Shoe device and accessory having shoe device

A shoe device of an accessory that secures necessary functions and mechanical strength when the accessory is used with attaching to an electronic apparatus and that improves convenience during use when the accessory is used without attaching to an electronic apparatus. An engagement member is attachable to and detachable from an accessory shoe device of an electronic apparatus by sliding in a first direction. A holding member holds the engagement member. An attachment part is provided in the engagement member or the holding member and allows attachment of a member different from the accessory shoe device. A connection member has connection terminals arranged in a second direction that intersects perpendicularly with the first direction and is arranged in a front of the holding member in the first direction. The attachment part is provided behind the connection terminals in the first direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shoe device that is provided in an accessory so that the accessory can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus and relates to the accessories equipped with the shoe device.

Description of the Related Art

There is a known image pickup apparatus, such as a digital camera, as an example of an electronic apparatus that is provided with an accessory shoe device to attach an accessory for image pickup, such as a lighting device (an electronic flash device). Generally, an accessory shoe device has an engagement part that enables attachment and detachment of a shoe device of an accessory. Moreover, an accessory shoe device and a shoe device respectively have connection terminals that enable two-way communications therebetween.

A conventional image pickup apparatus communicates with an accessory through five connection terminals provided in each of the accessory shoe device and the shoe device, for example. However, since variety of accessory shoe devices is diversified and functions of accessories increase in recent years, the conventional five connection terminals become short. Accordingly, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2018-084681 (JP 2018-084681A) discloses an image pickup apparatus having an accessory shoe device that increases the number of connection terminals and an electronic view finder having a shoe device that has connection terminals corresponding to the accessory shoe device. The accessory shoe device and shoe device disclosed in the above-mentioned publication increase the number of connection terminals without changing shapes of engagement parts.

An accessory equipped with a shoe device may be installed in a position away from an image pickup apparatus without being attached to the image pickup apparatus so as to operate in cooperation with the image pickup apparatus. For example, there is a known image pickup method that installs an electronic flash device in a position away from an image pickup apparatus and illuminates an object in synchronization with an image pickup operation of the image pickup apparatus by a wireless communication. In this case, a camera tripod, a stand, or the like to which the shoe device is attachable is used to install the electronic flash device in a predetermined position, for example.

However, the shoe device disclosed in the above-mentioned publication does not have a structure (specifically, a tripod internal thread) that enables direct attachment to a general camera tripod etc. that are used to fix an image pickup apparatus. This is because the shoe device having many connection terminals gives priority to reservation of an area for arranging the many communication terminals and to reservation of an area required to arrange parts needed to strong connection to the accessory shoe device. Accordingly, it is necessary to prepare a tripod or a stand for exclusive use separately, and user-unfriendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a shoe device that secures necessary functions and mechanical strength in a case where an accessory is used with attaching to an electronic apparatus and that improves convenience during use in a case where the accessory is used without attaching to an electronic apparatus.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a shoe device that is attachable to and detachable from an accessory shoe device of an electronic apparatus, the shoe device including an engagement member that is attachable to and detachable from the accessory shoe device by sliding in a first direction, a holding member that holds the engagement member, an attachment part that is provided in one of the engagement member and the holding member and allows attachment of a member different from the accessory shoe device, and a connection member that has connection terminals arranged in a second direction that intersects perpendicularly with the first direction and is arranged in a front of the holding member in the first direction, wherein the attachment part is provided behind the connection terminals in the first direction.

According to the present invention, the shoe device that secures necessary functions and mechanical strength in a case where an accessory is used with attaching to an electronic apparatus and that improves convenience during use in a case where the accessory is used without attaching to an electronic apparatus can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a digital camera (an image pickup apparatuses) is taken up as an electronic apparatus equipped with an accessory shoe device. Moreover, an external lighting device (what is called an electronic flash device) is taken up as an accessory equipped with a shoe device that is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the accessory shoe device of the digital camera. The digital camera and electronic flash device constitute an image pickup system. It should be noted that an accessory equipped with a shoe device is not limited to an electronic flash device. An accessory may be an electronic view finder, a microphone for moving image pickup, etc. as another example. Moreover, an electronic apparatus equipped with the accessory shoe device constituted so as to engage with the shoe device is not limited to an image pickup apparatus.

FIG.1is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a digital camera100. The digital camera100is provided with a camera microcontroller101(hereinafter referred to as a “camera MPU101”), an image pickup optical system122, a timing signal generating circuit102, an image sensor103, an A/D converter104, a memory controller105, and a buffer memory106. Moreover, the digital camera100is provided with an image display unit107, a storage medium I/F108, a motor controller110, a shutter controller111, a photometry unit112, a multi-division photometry sensor113, a lens controller114, a focus detection unit115, an orientation detection unit116, and a switch operation unit117. Furthermore, the digital camera100is provided with a lighting-device controller118, a built-in lighting device119, a camera LED auxiliary lighting unit121, and the accessory shoe device123(hereinafter referred to as an “accessory shoe123”). The digital camera100allows insertion and extraction of a storage medium109and allows attachment and detachment of the external lighting device120.

The camera MPU101controls actions of the entire image pickup system including an image pickup sequence. Moreover, the camera MPU101applies predetermined image processes to an image signal mentioned later to generate image data. The image pickup optical system122includes a plurality of lens groups, such as a zoom lens and a focusing lens, a diaphragm, and a shutter, and forms an optical image on the image sensor103by refracting reflected light from an object. The image sensor103is a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, or the like that converts the optical image formed by the reflected light from the object into an analog electric signal. The timing signal generating circuit102generates a timing signal required to drive the image sensor103.

The A/D converter104converts the analog electric signal read from the image sensor103into a digital electric signal to generate an image signal. The memory controller105controls reading and writing of a memory (not shown) and controls a refreshment operation of the buffer memory106. The buffer memory106temporarily stores the image signal output from the A/D converter104and image data displayed on the image display unit107. The image display unit107has a display device, such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays the image data stored in the buffer memory106.

The digital camera100is configured to enable insertion and extraction of the storage medium109like a memory card. The storage medium I/F108enables communication between the camera MPU101and the storage medium109that is currently mounted in the digital camera100. The storage medium109stores the image data generated by the camera MPU101. It should be noted that the storage medium109may be a storage device like a hard disk drive built in the digital camera100.

The motor controller110drives a mirror (not shown) between a mirror-up position and a mirror-down position and charges the shutter at a time of an exposure operation by controlling motors (not shown) according to signals from the camera MPU101. The shutter controller111controls the exposure operation by cutting electric current to the shutter (a shutter front curtain and a shutter rear curtain) provided in the image pickup optical system122according to a signal from the camera MPU101so that the shutter front curtain and the shutter rear curtain travel.

The multi-division photometry sensor113has a plurality of photometry areas that divide an image-pickup screen. The photometry unit112obtains the signals from the multi-division photometry sensor113and outputs them to the camera MPU101as luminance signals of the respective photometry areas in the image-pickup screen. The camera MPU101calculates values for exposure control, such as an AV (aperture value), a TV (shutter speed), ISO (sensitivity of the image sensor103), on the basis of the luminance signals obtained from the photometry unit112. Moreover, the photometry unit112outputs luminance signals detected when the built-in lighting device119or the external lighting device120performs pre-emission towards a field to the camera MPU101. The camera MPU101calculates a main emission amount of the external lighting device120at a time of exposure (image pickup) on the basis of these luminance signals.

The lens controller114communicates with the camera MPU101through lens mount contacts and controls focus and aperture of the image pickup optical system122by controlling a lens drive motor and diaphragm drive motor (not shown). The focus detection unit115detects a defocus amount to an object for automatic focusing control (auto-focusing (AF)) using a well-known phase difference detection method. The orientation detection unit116detects a tilt of the digital camera100in a rotational direction around an image-pickup optical axis. The switch operation unit117detects switchings of a SW1(first switch) and a SW2(second switch) and transmits a detection result to the camera MPU101. The SW1turns ON when a release button (not shown) is pressed in a first stroke (half press). The camera MPU101starts the AF and photometry in response to the ON signal of the SW1. The SW2turns ON when the release button is pressed in a second stroke (full press). The camera MPU101starts an exposure operation in response to the ON signal of the SW2. It should be noted that a signal that occurs in response to an operation of an operating member (not shown) other than the SW1and SW2is also detected by the switch operation unit117and is transmitted to the camera MPU101.

The external lighting device120is detachably attachable to the accessory shoe123. According to instructions from the camera MPU101, the lighting device controller118controls emission operations (preliminary emission, main emission, and auxiliary light emission, etc.) of the built-in lighting device119and controls the emission operations of the external lighting device120through the accessory shoe123. Moreover, when detecting attachment of the external lighting device120to the accessory shoe123, the lighting device controller118starts to supply electric current to the external lighting device120through the accessory shoe123. The configuration of the accessory shoe123will be mentioned below in detail.

The camera LED auxiliary light unit121irradiates an object with near-infrared light (LED auxiliary light) to project a predetermined pattern used as auxiliary light of the focus detection control by the focus detection unit115. The camera MPU101functions as an auxiliary light controller that controls irradiation of the auxiliary light toward an object for the focus detection by the built-in lighting device119or the external lighting device120on the basis of the luminance signal output from the photometry unit112. Specifically, the camera MPU101instructs emission of flash auxiliary light to the built-in lighting device119or the external lighting device120through the lighting device controller118. Alternatively, the camera MPU101instructs emission of the LED auxiliary light to the camera LED auxiliary light unit121or instructs emission of the LED auxiliary light to an LED auxiliary lighting unit207(seeFIG.2) of the external lighting device120through the lighting device controller118.

FIG.2is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the external lighting device120. The external lighting device120mainly consists of a body200, a bounce mechanism201, and a head part202. The body200has an external light MPU203, a switch operation unit205connected to various operation members like a power switch, a display unit208, the LED auxiliary lighting unit207, and a camera connector206.

The external light MPU203is implemented in a main substrate (not shown) and functions as a microcontroller that controls all actions of the external lighting device120including an emission control sequence of the external lighting device120. The camera connector206is a shoe device that mechanically and electrically connects the external lighting device120to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera MPU101communicates with the external light MPU203through the lighting device controller118, the accessory shoe123, and the camera connector206. Details of the configuration of the camera connector206will be mentioned later.

The LED auxiliary lighting unit207irradiates an object with near-infrared light (LED auxiliary light) to project a predetermined pattern used as auxiliary light of the focus detection control by the camera MPU101through the focus detection unit115as with the camera LED auxiliary light unit121. The bounce mechanism201has a well-known mechanism that enables rotation of the head part202with respect to the body200and includes a main capacitor209. The bounce mechanism201is used to direct the flash light in a direction that is not directed to an object, for example, and holds the head part202so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction with respect to the body200. Use of the bounce mechanism201allows what is called bounce photography by lighting an object indirectly. The head part202has an emission device204that emits flash light. The emission device204includes a discharge tube like a xenon tube or an LED that emits flash light. The emission device204includes a reflection umbrella, a Fresnel lens, and a flash circuit that controls emission of flash light according to an emission signal from the external light MPU203. These included elements are not shown inFIG.2.

FIG.3Ais a perspective view showing the digital camera100viewed from the rear side.FIG.3Bis a perspective view showing a method for attaching the camera connector206of the external lighting device120to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100.FIG.3Cis a perspective view showing a state where the external lighting device120is attached to the digital camera100viewed from the rear side.

As shown inFIG.3A,FIG.3B, andFIG.3C, an orthogonal coordinate system that consists of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is defined to the digital camera100and the external lighting device120. A Z-direction (a first direction) is a front-and-back direction of the digital camera100, is parallel to an image-pickup optical axis of the digital camera100and intersects perpendicularly with the image pickup surface of the image sensor103. When the Z-direction is parallel to a horizontal direction, an X-direction (a second direction) perpendicularly intersects with the Z-direction in a horizontal plane. The X-direction is a width direction of the digital camera100. A Y-direction (a third direction) perpendicularly intersects with both the Z-direction and X-direction. The Y-direction is a height direction of the digital camera100. Moreover, an arrow of each axis shown inFIG.3Ashows a positive direction (+ direction).

The image pickup optical system122(not shown inFIG.3A,FIG.3B, andFIG.3C) is provided on the front side (+Z-direction side) of the digital camera100and the image display unit107is provided on the rear side (−Z-direction side) of the digital camera100. A top cover150as an exterior member is provided in the upper part of the digital camera100. The accessory shoe123is arranged to the top cover150.

The camera connector206is provided in the bottom (−Y-direction side) of the external lighting device120. A user slides the external lighting device120to the digital camera100in the direction (+Z direction) from the rear side toward the front side of the digital camera100so as to engage the camera connector206with the accessory shoe123. Thereby, the external lighting device120is attached to the digital camera100. When detaching the external lighting device120from the digital camera100, the user should perform an operation reverse to the attachment operation.

Next, the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100will be described.FIG.4Ais an exploded perspective view showing the accessory shoe123.FIG.4Bis an entire perspective view showing the accessory shoe123. The accessory shoe123is assembled to the top cover150in the Y-direction. The accessory shoe123is arranged on the +Y-direction side of the top cover150. In the meantime, an accessory shoe holding member155and a flexible substrate158are arranged on the −Y-direction side of the top cover150. In this way, the members arranged on the +Y-direction side and −Y-direction side of the top cover150are fixed to the top cover150with screws157.

The accessory shoe123is provided with an engagement member151, a signal terminal connector152, a shoe stage153, and an accessory shoe spring154. The engagement member151is a member (an engaged member) that engages with the camera connector206of the external lighting device120and holds it. The signal terminal connector152is provided with a plurality of signal terminals152a(seeFIG.5C) that are juxtaposed at equal pitches in the X-direction in a connector base member formed from synthetic resin material.

Although a signal terminal152ais a connection terminal for electric connection, the name of “signal terminal” is used for convenience in order to distinguish from below-mentioned connection terminals257of the camera connector206. Moreover, the signal terminal connector152is a holding member of the accessory shoe123that holds the signal terminals152a.

As shown inFIG.5C, the signal terminals152aare arranged on the +Z-direction side of the signal terminal connector152. As shown inFIG.4B, a plurality of engagement holes156with which a plurality of lock pins252(seeFIG.6A) of the external lighting device120are engaged are provided on the −Z-direction side of the signal terminal connector152. Specifically, the two lock pins252and the two engagement holes156are provided.

When the camera connector206of the external lighting device120is engaged with the accessory shoe123, the signal terminals152aare electrically connected with the connection terminals257of the external lighting device120, respectively. The signal terminals152aare electrically connected with a flexible substrate158arranged under the top cover150(the −Y-direction side). The flexible substrate158is connected to the main substrate (not shown) of the digital camera100. Accordingly, the attachment of the external lighting device120to the accessory shoe123enables communications between the external lighting device120and the digital camera100.

The shoe stage153is a housing member surrounding the engaged member151and signal terminal connector152. The accessory shoe holding member155is a structure skeleton that holds the engaged member151. The four screws157are fastened to the engaged member151by inserting through the flexible substrate158, accessory shoe holding member155, top cover150, shoe stage153, and signal terminal connector152. Thereby, these members are positioned and fixed. The members are combined with sufficient balance by respectively arranging the four screws157to four areas that are equally divided in the X-direction and the Z-direction.

The accessory shoe spring154is made from conductive material like metal. The accessory shoe spring154has an elastic deformation part154athat energizes the camera connector206that engaged with the engagement member151in the Y-direction and an abutting face154bwith which the camera connector206abuts in the Z-direction.

FIG.5AandFIG.5Bare perspective views showing the engagement member151viewed from different directions. The engagement member151is formed by bending a metal plate into a loop shape so that both end faces of both bended edges are mutually faced and contacted at a joint151a. Moreover, the engagement member151has a pair of engagement parts151band a connection part151cthat mutually connects the pair of engagement parts151b. A pair of first screw holes151dand a pair of second screw holes151e, which are used for fastening with the screws157, and the engagement holes156, which are engaged with the lock pins252of the external lighting device120, are further formed in the engagement member151.

The pair of engagement parts151bare spaced apart at a predetermined width (hereinafter referred to as an “engagement part space T”) in the X-direction. A holding member254(seeFIG.6A) of the external lighting device120is inserted into the engagement part space T. The pair of first screw holes151dare provided at a predetermined space in the X-direction and are used as fastening holes (first fastening holes) on the −Z-direction side of the engagement member151. The pair of second screw holes151dare provided at a predetermined space in the X-direction and are used as fastening holes (second fastening holes) on the +Z-direction side of the engagement member151. Each of the engagement holes156is formed at a position that enables engagement of each of the lock pins252of the external lighting device120within an area between the first screw hole151dand the second screw hole151e.

FIG.5Cis a perspective view showing the signal terminal connector152. The signal terminals152aare exposed to the external appearance of the signal terminal connector152as shown inFIG.4B. In the pitch direction (X-direction) along which the signal terminals152aare aligned, since the position of the camera connector206is regulated by the engagement part space T of the engagement member151, the holding member254of the external lighting device120is positioned with respect to the signal terminal connector152by the engagement member151.

Next, the external lighting device120according to a first embodiment will be described.FIG.6Ais an external perspective view showing the external lighting device120viewed from the −Y-direction side in order to mainly show an appearance structure of the camera connector206.FIG.6Bis a sectional view (YZ plane) taken along a line A-A shown inFIG.6Aand shows an internal structure of the camera connector206in a state (unlocked state) where a lock lever253mentioned later is in an unlocked position. However,FIG.6Ais shown in a state (locked state) where the lock lever253is in a locked position.

The camera connector206of the external lighting device120is provided in the bottom (−Y-direction side) of a base part250of the external lighting device120. The camera connector206is provided with a shoe mounting leg (shoe plate)251, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, the holding member254, a connecting plug256, and a Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg251is an engagement member of the external lighting device120to engage the camera connector206with the accessory shoe123, and accordingly, is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg251is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The tripod internal thread280is provided in the shoe mounting leg251. The tripod internal thread280is an example of an attachment part that enables attachment to an external member (a camera tripod, for example) other than the accessory shoe device. In this example, the attachment part is a screw hole to which a generally-used tripod external thread is able to screw. Since the tripod internal thread280needs a certain engaged amount with the tripod external thread, it is provided in the bottom (−Y-direction end) of the camera connector206so as to be concave in the +Y-direction.

As with the shoe mounting leg251, the tripod internal thread280is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120. Accordingly, the tripod internal thread280is formed by an integral construction by applying a drawing process to the shoe mounting leg251and has high mechanical strength. It should be noted that the tripod internal thread280may be formed by another method, such as a cutting process applied to the shoe mounting leg251so as to form an integral construction as long as mechanical strength is securable.

The two lock pins252prevent the external lighting device120from falling after the shoe mounting leg251is engaged with the accessory shoe123. The lock pins252are provided in the shoe mounting leg251so as to be movable in the Y-direction. A D-lever (not shown) is fixed to the lock pins252. The lock lever253and Y-direction holding member258are members for moving the lock pins252and are provided in the holding member254.

As mentioned by referring toFIG.3B, the user slides the camera connector206of the external lighting device120to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100from the −Z-direction side toward the +Z-direction side in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. Thereby, the camera connector206is engaged with the accessory shoe123. Although the tip surfaces of the lock pins252are minutely projected from the bottom surface (the surface on the +Y-direction side) of the shoe mounting leg251as shown inFIG.6Bin the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, a projecting amount is set so as not to disturb the engagement.

After that, the user rotates the lock lever253from the unlocked position to the locked position. It should be noted that the lock lever253is rotatable around an axis in the Y-direction. The rotational operation of the lock lever253drives a D-cam part (not shown) so as to move the Y-direction holding member258and D-lever by a predetermined distance in the −Y-direction. Then, the lock pins252that are engaged with the D-lever move by the predetermined distance in the −Y-direction with movement of the D-lever. In this way, the front ends of the two lock pins252are further projected from the surface of the shoe mounting leg251in the −Y-direction, and the lock pins252are engaged with the two engagement holes156provided in the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. This prevents the external lighting device120from falling from the accessory shoe123.

It should be noted that the two lock pins252and two engagement holes156have the function to regulate the position of the external lighting device120to the digital camera100in the Z-direction and the function to secure electrical connection between the digital camera100and the external lighting device120.

The connecting plug256is arranged at the front part (the +Z-direction side) of the camera connector206and is made from non-conductive material (dielectric material), such as resin material. In this embodiment, the connecting plug256and holding member254are integrally formed from resin material. That is, the shoe mounting leg251has mechanical strength higher than the connecting plug256and holding member254. The connecting plug256is a connection member that has a plurality of connection terminals257that contact the signal terminals152a(seeFIG.5C) of the accessory shoe123for communication.

The connection terminals257correspond to the signal terminals152aone-to-one. Each of the connection terminals (hereinafter referred to as the connection terminal, simply)257has a front end257athat contacts the corresponding signal terminal152a. The connection terminal257extends to the −Z-direction side from the front end257a. Moreover, the connection terminal257has an extension part257bthat displaces the front end257ain the Y-direction by elastic deformation caused when the front end257acontacts the signal terminal152a. A vertical rising part257cis formed at the rear end of the extension part257bin the Z-direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with the extension part257b. A flexible-substrate connection part257dis formed at the upper end of the vertical rising part257c. The flexible-substrate connection part257dcontacts the flexible substrate259connected to the main substrate (not shown) of the external lighting device120when the flexible substrate259is inserted.

It should be noted that each of the connection terminals257has an inclination part257ein an approximately central part of the extension part257b. That is, the extension part257bis provided with a step in the Y-direction. The extension part257bis elastically deformable in the Y-direction as mentioned above. However, when a distance L of the extension part257bis short, a sufficient deformation amount cannot be obtained. In such a case, when attachment and detachment of the signal terminal152aand the front end257aare repeated, they will be easily damaged, and sufficient durability may not be obtained.

Consequently, the inclination part257eis provided in the extension part257bso that the step will be formed in the approximately central part of the extension part257bin the Y-direction. This enables to keep the sufficient distance L without interfering with the extension part257b. Moreover, since the step by the inclination part257eenables to secure a sufficient creeping distance from the front end257ato the vertical part257c, the distance L can be shortened as compared with a case that would secure the same creeping distance without providing a step.

FIG.7is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the camera connector206and shows a state where the base part250and lock lever253have been detached from the camera connector206. The camera connector206is configured by fastening the shoe mounting leg251and the holding member254. It should be noted that details of the fastening structure between the shoe mounting leg251and holding member254will be mentioned later.

The holding member254has a connection part254athat is insertable (engageable) into the engaged part space T of the engaged member151(seeFIG.5A). The width V of the connection part254ais shorter than the width W of the shoe mounting leg251. It should be noted that the holding member254is also a structure for connecting the base part250with the shoe mounting leg251. The lock pins252and connection terminals257are arranged inside the connection part254a.

The position in the X-direction of the external lighting device120with respect to the digital camera100is settled when the connection part254ais engaged with the engaged member151of the accessory shoe123. Moreover, when contacting the elastic deformation parts154aof the accessory shoe spring154(seeFIG.4AandFIG.4B), the shoe mounting leg251is energized in the +Y-direction and shoe fitting parts251acontact the engaged member151. This settles the position in the Y-direction of the external lighting device120with respect to the digital camera100. Furthermore, when the abutting face251bformed in the shoe mounting leg251abuts with the pair of abutting faces154bprovided in the accessory shoe spring154, the position in the Z-direction of the external lighting device120with respect to the digital camera100is settled. In this way, the external lighting device120is positioned to the digital camera100and is strongly held.

Next, the fastening structure of the holding member254and the shoe mounting leg251will be described.FIG.8Ais a top view (viewed from the +Y-direction side) showing the camera connector206.FIG.8Bis a sectional view showing the camera connector206taken along the line B-B inFIG.8A.

A pair of first screws260aand a pair of second screws260bare fastening members that are screwed to the shoe mounting leg251through the holding member254so as to fasten the shoe mounting leg251to the holding member254. The shoe mounting leg251is held by the holding member254with sufficient balance by respectively arranging the four screws to four areas that are equally divided in the X-direction and the Z-direction.

As mentioned above, strong stress is applied to the shoe mounting leg251. Against this, necessary mechanical strength is kept by fastening the metal-made shoe mounting leg251to the holding member254with the pair of first screws260aand the pair of second screws260bthat are arranged with sufficient balance. Moreover, the connection terminals257are arranged on the +Z-direction side of the camera connector206in an area S surrounded by the pair of first screws260aand pair of second screws260b. And the tripod internal thread280(seeFIG.6A) is arranged on the −Z-direction side of the camera connector206in the area S. This enables multipolarization, which enables arrangement of the many connection terminals257, and enables attachment/detachment of the external lighting device120to a general camera tripod etc., while maintaining the mechanical strength in the state where the shoe mounting leg251is engaged with the holding member254.

Moreover, the area for providing the tripod internal thread280is secured on the −Z-direction side of the camera connector206by shortening the distance L (seeFIG.6B) by providing the step in the Y-direction in the extension part257bof the connection terminal257as mentioned above. Furthermore, the two lock pins252attached to the shoe mounting leg251are arranged in the area S and are respectively arranged in two areas that equally divide the shoe mounting leg251in the X-direction. In this way, the mechanical strength of the shoe mounting leg251can be raised by arranging the two lock pins252with sufficient balance.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the area for arranging many connection terminals and components for protecting them in an accessory shoe equipped with many connection terminals is restricted as mentioned above, it is not easy to secure sufficient performance and durability. In regard to this, the second embodiment describes a configuration of an accessory shoe that secures an area for arranging connection terminals and components for protecting them and enables arrangement and protection of the connection terminals in a camera connector (shoe device).

Although the accessory shoe according to the second embodiment is denoted by a reference numeral123A for convenience of description, components that are identical to the components of the accessory shoe123described in the first embodiment are described using the same names and reference numerals. Moreover, although a camera connector of an accessory that is attachable to and detachable from the accessory shoe123A is denoted by a reference numeral206A, components that are identical to the components of the camera connector206described in the first embodiment are described using the same names and reference numerals.

FIG.9is a back view (viewed from the −Z-direction side) showing the engagement part151and signal terminal connector152that constitutes the accessory shoe123A. The signal terminal connector152is provided with a plurality of signal terminals152athat are juxtaposed at equal pitches in the X-direction in a connector base member formed from resin material. The signal terminals152aare arranged in the signal terminal connector152on the +Z-direction side from which the accessory will be attached. Then, grooves (concave parts)152cinto which a terminal protection part (mentioned later in detail) of the camera connector206A is inserted are formed in the signal terminal connector152on both sides (±X-direction sides) of the signal terminals152aso as to interpose the signal terminals152ain the X-direction. Furthermore, the signal terminal connector152is provided with abutting faces152bon the ±X-direction sides of the grooves152c. The abutting faces152bcontact the accessory in the Z-direction at the time of attachment and position the accessory in the Z-direction.

The two grooves152care formed by cutting parts of the abutting faces152bto have a width U so as to interpose the signal terminals152a. The two grooves152care provided inside the engagement part space T of the engagement member151(seeFIG.5A) in the X-direction. That is, the engagement part space T and the width U satisfy a relationship of T>U, and thereby, the areas of the abutting faces152bare sufficiently secured and the strong mounting state is achieved.

FIG.10is a partial perspective view showing the camera connector206A that is attachable to and detachable from the accessory shoe123A inFIG.9. The holding member254constituting the camera connector206A is formed so as to be insertable (finable) into the opening (inside the engagement part space T) of the engagement member151. Moreover, the holding member254has the connection part254aconstituted inside the width W of the shoe mounting leg251. The connecting plug256constituting the camera connector206A is provided with terminal protection parts256aso as to interpose the connection terminals257(not shown inFIG.10) in the X-direction.

The position in the X-direction of the accessory with respect to the digital camera100is settled when the connection part254ais engaged with the engaged member151of the accessory shoe123A. Moreover, when contacting the elastic deformation parts154aof the accessory shoe spring154(seeFIG.4AandFIG.4B), the shoe mounting leg251is energized in the +Y-direction and the shoe fitting parts251acontact the engaged member151. This settles the position in the Y-direction of the accessory with respect to the digital camera100. Furthermore, when the abutting face251bformed in the shoe mounting leg251abuts with the abutting faces152b(seeFIG.9) provided in the signal terminal connector152, the position in the Z-direction of the accessory with respect to the digital camera100is settled. In this way, the accessory is positioned to the digital camera100and is strongly held. At this time, the terminal protection parts256aof the connecting plug256are respectively inserted and fitted into the grooves152cprovided on the ±X-direction sides of the signal terminals157aof the accessory shoe123A, which protects the signal terminals157aand the connection terminals of the accessory.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. It should be noted that other examples of the camera connector206of the external lighting device will be described in the third through tenth embodiments. In that time, the names and reference numerals of the camera connector and its components and parts in the first embodiment will be used for the camera connector (shoe device) and its components and parts of the following embodiments. However, in order to distinguish a camera connector of every embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120B and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206B in the third embodiment for convenience of description.

FIG.11Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120B according to the third embodiment.FIG.11Bis a sectional view showing the external lighting device120B shown inFIG.11Ataken along a line C-C and shows an internal structure of the camera connector206B in a state where the lock lever253is in an unlocked position. It should be noted thatFIG.11AandFIG.11Bcorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206B of the external lighting device120B is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120B in a regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206B is provided with a shoe mounting leg (shoe plate)351, a tripod internal thread380, the two lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member354, the connecting plug256, and the Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg351is the engagement member of the camera connector206B and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206B with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg251is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength. The shoe mounting leg351is provided with an opening301that engages with the part in which the tripod internal thread380is formed in the holding member354.

The holding member354is a structure that connects the base part250and the shoe mounting leg351. Although the shoe mounting leg251and the tripod internal thread280are integrally formed in the first embodiment, the holding member354and the tripod internal thread380are integrally formed according to this embodiment. The tripod internal thread380is a threaded hole to which a tripod screw, which is generally used not only to the accessory shoe123but to a camera tripod, can be screwed in the Y-direction.

As with the shoe mounting leg351, the tripod internal thread380formed in the holding member354is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120B. Accordingly, the tripod internal thread380is formed by manufacturing the holding member354that is made from material securing high mechanical strength. For example, the holding member354is made from non-conductive fiber-glass reinforced plastic (FRP) that is made by blending glass fiber with nylon resin.

It should be noted that the shoe mounting leg351engaged with the holding member354is made from metal material in this embodiment in order securing mechanical strength. However, such a configuration is not necessarily required. The shoe mounting leg351and the holding member354having the tripod internal thread380may be integrally formed in cases where accessories, such as a compact flash and an electronic view finder, do not require relatively high mechanical strength.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120C and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206C for convenience of description.

FIG.12Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120C according to the fourth embodiment.FIG.12Bis a sectional view showing the external lighting device120C shown inFIG.12Ataken along a line D-D and shows an internal structure of the camera connector206C in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. It should be noted thatFIG.12AandFIG.12Bcorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206C of the external lighting device120C is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120C in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206C is provided with a shoe mounting leg (shoe plate)451, a tripod internal thread member480, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member454, the connecting plug256, and the Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg451is the engagement member of the camera connector206C and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206C with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg451is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120C, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The holding member454is a structure that connects the base part250and the shoe mounting leg451. The holding member454is formed by non-conductive material (dielectric material) like resin material, for example. The tripod internal thread member480is the attachment member that has a threaded hole to which a tripod screw, which is generally used not only to the accessory shoe123but to a camera tripod, can be screwed in the Y-direction. The tripod internal thread member480is engaged with the holding member454in a state where rotation relative to the holding member454around an axis in the Y-direction is regulated (a configuration regulating rotation is not shown), and its position in the Y-direction is also regulated by the holding member454.

As with the shoe mounting leg451, the tripod internal thread member480is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120C. Accordingly, the tripod internal thread member480is made from metal or FRP that can secure high mechanical strength. Moreover, the shoe mounting leg451is provided with an opening401that engages with an outer diameter surface of the tripod internal thread member480. The tripod internal thread member480is held with the holding member454and shoe mounting leg451by engaging the tripod internal thread member480with the holding member454and then engaging the shoe mounting leg451with the tripod internal thread member480.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120D and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206D for convenience of description.

FIG.13Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120D according to the fifth embodiment and shows a state where a terminal protection member500mentioned later is attached.FIG.13Bis a sectional view showing the external lighting device120D shown inFIG.13Ataken along a line E-E and shows an internal structure of the camera connector206D in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. It should be noted thatFIG.13AandFIG.13Bcorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206D of the external lighting device120D is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120D in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206D is provided with a shoe mounting leg (shoe plate)551, a tripod internal thread member580, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member554, the connecting plug256, the Y-direction holding member258, and the terminal protection member500.

The shoe mounting leg551is the engagement member of the camera connector206D and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206D with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg551is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120D, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The holding member554is a structure that connects the base part250and the shoe mounting leg551. The holding member554is formed by non-conductive material (dielectric material) like resin material, for example. The tripod internal thread member580is a mounting member that has a threaded hole to which a tripod screw, which is generally used not only to the accessory shoe123but to a camera tripod, can be screwed in the Y-direction. The tripod internal thread member580is engaged with the holding member554in the state where rotation to the holding member554around an axis in the Y-direction is regulated. It should be noted that a configuration for regulating the position of the tripod internal thread member580in the Y-direction will be mentioned later.

The terminal protection member500protects the connection terminals257from external forces, such as pressure and impact, and foreign substances, such as dust and waterdrop, in a state where the external lighting device120D is not attached to the digital camera100The terminal protection member500can be engaged with the shoe mounting leg551and is attachable to and detachable from the shoe mounting leg551. When the external lighting device120D is attached to the digital camera100(when the connection terminals257are connected to the signal terminals152aof the accessory shoe123), the terminal protection member500is detached from the camera connector206D.

The terminal protection member500is provided with an opening corresponding to the position of the tripod internal thread member580(an opening501of the shoe mounting leg551), and the bottom surface (surface on the −Y-direction side) of the tripod internal thread member580is exposed to the external appearance. Thereby, an external thread of a camera tripod can be screwed to the threaded hole of the tripod internal thread member580in the state where the terminal protection member500is attached.

When the lock lever253is rotationally operated from the unlocked position to the locked position in the state where the terminal protection member500is attached to the camera connector206D, the lock pins252(not shown inFIG.13B) are projected in the −Y-direction but are stopped at the positions where the lock pins252are abutted with the terminal protection member500. Simultaneously, the tripod internal thread member580is moved by the D-cam part (not shown) in the −Y-direction by a distance equivalent to the thickness of the terminal protection member500in the Y-direction. This prevents the engaged amount between the external thread of the camera tripod and the tripod internal thread member580from decreasing by the thickness of the terminal protection member500in the Y-direction.

The tripod internal thread member580is energized in the +Y-direction by a D-compression spring (not shown) and is energized in the −Y-direction by the D-cam part. The camera connector206D is slid to the +Z-direction side from the −Z-direction side to the accessory shoe123in the state where the terminal protection member500is not attached to the camera connector206D and the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. Thereby, the camera connector206is engaged with the accessory shoe123. After that, when the lock lever253is rotationally operated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the lock pins252engage with the engagement holes156of the accessory shoe123. At this time, although the tripod internal thread member580is moved by the D-cam part in the −Y-direction, it is configured to stop at the position abutting with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123.

In the camera connector206D of the external lighting device120D, the tripod internal thread member580moves to a suitable position in the Y-direction in accordance with a usage status. This secures the high mechanical strength by keeping the constant engaged amount to the tripod internal thread member580. As a result, occurrence of breakage of the camera connector206D due to stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120D is avoidable.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120E and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206E for convenience of description.

Although the first through fifth embodiments describe the configuration that mounts the tripod internal thread in the external lighting device, this embodiment describes the external lighting device120E equipped with the camera connector206E that replaces the tripod internal thread with a tripod external thread as the attachment part. Since the tripod external thread is mounted, the external lighting device120E can be fixed to various devices, such as a digital camera, and a stand that have a tripod internal thread. For example, since the tripod external thread of the external lighting device120E can be fixed to the tripod internal thread that is provided in the bottom face of the digital camera100, more accessories are attachable to the digital camera100. It should be noted that an accessory equipped with a camera connector that mounts a tripod external thread is not restricted to an external lighting device but may be an external display device or a transmitter that wirelessly controls an external lighting device.

FIG.14Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120E according to the sixth embodiment.FIG.14BandFIG.14Care sectional views showing the external lighting device120E shown inFIG.14Ataken along a line F-F.FIG.14Bshows an internal structure of the camera connector206E in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. Moreover,FIG.14Cshows the internal structure of the camera connector206E in the state (locked state) where the lock lever253is in the locked position. It should be noted thatFIG.14AandFIG.14Ccorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206D of the external lighting device120E is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120E in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206E is provided with a shoe mounting leg651, a tripod external thread member680, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member654, and the Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg651is the engagement member of the camera connector206E and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206E with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg651is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120E, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The holding member654is a structure that connects the base part250and the shoe mounting leg651. The holding member654is formed by non-conductive material (dielectric material) like resin material, for example. The tripod external thread member680has a shape that can be screwed to the internal thread that is provided in the bottom surface of the digital camera100. The tripod external thread member680is engaged with the holding member654in the state where rotation to the holding member654around an axis in the Y-direction is regulated.

The tripod external thread member680is energized in the +Y-direction by the D-compression spring (not shown) and is energized in the −Y-direction by the D-cam part (not shown). If the tripod external thread member680is projected from the bottom surface of the shoe mounting leg651in the −Y-direction in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, the tripod external thread member680will interfere with the accessory shoe123and the camera connector206E cannot be engaged with the accessory shoe123. In order not to cause such a problem, when the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, the tripod external thread member680is energized by the D-compression spring in the +Y-direction and keeps the state where the tripod external thread member680is stored inside the camera connector206E as shown inFIG.14B. Accordingly, the camera connector206E can be engaged with the accessory shoe123in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position.

After engaging the camera connector206E to the accessory shoe123, the lock lever253is rotationally operated from the unlocked position to the locked position. Thereby, the Y-direction holding member258moves in the −Y-direction. Simultaneously, the tripod external thread member680also moves in the −Y-direction by the D-cam part that energizes the tripod external thread member680in the −Y-direction and stops in the position abutting with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123.

The user operates the lock lever253to the locked position before fixing the external lighting device120E to the internal thread of the digital camera100, a stand, or a tripod that has an internal thread. Thereby, the tripod external thread member680is projected from the bottom surface of the shoe mounting leg651in the −Y-direction as shown inFIG.14C. Thereby, the tripod external thread member680can be screwed to the tripod internal thread of the digital camera100, etc.

In this way, since the tripod external thread member680of the external lighting device120E moves to a suitable position in accordance with a usage status, the high mechanical strength is securable by keeping the constant engaged amount to the tripod external thread member680. As a result, occurrence of breakage of the camera connector206E due to stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120E is avoidable.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In the seventh embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120F and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206F for convenience of description.

FIG.15Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120F according to the seventh embodiment.FIG.15Bis a partial exploded perspective view showing the camera connector206F of the external lighting device120F.FIG.15Cis a sectional view taken along a line G-G inFIG.15Aand shows an internal structure of the camera connector206F in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. It should be noted thatFIG.15AandFIG.15Ccorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206F of the external lighting device120F is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120F in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206F is provided with a shoe mounting leg751, an external engagement member780, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member754, and the Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg751is the engagement member of the camera connector206F and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206F with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg751is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120F, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The holding member754is a structure that connects the shoe mounting leg751to the base part250and a connecting member783. The holding member754is formed by non-conductive material (dielectric material) like resin material, for example.

The external engagement member780is detachably fastened to the connecting member783with a fixing screw782and is exchangeable according to a target to which the external lighting device120F is fixed. For example, there is a case where the external lighting device120F will be attached to a camera tripod with ¼ inch screw thread (International Standard) that is generally used with a digital camera. In this case, the external engagement member780in which a ¼-inch internal thread hole is formed is used. The external engagement member780has a rotation regulating part780athat regulates rotation around a center axis that intersects perpendicularly with a radial direction. In the meantime, there is a case where the external lighting device120F will be attached to a camera tripod with ⅜ inch screw thread (German screw thread) that is used with a large-sized tripod. In this case, the external engagement member780in which a ⅜-inch internal thread hole is formed is used. The external engagement member780has the rotation regulating part780athat regulates rotation around the center axis that intersects perpendicularly with the radial direction. Furthermore, when the external lighting device120F will be attached to a target having magnetism, an external engagement member780bthat consists of a magnet can be used.

When the external engagement member780providing the tripod internal thread is screwed to the external thread of the camera tripod, the external engagement member780is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120F. Accordingly, the external engagement member780providing the tripod internal thread is preferably made from material (metal or FRP) that secures high mechanical strength as with the shoe mounting leg751.

In this way, since the external engagement member is selected and used according to a target to which the external lighting device120F will be attached, versatility and operability are improved.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120G and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206G for convenience of description.

FIG.16Ais a perspective view showing the external lighting device120G according to the eighth embodiment.FIG.16Bis a partial exploded perspective view showing the camera connector206G of the external lighting device120G.FIG.16Cis a sectional view taken along a line G-G inFIG.16Aand shows an internal structure of the camera connector206G in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. It should be noted thatFIG.16AandFIG.16Ccorrespond toFIG.6AandFIG.6Bused for the description of the first embodiment.

The camera connector206G of the external lighting device120G is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120G in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206G is provided with a shoe mounting leg851, a wireless setting button880, a detection flexible substrate881, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, a holding member854, and the Y-direction holding member258.

The shoe mounting leg851is the engagement member of the camera connector206G and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206G with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg851is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120G, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength. Moreover, the shoe mounting leg851has a hole into which the wireless setting button880is insertable. The wireless setting button880is arranged so as to be operatable from the outside of the external lighting device120G in a state where the external lighting device120G is independent.

The holding member854is a structure that connects the shoe mounting leg851and the base part250and is formed by non-conductive material (dielectric material), such as resin material. The holding member854has a hole854ainto which the wireless setting button880is insertable. After engaging the wireless setting button880and the detection flexible substrate881to the hole854aof the holding member854, the shoe mounting leg851is engaged with the holding member854. Thereby, the wireless setting button880and the detection flexible substrate881are attached to the holding member854so as to be interposed between the holding member854and the shoe mounting leg851in the Y-direction. That is, the positions of the wireless setting button880and the detection flexible substrate881in the Y-direction are regulated. The detection flexible substrate881is connected to the main substrate (not shown) of the external lighting device120G and transmits a signal corresponding to a press of the wireless setting button880to the main substrate.

The external lighting device120G may be used in order to illuminate an object at the time of image pick-up without attaching to the digital camera100, . For example, when multi-light photographing is performed using a plurality of external lighting devices, emission amounts, light-emitting timings, etc. of the external lighting device that is attached to the digital camera100and the external lighting device that is not attached to the digital camera100are controlled by wireless communication at the time of image pickup. At this time, a communication setting (pairing) for wireless communicative connection between the plurality of external lighting devices is needed. Accordingly, the external lighting device120G easily performs the pairing with other external lighting devices by pressing the wireless setting button880.

It should be noted that the wireless setting button880becomes unnecessary when the external lighting device120G is attached to the digital camera100. Since the wireless setting button880is provided in the camera connector206G, an operation of the wireless setting button880becomes impossible when the external lighting device120G is attached to the digital camera100. This prevents an operation mistake of the wireless setting button880. Moreover, when a plurality of operating members that can set up the communication setting in detail are provided in the camera connector206G instead of the wireless setting button880, the same effect is obtained. For example, a communication channel setting button, a wireless communication ID setting button, a flash group setting button, etc. can be provided.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. A plurality of connection terminals are exposed to external appearance in a camera connector (shoe device). In this case, when the number of the connection terminals increases, it becomes difficult to secure mechanical strength because the width of each of the connection terminals has to be thin. As a result, damage or deformation may occur when external force is received. When a camera connector of which connection terminals are damaged or deformed is engaged with an accessory shoe, poor communication may occur due to lose connections with the signal terminals or the signal terminals of the accessory shoe may be damaged or deformed. Accordingly, this embodiment describes an external lighting device equipped with a camera connector that reduces damage and deformation of many connection terminals. In the ninth embodiment, the external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120H and the camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206H for convenience of description.

FIG.17is a perspective view showing the external lighting device120H.FIG.18is an exploded perspective view showing the camera connector206H of the external lighting device120H.FIG.19AandFIG.19Bare sectional views respectively taken along lines J1-J1and J2-J2inFIG.17and show an internal structure of the camera connector206H in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position.FIG.20AandFIG.20Bare sectional views respectively taken along lines J1-J1and J2-J2inFIG.17and show an internal structure of the camera connector206H in the state where the lock lever253is in the locked position.

The camera connector206H of the external lighting device120H is provided in the bottom of the base part250of the external lighting device120H in the regular mounting state to the accessory shoe123of the digital camera100. The camera connector206H is provided with the shoe mounting leg251, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, the holding member254, the connecting plug256, the connection terminals257, the Y-direction holding member258, a terminal holding member270, and a terminal protecting plate272.

The shoe mounting leg251is the engagement member of the camera connector206H and is constituted so as to be attachable to and detachable from the engagement member151in order to engage the camera connector206H with the engagement member151of the accessory shoe123. Since the shoe mounting leg251is subjected to strong stress of external forces, such as pressure and impact, that act on the external lighting device120G, it is formed by manufacturing a metal plate (sheet metal) and has high mechanical strength.

The two lock pins252prevent the external lighting device120from falling after the shoe mounting leg251is engaged with the accessory shoe123. The lock pins252are provided in the shoe mounting leg251so as to be movable in the Y-direction. Fitting members258aare respectively fit and fixed to the lock pins252. The lock lever253and Y-direction holding member258move the lock pins252. The terminal holding member270is held by the holding member254so as to be movable in the Y-direction and has slide parts270athat are respectively engaged with the lock pins252. The lock pins252and the terminal holding member270are energized by springs290in the +Y-direction.

The lock lever253is an operating member for a locking action that prevents the camera connector206H from falling from the accessory shoe123and is rotatable to the camera connector206H around an axis in the Y-direction. It should be noted thatFIG.17shows the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. When the lock lever253is rotationally operated from the unlocked position to the locked position in a state where the camera connector206H is attached to the accessory shoe123, the D-cam part (not shown) moves the Y-direction holding member258by a predetermined distance in the −Y-direction. At this time, since the lock pins252are fitting to the fitting parts258a, the lock pins252move in the −Y-direction together with the Y-direction holding member258. Thus, the lock pins252engage with the engagement holes156provided in the engaged member151of the accessory shoe123. The lock pins252and engagement holes156function as a position regulation member in the Z-direction for securing an electrical connection between the external lighting device120H and the digital camera100. When the lock pins252move in the −Y-direction, the terminal holding member270that engages with the lock pins252moves in the −Y-direction by receiving the energization force by the D-cam part.

The connecting plug256is arranged on the +Z-direction side of the camera connector206H and is made from non-conductive material (dielectric material), such as synthetic resin material. In the camera connector206H, the connecting plug256and holding member254are integrally formed from resin material. The holding member254holds the terminal holding member270so as to be slidable. The terminal holding member270has the plurality of connection terminals257that contact the signal terminals152aof the accessory shoe123for communication.

The connection terminals257correspond to the signal terminals152aof the accessory shoe123one-to-one. Each of the connection terminals (hereinafter referred to as the connection terminal, simply)257has a front end257ain contact with a corresponding signal terminal152a. Moreover, the connection terminal257has an extension part257bthat displaces the front end257ain the Y-direction by elastic deformation caused when the front end257acontacts the signal terminal152a. A vertical rising part257cis provided at the −Z-direction end of the extension part257bso as to intersect perpendicularly with the extension part257b. A flexible-substrate connection part257dis provided near the +Y-direction end of the vertical rising part257c. The flexible-substrate connection part257dcontacts the flexible substrate259connected to the main substrate (not shown) of the external lighting device120H when the flexible substrate259is inserted.

Next, an operation of the connection terminal257interlocked with the locking action of the external lighting device120H will be described. The connection terminals257are fitted and engaged to the terminal holding member270by the vertical rising part257cand are movable in the Y-direction together with the terminal holding member270. As shown inFIG.19A, in the unlocked state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, the connection terminals257are in storage positions inside the holding member254so that the front ends257aare positioned on the +Y-direction side than the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251.

When the lock lever253is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the lock pins252move in the −Y-direction, and the terminal holding member270and the connection terminals257move in the −Y-direction by interlocking with the movement of the lock pins252. In this way, when the camera connector206H comes into the locked state, the connection terminals257are held in connecting positions of which heights are substantially identical to the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251so that the front ends257acan connect to the signal terminals152aas shown inFIG.20A.

Moreover, the camera connector206H is configured so that the connection terminals257will not be exposed to the bottom surface251dthat is the appearance surface of the shoe mounting leg251in the unlocked state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position. That is, since the front ends257aof the connection terminals257are stored inside the holding member254when the camera connector26H is in the unlocked state, occurrence of damage and deformation of the connection terminals257due to a careless operation or external force can be reduced.

The shoe mounting leg251of the camera connector206H may be provided with a tripod internal thread251c. When a tripod (not shown) is attached to the tripod internal thread251c, the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251becomes a fixing surface to an attachment surface of the tripod. When the camera connector206H is attached to the tripod in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, the front ends257aof the connection terminals257never contact the tripod because the front ends257aare positioned inside the holding member254as shown inFIG.19A.

When the lock lever253is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position in the state where the camera connector206H has been attached to the tripod, the Y-direction holding member258moves in the −Y-direction by interlocking with the rotary action of the lock lever253. In that time, when the front ends of the lock pins252abut with the attachment surface of the tripod, the lock pins252do not project from the bottom surface251dany more. Similarly, the terminal holding member270and the connection terminals257do not move in the −Y-direction any more. Accordingly, this prevents the front ends257aof the connection terminals257from contacting the attachment surface of the tripod.

In the meantime, the camera connector206H can be attached to the tripod in the state where the lock lever253is in the locked position. In this case, the tripod external thread is screwed to the tripod internal thread251cafter the attachment surface of the tripod abuts with the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251by pushing up the lock pins252with the attachment surface of the tripod in the +Y-direction.

The front ends257aof the connection terminals257are retracted inside the holding member254in accordance with the movement of the lock pins252in the +Y-direction before completion of the attachment of the camera connector206H to the tripod. That is, the front ends257aof the connection terminals257move to the inside of the holding member254on the +Y-direction side than the bottom surface251dbefore the front ends257areach the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251. This prevents the front ends257aof the connection terminals257from contacting the attachment surface of the tripod.

In this way, since the connection terminals257are movable in the Y-direction by interlocking with the lock pins252, occurrence of damage and deformation of the connection terminals257due to contacts of the front ends257aof the connection terminals257to the tripod etc. can be prevented. It should be noted that the connection terminals257are not necessarily configured to move by interlocking with the operations of the lock pins252. The connection terminals257may be configured to move by interlocking with the rotary operation of the lock lever253or the fastening operation of the screw mechanism.

FIG.21is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the camera connector206H and shows a state where the base part250, lock lever253, and Y-direction holding member258have been detached from the camera connector206H. In the camera connector206H, the holding member254is fastened to the shoe mounting leg251. Moreover, the holding member254has the connection part254athat is insertable (engageable) into the engaged part space T of the engaged member151(seeFIG.5A). The width V of the connection part254ais shorter than the width W of the shoe mounting leg251.

The position in the X-direction of the external lighting device120H with respect to the digital camera100is settled when the connection part254ais engaged with the engaged member151of the accessory shoe123. Moreover, when contacting the elastic deformation parts154aof the accessory shoe spring154(seeFIG.4B), the shoe mounting leg251is energized in the +Y-direction, and the shoe fitting parts251acontact the engaged member151. This settles the position in the Y-direction of the external lighting device120H with respect to the digital camera100. Furthermore, when the abutting face251bformed in the shoe mounting leg251abuts with the pair of abutting faces154bprovided in the accessory shoe spring154, the position in the Z-direction of the external lighting device120H with respect to the digital camera100is settled. It should be noted that the holding member254is also a structure for connecting the base part250with the shoe mounting leg251. The lock pins252and connection terminals257are arranged inside the connection part254a.

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. In the tenth embodiment, an external lighting device is denoted by a reference numeral120J and a camera connector is denoted by a reference numeral206J for convenience of description. It should be noted that components of the external lighting device120J that are identical to the components of the external lighting device120H according to the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and common descriptions will be omitted.

Although the moving direction of the connection terminals257is identical to that of the lock pins252in the external lighting device120H according to the ninth embodiment, the moving direction of the connection terminals257differs from the moving direction of the lock pins252in the external lighting device120J. Then, the external appearances of the external lighting device120J and camera connector206J are approximately identical to that of the external lighting device120H and camera connector206H. Accordingly, an external perspective view showing the external lighting device120J corresponding toFIG.17is omitted.

FIG.22is an exploded perspective view showing the camera connector206J of the external lighting device120J according to the tenth embodiment.FIG.23AandFIG.23Bare sectional views respectively showing the camera connector206J taken along lines corresponding to the lines J1-J1and J2-J2inFIG.17and show the internal structure of the camera connector206J in the state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position.FIG.24AandFIG.24Bare sectional views respectively showing the camera connector206J taken along the lines corresponding to the lines J1-J1and J2-J2inFIG.17and show the internal structure of the camera connector206J in the state where the lock lever253is in the locked position.

The camera connector206J is provided with the shoe mounting leg251, the lock pins252, the lock lever253, the holding member254, the connecting plug256, and the Y-direction holding member258. A sliding guide part270cof the terminal holding member270shown inFIG.23Ais mounted in a position that faces a guide part254bof the holding member254. The slide parts270aof the terminal holding member270shown inFIG.23Bare respectively engaged with the lock pins252so as to be capable of driving the lock pins252in the Z-direction. The lock pins252and the terminal holding member270are energized by the springs290in the +Y-direction.

The lock lever253is arranged rotatable around an axis in the Y-direction of the camera connector206J between the unlocked position and locked position. As shown inFIG.23A, in the unlocked state where the lock lever253is in the unlocked position, the connection terminals257are in storage positions inside the holding member254so that the front ends257aare positioned on the +Y-direction side than the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251.

When the lock lever253is rotationally operated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the fitting part258aof the Y-direction holding member258moves in the −Y-direction by the D-cam part (not shown). At this time, since the lock pins252are fitting to the fitting parts258a, the lock pins252move in the −Y-direction together with the Y-direction holding member258. Moreover, the terminal holding member270that is engaged with the lock pins252also moves in the −Y-direction by receiving the energization force by the D-cam part. At this time, the sliding guide part270cof the terminal holding member270slides in the +Z-direction along the slant face of the guide part254bof the holding member254. Accordingly, the locking action of the lock lever253moves the connection terminals257and terminal holding member270in both the −Y-direction and the +Z-direction. In this way, in the locked state where the lock lever253is in the locked position, the connection terminals257are held in connecting positions of which heights are substantially identical to the bottom surface251dof the shoe mounting leg251so that the front ends257acan connect to the signal terminals152a.

In this way, when the locking action of the lock lever253is performed after the camera connector206J is engaged with the accessory shoe123, the connection terminals257are connected to the signal terminals152awhile sliding on the surfaces of the signal terminals152ain the +Z-direction. This enables removal of dust on the signal terminals152a, which achieves stable communication between the external lighting device120J and the digital camera100. It should be noted that the connection terminals257are not necessarily configured to move by interlocking with the operations of the lock pins252. The connection terminals257may be configured to move by interlocking with the rotary operation of the lock lever253or the fastening operation of the screw mechanism.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-163799, filed Sep. 29, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.