Accessory shoe device to which photographic accessory can be attached, and image pickup apparatus

An accessory shoe device capable of improving drip-proof performance while ensuring positional accuracy in a pitch direction in which terminals of a multi-polarized signal terminal connector are arranged. The accessory shoe device includes an engagement member for having an accessory attached thereto, a signal terminal connector including terminals for connection with the accessory attached to the engagement member, a top cover having the engagement member mounted thereon, and a positioning unit for positioning the signal terminal connector with respect to the engagement member. The top cover has an opening for externally exposing the terminals of the signal terminal connector. The signal terminal connector and the engagement member are fixed to each other by the positioning unit such that they sandwich a portion of the top cover surrounding the signal terminal connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an accessory shoe device to which an accessory is attached, and an image pickup apparatus equipped with the accessory shoe device.

Description of the Related Art

As an image pickup apparatus, there has been known an image pickup apparatus equipped with an accessory shoe device to which a photographic accessory (hereinafter simply referred to as “the accessory”) can be attached. The accessory shoe device of the image pickup apparatus is provided with an engagement portion for attachment of an accessory.

As the accessory attachable to the accessory shoe device, there may be mentioned not only an external strobe device, but also an electronic viewfinder (external display device) provided with a small-sized liquid crystal screen. In an area of the engagement portion of the accessory shoe device to which the electronic viewfinder can be attached, there is provided a connection connector comprised of a plurality of connection terminals for attachment of the electronic viewfinder, in addition to a connection terminal for connection with the external strobe device. Thus, the accessory shoe device has a configuration in which the two kinds of accessories, i.e. the external strobe device and the electronic viewfinder, can be selectively attached to the single engagement portion.

The accessory shoe device for attachment of the external strobe device has a shape defined by JIS. JIS defines the shape of the engagement portion for engagement with a connector portion of an accessory and the positional relationship between the external strobe device and a synchronizer contact.

As for the electronic viewfinder, in recent years, there has been a tendency toward multi-polarization, i.e. an increased number of connection signal terminals for connection to an image pickup apparatus according to an increasing demand for an increase in the number of pixels and a higher frame rate. For this reason, an attempt has been made to perform multi-polarization of a connector for connection with the electronic viewfinder within the shape of the engagement portion of the accessory shoe device, but this is not easy due to restriction on space. Further, to perform multi-polarization of the connector for connection with the electronic viewfinder under conditions where space is restricted, positional accuracy in positioning of the accessory shoe and the connection connector in a pitch direction in which the terminals of the connection connector are arranged becomes more significant for achievement of normal electrical connection.

In view of this, there has been proposed an accessory shoe device having an accessory shoe and a connection connector integrally combined with each other (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-141403).

In the accessory shoe device proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-141403, since the accessory shoe and the signal terminal connector for connection with an electronic viewfinder are integrally combined with each other, it is possible to ensure the positional accuracy in positioning the accessory shoe and the signal terminal connector in the pitch direction in which the terminals of the signal terminal connector are arranged.

However, the unitized accessory shoe is required to be electrically connected to an image pickup apparatus (camera) body. For this reason, in order to connect a flexible circuit board having the accessory shoe mounted thereon to a main circuit board inside the image pickup apparatus (camera) body, the image pickup apparatus (camera) body has to be formed with an opening at a location close to an accessory shoe mount, for insertion of the flexible circuit board. In this configuration, however, there is a fear that water droplets or moisture from outside can enter the image pickup apparatus via a gap between the accessory shoe mount and the accessory shoe and a periphery of the opening through which the flexible substrate is inserted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an accessory shoe device which is capable of improving drip-proof performance while ensuring positional accuracy in a pitch direction in which terminals of a multi-polarized signal terminal connector are arranged, and an image pickup apparatus including the accessory shoe device.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory shoe device comprising an engagement member configured to have an accessory attached thereto, a signal terminal connector having terminals for connection with the accessory attached to the engagement member, an exterior member having the engagement member mounted thereon, and a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the signal terminal connector with respect to the engagement member, wherein the exterior member has an opening for externally exposing the terminals of the signal terminal connector, and wherein the signal terminal connector and the engagement member are fixed to each other by the positioning unit in such a manner that the signal terminal connector and the engagement member sandwiches therebetween a portion of the exterior member surrounding the signal terminal connector.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus including an accessory shoe device to which an accessory is attached, wherein the accessory shoe device comprises an engagement member configured to have an accessory attached thereto, a signal terminal connector having terminals for connection with the accessory attached to the engagement member, an exterior member having the engagement member mounted thereon, and a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the signal terminal connector with respect to the engagement member, wherein the exterior member has an opening for externally exposing the terminals of the signal terminal connector, and wherein the signal terminal connector and the engagement member are fixed to each other by the positioning unit in such a manner that the signal terminal connector and the engagement member sandwiches therebetween a portion of the exterior member surrounding the signal terminal connector.

According to the invention, since the signal terminal connector and the engagement member are fixed in such a manner that the signal terminal connector and the engagement member sandwiches therebetween the exterior member of the image pickup apparatus surrounding the signal terminal connector, it is possible to eliminate a gap between the signal terminal connector and the exterior member to thereby improve the drip-proof performance of the accessory shoe device while ensuring positional accuracy in the pitch direction in which the terminals of the multi-polarized signal terminal connector are arranged.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing an embodiment thereof.

FIGS. 1A to 1Dare views of an image pickup apparatus according to the embodiment.FIG. 1Ais a rear perspective view of the image pickup apparatus, andFIG. 1Bis a rear perspective view of the image pickup apparatus with an external strobe device attached thereto. Further,FIG. 1Cis a rear perspective view of the image pickup apparatus with an external display device attached thereto, andFIG. 1Dis a view showing how the external display device is attached to an accessory shoe device of the image pickup apparatus.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the image pickup apparatus10is provided with a lens barrel11for taking an object image into an image pickup device, not shown, a liquid crystal monitor12, an accessory shoe device (hereinafter simply referred to as “the accessory shoe”)13, and a top cover14. A user of the image pickup apparatus10can check an object image by the liquid crystal monitor12. The accessory shoe13as an accessory mount forms a portion of the top cover14as an exterior member.

InFIG. 1B, the accessory shoe13of the image pickup apparatus10has the external strobe device (hereinafter simply referred to as “the external strobe”)15attached thereto as an accessory. The external strobe15is used to irradiate an object with light for shooting. Further, inFIG. 1C, the accessory shoe13of the image pickup apparatus10has an electronic viewfinder16attached thereto as an external display device equipped with a small-sized liquid crystal device. The user of the image pickup apparatus10can check an object image to be taken into the image pickup device, by the electronic viewfinder16, similarly to the case of using the liquid crystal monitor12.

As shown inFIG. 1D, the electronic viewfinder16is equipped with a connection plug16afor connection to the accessory shoe13provided in the body of the image pickup apparatus10. The electronic viewfinder16is attached to the image pickup apparatus10by sliding the connection plug16ain a Z direction indicated by an arrow appearing inFIG. 1D, and engaging the same with the accessory shoe13. The sliding direction corresponds to a direction from the rear i.e. the liquid crystal monitor side of the image pickup apparatus10, toward the lens barrel11.

Next, a description will be given of the arrangement of the accessory shoe13.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare views showing the arrangement of the accessory shoe13of the image pickup apparatus10shown inFIGS. 1A to 1D.FIG. 2Ais an exploded perspective view showing the accessory shoe13in a disassembled state, together with the top cover14, andFIG. 2Bis an assembled perspective view of the accessory shoe13.

InFIG. 2A, a direction indicated by an arrow Z corresponds to a direction in which an accessory is attached to the accessory shoe13. A direction indicated by an arrow X corresponds to a direction orthogonally intersecting the accessory attaching direction and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the top cover14. A direction indicated by an arrow Y corresponds to a direction orthogonally intersecting the accessory attaching direction and the longitudinal direction of the top cover14, and this direction corresponds to a direction in which the accessory shoe13is assembled to the top cover14. Note that the top cover14is the exterior member that forms the appearance of the top surface of the image pickup apparatus10, and the accessory shoe13is mounted to the top cover14.

As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the accessory shoe13is mainly comprised of an engagement member20, a signal terminal stage21for an external strobe, a signal terminal connector22for the electronic viewfinder16(i.e. for an external display device), and an accessory shoe spring27.

The engagement member20is a member for holding the external strobe15or the electronic viewfinder16as an accessory by engagement therewith. The signal terminal stage21for an external strobe (hereinafter simply referred to as “the signal terminal stage21”) is comprised of a stage base member21amade of a synthetic resin material, a synchronizer contact21bheld by the stage base member21a, and a plurality of contacts21c. The signal terminal stage21is positioned by a first positioning portion20d(seeFIGS. 3A to 3D) of the engagement member20. The signal terminal stage21is a connection terminal for communication of a signal with an external strobe device.

The signal terminal connector22for the electronic viewfinder16(hereinafter simply referred to as “the signal terminal connector22”) is provided with a plurality of terminals (seeFIG. 3C) arranged side by side at the same pitch in the X direction on a connector base member made of a synthetic resin material.

Each of the synchronizer contact21b, the contacts21cof the signal terminal stage21, and the terminals of the signal terminal connector22is electrically joined to a flexible circuit board23disposed below the top cover14. The flexible circuit board23is connected to a main circuit board, not shown, of the image pickup apparatus10, and is configured to be connectable to the external strobe15and the electronic viewfinder16. This enables the external strobe15or electronic viewfinder16attached to the engagement member20to communicate with the image pickup apparatus10.

A packing member24is disposed in a manner surrounding the whole periphery of the signal terminal connector22. The packing member24is made of an elastic member, such as a rubber member, which can be largely deformed by a small force and has a large elastic deformation range. The location of the packing member24will be described hereinafter.

An accessory shoe holding member25is a structural framework for holding the engagement member20, and is positioned with respect to the top cover14by a fastening portion (not shown). The fastening portion is provided with four screws26, for example, and each of the screws26extends to the accessory shoe holding member25through the engagement member20, the top cover14, and the flexible circuit board23, each appearing inFIG. 2A, and is fastened to the accessory shoe holding member25appearing inFIG. 2A.

The signal terminal stage21has an outer periphery thereof sandwiched by the engagement member20and the top cover14, whereby the signal terminal stage21is fixed to the top cover14. The signal terminal connector22is sandwiched by the top cover14and the accessory shoe holding member25, whereby the packing member24is crushed to fill a gap between the top cover14and the signal terminal connector22.

The accessory shoe spring27is formed of a conductive metal material. The accessory shoe spring27has elastic deformation portions27afor urging an accessory attached to the engagement member20in the Y direction, and abutment surfaces27bfor abutment of the accessory in the Z direction. The top cover14is formed with a slide hole14c, and a detection pin28is inserted through the slide hole14cfor contact with the accessory shoe spring27.

A contact piece member29is disposed at a location opposed to the accessory shoe spring27via the detection pin28. When there is no accessory attached to the accessory shoe13, the contact piece member29is in contact with a pattern (not shown) on the flexible circuit board23. When an accessory is attached to the accessory shoe13, the detection pin28is pressed down in the Y direction by the accessory shoe spring27. As a consequence, the contact piece member29is moved away from the pattern on the flexible circuit board23, whereby attachment of the accessory is detected. Thus, the attachment of the accessory to the image pickup apparatus10is detected, whereafter the attached accessory is synchronized with the image pickup apparatus10.

Referring toFIG. 2B, the engagement member20is provided for being engaged with the external strobe15or the electronic viewfinder16as an accessory, to hold the same. Inside the engagement member20, there is provided the signal terminal stage21as the connection terminal for communication with the external strobe15. The synchronizer contact21bis disposed in a central part of the signal terminal stage21. The contacts21carranged in the vicinity of the synchronizer contact21bare provided as communication terminals for controlling the external strobe15engaged with the engagement member20.

The signal terminal connector22is disposed forward of the synchronizer contact21b, as viewed in the attaching direction of the electronic viewfinder16, i.e. in the direction indicated by the arrow Z inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Between the synchronizer contact21band the signal terminal connector22, there is formed a first engagement hole201for engagement with a lock pin (not shown) of the external strobe15. In the vicinity of the contacts21c, there are formed a pair of second engagement holes202for engagement with respective engagement lugs (not shown) of the electronic viewfinder16.

As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the engagement member20is assembled from an exterior surface side of the exterior member14, and the signal terminal connector22is assembled from an interior surface side (opposite side to the exterior surface side) of the exterior member14.

Next, a detailed description will be given of the main component members of the accessory shoe13.

FIGS. 3A to 3Care views useful in explaining the main component members of the accessory shoe13.FIG. 3Ais a top perspective view of the engagement member20, andFIG. 3Bis a bottom perspective view of the same. Further,FIG. 3Cis a perspective view of the signal terminal connector22.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the engagement member20is formed by bending a metal material having a generally flat plate into a loop shape. More specifically, the plate-shaped metal material is bent such that end faces of respective opposite ends of the metal material abut each other in an opposed state whereby the plate-shaped metal material is formed into a loop shape. Portions of the opposed two end faces in abutment with each other form a seam20a.

The engagement member20has a pair of engagement portions20band a connection portion20cthat connects the pair of engagement portions20bto each other. An upper portion, as viewed inFIG. 3B, which includes the seam20a, of the engagement member20A is formed with the first positioning portion20d(denoted inFIG. 3A) for positioning the signal terminal stage21, and a pair of second positioning portions20efor positioning the signal terminal connector22. Further, the engagement member20is formed with a pair of first screw holes20fand a pair of second screw holes20gfor positioning the engagement member20with respect to the top cover14. Furthermore, the engagement member20is formed with the first engagement hole201for engagement with the lock pin of the external strobe15, the pair of second engagement holes202for engagement with the respective two engagement lugs of the electronic viewfinder16, and a through hole20hfor the detection pin28.

As shown inFIG. 3A, the pair of engagement portions20bas first engagement portions are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance in the X direction. More specifically, the pair of engagement portions20bare spaced from each other by an engagement portion spacing20bafor allowing insertion of a connection plug of an accessory. Further, at a location rearward of the pair of engagement portions20b, there are formed a pair of engagement portions20jas second engagement portions for allowing insertion of a connection plug of an accessory, similar to the first engagement portions. Spacing between the second engagement portions is larger than spacing between the first engagement portions. Spacing between side walls formed by lower portions of component portions forming the first and second engagement portions is still larger than that between the second engagement portions. This spacing will be referred to as “the inner side wall spacing20bb”.

The first positioning portion20dformed in the central part of the engagement member20positions the signal terminal stage21. The second positioning portions20eformed in a front end of the engagement member20in the Z direction position the signal terminal connector22. The pair of second positioning portions20eare formed apart from each other in the X direction at a location forward of the synchronizer contact21b(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B), as viewed in the Z direction.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the seam20aof the engagement member20is located between the first engagement hole201and one of the first screw holes20f.

The pair of first screw holes20fare formed apart from each other in the X direction. More specifically, the pair of first screw holes20ffunction as a pair of first fastening holes aligned in the X direction, at the location forward of the synchronizer contact21bin the Z direction. Further, the pair of second screw holes20gare formed apart from each other in the X direction. More specifically, the pair of second screw holes20gfunction as a pair of second fastening holes aligned in the X direction, at a location rearward of the synchronizer contact21bin the Z direction.

The first engagement hole201is engageable with the lock pin of an accessory, and is formed between the pair of first screw holes20f. The pair of second engagement holes202are engageable with the respective pair of engagement protrusions of an external accessory. The pair of second engagement holes202are formed such that the second engagement holes202and the second screw holes20gare aligned in the Z direction, respectively. The second engagement holes202are located rearward of the respective second screw holes20g, as viewed in the Z direction.

As shown inFIG. 3C, the signal terminal connector22is formed with a first contact surface22aextending perpendicular to the Z direction which is the attaching direction of the electronic viewfinder16. A first terminal row22bformed by a plurality of connection terminals is exposed from the first contact surface22a. On a near side of the first contact surface22ain the attaching direction of the electronic viewfinder16, there is formed a second contact surface22csloped with respect to the first contact surface22a. A second terminal row22dformed by a plurality of connection terminals is exposed from the second contact surface22c. The terminals of the first terminal row22band those of the second terminal row22dare in staggered arrangement.

Between the first contact surface22aand the second contact surface22c, there is formed a third surface22j. On the third surface22j, there is provided a fitting key22efor regulating fitting relationship between the signal terminal connector22and the connection plug16aof the electronic viewfinder16(seeFIG. 1D). At least one of a first-row terminal22fand a second-row terminal22glocated forward and rearward of the fitting key22e, respectively, is a detection signal terminal for detecting connection of the connection plug16aof the electronic viewfinder16. When an attempt is made to attach a wrong external accessory device having a similar shape, connection of the detection signal terminal is prevented by shape regulation by the fitting key22e. Consequently, when the wrong external accessory is erroneously attached to the image pickup apparatus10, the detection signal terminal is not connected, so that communication between the external accessory and the image pickup apparatus10is disabled. This configuration makes it possible to ensure a function that permits attachment of a specific accessory alone.

The signal terminal connector22has a flange22hformed around the whole periphery thereof at a location upward of a lead portion for electrical connection to the flexible circuit board23. The flange22his formed with a pair of positioning protrusions22iprotruding in the Y direction. The positioning protrusions22iare located outward of lead portions of respective outermost terminals, which are joined to a printed wiring board, in the X direction which is a pitch direction in which the terminals are arranged. Further, the positioning protrusions22iare located in a projection area of the engagement member20(where a shadow of the engagement member20is imaginarily projected) in the assembling direction (Y direction) of the accessory shoe13in which the accessory shoe13is assembled to the top cover14. The positioning protrusions22iare fitted in the respective second positioning portions20eof the engagement member20, whereby the signal terminal connector22and the engagement member20are positioned.

Next, a detailed description will be given of a method of positioning the signal terminal stage21and the signal terminal connector22with respect to the engagement member20.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bare exploded perspective views useful in explaining how the signal terminal stage21and the signal terminal connector22are positioned with respect to the engagement member20.

As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the engagement member20is formed with the first positioning portion20dfor positioning the engagement member20and the signal terminal stage21. The stage base member21aof the signal terminal stage21is formed with an outer fitting portion21aafor fitting in the first positioning portion20d. Around the outer periphery of the outer fitting portion21aa, there is formed a flange21ab. The signal terminal stage21is positioned by the first positioning portion20dand the outer fitting portion21aa, and then the flange21abis sandwiched between the engagement member20and the top cover14(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B), whereby the signal terminal stage21is fixed. In short, the signal terminal stage21is directly positioned with respect to the engagement member20.

Further, the engagement member20is formed with the pair of second positioning portions20efor positioning the signal terminal connector22. As described hereinbefore, the signal terminal connector22is formed with the pair of positioning protrusions22iprotruding in the Y direction for fitting in the respective second positioning portions20e. The engagement member20is positioned by fitting of the pair of positioning portions20eformed as holes in the engagement member20on the pair of positioning protrusions22iformed on the signal terminal connector22. Further, in the pitch direction (X direction) in which the terminals of the signal terminal connector22are arranged, the connection plug16a(seeFIG. 1D) of the electronic viewfinder16has its position regulated by the inner side wall spacing20bb(seeFIG. 3A) between the first engagement portions20bof the engagement member20.

In short, the signal terminal connector22and the connection plug16aare directly positioned with respect to the engagement member20, and hence the positions of the signal terminal connector22and the connection plug16acan be determined with accuracy.

The signal terminal connector22is fixed by being sandwiched by the top cover14(seeFIG. 2A) and the accessory shoe holding member25(seeFIG. 2A) via the packing member24(seeFIG. 2A) placed on the flange22h. The packing member24fills a gap between the signal terminal connector22and the top cover14.

As shown inFIG. 4B, a lead21baof the synchronizer contact21band leads21caof the respective contacts21cextend to protrude from the lower surface of the signal terminal stage21. Each of the lead21baof the synchronizer contact21band the leads21caof the respective contacts21cis joined to the flexible circuit board23e.g. by soldering. Further, leads22baof the first terminal row22band leads22daof the second terminal row22d, which are joined to the flexible circuit board23e.g. by soldering, extend to protrude from the lower surface of the flange22hof the signal terminal connector22.

Next, a description will be given of a method of mounting the accessory shoe13to the top cover14.

FIG. 5Ais a perspective view of the top cover14including a portion (boxed by a broken line5B) to which the accessory shoe13is mounted, as viewed from the exterior surface side of the top cover14, andFIG. 5Bis an enlarged perspective view of the portion.FIG. 5Cis a perspective view of the top cover14including the portion (boxed by a broken line5D) to which the accessory shoe13is mounted, as viewed from the interior surface side of the top cover14, andFIG. 5Dis an enlarged perspective view of the portion.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, the top cover14is the exterior member that forms the appearance of the top surface of the image pickup apparatus10, as mentioned hereinabove. On the exterior surface side of the top cover14, an eave-shaped portion14ais formed to hide the signal terminal connector22. Further, on the exterior surface side of the top cover14, there are formed a recessed portion14bfor accommodating the flange21abof the signal terminal stage21, and the slide hole14cinto which the detection pin28is slidably fitted. Further, on the exterior surface side of the top cover14, there are formed a pair of first through holes14dthrough which are inserted the respective positioning protrusions22iformed on the signal terminal connector22. Furthermore, on the exterior surface side of the top cover14, there are formed second through holes14ethrough which are inserted the respective leads21baand21caof the signal terminal stage21, and screw holes14fthrough which the respective screws26are inserted.

As shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D, on the interior surface side of the top cover14, there is formed a space14gthat serves as an opening for externally exposing the terminals (i.e. the first terminal row22band the second terminal row22d) of the signal terminal connector22and accommodating the signal terminal connector22. Around the accommodation space14g, a joining surface14hfor contact with the packing member24is formed as a continuous single surface. Further, on the interior surface side of the top cover14, there is formed a positioning portion14ifor positioning the accessory shoe holding member25.

Next, a description will be given of drip-proof performance of the accessory shoe device, which is a feature of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A to 6Care views useful in explaining the peripheral structure of the accessory shoe device13.FIG. 6Ais a plan view of the accessory shoe device,FIG. 6Bis a cross-sectional view taken on line B-B in a Z direction ofFIG. 6A, andFIG. 6Cis a partial cross-sectional view taken on line C-C in an X direction ofFIG. 6A.

As shown inFIGS. 6A to 6C, the signal terminal stage21is accommodated in the recessed portion formed in the top cover14, with the flange21abthereof sandwiched by the engagement member20and the top cover14. Since the signal terminal stage21is formed with the flange21ab, the engagement member20and the signal terminal stage21have a spigot structure, which prevents water droplets from directly entering the leads21baand21caof the signal terminal stage21. In this structure, it is possible to further improve the drip-proof performance by providing an elastic member e.g. of a discontinuous and thin-film foam base material or a rubber material between the signal terminal stage21and the top cover14, and compressing the elastic member.

On the other hand, the signal terminal connector22is hidden by the eave-shaped portion14aformed in the top cover14and the connection portion20cof the engagement member20. The signal terminal connector22is positioned relative to the engagement member20, and therefore the signal terminal connector22cannot be directly positioned with respect to the top cover14. In other words, it is required to provide a gap between the signal terminal connector22and the top cover14by taking component part tolerances into account.

In the conventional device, however, there is a fear that water droplets or moisture can enter the image pickup apparatus10through the above-mentioned gap.

To solve this problem, in the present embodiment, the signal terminal connector22and the engagement member20are fixed such that they sandwich the top cover14surrounding the signal terminal connector22, and also the packing member24is interposed between the signal terminal connector22and the joining surface14hof the top cover14. This makes it possible to prevent water droplets or moisture from entering below the signal terminal connector22, thereby preventing the water droplets or moisture from entering the image pickup apparatus10via the opening of the top cover14through which the flexible circuit board23is inserted, so as to secure the drip-proof performance.

As described above with reference toFIGS. 6A to 6C, the packing member24is interposed between the flange22hof the signal terminal connector22and the joining surface14hof the top cover14. When the accessory shoe holding member25(seeFIG. 2A) is drawn in by the screws26with the packing member24interposed between the flange22hand the joining surface14h, the packing member24is crushed by the flange22hof the signal terminal connector22and the joining surface14hof the top cover14, and the gap between the top cover14and the signal terminal connector22is eliminated. In short, it is possible to prevent water droplets or moisture from entering below the flange22hof the signal terminal connector22. This prevents soldered portions of the leads22baand22daof the respective first and second terminal rows located below the flange22hof the signal terminal connector22from being exposed to external moisture or water droplets.

According to the present embodiment, the signal terminal connector22and the engagement member20are fixed such that they sandwich the top cover14surrounding the signal terminal connector22, and the packing member24is interposed between the signal terminal connector22and the joining surface14hof the top cover14. This makes it possible to improve the drip-proof performance of the accessory shoe device13while ensuring positioning accuracy in the pitch direction (X direction) in which the terminals of the signal terminal connector22are arranged, without integrally combining the engagement member20and the signal terminal connector22with each other.

Although in the present embodiment, the multi-polarized accessory is implemented by the electronic viewfinder by way of example, the multi-polarized accessory may be a large-sized monitor or a microphone.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-018795 filed Feb. 3, 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.