shape or function.

The following describes the arrangement of the wireless module 304 in the digital camera 100 as an imaging device, using FIG. 4(b).

The wireless module 304 is disposed below the top cover 300. The wireless module 304 is disposed so that an antenna pattern 500 (described later) of the wireless module 304 is parallel to the image sensor 22. In other words, the antenna pattern 500 of the wireless module 304 is disposed perpendicular to the optical axis. This makes it possible to prevent the digital camera 100 from becoming larger.

However, if, on the other hand, the antenna pattern 500 of the wireless module 304 is oriented perpendicular to the image sensor 22 and placed directly above the device 400, the following problem will occur. That is, when the method of fixing the wireless module 304 is taken into consideration, the height direction (Y direction) of the digital camera 100 will become larger, which will hinder the miniaturization of the digital camera 100.

The wireless module 304 is disposed in a position that does not overlap the accessory shoe 303 in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the digital camera 100 and is disposed on the front side of the digital camera 100. By disposing the wireless module 304 in a position that does not overlap the accessory shoe 303, it is possible to avoid an increase in size of the portion of the digital camera 100 near the top cover 300.

In addition, if the wireless module 304 is placed near the eyepiece 16, there is a possibility that the wireless characteristics will be degraded due to the influence of the user's face when the user is using the EVF 29. In other words, it is known that if the wireless module 304 is covered by the user's hand, etc., the wireless characteristics will be degraded, such as by the influence of the human body shortening the communication distance and slowing down the communication speed. For this reason, it is desirable to place the wireless module 304 on the front side of the digital camera 100, far from the eyepiece 16. This makes it possible to avoid degradation of the wireless characteristics due to the influence of the human body.

The wireless module 304 is also positioned so as to overlap the device 400 and the EVF 29 in the optical axis direction (Z direction), and is arranged in the following order from the front side of the digital camera 100: wireless module 304, device 400, EVF 29. This makes it possible to minimize the increase in size of the digital camera 100 in the height direction (Y direction), and to miniaturize the device.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the wireless module 304, the device 400, and the EVF 29 overlap along the optical axis direction (Z direction). However, this is not limited to this. For example, in a digital camera that does not have the device 400, it is preferable that the wireless module 304 and the EVF 29 overlap. Also, in a digital camera that does not have the EVF 29, it is preferable that the wireless module 304 and the device 400 overlap. That is, when the wireless module 304 has both or only one of the device 400 and the EVF 29, it is preferable that the wireless module 304 overlaps with either one of them in the optical axis direction (Z direction). This allows the digital camera 100 to be made smaller by minimizing the increase in size in the height direction (Y direction).

As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, the wireless module 304 has a rectangular shape and is arranged so that the long side of the rectangle is the width direction (X direction) of the digital camera 100 and the short side is the height direction (Y direction) of the digital camera 100. By aligning the short side of the wireless module 304 with the height direction (Y direction), the increase in size of the digital camera 100 in the height direction (Y direction) can be minimized.

As described above, the top cover 300 is basically made of the conductive exterior 302, and only the area directly above the wireless module 304 is made of the non-conductive exterior 301. This makes it possible to ensure the heat dissipation and EMC characteristics of the conductive exterior 302 while ensuring the wireless communication characteristics of the non-conductive exterior 301. In addition, it is desirable to provide as large a clearance as possible between the antenna pattern 500 of the wireless module 304 and the surrounding conductive members, as this affects wireless performance.

Figure 5 is an external view of a wireless module applied to the imaging device of Figure 1. In Figure 5, Figure 5(a) is an external view of a wireless module 304 that has an antenna pattern 500 but does not have a signal processing unit. Also, Figure 5(b) is an external view of a wireless module 304 that is a modified example of Figure 5(a) and has both an antenna pattern 500 and a signal processing unit 501.

Below, we will use Figure 5(a) to explain the wireless module 304 that has an antenna pattern 500 but does not have a signal processing unit.

The wireless module 304 is a printed wiring board and includes an antenna pattern 500, a fixed portion 502, a transmission portion 503, a component mounting portion 504, and an antenna pattern opening end 505.

The antenna pattern 500 is formed from a conductive material such as copper. Note that the wireless module 304 is not limited to a printed circuit board, but may be a flexible printed wiring board. The shape of the antenna pattern 500 is not particularly limited, and the pattern can be changed within the range in which wireless characteristics can be obtained.

The fixed portion 502 is a fixed portion where the wireless module 304 is fixed to the wireless module fixing member 305 (see FIG. 3B) of the imaging device body. The wireless module fixing member 305 where the fixed portion 502 is fixed is electrically connected to ground.

The fixing portion 502 is, for example, a round hole, and is fastened to the wireless module fixing member 305 by, for example, a screw. Note that the fastening member is not limited to a screw, and may be a conductive double-sided tape, or the fixing may be performed by a conductive adhesive, etc.

The transmission unit 503 is composed of, for example, a thin coaxial cable. The signal obtained by the antenna pattern 500 is transmitted via the transmission unit 503 to a circuit board (not shown).

The end of the transmission unit 503 on the wireless module 304 side is the module side connection unit 503a. The transmission unit 503 and the wireless module 304 are electrically connected by soldering the module side connection unit 503a to the wireless module 304. On the other hand, the opposite end of the transmission unit 503 is the destination connection unit 503b composed of a connector. The destination connection unit 503b is connected to a circuit board (not shown) by a connector.

The connection form of the module side connection part 503a and the destination connection part 503b is not particularly limited, and both ends may be connector connections, or both ends may be solder connections.

Transmission section 503 is a thin coaxial cable. By using a thin coaxial cable for transmission section 503, it is possible to block not only external noise but also noise emitted from transmission section 503. Note that transmission section 503 is not limited to a thin coaxial cable, and may be a general wire or may be connected to a circuit board described later by a flexible printed wiring board.

A signal processing unit that processes the signal output from the antenna pattern 500 is mounted on the circuit board to which the destination connection unit 503b is connected. The signal processing unit is composed of an IC such as an integrated circuit, and the signal processing unit and the system control unit 50 enable communication between the digital camera 100 and external devices.

Various electrical components such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors are mounted on the component mounting section 504. This allows tuning of the antenna characteristics. In other words, even when the same wireless module 304 is used in different digital cameras 100, wireless communication can be performed under optimal conditions even in different digital cameras 100 by changing and tuning the electrical components in the component mounting section 504.

According to this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is disposed inside the imaging device body covered with the top cover 300, and the part of the top cover 300 directly above the wireless module 304 is the non-conductive exterior 301. This makes it possible to ensure wireless communication characteristics by the non-conductive exterior 301 while maintaining the heat dissipation and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) characteristics by the conductive exterior 302 that occupies most of the top cover 300.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is positioned so that the antenna pattern 500 is perpendicular to the optical axis, i.e., so that the antenna pattern 500 is parallel to the image sensor 22, making it possible to reduce the thickness of the digital camera 100.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is disposed on the front side of the digital camera 100 in a position that does not overlap with the accessory shoe 303 in the thickness direction of the digital camera 100. This makes it possible to avoid degradation of wireless characteristics caused by the user being in close proximity.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is arranged in a position that overlaps the device 400 and the EVF 29 in the optical axis direction (Z direction). This minimizes the increase in size of the digital camera 100 in the height direction (Y direction), making it possible to miniaturize the device.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is arranged so that the short side direction of the wireless module 304 is along the height direction (Y direction) of the digital camera 100. This makes it possible to minimize the increase in size of the digital camera 100 in the height direction (Y direction) and to reduce the size of the digital camera 100.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the antenna pattern opening end 505 of the wireless module 304 on the non-conductive exterior side. This makes it easier to ensure the wireless characteristics of the wireless module 304.

In this embodiment, the wireless module 304 does not have a signal processing unit, i.e., it is separate from the signal processing unit, which allows the wireless module itself to be made smaller. This allows the wireless module 304 to be placed in a location within the digital camera 100 where it was not possible to place it in the past, thereby making the digital camera 100 more compact.

In this embodiment, the fixed portion 502, the module side connection portion 503a of the transmission portion 503, the component mounting portion 504, and the antenna pattern 500 are arranged in this order and along a substantially same straight line. This makes it possible to miniaturize the wireless module 304.

In response to this, for example, in FIG. 5(a), by arranging the fixing part 502 above the transmission part 503 (Y direction), it is possible to shorten the dimension of the wireless module 304 in the long side direction. However, this increases the size of the wireless module 304 in the short side direction, making it difficult to prevent the digital camera 100 from becoming larger by arranging the wireless module 304 directly below the top cover 300, as in this embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is desirable that the other end of the transmission section 503, which is the end opposite the connection end with the wireless module 304, is pulled out at a predetermined angle, for example 45°, to the linear direction in which the components are arranged (Figure 5(a)). This is also to prevent the wireless module 304 from becoming as large as possible in the short side direction.

In addition, in this embodiment, the antenna pattern opening end 505, which is the end of the antenna pattern 500, is preferably disposed on the non-conductive exterior 301 side below the top cover 300. Since the antenna pattern opening end 505, which is the end of the antenna pattern 500, has the strongest wireless characteristics, it is easier to ensure the wireless characteristics by placing the antenna pattern opening end 505 as close as possible to the non-conductive exterior 301, which is the exterior.

Next, we will explain a modified example of the wireless module 304 in this embodiment.

In this modified example, the wireless module includes an antenna pattern 500 and a signal processing unit 501.

That is, in FIG. 5(b), the wireless module 304 is a printed wiring board and includes an antenna pattern 500, a signal processing unit 501, a fixed unit 502, a transmission unit 503, a component mounting unit 504, and an antenna pattern opening end 505.

The antenna pattern 500 is formed from a conductive material such as copper. Note that the wireless module 304 is not limited to a printed circuit board, but may be a flexible printed wiring board. The shape of the antenna pattern 500 is not particularly limited, and the pattern shape can be changed within the range in which wireless characteristics can be obtained.

The fixing portion 502 is a fixing portion where the wireless module 304 is fixed to the wireless module fixing member 305 (see FIG. 3B) of the imaging device body. The wireless module fixing member 305 where the fixing portion 502 is fixed is electrically connected to ground.

The fixing portion 502 is, for example, a round hole, and is fastened to the wireless module fixing member 305 by, for example, a screw. Note that the fastening member is not limited to a screw, and may be a conductive double-sided tape, or the fixing may be performed by a conductive adhesive, etc.

The signal processing unit 501 is composed of an IC such as an integrated circuit, and processes the signal output from the antenna pattern 500 in a signal processing circuit. The transmission unit 503 connects the signal processing unit 501 of the wireless module 304 to a circuit board on which the system control unit 50 (see FIG. 2) is mounted. The transmission unit 503 is, for example, a flexible connector, but may also be a thin coaxial cable. The signal processing unit 501 and the system control unit 50 on the circuit board are connected and communicate with each other, enabling wireless communication between the digital camera 100 and an external device.

Electrical components such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors are mounted on the component mounting section 504. This allows tuning of the antenna characteristics. In other words, even when the same wireless module 304 is used with different digital cameras 100, by changing and tuning the electrical components on the component mounting section 504, high-speed communication can be achieved while maintaining communication distance even with different digital cameras 100.

In this embodiment, the antenna pattern opening end 505 at the end of the antenna pattern 500 is preferably disposed on the non-conductive exterior 301 side below the top cover 300. The antenna pattern opening end 505, which is the end of the antenna pattern 500, has the strongest wireless characteristics, so by placing the antenna pattern opening end 505 as close as possible to the non-conductive exterior 301, which is the exterior, it is advantageous in terms of wireless characteristics and makes it easier to ensure the wireless characteristics.

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

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless module unit applied to the second embodiment. In Figure 6, Figure 6(a) shows the state in which the wireless module unit 600, which is composed of the wireless module 304, the wireless module fixing member 305, and the wireless module holding member 601, has been removed from the digital camera 100. Figure 6(b) shows the state in which the wireless module unit 600 is attached to the non-conductive exterior 301.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the wireless module holding configuration has been changed. In the second embodiment, the configuration other than the wireless module unit shown in FIG. 6, i.e., the configuration of the digital camera 100 body, etc., is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

The characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described in the order of assembly using FIG. 6(a). First, the wireless module fixing member 305, which is a conductive member, and the wireless module holding member 601, which is a non-conductive member, are positioned and fixed with screws. The wireless module fixing member 305 is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel sheet metal, and the wireless module holding member 601 is made of, for example, a resin material.

The wireless module 304 is positioned relative to the wireless module holding member 601 by a wireless module positioning portion 602 provided on the wireless module holding member 601, and in the positioned state, it is fixed to the wireless module fixing member 305 by a fixing portion 502 and electrically connected to ground.

The transmission section 503 connected to the wireless module 304 is wired by a wiring processing section 603 provided on the wireless module holding member 601. The number of wiring processing sections is not limited to one, and multiple wiring processing sections may be provided to regulate all directions. The movement of the transmission section 503 is regulated by the wiring processing section 603, preventing it from being pinched during assembly and improving assembly workability.

The state in which the wireless module 304, wireless module fixing member 305, and wireless module holding member 601 are fixed is treated as a wireless module unit 600.

Here, the wireless module unit 600 has a wireless module positioning portion 602 near the antenna pattern 500 that constitutes the wireless module 304. However, since the wireless module positioning portion 602 is made of the wireless module holding member 601, which is a non-conductive member, rather than the wireless module fixing member 305, which is a conductive member, adverse effects on the wireless characteristics are suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the wireless module 304 is firmly electrically grounded to the wireless module fixing member 305, which is a conductive member, at the fixing portion 502 using a screw, so good wireless performance can be obtained.

The longitudinal directions of the wireless module 304 and the wireless module fixing member 305 are approximately parallel, and as much clearance as possible is provided between the two.

By arranging the two roughly parallel to each other, it is possible to miniaturize the wireless module unit 600, and by providing a clearance between the antenna pattern 500 and the wireless module fixing member 305, which is a conductive member, it is possible to ensure wireless performance.

In the wireless module fixing member 305, the extension portion 305a to the fixing portion 502 is arranged in a direction that is approximately on an extension of the antenna pattern 500 of the wireless module 304. This is because having a ground on an extension of the antenna pattern 500 improves wireless performance. The wiring processing portion 603 provided in the wireless module holding member 601, which performs wiring processing of the transmission portion 503 that connects to the wireless module 304, is arranged on the opposite side to the antenna pattern 500. The transmission portion 503 is drawn out in the longitudinal direction of the wireless module 304, and wiring is processed by the wiring processing portion 603, so that the antenna module 304 can be held and wired in a space-saving configuration.

Next, the relationship between the wireless module unit 600 and the non-conductive exterior 301 will be explained using FIG. 6(b).

The non-conductive exterior 301 is one of the components that make up the top cover 300 of the digital camera 100, and is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin material. The wireless module unit 600 and the non-conductive exterior 301 are positioned by a positioning portion.

This allows the wireless module 304 to be positioned with precision relative to the non-conductive exterior 301, making it possible to reduce variations in the clearance between the wireless module 304 and the exterior that the user touches. The wireless module unit 600 may be positioned relative to the non-conductive exterior 301 on the wireless module holding member 601 or on the wireless module fixing member 305.

The wireless module fixing member 305 is fixed to the conductive exterior 302, which is a conductive member, so that it is electrically connected to ground. This provides good wireless performance. In the non-conductive exterior 301, the wireless module 304 is positioned to avoid the accessory shoe 303 and to the front of the digital camera 100. This prevents the wireless performance from deteriorating due to the influence of the human body even while the user is using the EVF 29.

Note that it is preferable that the clearance between the wireless module holding member 601 and the non-conductive exterior 301 is closer than the clearance between the wireless module 304 and the non-conductive exterior 301. This ensures that the wireless module holding member 601 strikes the wall first when dropped, preventing damage to the wireless module 304 and misalignment.

Next, we will explain a variation of the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the wireless module holding member 601 is provided with a wireless module positioning section 602 and a wiring processing section 603, thereby performing positioning of the wireless module 304 and wiring processing of the transmission section 503.

However, the wireless module holding member 601 may be eliminated, and the wireless module positioning section 602 and the wiring processing section 603 may be provided on the non-conductive exterior 301. In other words, with the wireless module fixing member 305 fixed to the non-conductive exterior 301, the wireless module 304 may be positioned relative to the non-conductive exterior 301 and the transmission section 503 may be wired, and the wireless module 304 may be fixed to the wireless module fixing member 305 and electrically connected to ground.

This allows the wireless module 304 to be held in a more space-saving configuration while still providing ground for the wireless module 304.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

22 Image sensor 29 Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
100 Digital camera 300 Top cover 301 Non-conductive exterior 302 Conductive exterior 303 Accessory shoe 304 Wireless module 305 Wireless module fixing member 305a Extension section 400 Device 500 Antenna pattern 501 Signal processing section 502 Fixing section 503 Transmission section 504 Part mounting section 505 Antenna pattern opening end 600 Wireless module unit 601 Wireless module holding member 602 Wireless module positioning section 603 Wiring processing section

Claims (5)

a non-conductive sheath constituting the sheath;
an imaging element disposed within the non-conductive packaging;
a wireless module board for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a non-conductive wireless module holding member;
An imaging device including a conductive wireless module fixing member,
an antenna pattern, a transmission section, and a wiring processing section are mounted on a first surface of the wireless module substrate facing the non-conductive exterior, and the antenna pattern is not mounted on a second surface of the wireless module substrate opposite to the first surface;
the antenna pattern, the transmission section, and the wiring processing section are arranged on the first surface in this order, the wireless module substrate and the wireless module fixing member are grounded by mechanical fixation in an area on the first surface closer to the wiring processing section than the transmission section , and the wireless module substrate and the wireless module fixing member are not grounded by mechanical fixation in an area on the antenna pattern side than the transmission section,
the wireless module substrate and the wireless module holding member are positioned and fixed in a region of the wireless module substrate closer to the antenna pattern than the transmission section;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless module holding member and the wireless module fixing member are positioned on the non-conductive exterior in an integrated state. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clearance between the wireless module holding member and the non-conductive exterior is shorter than the clearance between the wireless module board and the non-conductive exterior. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the longitudinal directions of the wireless module board and the wireless module fixing member are approximately parallel. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wireless module fixing member is mechanically fixed to a conductive sheath formed on the outer edge of the non-conductive sheath, and the wireless module board is grounded to the conductive sheath. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the antenna pattern mounted on the wireless module board is perpendicular to the optical axis.