Image capturing apparatus provided with connection terminal section on rear side

An image capturing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the handling size thereof in a state in which cables are connected thereto. The image capturing apparatus is provided with a connection terminal section on a rear side of an image capturing apparatus body. The connection terminal section includes a plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces and first external connection terminals provided on the first connector arrangement surfaces, respectively. The first connector arrangement surfaces are arranged at respective locations not overlapping each other as viewed from a front-rear direction of the image capturing apparatus body and overlapping each other as viewed from a vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus body and are arranged such that the first connector arrangement surfaces face obliquely downward toward the rear of the image capturing apparatus body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus, such as a digital video camera for business use.

Description of the Related Art

When image capturing is performed using an image capturing apparatus, such as a digital video camera for business use, a photographer often performs image capturing while moving with a camera body, to which cables attached to an external apparatus are connected, carried on his/her shoulder. For this reason, to prevent damage to external connection terminals (hereinafter referred to as the “connectors”) to which cables are connected, the connectors are often arranged on a rear side of the camera body.

Further, recent digital video cameras for business use have been more and more multi-functionalized, and a connector for performing high-speed communication, a connector for performing IP communication, etc., are provided on the camera body, resulting in an increase in the number of connectors. This brings about a problem of increasing the size of the camera body. As a countermeasure against this problem, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2017-76859, there has been proposed an image capturing apparatus that is provided with a plurality of inclined surfaces on a side of a camera body and has connectors arranged on these inclined surfaces.

However, the technique described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2017-76859 has a problem that when the camera body with hard cables for business use connected thereto is placed on a shoulder of a photographer or fixed on a tripod, the cables largely protrude from the camera body, which increases the handling size of the camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an image capturing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the handling size thereof in a state in which cables are connected thereto.

The present invention provides an image capturing apparatus that is provided with a connection terminal section on a rear side of an image capturing apparatus body, wherein the connection terminal section comprises a plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces, and first external connection terminals provided on the plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces, respectively, and wherein the plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces are arranged at respective locations not overlapping each other as viewed from a front-rear direction of the image capturing apparatus body and overlapping each other as viewed from a vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus body, and are arranged such that the plurality of first connector arrangement surfaces face obliquely downward toward the rear of the image capturing apparatus body.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image capturing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the handling size thereof in a state in which cables are connected thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image capturing apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front right side.FIG. 2is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image capturing apparatus100, as viewed from the front left side.FIG. 3is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image capturing apparatus100, as viewed from the rear left side.FIG. 4is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image capturing apparatus100, as viewed from the rear lower right.

Note that, for convenience of explanation, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, are defined with respect to the image capturing apparatus100, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 4. The Z-axis is parallel to an image capturing optical axis of the image capturing apparatus100, and a direction from a rear side toward a front side of the image capturing apparatus100(direction from the image capturing apparatus100toward an object (not shown)) is defined as a positive direction. The X-axis is orthogonal to the Z-axis within a horizontal plane defined when the Z-axis is parallel to a horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, the X direction is defined as a width direction of the image capturing apparatus100, and a right side and a left side of the image capturing apparatus100are defined in association with respective positions as viewed from the front side of the image capturing apparatus100. Further, a direction from the left side toward the right side, as viewed from the front side of the image capturing apparatus100, is defined as a positive direction of the X direction. The Y-axis is orthogonal to the X-axis and the Z-axis. The Y-axis is defined as a vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus100, and a direction from the bottom (which is placed on a photographer's shoulder or fixed to a tripod) toward the top of the image capturing apparatus100is defined as a positive direction thereof.

The front side of the image capturing apparatus100is provided with an image capturing lens101which is removably attached to an image capturing apparatus body in a state in which an objective surface thereof is exposed toward an object. The image capturing lens101has a plurality of lens groups, a plurality of movable optical elements, such as a diaphragm, and actuators that drive the optical elements. By driving the actuators, it is possible to perform zooming for changing a shooting angle by moving a predetermined lens group in a direction of the image capturing optical axis, focusing for adjusting the focus on an object, adjustment of the amount of light received by an image capturing device using a diaphragm mechanism, and so forth.

An operation ring section102is arranged around an outer periphery of the image capturing lens101. The operation ring section102is a hollow cylindrical operation member configured to be rotatable about the image capturing optical axis extending through the image capturing lens101and is formed by three operation rings in the present example. The three operation rings are associated with zoom adjustment, focus adjustment, and aperture adjustment of the image capturing lens101, respectively, and can be each adjusted to a desired state by rotating an associated one of the operation rings.

The top of the image capturing apparatus100is provided with a handle portion103having an annular shape and formed integrally with an upper portion of the image capturing apparatus body. The handle portion103is gripped by a photographer when low-angle shooting is performed by positioning the image capturing apparatus100at a height lower than the photographer's line of sight, more specifically, e.g. at a position of the photographer's belly portion or at a position close to a floor (the photographer's feet), or is gripped by the photographer (user) when he/she carries the image capturing apparatus100.

The right side of the image capturing apparatus100is provided with a display section104such that the display section104is rotatable with respect to the image capturing apparatus body. The display section104is a flat monitor, such as a liquid crystal display device, and a shot image, an object image being captured, a menu for confirming various settings of the image capturing apparatus100, etc. are displayed on the display section104. Note thatFIG. 4shows the display section104in a state in which it is opened to face toward the rear side of the image capturing apparatus100. Details of the display section104will be described hereinafter.

The rear side of the image capturing apparatus100is provided with a battery chamber105in the form of a recess having an opening facing rearward of the image capturing apparatus100.FIG. 5is a side view of the image capturing apparatus100in a state in which a battery106is attached to the battery chamber105. The battery chamber105is configured to have the battery106removably attached thereto which supplies electric power to the image capturing apparatus100.

The battery chamber105is formed such that the upper side thereof is inclined toward the front side through a predetermined angle with respect to the image capturing optical axis of the image capturing lens101. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 5, the battery106attached to the battery chamber105progressively becomes higher in position in the +Y direction as it extends further away from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus100. As a result, under the battery106, an under-battery space107is generated which progressively becomes wider as it extends further away from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus100.

With this, when the image capturing apparatus100is used e.g. in a state placed on a tripod or a floor, a photographer can easily remove the battery106by inserting his/her fingers into the under-battery space107to hold the battery106and sliding the battery106. In other words, the battery106can be easily replaced by another even in a situation where there is an obstacle under the image capturing apparatus100, providing excellent usability.

On the left side of the battery chamber105, a projecting portion is provided which projects rearward and leftward. A rear side of the projecting portion is provided with an external connection terminal section108(hereinafter referred to as the “connection terminal section108”) having a plurality of external connection terminals (connectors) for connection to an external device, which face rearward, and rearward and leftward. Note that details of the connection terminal section108will be described hereinafter.

A gripping portion109is provided approximately in the center of the left side of the image capturing apparatus100. A photographer can hold the image capturing apparatus100at the height of the photographer's line of sight with a single hand by gripping the gripping portion109. Note that when using the image capturing apparatus100by holding it with a single hand, the photographer can hold the image capturing apparatus100, with higher stability and more excellent usability, by using his/her dominant hand. In general, most of people are right-handed, and hence, in the image capturing apparatus100, the gripping portion109is integrally formed with the left side of the image capturing apparatus100so as to enable the photographer to easily hold the image capturing apparatus100with his/her right hand.

FIG. 6is a view showing how a photographer holds the image capturing apparatus100. A rear side of the gripping portion109has an operation section arrangement surface110formed thereon. The operation section arrangement surface110is provided with a shooting start button111, an enlarged display button112for displaying a shot image in an enlarged state, and a menu operation cross key113. The operation section arrangement surface110is arranged in a lower portion of the rear surface of the gripping portion109so as to enable a photographer to operate each button arranged on the operation section arrangement surface110with his/her thumb while gripping the gripping portion109with his/her right hand.

The photographer can start shooting by pressing the shooting start button111when desiring to start shooting and terminate the shooting by pressing the shooting start button111again when desiring to terminate the shooting. The photographer can display a video displayed on the display section104in an enlarged state by pressing the enlarged display button112. By displaying a video displayed on the display section104in an enlarged state before or during shooting, the photographer can closely check a focus state of the video. Further, the photographer can select one of items displayed on the display section104by moving a cursor displayed thereon in a desired one of the upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions by pressing an associated portion of the menu operation cross key113and then pressing a center button. This enables the photographer to change the settings of the image capturing apparatus100, including those of an exposure state and a photosensitivity, as desired.

The left side of the image capturing apparatus100has a USB connector114provided in a recessed area thereof between the gripping portion109and the connection terminal section108. The USB connector114is one of external interface connectors of the image capturing apparatus100, and is, in this embodiment, a USB Type-C connector conforming to the USB standard. The USB connector114is mounted on a USB circuit board257, referred to hereinafter, and is configured to be electrically connectable to an external device capable of performing USB communication conforming to the USB standard. Therefore, when connected e.g. to a mobile communication device capable of operating at a communication speed not lower than a speed defined by LTE (Long Term Evolution) via the USB connector114, the image capturing apparatus100is enabled to transmit data to a remote location using a public communication network.

The image capturing apparatus100has a forced cooling structure using a fan and a duct for suppressing increase in the temperature within the apparatus by efficiently discharging heat generated in the apparatus to the outside. As shown inFIG. 2, the image capturing apparatus100is provided with a first air inlet port115at a location forward of the gripping portion109and rearward of the operation ring section102. The location where the first air inlet port115is provided is where the first air inlet port115is prevented from being covered with a photographer's left hand even when the photographer operates the operation ring section102with the hand while gripping the gripping portion109with his/her right hand, and hence, air can be stably drawn in.

As shown inFIG. 6, the rear side of the gripping portion109has an air inlet port arrangement surface118provided at a location above the operation section arrangement surface110. The air inlet port arrangement surface118is arranged such that it is spaced from the operation section arrangement surface110by a wall surface117and projects rearward of the image capturing apparatus100more than the operation section arrangement surface110.

The air inlet port arrangement surface118is formed with a second air inlet port116. In this embodiment, as described hereinabove, the air inlet port arrangement surface118is formed, on the rear side of the gripping portion109, as a step portion projecting rearward of the image capturing apparatus100to a predetermined distance from the operation section arrangement surface110. Therefore, the second air inlet port116faces rearward. For this reason, even when a photographer holds the gripping portion109with his/her right hand, and operates each operation portion with his/her right-hand thumb, the range within which the right-hand thumb can move can be limited to the operation section arrangement surface110by the wall surface117. In other words, it is difficult for the right-hand thumb to climb onto the air inlet port arrangement surface118, and hence it is possible to prevent the second air inlet port116from being covered by the photographer's hand.

A central portion of an inclined surface of the bottom of the image capturing apparatus100along the slope of the battery chamber105in the X direction is provided with a third air inlet port119, as shown inFIG. 4. The third air inlet port119is formed at a location higher than a main bottom surface (surface which is brought into contact with a floor when the image capturing apparatus100is placed on the floor (surface provided with a tripod mount)). Therefore, even in a case where the image capturing apparatus100is placed on a floor, a space is secured between the third air inlet port119and the floor to prevent the third air inlet port119from being blocked, and hence it is possible to stably draw in air.

As shown inFIG. 4, a surface of the image capturing apparatus100inside the display section104, which is exposed to the appearance when the display section104is opened, is provided with fourth air inlet ports120which are arranged at respective two locations in the Y direction. Further, a left side wall of the connection terminal section108is provided with an air outlet port121which is open obliquely rearward and leftward. The air outlet port121is arranged in the image capturing apparatus100at a location rearward of the gripping portion109and opens substantially in an intermediate direction between the rearward direction (−Z direction) and the leftward direction (−X direction). Therefore, exhaust wind is prevented from blowing against a photographer's right hand or face when the image capturing apparatus100is in use, which provides excellent usability.

Next, the forced cooling structure of the image capturing apparatus100will be described.FIG. 7is an exploded perspective view of the forced cooling structure of the image capturing apparatus100. The image capturing apparatus100includes the image capturing lens101, a sensor circuit board122, a main control circuit board123, a main duct124, a card circuit board125, a sensor duct126, and a gripping portion intake duct127. The optical system of the image capturing lens101is configured to form an optical image of an object on an image capturing surface of the image capturing device, denoted by reference numeral128, mounted on the sensor circuit board122. The sensor circuit board122, the main control circuit board123, and the card circuit board125each have various electrical components and electronic components (hereinafter referred to as the “heat generating elements”) mounted thereon, which require to be cooled because they generate heat by operation.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare exploded perspective views of the sensor circuit board122and components therearound.FIG. 8Ais an exploded perspective view, as viewed from the front right side, whileFIG. 8Bis an exploded perspective view, as viewed from the rear right side.

The image capturing device128is mounted on the front side of the sensor circuit board122. The image capturing device128generates heat when generating digital video signals by photoelectric conversion, which increases the temperature of the sensor circuit board122.

A sensor fixing sheet metal129is arranged in front of the sensor circuit board122, and an image capturing surface-protecting member131of the image capturing device128is exposed from a rectangular opening130formed in the sensor fixing sheet metal129. The sensor fixing sheet metal129is fixed to the sensor circuit board122with an adhesive, not shown, after adjusting its relative position to the image capturing device128with high accuracy. Here, in an area of a shadow of the image capturing device128, projected in the Z direction, on an image capturing device non-mounting surface132, no other electronic components and the like are mounted, but a sensor heat dissipation surface133is provided on which conductors of the sensor circuit board122are exposed by removing an insulating protective film from the surface of the sensor circuit board122.

Note that the focus position of the image capturing lens101and the inclination of the image capturing optical axis include individual product-dependent variations (individuality variations), and hence it is necessary to arrange the image capturing device128at a proper position and a proper inclination according to the individuality variation of the image capturing lens101. The sensor fixing sheet metal129is floatingly supported by coil springs134which generate an urging force for separating the sensor fixing sheet metal129from the image capturing lens101and position adjustment screws135. By properly fastening the position adjustment screws135, it is possible to adjust the position of the image capturing device128in a front-rear direction (position in the Z direction) and the inclination with respect to the image capturing optical axis, and thereby arrange the image capturing device128at a desired position. The sensor circuit board122on which the image capturing device128is mounted is thus adjusted and fixed on an individual product basis, and hence the position and the inclination of the sensor circuit board122with respect to the image capturing lens101are different for each individual product of the image capturing apparatus100.

FIG. 9is a view showing a mounting surface of the main control circuit board123, on which heat generating elements are mounted. The main control circuit board123controls the overall operation of the image capturing apparatus100. On the mounting surface of the main control circuit board123, there are mounted a lot of ICs that consume large power and generate heat, including a video signal processor146, referred to hereinafter, for processing signals output from the image capturing device128. In the image capturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment, the heat generating elements include a front lower heat generating element136mounted on a front lower portion of the circuit board, a front upper heat generating element137mounted on a front upper portion of the circuit board, and a rear heat generating element138mounted on a rear upper portion of the circuit board, and these elements are mounted on the same surface which is the mounting surface.

The main duct124is a member having a cavity therein and incorporates a rotary fan148(seeFIG. 13), described hereinafter. Air cooling is forcedly performed by driving the rotary fan148to generate a flow of air within the main duct124, whereby it is possible to dissipate heat generated within the image capturing apparatus100to the outside and thereby cool the inside of the image capturing apparatus100. Details of the forced cooling will be described hereinafter.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare perspective views of the card circuit board125.FIG. 10Ais a perspective view, as viewed from the rear side (−Z side), andFIG. 10Bis a perspective view, as viewed from the front side (+Z side).

The card circuit board125has two card holders140aand140bmounted thereon, to each of which card a recording medium139as a removable flash memory for saving (storing) image data and audio data, such as an SD card, can be removably attached. On a card holder non-mounting surface141, which is a surface opposite to the surface on which the card holders140aand140bare mounted, signal trances, not shown, are exposed to the outside so as to improve heat diffusion efficiency.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare perspective views of the sensor duct126. The sensor duct126is a component having a cavity formed therein, and has a first opening142in an upper side (+Y side), a second opening143in a lower side (−Y side), and a third opening144in a right side (+X side) thereof. The first opening142communicates with the main duct124without any gap. The second opening143communicates with the third air inlet port119formed in the bottom surface of the image capturing apparatus100without any gap. The third opening144communicates with the fourth air inlet ports120formed in the right side surface of the image capturing apparatus100without any gap.

When the forced cooling in which the rotary fan148(seeFIG. 13) provided in the main duct124is operated is performed, air flows are generated from the third air inlet port119and the fourth air inlet ports120to the first opening142by the air-drawing action of the rotary fan148. The sensor duct126is arranged between the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125to cool the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125. Further, the sensor duct126has a sensor duct flat portion145which is exposed to the upper side (+Y side) in the vicinity of the first opening142. Although described in detail hereinafter, the sensor duct flat portion145is thermally connected to the handle portion103such that heat is exchangeable therebetween.

The gripping portion intake duct127is a tubular component having a cavity, which is disposed inside the gripping portion109, and has one end communicating with the main duct124without any gap, and the other end communicating with the second air inlet port116without any gap. Although described in detail hereinafter, when the forced cooling in which the rotary fan148is driven is performed, an air flow is generated from the second air inlet port116to the main duct124by the air-drawing action of the rotary fan148.

Here, a flow of an image capturing process (video processing) performed by the image capturing apparatus100will be described.FIG. 12is a block diagram of components of the image capturing apparatus100, which are related to the video processing performed by the image capturing apparatus100.

The image capturing apparatus100is operated by electric power supplied from the battery106. When image capturing is started, incident light through the image capturing lens101forms an optical image on the image capturing surface of the image capturing device128mounted on the sensor circuit board122. In the sensor circuit board122, digital video signals corresponding to signals photoelectrically converted from the optical image and output by the image capture device128are generated. The generated digital video signals are output to the video signal processor146on the main circuit board123. The video signal processor146performs predetermined processing on the input digital video signals, and generates video data by combining audio signals, which have been separately input, and various meta data, with the processed digital video signals. For example, as the video data, data of a video having a resolution of 4K image quality at 24 fps or higher is generated.

Note that the video signal processor146includes the three elements of the front lower heat generating element136, the front upper heat generating element137, and the rear heat generating element138. Further, the video data generated by the video signal processor146is sent to the display section104and displayed as a video. At this time, the operating status of the image capturing apparatus100is displayed as on-screen display information, on an as-needed basis. Further, in a case where recording of the video data is selected by a photographer, the video data generated by the video signal processor146is converted to a predetermined format, such as RAW or WP4, by performing predetermined processing thereon.

The video data thus converted to the predetermined format is sent to the card circuit board125and stored in one of the card recording media139attached to the card circuit board125. Further, in a case where a predetermined cable is connected to the connector of the connection terminal section108, the video data can be transmitted from the video signal processor146to an external apparatus via the connection terminal section108and the cable. Further, in the image capturing apparatus100, it is possible to cause video data stored in the card recording medium139to be read by the video signal processor146for reproduction and display on the display section104, or for outputting to the connection terminal section108.

FIG. 13is a perspective view showing a structure of the main duct124and components therearound.FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the main duct124and components therearound. The main duct124includes a duct base147, the rotary fan148, a front duct cover156, and a rear duct cover159. The main duct124is arranged on the left side (−X side) of the image capturing lens101inside the image capturing apparatus100such that it is in contact with the main control circuit board123.

The duct base147is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as a die-cast aluminum material. Heat dissipation rubbers, not shown, are sandwiched between the duct base147and the main control circuit board123in a compressed state. For the heat dissipation rubbers, a material obtained by kneading e.g. metal filler in a material which is soft and has a high elasticity, such as a silicone rubber, is preferably used, and this makes it possible to smoothly transfer heat between components without generating a large reaction force.

More specifically, the front lower heat generating element136, the front upper heat generating element137, and the rear heat generating element138are mounted on the same surface of the main control circuit board123toward the duct base147, and the heat dissipation rubbers are arranged between these three heat generating elements and the duct base147. That is, the heat generating elements mounted on the main control circuit board123are in close contact with the duct base147via the heat dissipation rubbers. Thus, it is possible to efficiently dissipate heat generated in the main control circuit board123to the duct base147.

FIG. 15is a view useful in explaining the rotary fan148. InFIG. 15, rough air flow rate distribution of exhaust wind generated when driving the rotary fan148is expressed by arrows having different sizes (as the arrow is larger, the flow rate of exhaust wind air is larger).

The rotary fan148is a centrifugal fan, and has a structure in which an impeller152having a plurality of blades arranged radially around a fan rotational axis149can be rotated about the fan rotational axis149by a drive force of a motor, not shown. One surface of a casing of the rotary fan148is formed with a suction port150having a substantially circular shape, and the center of the suction port150substantially coincides with the fan rotational axis149. Further, a side wall of the rotary fan148is formed with a discharge port151.

In the rotary fan148, when the impeller152is rotated, a negative pressure is generated in the center of the impeller152, and air around the rotary fan148is drawn from the suction port150into the rotary fan148. Then, the air drawn into the rotary fan148is pushed outward from a central side toward a peripheral side by a centrifugal force of the rotating impeller152, flows along a fan inner wall153, and is then discharged from the discharge port151as exhaust wind. Inside the rotary fan148, air is conveyed while being pushed outward from the central side toward the peripheral side, and hence the flow rate of exhaust wind air flowing out of the discharge port151shows a biased distribution in which the flow rate of air on a side toward the outer wall154of the discharge port151is larger and the flow rate of air on a side toward the other outer wall155is smaller.

The front duct cover156and the rear duct cover159are cover members of the duct base147. The front duct cover156has a portion where the rotary fan148is attached and has a fan opening157(seeFIG. 14) formed therethrough. Further, the front duct cover156is provided with an inclined wall158at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface to which the rotary fan148is attached.

At respective locations corresponding to the suction port150of the rotary fan148, there are disposed the fan opening157of the front duct cover156and a fan intake area160of the duct base147. This makes it possible to cause air to smoothly flow from the fan intake area160to the rotary fan148.

FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view of the main duct124taken along an X-Z plane. A plurality of continuous hollow portions are formed inside the main duct124by combining the above-mentioned components. An intake duct161is formed in front of the suction port150of the rotary fan128and an exhaust duct162is formed to communicate with the discharge port151, whereby a flow passage into which air is drawn and from which air is exhausted is formed.

The intake duct161has the fan intake area160and a detour area164. The fan intake area160is an area sandwiched between the duct base147, and the front duct cover156and the rotary fan148, and extends from a main duct intake opening163to the rotary fan148. The detour area164is an area sandwiched between the inclined wall158formed on the front duct cover156and the duct base147, and plays a role of causing air having passed through the fan intake area160to detour and return to the fan intake area160, thereby guiding the air toward the suction port150of the rotary fan148. Note that the main duct intake opening163and the first air inlet port115communicate with each other without any gap.

The exhaust duct162is so provided as to communicate with the discharge port151of the rotary fan148and has a slope portion165formed toward the discharge port151and an exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166formed toward a main duct exhaust opening167. The slope portion165is an area sandwiched between the inclined wall158of the front duct cover156and the rear duct cover159. The exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166is provided on a downstream side of the slope portion165and leads to the main duct exhaust opening167. Note that the main duct exhaust opening167communicates with the air outlet port121without any gap.

FIG. 17is a perspective view of the duct base147. The duct base147has the main duct intake opening163in the form of a through hole in an erected wall on the front side (+Z side (seeFIG. 14)). Further, the fan intake area160is provided in a central portion of the duct base147in a longitudinal direction (Z direction), and a connection opening168formed by cutting part of the side wall (wall portion on the +Y side) and part of the bottom (wall portion on the +X side) is provided on an upper side (+Y side (seeFIG. 14)) of the fan intake area160. The connection opening168is connected to the first opening142of the sensor duct126without any gap when the main duct124is assembled.

A substantially central portion of the detour area164in the duct base147is provided with a first shield wall169, and the first shield wall169forms a boundary wall for separating an upper detour area171and a lower detour area170. The detour area164(seeFIG. 16) is formed by the upper detour area171and the lower detour area170, and therefore, the lower detour area170and the upper detour area171communicate with the fan intake area160.

Lower heat dissipation fins172as a plurality of rib-shaped portions which are formed integrally with the duct base147and extend in the front-rear direction (Z direction) are provided on a lower side (−Y side) of the fan intake area160. Further, upper heat dissipation fins173as a plurality of rib-shaped portions which are formed integrally with the duct base147and extend in the front-rear direction (Z direction) are provided on the upper side (+Y side) of the fan intake area160. A second shield wall174is provided between the connection opening168and the upper heat dissipation fins173. Exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175as a plurality of rib-shaped portions which are formed integrally with the duct base147and extend in the front-rear direction (Z direction) are provided on a rear side (−Z side) of the detour area164.

FIG. 18is a view showing a positional relationship between the rotary fan148and the lower heat dissipation fins172, as viewed from the −X side to the +X side. The lower heat dissipation fins172are arranged closer to the outer wall155than a center line176is which passes the fan rotational axis149and is perpendicular to the discharge port151such that a shadow thereof projected in the X direction overlaps the rotary fan148. Further, the lower heat dissipation fins172each have one end (+Z side) disposed at a location closer to the main duct intake opening163than a casing front end177of the rotary fan148is, and the other end (−Z side) extending to the lower detour area170which is closer to the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175than the discharge port151of the rotary fan148is.

Here, flows of air in the main duct124will be described.FIG. 19is a view illustrating the flows of air in the main duct124, as viewed from the −X side to the +X side. In the main duct124, a first intake air flow178, a second intake air flow179, and a third intake air flow180are generated.

The first intake air flow178is a flow of air that is drawn in from the main duct intake opening163, flows through the lower side of the fan intake area160via the lower heat dissipation fins172, and flows into the fan intake area160via the lower detour area170. The lower detour area170is arranged rearward (on the −Z side) of the fan intake area160, and hence the passage of the first intake air flow178reaches the fan intake area160after making a U-turn. The second intake air flow179is a flow of air that is drawn in from the main duct intake opening163, and flows into the fan intake area160from the upper side of the fan intake area160after flowing between the upper heat dissipation fins173. The third intake air flow180is a flow of air that flows into the fan intake area160from the connection opening168.

Arear portion of the duct base147, corresponding to the exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166, is provided with the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175as the plurality of rib-shaped portions which are formed integrally with the duct base147and extend in the front-rear direction (Z direction). Exhaust wind discharged from the rotary fan148necessarily passes the area where the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175are provided.

FIG. 20is a view showing a relationship between exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175and the rotary fan148, and the size of each arrow schematically represents the magnitude of a flow rate of exhaust wind air (as the arrow is larger, the flow rate of exhaust wind air is larger). The exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175are provided in plurality in the exhaust duct162, but are not uniform in length. More specifically, out of the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175, ones arranged on the upper side (+Y side) toward the outer wall154, where the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148is larger, are exhaust-side heat dissipation fins181which are each long in entire length. On the other hand, ones arranged on the lower side (−Y side) toward the outer wall155, where the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148is smaller, are exhaust-side heat dissipation fins182which are each shorter in entire length than the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins181. The exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175are thus formed such that ventilation resistance is small in an area where the air flow rate is small, whereby it is possible to increase the heat dissipation efficiency.

Further, in the vicinity of the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins181arranged toward the upper side (+Y side) of the exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166of the duct base147, a USB connection wall portion183is formed integrally with the duct base147. The USB connection wall portion183has a flat shape and is substantially parallel to the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175.

Here, a positional relationship between the rib-shaped portions (fins) and the heat generating elements will be described.FIG. 21is a view showing the positional relationship between the rib-shaped portions of the duct base147and the heat generating elements on the main control circuit board123. The front lower heat generating element136as one of the heat generating elements mounted on the main control circuit board123is arranged such that a shadow thereof projected in the X direction overlaps the lower heat dissipation fins172. Further, the front upper heat generating element137is arranged such that a shadow thereof projected in the X direction overlaps the upper heat dissipation fins173, and the rear heat generating element138is arranged such that a shadow thereof projected in the X direction overlaps the exhaust-side heat dissipation fins175. This makes it possible to efficiently transfer heat generated in each heat generating element to associated ones of the fins, and hence it is possible to efficiently discharge heat by driving the rotary fan148.

As shown inFIG. 16, a portion of the main duct124on the −Z side of the rotary fan148forms a two-layer structure formed by partitioning between the intake duct161and the exhaust duct162in the X direction (direction of a thickness of the main duct124), with the inclined wall158. With this, it is possible to arrange the detour area164at a location rearward (−Z side) of the rotary fan148, whereby the first intake air flow178is formed as a flow of air along a path which extends to the rear side of the rotary fan148and then returns to the rotary fan148after making a U-turn, causing air to be drawn into the rotary fan148. Thus, the lower dissipation fins172extending to the lower detour area170can be made sufficiently long, whereby it is possible to sufficiently dissipate heat from the front lower heat generating element136.

FIG. 22is a perspective view of the rotary fan148and associated members therearound, also illustrating a cross-section of the inclined wall158. Similar toFIG. 15, the size of each arrow appearing inFIG. 22represents the magnitude of a flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148. The inclined wall158is formed as a three-dimensional inclined wall having a predetermined inclination with respect to the vertical direction (Y direction) and further having a predetermined inclination with respect to the front-rear direction (Z direction). Therefore, in an area where the inclined wall158is provided, the respective cross-sectional areas of the air flow passages in the slope portion165and the detour area164smoothly change in the vertical direction (Y direction).

More specifically, on the side toward the outer wall154where the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148is large, the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage in the slope portion165is larger than that in the detour area164. Inversely, on the side toward the outer wall155where the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148is small, the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage in the detour area164is larger than that in the slope portion165. Therefore, by setting the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage in the exhaust duct162large so as to reduce the ventilation resistance on the side toward the outer wall154where the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148is large, it is possible to efficiently discharge air. Further, by setting the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage in the lower detour area170large so as to reduce the ventilation resistance, it is possible to efficiently draw in air. In other words, on the immediately downstream side (−Z side) of the rotary fan148, by setting the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage according to the flow rate of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148, it is possible to efficiently draw in and discharge air while maintaining constant the total thickness of the slope portion165and the detour area164.

As described hereinabove, on the immediately downstream side (−Z side) of the rotary fan148, the inclined wall158partitions between the intake duct161and the exhaust duct162, thereby forming two-layered air flow passages overlapping each other in the thickness direction (X direction). Therefore, the third intake air flow180is formed by a flow of air which enters the main duct124, and is then guided to the suction port150of the rotary fan148by a short distance via the upper detour area171. Thus, it is possible to efficiently guide air drawn in from the sensor duct126to the suction port150.

FIG. 23is a cross-sectional view of the main duct124taken along a Z-X plane, which shows a cross section at the image capturing optical axis, denoted by reference numeral184. In the exhaust duct162, air flows along the slope portion165, as shown inFIG. 16, and hence the exhaust heat dissipation portion166and the detour area164are at substantially the same position in the X direction. When this is viewed inFIG. 23, the air flow passage in the exhaust duct162is a curved passage which goes toward the image capturing optical axis184of the image capturing lens101and then goes away from the same.

The rear surface of the gripping portion109(surface on the −Z side) has a shape that does not interfere with an operation of a photographer who operates the shooting start button111provided on the rear surface of the gripping portion109by a right-hand thumb185of a right hand holding the gripping portion109. Further, the shape of the gripping portion109is designed such that the right-hand thumb185would come to a position of the main duct124, recessed most deeply toward the +X side. Further, the exhaust duct162of the main duct124is made close to the image capturing optical axis184, and part of the main duct124is arranged inside the gripping portion109to reduce a distance L1from the image capturing optical axis184to a holding portion (held with the four fingers, i.e. a forefinger to a fifth finger). Further, the lower heat dissipation fins172are arranged such that a shadow thereof projected in the X direction overlaps the rotary fan148, whereby the size of the main duct124in the vertical direction (Y direction) is made substantially the same as the size of the rotary fan148(see e.g.FIG. 18).

With this, it is possible to realize the gripping portion109, compact in size, which can be gripped to hold the main duct124therein together, and as a result, the gripping portion109is made easy to be gripped by a photographer. Further, the moment of a force applied to the right hand holding the gripping portion109due to the weight of the image capturing lens101and the battery106becomes small, and hence it is possible to increase the stability of the image capturing apparatus100when the gripping portion109is gripped.

FIG. 24is an exploded perspective view of the rear portion (portion on the −Z side) of the gripping portion109and the gripping portion intake duct127. As described hereinabove, the gripping portion intake duct127is arranged inside the gripping portion109. The rear side of the gripping portion109is covered with a grip cover186, and the grip cover186(specifically, the air inlet port arrangement surface118thereof) is provided with the second air inlet port116.

The gripping portion intake duct127has a grip duct base187and a grip duct sheet metal190. The grip duct base187is formed of a material which is low in thermal conductivity, such as a resin material (plastic), and this makes heat exchange difficult to occur between the inside and the outside of the grip duct base187.

The grip duct base187is formed by a grip duct-forming portion188and a grip duct-extending portion189. The grip duct-forming portion188is formed into a substantially U-shape and an internal cavity is formed by covering the open side with the grip duct sheet metal190. An opening of the internal cavity formed by the grip duct-forming portion188and the grip duct sheet metal190is connected to the inside (+Z side) of the second air inlet port116without any gap.

One end of the grip duct-extending portion189communicates with the internal cavity formed by the grip duct-forming portion188and the grip duct sheet metal190without any gap, and the other end of the grip duct-extending portion189is formed with a duct opening portion191having a substantially U-shape. The duct opening portion191is connected to the main duct124without any gap. Therefore, air flowing in from the second air inlet port116flows through the internal cavity formed by the grip duct-forming portion188and the grip duct sheet metal190, and then through the inside of the grip duct-extending portion189, thereafter flowing from the duct opening portion191into the main duct124. Note that the flow of air in the gripping portion intake duct127will be described hereinafter.

FIGS. 25A and 25Bare exploded perspective views of the sensor duct126and components therearound, and the viewing direction is different betweenFIGS. 25A and 25B, as indicated by coordinate axes therein.FIG. 26is a cross-sectional view useful in explaining a mechanism for cooling the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125using the sensor duct126.

The sensor duct126has a sensor duct base192and a card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193, and an internal cavity194which forms an air flow passage is formed by assembling these components. The card circuit board125is fixed to the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193such that a card slot non-mounting surface195of the card circuit board125is opposed to the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193. The card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193is formed with a sheet metal opening196, and a card-side cushion member197having a rectangular frame shape is arranged between the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193and the card slot non-mounting surface195such that the card-side cushion member197surrounds the sheet metal opening196. With this, part of the card slot non-mounting surface195is exposed from the sheet metal opening196into the internal cavity194in a state shielded from surrounding outer space by the card-side cushion member197. Thus, by exposing the part of the card slot non-mounting surface195into the internal cavity194, it is possible to efficiently cool the card circuit board125.

The sensor circuit board122is arranged such that the sensor heat dissipation surface133is opposed to the sensor duct base192. The sensor duct base192is formed with a sensor duct opening198at a location substantially opposed to the sheet metal opening196of the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193in the Z direction. A sensor-side cushion member199having a rectangular frame shape is arranged between the sensor duct base192and the sensor circuit board122such that the sensor-side cushion member199surrounds the sensor duct opening198. With this, part of the sensor heat dissipation surface133is exposed from the sensor duct opening198into the internal cavity194in a state shielded from surrounding outer space by the sensor-side cushion member199.

Thus, by exposing the part of the sensor heat dissipation surface133into the internal cavity194, it is possible to efficiently cool the sensor circuit board122. Further, it is possible to absorb variation in position and inclination of the sensor circuit board122, caused by individuality variation of the image capturing lens101, using the sensor-side cushion member199, and also place the image capturing device128in a state isolated from the internal cavity194.

The sensor duct base192is provided with a plate-shaped portion200at a substantially intermediate location between the sheet metal opening196and the sensor duct opening198. As shown inFIG. 26, a main surface of the plate-shaped portion200is orthogonal to an air flow from the second opening143toward the first opening142. As a result, air flowing in the sensor duct126detours around the plate-shaped portion200, passes between the plate-shaped portion200and the sensor heat dissipation surface133, and between the plate-shaped portion200and the card slot non-mounting surface195, and flows toward the first opening142.

Here,FIG. 27shows a cross-sectional view useful in explaining an air flow in a case where the plate-shaped portion200is not provided. In this case, air does not flow near the sensor heat dissipation surface133and the card slot non-mounting surface195, and hence the cooling efficiency is lower.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 26, air flows near the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125and receives heat. The thus warmed air flows directly under the sensor duct flat portion145formed by the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193and flows from the first opening142into the main duct124. The first opening142is connected to the connection opening168formed in the duct base147without any gap. Therefore, the air used for cooling the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125flows into the main duct124through the inside of the sensor duct126, the first opening142, and the connection opening168, to form the third intake air flow180.

Air of the third intake air flow180drawn in from the sensor duct126, flows into the upper detour area171, and air of the first intake air flow178drawn in from the first air inlet115flows into the lower detour area170. Since the lower detour area170and the upper detour area171are separated (partitioned) by the first shield wall169, the two flows are separated by the first shield wall169up to immediately before the air of both the flows is drawn into the suction port150of the rotary fan148. This is because the third intake air flow180extends along a long air flow passage including the inside of the sensor duct126, and the air flow passage has many curved portions, and hence it is considered that the air of the third intake air flow180is more difficult to flow than that of the first intake air flow178.

More specifically, by causing the third intake air flow180and the first intake air flow178to merge immediately before the air of both the flows is drawn into the suction port150of the rotary fan148, drawing of the air from the third intake air flow180into the suction port150is prevented from being obstructed due to the influence of the first intake air flow178. Similarly, the second intake air flow179and the third intake air flow180are shielded from each other by the second shield wall174up to immediately before air of the two flows is drawn into the suction port150of the rotary fan148. This makes it possible to prevent drawing of the air of the third intake air flow180into the suction port150of the rotary fan148from being obstructed due to the influence of the second intake air flow179.

FIGS. 28A and 28Bare cross-sectional views each showing flows of air in the sensor duct126and the gripping portion intake duct.127.FIG. 28Ais a cross-sectional view of where the third intake air flow180and a fourth intake air flow201merge, taken along a Z-X plane, andFIG. 28Bis a cross-sectional view where the third intake air flow180and the fourth intake air flow201merge, taken along an X-Y plane. The fourth intake air flow201is a flow of intake air that is drawn in from the second air inlet port116, and flows through the inside of the gripping portion intake duct127, thereby flowing into the fan intake area160of the main duct124via the grip duct-extending portion189.

The grip duct-extending portion189as a component of the gripping portion intake duct127is arranged such that a portion thereof meeting the main duct124is opposed to the first opening142of the sensor duct126. The grip duct-forming portion188as a component of the gripping portion intake duct127is exposed to the outside of the main duct124and the grip duct-extending portion189is accommodated inside the main duct124. The grip duct-extending portion189is combined with the front duct cover156to form a hollow duct-shaped portion inside the main duct124. With this, the fourth intake air flow201has its periphery (whole circumference) enclosed by a resin member which is low in thermal conductivity, and reaches the fan intake area160in a state in which heat exchange with the surrounding is suppressed.

An outlet of the hollow duct-shaped portion formed by the grip duct-extending portion189and the front duct cover156is arranged directly under the suction port150of the rotary fan148. For this reason, air of the fourth intake air flow201drawn in from the second air inlet port116is not brought into contact with air in the main duct124and air of the third intake air flow180, already subjected to heat exchange, until just before the air is drawn into the rotary fan148. Therefore, the air of the fourth intake air flow201is guided to the suction port150of the rotary fan148without being subjected to heat exchange.

The fourth intake air flow201is mixed with the first intake air flow178, the second intake air flow179, and the third intake air flow180, in the fan intake area160, and the resulting mixed air is drawn into the rotary fan148and then discharged to the exhaust duct162. At this time, the air of the fourth intake air flow201reaches the rotary fan148in a state maintained at the outside air temperature. Therefore, by mixing the fourth intake air flow201, which is relatively low in temperature compared with the other air flows, with the other air flows, it is possible to lower the temperature of exhaust wind air discharged from the rotary fan148, and hence it is possible to increase the cooling efficiency in the exhaust duct162.

FIG. 29is a side view of the image capturing apparatus100in a state in which the gripping portion109is removed (as viewed from the −X side).FIG. 30is a cross-sectional view of a portion, where a zoom unit202is arranged, of the image capturing apparatus100, taken along an X-Y plane (as viewed from the −Z side). The zoom unit202is arranged at a location closer to the image capturing lens101than a line203connecting between vertexes of the outer shapes of the handle portion103and the gripping portion109is. Therefore, even when an external force is applied e.g. from a floor to the image capturing apparatus100e.g. due to an accidental drop thereof, the impact is not directly applied to the zoom unit202. Further, the zoom unit202is arranged at a location avoiding the main duct124and the rotary fan148, and hence the zoom unit202does not interfere with heat dissipation in the image capturing apparatus100.

Here, the construction of the right side of the image capturing apparatus100where the display section104is arranged will be described.FIGS. 31A and 31Bare views of the right side of the image capturing apparatus100, as viewed from the rear right side.FIG. 31Ashows the right side of the image capturing apparatus100in a state in which a card cover207is closed, andFIG. 31Bshows the same in a state in which the card cover207is open.

The display section104is disposed such that it can be opened and closed by rotation about a hinge rotational axis205of a hinge unit204disposed on the right side of the image capturing apparatus100. An R cover206is attached to the right side of the image capturing apparatus body, which is exposed to the outside when the display section104is opened, and the card cover207is provided at a predetermined location on a surface of the R cover206. A photographer can shift the card cover207from the closed state to the open state by performing an operation of hooking a finger on a finger hooking portion208of the card cover207and pulling out the card cover207. When the card cover207is opened, card openings210aand210bof a holder209are exposed, whereby the card recording media139can be attached/removed.

FIG. 32is an exploded perspective view of the card cover207and members therearound on the right side of the image capturing apparatus100. Inside the card openings210aand210b, the two card holders140aand140b, into which the card recording media139can be removably inserted, are mounted on the card circuit board125, respectively. The card cover207is rotatable about a card cover rotational shaft211provided substantially parallel to the hinge rotational axis205, between a closed position for protecting the card openings210aand210band an open position for exposing the card openings210aand210b.

A locking member214that maintains the card cover207in the closed position is provided such that it is rotatable about a locking member rotational shaft213.FIGS. 33A to 33Care views showing a structure of the card cover207and components therearound.FIG. 33Aillustrates a closed state of the card cover207, as viewed from the +Y side. A torsion coil spring212urges the locking member214in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the +Y side. A card lock tip end215of the locking member214urged by the torsion coil spring212urges a cutout217of the card cover207, whereby the card cover207is maintained in the closed position.

FIG. 33Billustrates an open state of the card cover207, as viewed from the +Y side. A sector-shaped portion216of the card cover207urges the locking member214in an anticlockwise direction about the locking member rotational shaft213, as viewed from the +Y side. The locking member214urged by the sector-shaped portion216presses a detection lever piece219of a detection switch218for detecting the open state of the card cover207, toward the −Z side, whereby it is possible to detect that the card cover207is shifted to the open state. Inversely, when the card cover207is in a closed state, the detection lever piece219is not pressed toward the −Z side by the locking member214, and hence it is possible to detect that the card cover207is in the closed state.

The card lock tip end215of the locking member214being urged presses the sector-shaped portion216toward the +Z side with a reaction force, whereby the card cover207is maintained in an open position.FIG. 33Cis a cross-sectional view taken along B-B inFIG. 31A. When an opening angle α of the card cover207becomes larger than a threshold value (which is set in this embodiment to 45 degrees by way of example), a torsion coil spring220urges the card cover207in the anticlockwise direction, as viewed from the +Y side. With this, even when the opening angle α of the card cover207is changed to an angle in a range of 46 to 90 degrees, it is a temporal change and the opening angle is caused to be maintained at 45 degrees.

As shown inFIG. 31B, the display section104includes a display panel221and a panel cover222which covers the periphery of the display panel221and has a shape protruding forward from the panel surface of the display panel221. An upper tip end and a lower tip end in the Y direction of the card cover207are provided with contact portions223aand223beach having a chamfered shape, respectively. The entire length of the card cover207in the Y direction is longer than the entire length of the display panel221in the Y direction (panel part entire length) as shown inFIG. 31B.

Assuming that the display section104is closed when the display section104is in the open state and when the card cover207is in the open state, the panel cover222is brought into contact with the contact portions223aand223bof the card cover207, and then urges the card cover207in a closing direction. Thus, not only the display section104but also the card cover207is closed. When the display section104is closed, the card cover207is prevented from being brought into contact with the display panel221and damaging the display panel221. Further, the card cover207is prevented from being sandwiched between the image capturing apparatus body and the display section104and interfering with the closing operation of the display section104.

FIG. 34is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A inFIG. 31A, which is useful in explaining the heat dissipation structure around the card recording medium139. Arrows appearing inFIG. 34indicate air flows generated by the rotary fan148.

As mentioned hereinabove, when the card cover207is opened, the card openings210aand210bof the holder209are exposed. The holder209is provided with a cover retreating area224(space) for prevention of interference with the card cover207in the open state. The cover retreating area224is provided with a card-side opening225so as to be connected to the third opening144of the sensor duct126.

The fourth air inlet ports120are provided near the upper tip end and the lower tip end in the Y direction (the contact portions223aand223b) of the card cover207(seeFIGS. 4 and 32). Further, the sensor duct126, the holder209, and the card cover207form an air flow passage so as to prevent air from leaking into the other areas. This air flow passage is formed such that the sensor circuit board122, the sensor duct126, the card cover rotational shaft211, the card recording media139, and the fourth air inlet ports120are positioned in the mentioned order, as viewed from the +Z side.

With this, air drawn in from the fourth air inlet ports120by the rotary fan148can efficiently dissipate heat from a pinching portion226of the card recording medium139, which is positioned in part of the air flow passage formed between the holder209and the card cover207. Further, by making effective use of the cover retreating area224which is a dead space for the ventilation passage, it is possible to prevent increase in the size of the image capturing apparatus100.

FIGS. 35 and 36are first and second appearance perspective views of the handle portion103, as viewed from different directions, respectively. As described hereinabove, the handle portion103is formed integrally with the upper portion of the image capturing apparatus body, and by gripping a handle gripping portion227, a photographer is enabled to perform shooting and conveyance in various styles to which the state of the image capturing apparatus100is adjusted.

An audio section228is provided on a front side (+Z side) of the handle gripping portion227. In the audio section228, there are arranged built-in microphones229, adjustment knobs230for adjusting a recording level, an audio cover231, external microphone terminals232, a start/stop button233, a zoom switching lever234, etc. Inside the audio cover231, there are arranged a switch for switching external microphones connected to the external microphone terminals232, etc.

A finder section235, which is pivotally movable, is arranged on a rear side (−Z side) of the handle gripping portion227, and the photographer can check a shot image and various information using this finder section235. The handle gripping portion227has a handle lower cover236and a handle upper cover237, and the handle lower cover236forms part of the exterior of the image capturing apparatus body.

Inside the handle lower cover236, a handle plate238made of metal is fixed. The handle plate238includes a handle flat portion239, as a lower (−Y side) portion thereof, on which a handle heat conduction sheet240made of a heat conductive material is arranged.

FIG. 37is an exploded perspective view useful in explaining attachment of the handle plate238, and components of which omission of illustration does not hamper the explanation are omitted from illustration. The handle plate238has the handle flat portion239on a side toward the image capturing apparatus body (−Y side), and is shaped to extend upward from opposite ends of the handle flat portion239in the front-rear direction (Z direction) along the handle lower cover236, while forming a plurality of bent portions. A front side (+Z side) of the handle plate238is referred to as a front side end243, and a rear side (−Z side) of the same is referred to as a rear side end244. The handle plate238is fixed, together with a jack circuit board241and a handle circuit board242, to the handle lower cover236with screws, whereby the handle plate238and the handle lower cover236are formed into an integral unit, thereby playing a role of maintaining the rigidity of the handle portion103.

FIG. 38is a view useful in explaining a coupling arrangement between the image capturing apparatus body and the handle portion103, and components of which omission of illustration does not hamper the explanation are omitted from illustration. The handle portion103is fixed to the image capturing apparatus body by the handle lower cover236. At this time, the handle heat conduction sheet240is sandwiched and held between the sensor duct flat portion145of the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193and the handle flat portion239(seeFIG. 36) of the handle plate238.

Next, the sensor duct126will be described with reference toFIG. 38. As described above, the image capturing apparatus100has a structure in which air flowing through the ducts receives heat from a plurality of heat generating elements to thereby cool the heat generating elements. Further, in the sensor duct126, air having received heat from the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125flows directly under the sensor duct flat portion145of the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193, and then flows from the first opening142toward the main duct124, to form the third intake air flow180.

The third intake air flow180joins the first intake air flow178and the second intake air flow179, and the air is drawn into the rotary fan148and then discharged from the exhaust duct162. At this time, the exhaust wind passes through the exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166and receives heat from the rear heat generating element138.

To increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the main control circuit board123, it is desirable to suppress increase in the temperature of air, caused by heat from the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125, as much as possible. In the image capturing apparatus100, air having received heat from the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125transfers the heat from the sensor duct flat portion145of the card circuit board-fixing sheet metal193to the handle flat portion239of the handle plate238via the handle heat conduction sheet240. For this reason, it is possible to lower the temperature of air, increased by the heat received from the sensor circuit board122and the card circuit board125, before the air flows into the main duct124.

Next, heat transferred from the sensor duct flat portion145to the handle portion103will be described.FIG. 39is a top view of the handle portion103(as viewed from the +Y side).FIG. 40is a cross-sectional view taken along C-C inFIG. 39, and components of which omission of illustration does not hamper the explanation are omitted from illustration. Further, arrows appearing inFIG. 40schematically represent how the heat is transferred.

Heat, which is transferred from the image capturing apparatus body to the handle portion103, is transferred to the handle flat portion239of the handle plate238via the handle heat conduction sheet240, and this heat is transferred to the front side end243and the rear side end244of the handle plate238. After that, the heat is transferred to the handle lower cover236and the handle upper cover237via screw fixing portions and air inside the handle portion103, and is eventually diffused to the outside air. In the image capturing apparatus100, the heat is efficiently transferred to the inside of the handle portion103via the handle plate238made of metal, and is then diffused to the outside air. At this time, since the front side end243and the rear side end244of the handle plate238are arranged such that neither of them reaches the handle gripping portion227of the handle portion103, it is possible to suppress increase in the temperature of the handle gripping portion227.

Thus, in the image capturing apparatus100configured to cool a plurality of heat generating elements (heat sources) by causing air to flow through ducts, heat received by air passing a heat source is transferred to the handle portion103before the air flows to the next heat source, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of cooling the next heat source. Further, while it is possible to efficiently diffuse heat transferred to the handle portion103to the inside of the handle portion103, it is possible to suppress transfer of heat to the handle gripping portion227, and hence it is possible to prevent a photographer from feeling uncomfortable when the photographer grips the handle portion103. Note that in the present embodiment, the ends of the handle plate238are not extended to the handle gripping portion227so as to suppress increase in the temperature of the handle gripping portion227. However, the handle plate238may be extended to the handle gripping portion227depending a manner of heat transfer and a situation of temperature increase.

FIGS. 41 and 42are appearance perspective views of a handle portion103A as a variation of the above-described handle portion103. Note that out of the components of the handle portion103A, the same components as those of the handle portion103are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted. Further, there is no change in the construction of the image capturing apparatus body.

A handle lower cover245is provided with a handle heat dissipation port250formed by a plurality of slit-shaped portions249which are through holes each having a long narrow shape, at a location below (−Y side of) the handle gripping portion227. Further, inside the handle lower cover245, a handle plate248made of metal and a heat sink portion246made of metal are fixed. Further, a handle lower flat portion251is provided under (−Y side of) the heat sink portion246, and the handle heat conduction sheet240is disposed on the handle lower flat portion251.

FIG. 43is a view useful in explaining attachment of the handle plate248and the heat sink portion246to the handle lower cover245, and components of which omission of illustration does not hamper the explanation are omitted from illustration. The heat sink portion246is provided with a handle heat dissipation portion253formed by a plurality of fins so as to increase the surface area. The handle heat dissipation portion253is opposed to the handle heat dissipation port250of the handle lower cover245. The handle plate248and the heat sink portion246are both fixed, together with the jack circuit board241and the handle circuit board242, to the handle lower cover245with screws, whereby the handle plate248, the heat sink portion246, and the handle lower cover245are formed into an integral unit, thereby playing a role of maintaining the rigidity of the handle portion103A. Further, the heat sink portion246and the handle plate248are thermally connected to each other.

FIG. 44is a top view of the handle portion103A.FIG. 45is a cross-sectional view taken along D-D inFIG. 44.FIG. 46is a cross-sectional view taken along E-E inFIG. 44. Note that inFIGS. 45 and 46, components of which omission of illustration does not hamper the explanation are omitted from illustration.

Heat generated in the image capturing apparatus body is mainly transferred to the handle lower flat portion251of the heat sink portion246via the handle heat conduction sheet240, and is then transferred to the heat sink portion246. Since the handle lower cover245is provided with the slit-shaped portions249formed in association with recess portions between the plurality of fins forming the heat sink portion246, the plurality of fins are brought into direct contact with the outside air. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently dissipate heat to the outside through the handle heat dissipation port250formed by the plurality of slit-shaped portions249.

Note that it is desirable that the handle heat dissipation port250is disposed at a location where it is difficult for a photographer to touch the same. As shown inFIG. 41, the handle portion103A has the handle heat dissipation port250disposed at a location below (−Y side of) the handle gripping portion227, which corresponds to a shadow of the handle gripping portion227projected in the Y direction, thereby forming a structure which makes it difficult for the photographer to touch the handle heat dissipation port250.

Further, in the handle portion103A, the handle heat dissipation port250of the handle lower cover245is disposed above the heat sink portion246, as the appearance surface, thereby preventing a user from directly touching the handle heat dissipation portion253while bringing the handle heat dissipation portion253into direct contact with the outside air. On the other hand, depending on a temperature situation, the handle portion103A may be configured such that the slit-shaped portions249of the handle lower cover245are formed as an opening to cause the heat sink portion246to directly appear in the appearance.

Further, in the handle portion103A, a handle front-side end254of the handle plate248and a handle rear-side end255of the heat sink portion246are not extended to the handle gripping portion227so as to suppress increase in the temperature of the handle gripping portion227. However, the handle plate248and the heat sink portion246may be extended to the handle gripping portion227depending on a manner of heat transfer and a situation of temperature increase.

FIG. 47is a perspective view of the image capturing apparatus100in a state in which a mobile communication device256is connected to the USB connector114, as viewed from the rear left side.FIG. 48is a front view of the image capturing apparatus100in the state in which the mobile communication device256is connected to the USB connector114. The mobile communication device256is an example of an external device that can be connected (attached) to the USB connector114.

The mobile communication device256is e.g. a dongle capable of performing 5G high-speed data communication. When the mobile communication device256is connected, the image capturing apparatus100is capable of transferring a video recorded in the card recording medium139or a video being shot to an external apparatus, such as a PC, via a public communication network. InFIGS. 47 and 48, the mobile communication device256is illustrated in a state in which the angle of an antenna of the mobile communication device256has been adjusted such that it extends upward. However, the angle can be adjusted to a desired angle, and for example, the antenna may be set to extend straight to the left side (−X direction) of the image capturing apparatus100.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 6, and 47, the USB connector114is arranged in a recessed area between the gripping portion109and the connection terminal section108, at a location adjacent to the rear side (−Z side) of the air inlet port arrangement surface118, in a state in which its opening faces toward the left side. As described above, the right-hand thumb is prevented from reaching the air inlet port arrangement surface118when operating the image capturing apparatus100, and similarly, the right-hand thumb is also prevented from reaching the mobile communication device256, and hence even when the mobile communication device256is attached, the operability of the image capturing apparatus100is not spoiled.

Further, although the USB connector114is in the recessed area between the gripping portion109and the connection terminal section108, i.e. close to the optical axis of the image capturing apparatus100, it is away from the handle portion103leftward. Therefore, the mobile communication device256connected to the USB connector114extends at a location away from the handle portion103by a predetermined distance L2(seeFIG. 48). As a result, when the photographer grips the handle portion103, a space is formed between the hand gripping the handle portion103and the mobile communication device256. Therefore, even when the photographer grips the handle portion103while using the mobile communication device256, the hand gripping the handle portion103does not bump against the mobile communication device256, providing excellent usability.

Next, the USB circuit board257will be described.FIGS. 49A and 49Bare perspective views of the USB circuit board257.FIG. 49Ashows a front surface (mounting surface) andFIG. 49Bshows a reverse surface. The USB circuit board257includes a base258, and the USB connector114and a connection connector259both mounted on the front surface of the base258. To the connection connector259, wires, not shown, for enabling transmission and reception of signals to and from the main control circuit board123are connected. The reverse surface of the USB circuit board257has no electrical components mounted thereon, but is provided with a conductor exposed portion260from which internal conductors are exposed by removing an insulating protective film, not shown, from the base258.

FIG. 50is a view useful in explaining electrical and thermal connection between the USB circuit board257and the main duct124. Inside the image capturing apparatus100, the USB circuit board257is arranged such that it is opposed to the USB connection wall portion183which is part of the main duct124(duct base147). An electrically conductive elastic member261and a thermally conductive elastic member262are sandwiched and held in a compressed state between the USB circuit board257and the USB connection wall portion183.

The electrically conductive elastic member261is a member which is configured such that a core is made of a material which is soft and highly elastic, such as an expanded EPDM, and conductive fibers enclose the periphery of the core, and is capable of electrically connecting between components without generating a large reaction force. The thermally conductive elastic member262is a member having elasticity, which is made of substantially the same material as the above-mentioned heat dissipation rubbers and is capable of efficiently transferring heat. The electrically conductive elastic member261and the thermally conductive elastic member262are in close contact with the conductor exposed portion260provided on the reverse surface of the USB circuit board257, and electrically and thermally connect the USB circuit board257to the main duct124.

Incidentally, a circuit board which transmits and receives signals at high speed is generally liable to output strong undesired radiation to the outside of the image capturing apparatus100. In a case where a path from a circuit board as an undesired radiation-generating source to a main electrical ground is longer and a looped route is formed, more undesired radiation is generated according to the theoretical characteristics of a dipole antenna. To cope with this problem, in the image capturing apparatus100, undesired radiation is reduced by connecting the USB circuit board257to the main duct124which is the main electrical ground by a shortest distance.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 50, the USB connection wall portion183is provided on the upper side (+Y side) of the exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166, i.e. on a side of the outer wall154along which the exhaust wind is discharged from the rotary fan148at a high air flow rate. That is, the USB connection wall portion183is arranged in an area where the heat dissipation efficiency is highest in the exhaust-side heat dissipation portion166, which makes it possible to efficiently cool the USB circuit board257.

A description will be given of a connection terminal section of a conventional image capturing apparatus before describing the connection terminal section108of the image capturing apparatus100.FIG. 61is a perspective view of the conventional image capturing apparatus, denoted by reference numeral900, illustrating the arrangement of connectors on the connection terminal section.FIGS. 62A and 62Bare views of the image capturing apparatus900, illustrating connection cables connected to the connectors of the connection terminal section.FIG. 62Ais a perspective view, as viewed from the rear right side, whileFIG. 62Bis a side view, as viewed from the right side. Note that the same components of the image capturing apparatus900as those of the image capturing apparatus100are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The rear side of the image capturing apparatus900is provided with a first connector arrangement surface3100which is parallel to an X-Y plane, and a plurality of connectors are arranged on the first connector arrangement surface3100. More specifically, on the first connector arrangement surface3100, there are arranged an audio input-output stereo connector3200, a wired LAN cable connector3201, an HDMI cable connector3202, and a power supply connector3203.

Further, the rear side of the image capturing apparatus900is provided with a second connector arrangement surface3405, and a plurality of connectors are arranged on the second connector arrangement surface3405. More specifically, the second connector arrangement surface3405is so formed as to be substantially parallel to the Y-axis and face rearward and leftward, and has SDI connectors3400to3403provided thereon such that they each protrude rearward and leftward in parallel with a Z-X plane.

When the image capturing apparatus900is used, image capturing is performed by connecting the cables to the plurality of connectors, in a state in which the image capturing apparatus900is placed on a shoulder of a photographer, or in a state in which the photographer is moving while holding the image capturing apparatus900with his/her hand, or in a state in which the image capturing apparatus900is placed on a tripod, and hence it is desirable that the handling size of the image capturing apparatus900is small. As shown inFIGS. 62A and 62B, in a state in which the cables are connected to the connectors, the cables largely protrude rearward owing to the stiffness of the cables themselves before the cables hang down by gravity, which increases the handling size. The image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment gives a solution to this problem as described hereafter.

FIG. 51is a perspective view of the image capturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment, illustrating an example of the arrangement of the connectors on the connection terminal section108.FIGS. 52A and 52Bare views of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating connection cables connected to the connectors of the connection terminal section108.FIG. 52Ais a perspective view, as viewed from the rear right side, andFIG. 52Bis a side view, as viewed from the right side.

The connection terminal section108of the image capturing apparatus100has first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a. The first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aface rearward and obliquely downward, respectively. In other words, the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aare arranged substantially parallel to each other such that perpendicular lines to the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aextend rearward and obliquely downward at a predetermined inclined angle with respect to the image capturing optical axis184(Z-axis). Further, the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aare arranged at respective locations aligned in the Y direction (at respective locations overlapping each other as viewed from the vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus body) and do not overlap each other as viewed from the Z direction (as viewed from the front-rear direction of the image capturing apparatus body). On the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a, there are arranged an audio input-output stereo connector320, a wired LAN cable connector321, an HDMI cable connector322, and a power supply connector323, respectively. Note that the types and order of the connectors are arbitrary.

Further, the connection terminal section108of the image capturing apparatus100has a second connector arrangement surface345facing rearward and leftward. On the second connector arrangement surface345, there are arranged SDI connectors340ato343aas an example of the plurality of connectors. Details of the second connector arrangement surface345will be described hereinafter.

FIG. 53is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, taken along a Y-Z plane, illustrating the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aof the connection terminal section108. Similar to the conventional image capturing apparatus900, the image capturing apparatus100is often used e.g. in a state in which cables are connected to the connectors and the image capturing apparatus100is placed on a shoulder of a photographer. The first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aare each at locations rotated about an axis parallel to the X-axis through a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the +X direction, such that they face rearward and obliquely downward. Further, the connectors arranged on the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a, respectively, protrude in a direction in which the perpendicular lines to the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aextend, i.e. rearward and obliquely downward. Therefore, connection cables330to333connected to the connectors each have a shape that protrudes rearward and obliquely downward and then hangs down by gravity.

FIG. 54is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, additionally illustrating the cables connected to the conventional image capturing apparatus900, in a superimposed state. Assuming that a protruding amount of the connection cables330to333from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus100at a certain height is represented by L3′, and a protruding amount of connection cables3300to3303from the rear surface of the conventional image capturing apparatus900at the certain height is represented by ‘L4’, a relationship represented by L3<L4holds. This indicates that compared with the conventional image capturing apparatus900, the image capturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment is small in the handling size when using the image capturing apparatus100, which provides excellent usability.

Note that as is clear fromFIGS. 23 and 52B, the connectors provided on the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aare arranged so as not to form outermost shape portions of the image capturing apparatus100. In other words, when considering a minimum rectangular parallelepiped shape containing the image capturing apparatus100, the connectors are not in contact with the surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped shape. This arrangement of the connectors also makes it possible to reduce the handling size when using the image ring apparatus100, thereby providing more excellent usability.

Further, the image capturing apparatus100is provided with a terminal peripheral rib370protruding toward the rear (−Z side) of the image capturing apparatus body, on an upper side (+Y side) of the first connector arrangement surface310a, and has a structure in which the terminal peripheral rib370protects the connectors from impact caused by falling and invasion of rainwater. Further, since the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aface rearward and obliquely downward, when the image capturing apparatus100is used e.g. under rainy conditions, even if raindrops fall on the image capturing apparatus100, the raindrops fall downward along the cables, and hence it is possible to prevent the raindrops from entering the inside of the image capturing apparatus100.

FIG. 55is a side view, partly in cross-section, of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100including a connector circuit board360on which the connectors provided on the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313aare mounted. The audio input-output stereo connector320, the wired LAN cable connector321, the HDMI cable connector322, and the power supply connector323are mounted on the same connector circuit board360. This makes it possible to reduce the handling size when using the image capturing apparatus100without increasing the costs.

FIG. 56is a side view, partly in cross-section, of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313bas a variation of the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a, which is useful in explaining inclination of the first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313b. The first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313bare not uniform in inclination angle, and are formed such that an angle formed with the vertical direction (Y direction) becomes larger progressively (stepwise) from the top side toward the bottom side (from the +Y side toward the −Y side) of the image capturing apparatus body. In other words, the first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313bare arranged such that the angles formed between the respective perpendicular lines to the first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313band the image capturing optical axis184become larger progressively from the top side toward the bottom side of the image capturing apparatus body. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the connection cables330to333.

FIG. 57is a perspective view of the image capturing apparatus1000, particularly illustrating a variation of the cable connected to the first connector arrangement surface313a. To the first connector arrangement surface313aon the bottommost side, a connection cable333ahaving an L-type insertion portion, which is easy to be handled even when the image capturing apparatus100is placed e.g. on a table, may be connected. Note that an L-type connector may be employed as the connector provided on the first connector arrangement surface313a.

Next, the second connector arrangement surface345of the image capturing apparatus100according to the present embodiment, shown inFIG. 51, will be described.FIG. 58Ais a side view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating the second connector arrangement surface345and components therearound.FIG. 58Bis a side view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating SDI connection cables350to353connected to the SDI connectors340ato343aarranged on the second connector arrangement surface345. The second connector arrangement surface345is equivalent to the second connector arrangement surface3405of the conventional image capturing apparatus900, shown inFIG. 61, and is arranged substantially parallel to the Y-axis, and therefore, the SDI connectors340ato343aeach protrude rearward and leftward in an associated Z-X plane. Therefore, in a state in which the SDI connection cables350to353are connected to the SDI connectors340ato343a, the cables are liable to protrude to outer space because of the stiffness of the cables before the cables hang down by gravity.

Here, in the image capturing apparatus100, as described above, it is possible to reduce the handling size by providing the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a. In view of this, it is desirable that the handling size is further reduced by changing the second connector arrangement surface345such that it has the same configuration as that of the first connector arrangement surfaces310ato313a.

FIG. 59Ais a side view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating second connector arrangement surfaces346to349as a variation of the second connector arrangement surface345.FIG. 59Bis a side view of the same, illustrating the SDI connection cables350to353connected to SDI connectors340bto343barranged on the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349, respectively. The second connector arrangement surfaces346to349are arranged substantially parallel to each other at respective locations which are aligned in the Y direction (at respective locations overlapping each other as viewed from the vertical direction of the image capturing apparatus body) and do not overlap each other as viewed from the Z direction (as viewed from the rear side of the image capturing apparatus body).

Further, the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349face rearward and obliquely downward, and toward a leftward lateral direction. In other words, the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349are arranged in a direction in which perpendicular lines to these surfaces extend rearward on the left side at a predetermined angle with respect to the image capturing optical axis184and extend obliquely downward at a predetermined angle. Further, the direction in which the SDI connectors340bto343bprotrude is the direction in which the respective perpendicular lines to the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349extend. Therefore, the SDI connection cables350to353each come to have a shape that protrudes rearward and leftward, and obliquely downward, and then hangs down due to the gravity.

FIG. 60is a side view of the rear of the image capturing apparatus100, illustrating the connected SDI connection cables350to353inFIG. 59Band the connected SDI connection cables350to353inFIG. 58B, depicted in broken lines, in a superimposed state. A protruding amount of the SDI connection cables350to353from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus body, which are connected to the SDI connectors340bto343bon the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349, is represented by ‘L5’. Further, a protruding amount of the SDI connection cables350to353from the rear surface of the image capturing apparatus body, which are connected to the SDI connectors340ato343aon the second connector arrangement surface345, is represented by ‘L6’. Then, it is found that a relationship represented by L5<L6holds. That is, by providing the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349and arranging the SDI connectors340bto343bthereon, it is possible to reduce the handling size when using the image capturing apparatus100, providing excellent usability.

Although not shown, by configuring the whole second connector arrangement surface345such that it faces obliquely downward only at a predetermined angle, it is also possible to cause each of the SDI connection cables350to353to come to have a shape that protrudes rearward and obliquely downward and then hangs down by gravity. In this case as well, compared with the case where the second connector arrangement surface345is arranged in parallel to the Y-axis, it is also possible to reduce the handling size when using the image capturing apparatus100. Further, similar to the first connector arrangement surfaces310bto313b, the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349may be arranged such that the inclination angles progressively (stepwise) become larger so as to cause the second connector arrangement surfaces346to349to face more largely downward, progressively from the top side toward the bottom side of the image capturing apparatus body.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-213304 filed Nov. 26, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.