JP7532068B2 - Electronics, Accessories and Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices, accessories, and systems, and in particular to electronic devices that are equipped with a main body of the electronic device and to which accessories having electrical contacts can be attached and detached, and to technology for protecting the electrical contacts of the electronic device.

In general, imaging devices, which are one type of electronic device, are provided with a grip (one of the accessories) for holding the imaging device body, and this grip may be detachable from the imaging device body. For example, if the grip is detachable from the imaging device body, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by the imaging device itself when the grip is not needed, such as when using a tripod.

Furthermore, if the grip can be rotated relative to the imaging device body, the shooting angle can be changed smoothly while holding the grip, for example, when switching from high-angle to low-angle shooting.

On the other hand, a cable may be used to supply power and perform communication between the imaging device body and the grip (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, when a cable is used, the imaging device body and the grip become larger due to the insertion/removal and routing of the cable, and the space required to store the connection terminal. Furthermore, when the grip is rotated, the routing of the cable becomes cumbersome.

Therefore, there are devices that are provided with electrical contacts on the fixed part of the grip, so that electrical communication can be performed when the grip is attached to the imaging device body (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Here, a method using a rosette (chrysanthemum seat) is known as a method for fixing (connecting) two devices at any angle (see, for example, Patent Document 3), and this method can be used to attach and detach a grip to an imaging device. Both the imaging device and the grip are provided with a rosette and a screw, and by engaging the rosettes with each other and then tightening the screw, the grip can be fixed at any angle to the imaging device.

As an example of a technology for protecting electrical contacts, Patent Document 4 discloses a terminal cover that covers the electrical contacts (contact terminals) of a battery charger when the charger is not in use. In the configuration of Patent Document 4, when the charger is in use, the battery pushes in the terminal cover when the battery is attached, exposing the electrical contacts, which come into contact with the battery terminals.

Patent document 5 discloses a portable information device that has an opening and closing cover on the surface on which the connectors are arranged, and when connecting to another device, the opening and closing cover is opened to allow one connector to protrude from the device and connect to the other connector.

JP 2013-92678 A JP 2007-194953 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-102799 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-154536 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-22437

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the imaging device body and the grip are fixed with a bayonet, so it is difficult to firmly fix the imaging device body and the grip. As a result, there is a risk that the fixation between the grip and the imaging device body may become loose when the grip is held. Furthermore, if looseness occurs when the grip is held, a gap may occur between the electrical contacts, making the electrical connection unstable.

As an alternative to the configuration of Patent Document 3, it is possible to provide electrical contacts on the inside of the rosettes of the imaging device and the grip to supply power and communicate between them. However, with the configuration of Patent Document 3, there is a possibility that the electrical contacts may be damaged by the rosette. Furthermore, if the electrical contacts of the imaging device and the grip are exposed to the outside when the grip is not attached, for example, a coating may be formed if the electrical contacts are unintentionally touched by a finger or the like, which may result in poor contact. Therefore, when the electrical contacts are not in use, it is desirable to cover and protect them.

The terminal cover disclosed in Patent Document 4 above can easily expose the electrical contacts by any operation other than inserting a battery of the appropriate specification, such as pushing the terminal cover with a finger. For example, in a device such as an imaging device, which is assumed to be held in multiple ways by the user and in which the holding method changes frequently, the electrical contacts may be exposed if the user's finger or another device unintentionally pushes the terminal cover. Therefore, with the terminal cover according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, there is a possibility that a finger may come into contact with the electrical contacts and form an insulating coating, resulting in poor contact, or that another device may come into contact with the electrical contacts and damage them. Furthermore, if the electrical contacts are easily exposed to the outside, an oxide coating is likely to form on the electrical contacts, reducing the reliability of the electrical connection.

In the portable information device disclosed in Patent Document 5, the cover moves linearly like a sliding door when opening and closing, so a space is required to retract the cover. Providing such a space to retract the cover is a major design constraint in a structure in which electrical contacts are arranged in the limited space inside the rosette. In addition, when the cover of a portable information device is opened, the electrical contacts of the connector are visible from the outside, so as with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 4, there is a risk of poor contact or damage to the electrical contacts if a finger or another device touches the connector.

The present invention aims to provide an electronic device that can firmly fix an accessory such as a grip to the electronic device body and easily and reliably establish an electrical connection between the two, and that allows the attachment and detachment of accessories.

The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device to which an accessory is detachably attached, wherein a main body of the electronic device has a first attachment portion facing the accessory , and the accessory has a second attachment portion facing the main body , the first attachment portion having a first screw portion disposed at the center of the first attachment portion, a first electrical connection portion disposed on the outside of the first screw portion, and a first engagement portion formed on the outside of the first electrical connection portion, the second attachment portion having a second screw portion disposed at the center of the second attachment portion and screwed into the first screw portion, and a second engagement portion formed on the outside of the second screw portion. the first electrical connection portion is held by a contact holding member, and when the accessory is not attached , the contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the main body by a biasing member, and when the first screw portion and the second screw portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected.

The present invention makes it possible to firmly secure an electronic device body to an accessory such as a grip, while also easily and reliably establishing an electrical connection between the two.

1 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a grip, which is an accessory, is attached to an imaging device, which is an electronic device, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which a grip is attached to an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with a grip detached; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grip attached to the imaging device body shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an attachment portion of the imaging device body shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a divided state. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an attachment portion of the grip shown in FIG. 4 in an exploded state. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a mounting structure of the imaging device body and the grip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the imaging device body and the grip from the -X direction in a state where the interchangeable lens and the belt are removed in FIG. 2. 9 is a side view showing a state in which a grip is rotated to a position on a predetermined axis with respect to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 8 . 2 is a diagram for explaining a grip-side substrate provided in the grip shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a main body side contact pin of the imaging device main body and a grip side substrate of the grip shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . FIG. 9 is a left side view showing a state in which a grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the grip shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the flexible substrate shown in FIG. 13 . 13 is a diagram showing a contact portion of the imaging device body and a flexible substrate of the grip in the state shown in FIG. 12. 1 is a left side view showing an imaging device body having a first body side contact pin and a second body side contact pin. FIG. 17 is a left side view showing a state in which a grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 16. 15 is a diagram showing the flexible substrate and the imaging device main body with the first body-side contact pin and the second body-side contact pin extracted and viewed from the X direction. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the grip is rotated with respect to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flexible board, the main body side first contact pin, and the main body side second contact pin in the state shown in FIG. 19 as viewed from the X direction. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging device body according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a main body side attachment mechanism according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a grip provided with a grip side contact pattern and a grip side mounting member in a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 22. 25 is a first perspective view showing a cutaway view of the main body side mounting mechanism and the grip side mounting member shown in FIGS. 22 to 24. FIG. 25 is a second perspective view showing the main body side mounting mechanism and the grip side mounting member shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 in a cutaway view. FIG. 25 is a third perspective view showing the main body side mounting mechanism and the grip side mounting member shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 in a cutaway view. FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device main body shown in FIG. 28 . 30 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 29 . FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a body-side attachment member in the body-side attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 30 . FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the position of the contact protection cover according to the position of the protrusion shown in FIG. 31 . FIG. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the grip shown in FIG. 29 . 31A and 31B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the rotational movement of the contact protection cover and the position of the protrusion shown in FIG. 30 and the attachment and detachment of the grip. 34 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the members of the main body side mounting mechanism and the grip side mounting portion when the grip shown in FIG. 33 is attached. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a contactless grip used in an imaging device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the main body side mounting mechanism and the members within the grip side mounting portion when the contactless grip shown in FIG. 36 is attached. FIG. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a body-side attachment mechanism provided on an imaging device body according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining a grip-side attachment mechanism provided in a grip according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. 39 is a diagram showing the main body side engagement portion shown in FIG. 38. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA in FIG. 40, showing a state in which the imaging device body shown in FIG. 38 and the grip shown in FIG. 39 are not yet connected to each other. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA, showing a state in which the convex portion of the grip shown in FIG. 39 is inserted into the inner wall of the body-side engagement portion of the imaging device body and abuts against the lock lever. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA, showing the state in which the convex portion of the grip shown in FIG. 39 pushes the protective cover into the imaging device body, causing the body-side contact pins and contact pattern to come into contact with each other. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA, showing a state in which the grip is fastened to the imaging device body by the grip fixing screw. 39 is a diagram for explaining self-cleaning of the main body side contact pin and the contact pattern shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the state before the main body side engagement portion and the grip side engagement portion shown in FIG. 45 are engaged with each other. 46 is a diagram showing the state in which the main body side convex portion and the grip side convex portion shown in FIG. 45 are engaged with each other. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 49 is a front perspective view of the state in which the grip is removed in FIG. 48. 50 is a rear perspective view showing the state in which the grip is removed in FIG. 49. 51 is a partially enlarged view of the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 50. FIG. 52B is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG shown in FIG. 52A. FIG. 52C is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 52B. FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 50. 49 is a perspective view showing the grip shown in FIG. 48 from the rear side. FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of the grip shown in FIG. 48. 49 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the periphery of the attachment portion of the grip shown in FIG. 48 to the imaging device main body. 49 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the state before the grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 48. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view partially showing a state in the middle of attaching a grip to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 48. 49 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a state in which a grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in FIG. 48. 13 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a state in which the main body side engaging portion and the grip side engaging portion are in contact with each other. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging device body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. 59 is a diagram for explaining a body-side mounting mechanism provided on the imaging device body shown in FIG. 58. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a grip used in an imaging device body according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view showing the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 59. 61 is a first perspective view showing a cutaway view of the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 59 and the grip side mounting member shown in FIG. 60. 61 is a second perspective view showing a cutaway view of the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 59 and the grip side mounting member shown in FIG. 60. 61 is a third perspective view showing a cutaway view of the main body side mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 59 and the grip side mounting member shown in FIG. 60. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a grip used in an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 66 is an exploded perspective view of the grip shown in FIG. 65. 66 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the structure of the joint between the grip shown in FIG. 65 and the imaging device body. FIG. 66 is a detailed view of a portion of the exterior member of the grip shown in FIG. 65. FIG. 66 is a first perspective view of a mounting member drive lever used in the grip shown in FIG. 65 . FIG. 66 is a second perspective view of the mounting member drive lever used in the grip shown in FIG. 65 . FIG. 69B is an exploded perspective view of the mounting member drive lever shown in FIG. 69A. FIG. 69B is a perspective view showing a guide pin of the mounting member drive lever shown in FIG. 69A. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state before a grip is attached to an imaging device body in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a grip is being attached to an imaging device body in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which mounting of the grip to the imaging device body is completed in the third embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a perspective view partially illustrating a state in which a grip-side engagement portion is in a position to engage with a main body-side engagement portion in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the grip side engagement portion is released with the grip attached to the imaging device body in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view partially illustrating a state in which a grip-side engagement portion is in a position spaced apart from a main body-side engagement portion in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between guide pins and guide holes in the third embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging device main body according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

An example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of an imaging device, which is one of the electronic devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with a grip, which is an accessory, attached. Furthermore, Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of an imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with a grip attached. Furthermore, Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear of an imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the grip removed.

For ease of explanation, the coordinate system is defined as shown in Figure 1. The Z axis is the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device (the front lens side is the +Z direction), the Y axis is the up-down direction of the imaging device (the top side is the +Y direction), and the X axis is the left-to-right direction of the imaging device (the right side when viewed from the front is the +X direction).

As shown in FIG. 1, the front side of the imaging device body (electronic device body) 1000 is provided with a lens mount section 1001, a lens contact section (not shown) that detects the attachment of an interchangeable lens 1300, and a lens removal button 1002 for removing the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens 1300 is removably supported on the lens mount section 1001.

Although not shown, the imaging device body 1000 houses an imaging element on which the optical image formed by the lens is focused, and a sensor board on which the imaging element is mounted, behind the lens mount section 1001.

The right side of the imaging device body 1000, as viewed from the front, is provided with a group of operation buttons 1003 that can be operated by the photographer to cause the imaging device body to perform a specified operation. In addition, the right side is provided with a REC button 1004 and a power switch 1005, and an exhaust port 1006 is formed to exhaust hot air to the outside by a fan arranged inside the imaging device body 1000. Also provided on the right side is a recording medium storage cover 1007 that covers a storage chamber that stores a recording medium (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear side of the imaging device body 1000 is provided with a battery storage section 1008 for storing a battery, and a group of input/output terminals 1009, such as external connection terminals and power supply terminals.

When viewed from the front, the left side of the imaging device body 1000 is provided with an intake port 1010 for drawing in low-temperature air from the outside of the device body into the inside by the fan described above, and also with a body-side attachment mechanism 1200 to which accessories such as a grip 1400 can be attached.

As shown in FIG. 3, the body-side attachment mechanism 1200 is provided with a body-side attachment member 1210 to which the grip 1400 can be attached. The body-side attachment member 1210 is, for example, substantially disk-shaped, and is provided at the center of the body-side attachment member 1210 with a body-side screw 1211 that screws into a grip-side screw 1411 provided on the grip 1400 (described later).

A body side contact pin (electrical contact pin) 1212 is provided on the outside of the body side screw 1211, which is electrically connected to a grip side contact pattern 1412 provided on the grip 1400. A body side engagement portion 1213 is formed on the outside of the body side contact pin 1212, which engages with a grip side engagement portion 1413 formed on the grip 1400. In other words, the body side screw 1211, body side contact pin 1212, and body side engagement portion 1213 are arranged in this order from the center to the outside on the body side mounting member 1210.

The body side engaging part 1213 has convex and concave parts formed radially from its center and arranged at a specified interval, and engages with the grip side engaging part 1413 having similar concave and convex parts. This firmly fixes the grip 1400 to the imaging device body 1000. The fixing of the two will be described later. Furthermore, the body side mounting member 1210 is fixed to the imaging device body 1000 by screws 1214.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the grip attached to the imaging device body shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The grip 1400 is a type of accessory that makes it easier for the photographer (user) to hold the imaging device body 1000. The grip 1400 has a gripping portion 1402, which is the part that the user holds and is shaped to fit the fingers of a human hand.

The belt 1403 is a member that prevents the user's hand from coming off the grip 1402 due to tightening. The REC button 1404, the cross key 1405, and the operation dial 1406 are operation members, and are connected to the grip-side contact pattern 1412 (described below) by electrical wiring (not shown). Unless otherwise specified below, it is assumed that the grip has a contact pattern.

The grip-side mounting member 1410 is attached to the body-side mounting member 1210 described above when the grip 1400 is attached to the imaging device body 1000, and is approximately the same size as the body-side mounting member 1210. The grip-side mounting member 1410 has a grip-side screw 1411 at its center that screws into the body-side screw 1211. A grip-side contact pattern 1412 that electrically connects to the body-side contact pin 1212 is arranged on the outside of the grip-side screw 1411. A grip-side engagement portion 1413 that engages with the body-side engagement portion 1213 is provided on the outside of the grip-side contact pattern 1412.

The grip side engaging portion 1413, like the main body side engaging portion 1213, has concave and convex portions formed radially from its center, and engages with the main body side engaging portion 1213 to firmly fix the grip 1400 and the imaging device main body 1000. The fixing of the two will be described later.

The grip-side mounting member 1410 is fixed to the grip 1400 by a screw 1414. The grip-side screw 1411 is mechanically connected to the tightening knob 1407. When attaching the grip 1400 to the imaging device body 1000, the grip-side screw 1411 hidden inside the grip 1400 and the imaging device body 1000 can be turned by turning the tightening knob 1407 exposed to the outside.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the body-side mounting mechanism 1200 of the imaging device body shown in Figures 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the body-side mounting member 1210 is fixed to the body-side mounting sheet metal 1220 provided in the imaging device body 1000 by a screw 1214. The body-side contact pin 1212 is housed in a contact block 1216, and one end opposite the side that contacts the grip-side contact pattern 1412 is electrically connected and held by soldering or the like to the body-side board 1215. The body-side board 1215 is connected to the body-side control board (not shown) by electrical wiring (not shown), and is fixed to the body-side mounting sheet metal 1220 by a screw 1221. The body-side mounting sheet metal 1220 is then fixed to the body internal sheet metal (not shown).

The body-side contact pin 1212 is biased in a direction (-X direction) protruding from the imaging device body 1000 by a compression spring (not shown) housed in the contact block 1216. When the contact block 1216 is inserted through an opening hole 1217 formed in the body-side mounting member 1210, the body-side contact pin 1212 biased by the compression spring is exposed to the grip 1400 side (-X direction) outside the imaging device body 1000. By biasing the body-side contact pin 1212 by the compression spring, a predetermined contact pressure can be ensured when it comes into contact with the grip-side contact pattern 1412. In other words, the body-side contact pin 1212 slidably contacts the grip-side contact pattern 1412 with a predetermined contact pressure.

In addition, the body-side contact pin 1212 is located lower than the recess of the body-side engagement portion 1213 and toward the inside of the imaging device body 1000 when exposed to the outside of the imaging device body 1000. This prevents the body-side contact pin 1212 from coming into contact with the grip-side engagement portion 1413 and being damaged when the grip 1400 is attached. The position of the body-side contact pin 1212 will be described later.

The body side contact pins 1212 are arranged in a radial line at a predetermined interval within the contact block 1216, and are electrically connected by contacting the grip side contact pattern 1412. In the illustrated example, three body side contact pins 1212 are provided within the contact block 1216, and are connected to corresponding locations on the grip side contact pattern 1412 as a power terminal, a communication terminal, and a ground terminal, respectively.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the grip mounting portion shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 6, the grip side holding member 1416 is sandwiched between the tightening knob 1407 and the grip side mounting sheet metal 1420. The grip side holding member 1416 is formed with a convex portion 1417 and a shaft portion 1418. The grip side holding member 1416 is biased and held toward the tightening knob 1407 side (-X direction), that is, in a direction away from the imaging device body 1000, by a compression spring 1419 inserted into the shaft portion 1418 of the grip side holding member 1416.

In the illustrated example, the shaft portion 1418 through which the compression spring 1419 is inserted is provided at two locations symmetrically about the center of the grip side mounting member 1410, thereby enabling stable biasing of the grip side holding member 1416. In addition, the components inside the grip 1400 are covered by a decorative cover 1408 to prevent foreign matter from entering the grip 1400.

The grip side board 1415 (circuit forming member) is connected to the grip side control board (not shown) by electrical wiring (not shown), and the grip side contact patterns 1412, which are conductive parts, are formed in multiple rings with a predetermined width concentrically from the center. The grip side contact patterns 1412 are formed in parallel at the same predetermined intervals as the multiple body side contact pins 1212 described above, and are electrically connected to the corresponding body side contact pins 1212. In the illustrated example, three grip side contact patterns 1412 are provided, similar to the body side contact pins 1212. The two can be electrically connected even if the grip 1400 is fixed at any phase relative to the imaging device body 1000.

The grip side mounting member 1410 is fixed to the grip side mounting sheet metal 1420 by screws 1414. The convex portion 1417 provided on the grip side holding member 1416 passes through the grip side mounting sheet metal 1420 and the grip side mounting member 1410. The grip side substrate 1415 has a surface opposite to the surface on which the grip side contact pattern 1412 is formed abutting against the convex portion 1417 of the grip side holding member 1416, and is fixed, for example, by double-sided tape. In the illustrated example, the convex portions 1417 are provided in two places symmetrically about the center of the grip side mounting member 1410, which allows the grip side substrate 1415 to be stably fixed.

The central axis 1411a of the grip side screw 1411 is inserted into the central hole 1407a of the tightening knob 1407. The central axis 1411a and the central hole 1407a are both cylindrical, with two opposing faces cut, so-called I-cut shapes, and the two are held in place by fitting together the two faces of the I-cut.

When the tightening knob 1407 is turned, the grip side screw 1411 simultaneously turns and screws into the body side screw 1211 of the imaging device body 1000. This allows the grip 1400 to be fixed to the imaging device body 1000. Furthermore, when the tightening knob 1407 is turned, the grip side holding member 1416, which is biased and held on the tightening knob 1407 side, is pushed into the imaging device body 1000 side. In other words, when the tightening knob 1407 is turned, the grip side contact pattern 1412 is pushed into the body side contact pin 1212 on the imaging device body 1000 side. This electrically connects the grip side contact pattern 1412 to the corresponding body side contact pin 1212, and electrically connects the imaging device body 1000 and the grip 1400.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the mounting structure of the imaging device body and grip shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the grip is attached to the imaging device body, and Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the grip is engaged with the imaging device body. Also, Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the grip is fixed to the imaging device body.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), when attaching the grip 1400 to the imaging device body 1000, the centers of the body-side mounting member 1210 and the grip-side mounting member 1410, which are approximately the same size, are aligned. Then, the grip 1400 is pressed toward the imaging device body 1000 (in the direction indicated by arrow A (+X direction)). In the state shown in FIG. 7(a), the imaging device body 1000 and the grip 1400 are not fixed and are not electrically connected.

The state in which the grip 1400 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (+X direction) shown in FIG. 7(a) and the main body side engaging portion 1213 and the grip side engaging portion 1413 are engaged is shown in FIG. 7(b).

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the body side engaging portion 1213 and the grip side engaging portion 1413 engage and mesh with each other, determining the phase between the grip 1400 and the imaging device body 1000. In addition, since the body side engaging portion 1213 and the grip side engaging portion 1413 are formed radially, the grip 1400 can be engaged with the imaging device body 1000 at any angle.

In the illustrated example, the body side engaging portion 1213 and the grip side engaging portion 1413 have convex and concave portions formed at 6 degree increments, so the angle of the grip 1400 can be adjusted at 6 degree increments.

At this time, the grip side contact pattern 1412 of the grip side substrate 1415 fixed to the grip side holding member 1416 is biased toward the tightening knob 1407 (-X direction) by the compression spring 1419. The grip side contact pattern 1412 is stored at a position lower in the X direction by a height H2 than the convex portion of the grip side engagement portion 1413. Furthermore, the body side contact pin 1212 is also at a position lower in the X direction by a height H1 than the concave portion of the body side engagement portion 1213. In other words, in the state shown in FIG. 7(b), the body side engagement portion 1213 and the grip side engagement portion 1413 are engaged, but the body side contact pin 1212 and the grip side contact pattern 1412 are not electrically connected. In other words, when engaging the grip side engaging portion 1413 with the body side engaging portion 1213, it is possible to prevent the body side contact pin 1212 and the grip side contact pattern 1412 from accidentally coming into contact with the opposing engaging portions.

While the grip 1400 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (+X direction), the tightening knob 1407 is rotated in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 7(b). As a result, the grip side screw 1411 is screwed into the body side screw 1211, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 7(c).

As shown in FIG. 7(c), with the main body side engaging portion 1213 and the grip side engaging portion 1413 engaged, the main body side screw 1211 and the grip side screw 1411 are screwed together. This allows the grip 1400 to be firmly fixed to the imaging device main body 1000 without any rattling. Furthermore, the tightening knob 1407 is rotated in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the grip side contact pattern 1412 of the grip side substrate 1415 fixed to the grip side holding member 1416 is pushed in the +X direction by the tightening knob 1407 against the biasing force of the compression spring 1419. Then, the grip side contact pattern 1412 protrudes to a position higher than the convex portion of the grip side engaging portion 1413 by a height H3 in the X direction.

Height (i.e., protrusion amount) H3 is the position where the body side contact pin 1212 is further pushed in to reach height H1 plus a predetermined contact pressure. As a result, the grip side contact pattern 1412 pushed in the +X direction is electrically connected to the body side contact pin 1212 of the imaging device body 1000. In other words, the grip 1400 can be firmly fixed to the imaging device body 1000, and the body side contact pin 1212 and the grip side contact pattern 1412 can be easily electrically connected. Furthermore, since the electrical connection is reliably made with the imaging device body 1000 and the grip 1400 firmly fixed, a highly reliable electrical connection can be ensured.

When removing the grip 1400 from the imaging device body 1000, the reverse operation of the attachment described in Figures 7(a) to 7(c) is performed. First, turn the tightening knob 1407 in the opposite direction of arrow B to loosen the grip side screw 1411 from the body side screw 1211. As a result, the grip side contact pattern 1412 is separated from the body side contact pin 1212 by the biasing force of the compression spring 1419, and the imaging device body 1000 and the grip 1400 are no longer electrically connected.

Furthermore, the grip side screw 1411 comes out of the body side screw 1211, and the grip 1400 is released from the imaging device body 1000. Then, by pulling the grip 1400 away in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A, the grip 1400 can be removed from the imaging device body 1000.

Here, the contact pin is provided on the imaging device body side, and the contact pattern is provided on the grip side, but it is also possible to provide the contact pattern on the imaging device body side, and the contact pin on the grip side.

Here, we will explain an example of the grip side contact pattern 1412 mentioned above.

Figure 8 is a side view of the imaging device body and grip from the -X direction with the interchangeable lens and belt removed in Figure 2.

As shown in FIG. 8, the grip 1400 can be rotated at any angle relative to the imaging device body 1000 within the range 2001C from the axis C' to the axis C".

Figure 9 is a side view showing the state in which the grip has been rotated to a predetermined axis position relative to the imaging device body shown in Figure 8.

Figure 9 shows a state in which the grip 1400 has been rotated by an angle 2001D relative to the imaging device body 1000 so that axis D is at the position of axis D'. Here, a description of the imaging device body 1000 and the grip 1400 other than the grip side substrate 1415 will be omitted.

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the grip side substrate provided in the grip shown in Figure 1. Figure 10(a) is a diagram of the grip side substrate extracted and viewed from the X direction, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram of the grip side substrate viewed from the opposite direction to the direction shown in Figure 10(a).

In FIG. 10(a), three front contact patterns 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c are arranged concentrically at a predetermined interval in the radial direction on the surface of the grip-side substrate 1415 as the grip-side contact pattern 1412. The front contact patterns 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c are provided with through holes 2012a, 2012b, and 2012c, which are wiring draw-out portions (pattern draw-out portions). The front contact patterns 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c are electrically connected to the back contact patterns 2013a, 2013b, and 2013c, which are wiring portions on the back side of the grip-side substrate 1415, via the above-mentioned through holes. Note that the surfaces of the through holes 2012a, 2012b, and 2012c are uneven, and these surfaces are not suitable for contact with the body-side contact pin 1212 of the imaging device body 1000.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), an electrical connector 2014 is mounted on the grip-side substrate 1415, and each pin of the electrical connector 2014 is electrically connected to the back contact patterns 2013a, 2013b, and 2013c. The grip-side substrate 1415 and the substrate in the grip 1400 (not shown in FIG. 10) are connected by electric wires (not shown), which allows power supply and communication.

Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the body-side contact pins of the imaging device body and the grip-side substrate of the grip shown in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 11(a) is a diagram showing the body-side contact pins of the imaging device body and the grip-side substrate of the grip shown in Figure 8, and Figure 11(b) is a diagram showing the contact portion of the imaging device body and the grip-side substrate of the grip in the state shown in Figure 9.

In FIG. 11(a), the contacts 1212a, 1212b, and 1212c of the main body side contact pin 1212 provided on the axis C contact the front contact patterns 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c of the grip side contact pattern 1412. This allows power supply and communication.

When the grip 1400 is rotated at an angle within the range 2001C shown in FIG. 8 relative to the imaging device body 1000, the body side contact pin 1212 moves to a position within the range 2001C. Therefore, the body side contact pin 1212 does not come into contact with the through holes 2012a, 2012b, and 2012c.

In FIG. 11(b), the grip 1400 rotates relative to the imaging device body 1000, causing the grip-side substrate 1415 to rotate. Even in this case, the contacts 1212a, 1212b, and 1212c of the body-side contact pin 1212 contact the front contact patterns 1412a, 1412b, and 1412c of the grip-side contact pattern 1412. This allows power supply and communication.

Here, we will explain the case where the grip side substrate 1415 is a flexible substrate.

Figure 12 is a left side view showing the state in which the grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in Figure 8. Also, Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the grip shown in Figure 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the grip 2002 can be rotated at any angle with respect to the imaging device body 1000 in a range 2001E between axis E' and axis E". Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the part of the grip 2002 that connects to the imaging device body 1000 is composed of a flexible board 2006. The components of the grip 2002 other than the flexible board 2006, such as the grip side mounting member 1410 and the screws 1414, are the same as those described above and will not be described here.

Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the flexible substrate shown in Figure 13. Figure 14(a) is a diagram showing the flexible substrate extracted and viewed from the X direction, and Figure 14(b) is a diagram showing the state in Figure 14(a) with the coverlay of the flexible substrate removed.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), three front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c are arranged at a predetermined interval in the radial direction on the flexible substrate 2006 as the grip side contact pattern 2021. In addition, a coverlay 2022 is provided on a part of the flexible substrate 2006 so as to overlap the front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c. The front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c are covered by the coverlay 2022 and are not exposed.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), a folded portion 2007 is present at the bottom of the flexible substrate 2006. The front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c are folded back to the back side of the flexible substrate 2006 and are electrically connected to a substrate (not shown) in the grip 2002.

Figure 15 shows the contact portion of the imaging device body and the flexible board of the grip in the state shown in Figure 12.

As shown in FIG. 15, the grip 2002 is rotated within range 2001E relative to the imaging device body 1000. In this case, the contacts 1212a, 1212b, and 1212c of the body side contact pin 1212 contact the front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c of the grip side contact pattern 2021 within range 2001E. This allows power supply and communication to be performed.

Here, we will explain the case where the imaging device body is equipped with two connection pins, a first contact pin on the body side and a second contact pin on the body side.

Figure 16 is a left side view showing an imaging device body having a first contact pin on the body side and a second contact pin on the body side. Also, Figure 17 is a left side view showing the state in which a grip is attached to the imaging device body shown in Figure 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, the body-side mounting mechanism 2200 includes a body-side mounting member 2210 to which the grip 2002 can be attached. The body-side mounting member 2210 is substantially disk-shaped, and includes a body-side screw 2211 at the center of the body-side mounting member 2210 that screws into a grip screw (not shown) of the grip 2002, which will be described later.

The outside of the body side screw 2211 is provided with a body side first contact pin 2311 and a body side second contact pin 2312 that are electrically connected to the grip side contact pattern 2021 (not shown in FIG. 16) of the grip 2002. The outside of the body side first contact pin 2311 and the body side second contact pin 2312 is provided with a body side engagement portion 2213 that engages with the grip 2002. The body side engagement portion 2213 has convex and concave portions formed radially from its center and arranged at a predetermined interval. The body side engagement portion 2213 then engages with a grip side engagement portion (not shown) that has similar concave and convex portions, thereby firmly fixing the grip 2002 to the imaging device body 2500.

As shown in FIG. 17, a grip 2002 that can rotate 360 degrees is attached to the imaging device body 2500. The configuration of the grip 2002 is similar to the grip described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

Figure 18 shows the flexible substrate and the first and second contact pins on the main body side of the imaging device main body shown in Figure 14 as viewed from the X direction.

In FIG. 18, the contacts 2311a, 2311b, and 2311c of the body-side first contact pin 2311 of the imaging device body 2500 are in contact with the front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c. On the other hand, the contacts 2312a, 2312b, and 2313c of the body-side second contact pin 2312 are in contact with the coverlay 2022 and are not electrically connected. In this case, power supply and communication between the imaging device body 2500 and the grip 2002 are performed via the body-side first contact pin 2311, which is electrically connected to the grip-side contact pattern 2021.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing the state in which the grip has been rotated relative to the imaging device body shown in Figure 16. Also, Figure 20 is a diagram showing the flexible board and the first and second contact pins on the body side in the state shown in Figure 19, as viewed from the X direction.

Figure 19 shows a state in which the grip 2002 has been rotated at an angle 2001F relative to the imaging device body 2500 so that axis F is at the position of axis F'. Here, the grip 2002 has been rotated relative to the imaging device body 2500, causing the flexible substrate 2006 to rotate.

As shown in FIG. 20, the contacts 2311a, 2311b, and 2311c of the body-side first contact pin 2311 of the imaging device body 2500 are in contact with the front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c. In addition, the contacts 2312a, 2312b, and 2313c of the body-side second contact pin 2312 are also in contact with the front contact patterns 2021a, 2021b, and 2021c.

When communication between the imaging device body 2500 and the grip 2002 is possible using both the first body side contact pin 2311 and the second body side contact pin 2312, power supply and communication are performed with priority given to the first body side contact pin 2311.

[First Modification of the Contact Protection Structure in the First Embodiment]
Here, a first modification of the body side attachment mechanism 1200 of the image pickup device body 1000 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, a body side attachment mechanism 3150 has a contact protection structure.

[Outline of the first contact protection structure]
Here, a contact protection structure provided in the imaging device body 3100 will be described. Similar to the above-described body-side attachment mechanism 1200, an attachment mechanism for accessories called a rosette is used in the imaging device body 3100. The imaging device body 3100 is provided with a contact portion 3102 on the radially inner side of a body-side attachment member 3101. If the contact portion 3102 is exposed on the surface of the imaging device body 3100, the following problems may occur.

For example, a finger or the like may unintentionally touch the contact portion 3102, causing a coating and resulting in poor contact. Also, another device may touch the contact portion 3102 and destroy it. Furthermore, when attaching an accessory to the main body side mounting member 3101, the engagement portion of the accessory may accidentally hit the contact portion 3102, destroying the contact portion 3102.

To prevent these problems, the main body side attachment mechanism 3150 is designed to expose the contact portion 3102 when an accessory with electrical contacts is attached, and to retract the contact portion 3102 in other cases.

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging device body according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Furthermore, Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a body-side attachment mechanism according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22(a) is a perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism as seen from the exterior side, and Fig. 22(b) is a perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism as seen from the inside of the imaging device body.

Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a grip provided with a grip-side contact pattern and a grip-side mounting member in a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

For ease of explanation, the coordinate system is defined as shown in FIG. 21. The Z axis is the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device (the front lens side is the +Z direction), the Y axis is the up-down direction of the imaging device (the top side is the +Y direction), and the X axis is the left-to-right direction of the imaging device (the right side of the contact protection structure is the +X direction when looking at the lens from the front).

As shown in FIG. 21, the imaging device body 3100 has a body-side attachment mechanism 3150 for fixing accessories such as the grip 3200. As shown in FIG. 22, the body-side attachment mechanism 3150 is firmly fixed to the inside of the imaging device body 3100 by a fastening member or the like via a body-side fixing portion 3152 provided on a body-side mounting sheet metal 3151. By being firmly fixed, the body-side attachment mechanism 3150 can support accessories such as the grip 3200 even when an accessory such as the grip 3200 is attached.

21 and 22, the body-side mounting mechanism 3150 has a circular body-side mounting member 3101. The body-side mounting member 3101 has grooves with concaves and convexes radiating from the center of the circle. The grip-side mounting member 3202 provided on the grip 3200 shown in FIG. 23 also has grooves with concaves and convexes radiating from the center of the circle. The position of the grip 3200 relative to the imaging device body 3100 is determined by engaging the grooves with concaves and convexes of the body-side mounting member 3101 and the grip-side mounting member 3202.

A body-side screw 3103 is provided at the center of the body-side mounting member 3101. The body-side screw 3103 is screwed into the first grip-side screw 3203 shown in FIG. 23 to fix the imaging device body 3100 and the grip 3200.

The grip 3200 is provided with a tightening knob 3205 that can be rotated relative to the grip body 3250. The first grip side screw 3203 rotates in response to the rotation of the tightening knob 3205. A second grip side screw 3204 is installed at the tip of the first grip side screw 3203, the effect of which will be described later.

The body side mounting member 3101 and the grip side mounting member 3202 are engaged, and the tightening knob 3205 is rotated to screw the body side screw 3103 into the first grip side screw 3203. This allows the grip 3200 to be fixed to the imaging device body 3100.

As shown in FIG. 22, the body side attachment mechanism 3150 has a contact portion 3102 for electrically connecting to the grip 3200. The contact portion 3102 is electrically connected to the inside of the imaging device body 3100 by an electrical connection portion 3160.

23, the grip 3200 is provided with a grip-side contact pattern 3201 for electrically connecting to the imaging device body 3100. The grip-side contact pattern 3201 is a pattern for contacting the contact portion 3102 to establish an electrical connection. The grip-side contact pattern 3201 is arranged concentrically with the grip-side mounting member 3202. Therefore, when the grip 3200 is rotated and attached to the imaging device body 3100, the grip-side contact pattern 3201 and the contact portion 3102 can come into contact with each other and establish an electrical connection. In the illustrated example, the contact portion 3102 has three pins, and the grip-side contact pattern 3201 has three patterns formed along the circumference to correspond to these pins.

As described above, when the grip 3200 is fixed to the imaging device body 3100 shown in FIG. 21, the contact portion 3102 and the grip side contact pattern 3201 come into contact with each other to establish an electrical connection. When electrically connected, power can be supplied and communication can be performed between the imaging device body 3100 and the grip 3200.

On the other hand, when the grip 3200 is not fixed to the imaging device body 3100, the contact portion 3102 retracts to protect the contact portion 3102. This retraction will be described later.

Here, the configuration of Figs. 21 to 23 will be described again. As shown in Fig. 21, the body side attachment mechanism 3150 includes a body side attachment member 3101 having a substantially disk-like shape. A body side screw 3103 is provided at the center of the body side attachment member 3101. A radial uneven portion for engaging with other members is formed in a ring shape on the outer periphery of the surface of the body side attachment member 3101, and a contact portion 3102 is provided on the inner periphery of the uneven portion. The contact portion 3102 is an electrical contact for electrically connecting the imaging device body 3100 and the grip 3200 via the body side attachment mechanism 3150, and is electrically connected to the inside of the imaging device body 3100 by an electrical connection portion 3160.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, the grip body 3250 constituting the grip 3200 is provided with a rotatable tightening knob 3205. The first grip side screw 3203 rotates with the tightening knob 3205 being rotated. The first grip side screw 3203 is provided in the middle of the axial direction of the cylindrical member. The second grip side screw 3204 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical member (the tip side of the first grip side screw 3203) coaxially with the first grip side screw 3203 and with a different thread pitch than the first grip side screw 3203. The outer diameter of the second grip side screw 3204 is shorter than the outer diameter of the first grip side screw 3203.

The grip side mounting member 3202, which is provided on the grip 3200 and has a substantially disk-like shape, has radially uneven portions formed on the outer periphery of its surface, similar to the body side mounting member 3101. By engaging the uneven portion of the body side mounting member 3101 with the uneven portion of the grip side mounting member 3202, the position of the grip 3200 relative to the imaging device body 3100 is determined, and the rotation of the grip 3200 around the X-axis is restricted. When the tightening knob 3205 is rotated in this manner with the uneven portion of the body side mounting member 3101 engaged with the uneven portion of the grip side mounting member 3202, the body side screw 3103 and the first grip side screw 3203 are screwed together. This fixes the grip 3200 to the imaging device body 3100.

The grip side contact pattern 3201 for electrically connecting to the imaging device body 3100 is provided on the inner periphery of the uneven portion of the grip side mounting member 3202 of the grip 3200. The grip side contact pattern 3201 is provided concentrically. As a result, when the grip 3200 is rotated and attached to the imaging device body 3100, the grip side contact pattern 3201 can come into contact with the contact portion 3102 to establish an electrical connection. In other words, when the grip 3200 is fixed to the imaging device body 3100, the contact portion 3102 and the grip side contact pattern 3201 are electrically connected, so that power supply and communication can be performed between the imaging device body 3100 and the grip 3200. Here, the re-explanation of Figs. 21 to 23 is completed.

Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism shown in Figure 22. Figure 24(a) is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3150 as viewed from the exterior side of the imaging device body, and Figure 24(b) is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3150 as viewed from the interior side of the imaging device body.

In the body side mounting mechanism 3150, the body side mounting member 3101 and the body side mounting sheet metal 3151 are fastened together to the contact unit (contact holding member) 3105 by three shaft members 3106 and three screws 3155. The contact unit 3105 having the contact portion 3102 is inserted into the shaft member 3106 and can slide along the shaft member 3106 between the shaft stopper 3107 and the body side mounting sheet metal 3151.

Therefore, when the contact unit 3105 slides in the -X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3102 moves in the -X direction from the mounting member contact surface 3101a, and the contact portion 3102 becomes exposed. On the other hand, when the contact unit 3105 slides in the +X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3102 moves in the +X direction from the mounting member contact surface 3101a, and the contact portion 3102 retracts.

In addition to the contact unit 3105, a first spring portion 3109 and a second spring portion 3110 are inserted into the shaft member 3106. The first spring portion 3109 biases the contact unit 3105 in the +X direction, and the second spring portion 3110 biases the contact unit 3105 in the -X direction.

The contact unit 3105 is provided with a second body side screw 3104, which has a different thread pitch from the body side screw 3103 and is intended to screw into the second grip side screw 3204. The axis of the second body side screw 3104 is located on the same axis as the body side screw 3103. The effect of the second body side screw 3104 will be described later.

The contact unit 3105 is provided with a contact portion 3102 and an electrical connection portion 3160, and as the contact unit 3105 moves, the contact portion 3102 and the electrical connection portion 3160 move in both the -X and +X directions. The contact portion 3102 has three pins. On the inside of the three pins (+X direction), three contact springs 3108 (not shown in FIG. 24) corresponding to each pin are provided. Therefore, even if the pins of the contact portion 3102 receive a force in the +X direction, they are not damaged, and the pins are pushed into the inside of the contact portion 3102 (+X direction).

The imaging device body 3100 and the electrical connection section 3160 are electrically connected, and the electrical connection section 3160 and the three pins of the contact section 3102 are electrically connected. Therefore, when the contact section 3102 is in contact with the grip side contact pattern 3201, power and signals can be sent from the imaging device body 3100 to the grip 3200.

Here, we will explain the retraction structure in the contact portion 3102.

25 to 27 are cutaway perspective views of the main body side attachment mechanism and the grip side attachment member shown in Figs. 22 to 24. Fig. 25(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the main body side attachment member and the grip side attachment member before they are engaged, and Fig. 25(b) is a cutaway perspective view of the main body side attachment member and the grip side attachment member engaged.

Figure 26(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the state where the body side screw and the grip side screw have started to screw together, and Figure 26(b) is a cutaway perspective view of the state where the second body side screw and the second grip side screw are in contact.

Furthermore, FIG. 27(a) is a cutaway perspective view showing the state in which the second body side screw and the second grip side screw have started to be screwed together, and FIG. 27(b) is a cutaway perspective view showing the state in which the grip is fixed to the imaging device body.

In FIG. 25(a), the grip 3200 and the imaging device body 3100 are separated from each other without the body side mounting member 3101 and the grip side mounting member 3202 coming into contact with each other. In this state, the first spring portion 3109 applies a force in a direction that separates the body side mounting member 3101 and the contact unit 3105 along the X axis, that is, in a direction that urges the contact unit 3105 into the imaging device body. Therefore, the first spring portion 3109 positions the contact portion 3102 provided on the contact unit 3105 in the +X direction from the mounting member contact surface 3101a, and the contact portion 3102 retracts.

The first spring portion 3109 applies a force in a direction separating the body side mounting member 3101 and the contact unit 3105 along the X axis, and the second spring portion 3110 applies a force in a direction separating the contact unit 3105 and the shaft stopper 3107 along the X axis. Therefore, the position of the contact unit 3105 is not stable between the body side mounting member 3101 and the shaft stopper 3107, and there is a risk that the contact portion 3102 may be exposed even in the state shown in FIG. 25(a). For this reason, in the illustrated example, the contact portion 3102 is always located in the +X direction from the mounting member contact surface 3101a, and the contact portion 3102 is in a retracted state. For example, the spring balance of the first spring portion 3109 and the second spring portion 3110 is adjusted to achieve the retracted state.

When the body side mounting member 3101 and the grip side mounting member 3202 are aligned and engaged from the state shown in FIG. 25(a), the state shown in FIG. 25(b) is obtained. In this state, the tightening knob 3205 is rotated clockwise (in the direction of the arrow J). In conjunction with this rotation, the first grip side screw 3203 also rotates clockwise (in the direction of the arrow J). When the first grip side screw 3203 rotates, the first grip side screw 3203 and the body side screw 3103 are screwed together, and the first grip side screw 3203 advances inside the imaging device body (in the +X direction) while rotating, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 26(a).

26(a), the diameter of the second grip side screw 3204 is smaller than the diameter of the first grip side screw 3203 so that the second grip side screw 3204 does not interfere with the body side screw 3103. When the tightening knob 3205 is further turned clockwise (J direction) from the state shown in FIG. 26(a), the first grip side screw 3203 advances further inside the imaging device body (+X direction). As a result, the second grip side screw 3204 provided at the tip of the first grip side screw 3203 abuts against the second body side screw 3104 provided on the contact unit 3105, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 26(b).

In the illustrated example, the first grip side screw 3203 and the second grip side screw 3204 are formed from the same material, and furthermore, the rotation axis of these screws is the same. Therefore, the first grip side screw 3203 and the second grip side screw 3204 rotate together and advance toward the inside of the imaging device body.

With the second grip side screw 3204 and the second body side screw 3104 in contact, the first grip side screw 3203 and the second grip side screw 3204 are further rotated clockwise (J direction). This applies a force pushing the contact unit 3105 inward (+X direction) of the imaging device body from the point of contact. When this pushing force is applied, the second spring portion 3110 is compressed via the contact unit 3105, and the contact unit 3105 advances inward (+X direction) of the imaging device body.

At this time, while the second grip side screw 3204 rotates to push the contact unit 3105 forward, the threads of the second grip side screw 3204 and the second body side screw 3104 mesh. In order for the threads to mesh, the second grip side screw 3204 needs to rotate a maximum of one time after the second body side screw 3104 and the second grip side screw 3204 come into contact.

For this reason, the contact unit 3105 needs to be able to move inward (+X direction) of the imaging device body by at least the distance traveled inward (+X direction) of the imaging device body by one rotation of the first grip-side screw 3203. In the illustrated example, the contact unit 3105, shaft member 3106, and second spring portion 3110 are configured to be able to slide the distance traveled in two rotations.

When rotated further clockwise (J direction) from the state shown in FIG. 26(b), the body side screw 3103 and the first grip side screw 3203 engage, and the first grip side screw 3203 advances further inward (+X direction) of the imaging device body while rotating. As it rotates, the second body side screw 3104 and the second grip side screw 3204 also engage, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 27(a).

In the illustrated example, the second grip side thread 3204 has a steeper thread pitch than the first grip side thread 3203. In other words, the distance traveled in the axial direction during one rotation is greater for the second grip side thread 3204 than for the first grip side thread 3203. For example, assume that the second grip side thread 3204 and the first grip side thread 3203 have the same thread pitch. In this case, even if the main body side thread 3103 and the first grip side thread 3203 and the second main body side thread 3104 and the second grip side thread 3204 are simultaneously screwed together, the distance between the main body side mounting member 3101 and the contact unit 3105 does not change.

On the other hand, if the second grip side screw 3204 has a steeper thread pitch than the first grip side screw 3203, when they are screwed together, the contact unit 3105 slides in the direction (-X direction) approaching the main body side mounting member 3101. By the contact unit 3105 sliding in the direction (-X direction) approaching the main body side mounting member 3101, the contact portion 3102 moves in the -X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3101a, and the contact portion 3102 becomes exposed. As a result, the contact portion 3102 comes into contact with the grip side contact pattern 3201.

As shown in FIG. 27(a), the contact portion 3102 and the grip side contact pattern 3201 are electrically connected by contact, and as described above, the imaging device body 3100 and the grip 3200 can supply power and communicate with each other.

Further rotation from the state shown in FIG. 27(a) results in the state shown in FIG. 27(b). In this state, the body-side mounting member 3101 and the grip-side mounting member 3202 are fastened together by the first grip-side screw 3203 and the body-side screw 3103. In this state, the grip 3200 is firmly fixed to the imaging device body 3100.

In the state shown in FIG. 27(b), the body side mounting member 3101 and the contact unit 3105 are closer than in the state shown in FIG. 27(a), and the grip side contact pattern 3201 applies a force in a direction that crushes the contact portion 3102. However, since the contact spring 3108 at the base of the contact portion 3102 is compressed, the contact portion 3102 is not crushed and damaged.

When removing the grip 3200 from the imaging device body 3100, the grip 3200 can be easily removed by performing the operations in the reverse order to those described in Figures 25, 26, and 27.

In this way, in the first modified example, the contact portion 3102 is exposed and conductive only when the grip 3200 having the second grip side screw 3204 and the grip side contact pattern 3201 is attached. On the other hand, when the grip 3200 is not attached, the second body side screw 3104 is not screwed, and therefore the contact portion 3102 is not exposed.

Furthermore, even if you accidentally touch the periphery of the grip-side mounting member 3202 and apply a force in the pushing direction (+X direction), the contact portion 3102 will not be exposed. This structure for exposing and retracting the contact portion 3102 can prevent unintentional contact with the contact terminal and damage to the contact terminal.

[Second Modification of the Contact Protection Structure in the First Embodiment]
Here, a second modified example of the body side attachment mechanism 1200 of the image pickup device body 1000 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Outline of the second contact protection structure]
FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging device 5101 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The imaging device 5101 has a body-side attachment mechanism 5111 (not shown in FIG. 28), and further has an imaging device body 5102, a photographing lens 5103, and a grip 5104.

Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device body 5102 shown in Figure 28.

In FIG. 29, the configuration other than the body-side attachment mechanism 5111 provided on the imaging device body 5102 is the same as that of the imaging device body 1000 described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

A body-side attachment mechanism 5111 to which accessories can be attached is disposed on the side of the imaging device body 5102. As an example of an accessory, a grip 5104 having electrical contacts on the inside of a rosette can be attached to the body-side attachment mechanism 5111.

Figure 30 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the body-side mounting mechanism 5111 shown in Figure 29. Figure 30(a) is an exploded perspective view of the body-side mounting mechanism 5111, and Figure 30(b) is an oblique view showing the inner structure of the contact protection cover 5211 shown in Figure 30(a).

As shown in FIG. 28, the Z axis is the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device body 5102 (the front lens side is the +Z direction), and the Y axis is the up-down direction of the imaging device body 5102 (the top side is the +Y direction). The X axis is the left-to-right direction of the imaging device body 5102 (the right side when looking at the photographing lens 5103 from the front is the +X direction).

The body side screw 5261 is a female thread that screws into a grip side screw 5311 (described later) provided on the grip 5104. The body side attachment member 5241 is a substantially annular member that is fixed to the imaging device body 5102 by a screw 5243, and is provided with a body side engagement portion 5244 and a cam groove 5242.

The body side engaging portion 5244 is a radially uneven portion formed on the surface of the body side mounting member 5241, and engages with the grip side rosette 5313 described below. By engaging the body side engaging portion 5244 with the grip side rosette 5313, rotation of the grip 5104 around the X-axis can be suppressed.

The cam groove 5242 is a groove formed in a predetermined shape on the inner peripheral side surface of the main body side mounting member 5241. The protrusion 5215 of the contact protection cover 5211 described later can be fitted into the cam groove 5242.

Details of the cam groove 5242 will be described later. In the illustrated example, the cam groove 5242 is formed on the inner peripheral side surface of the main body side mounting member 5241, but the main body side engagement portion 5244 and the cam groove 5242 may be formed in separate members.

A body-side contact pin 5251, which is an electrical contact for supplying power and communicating between the imaging device body 5102 and the grip 5104, is provided on the inside of the body-side mounting member 5241. The body-side contact pin 5251 is connected to a control circuit (not shown) in the imaging device body 5102 by electrical wiring (not shown).

Each pin of the body side contact pins 5251 is assigned a specific function, and functions as, for example, a power terminal, a communication terminal, and a ground terminal. The body side contact pins 5251 are electrically connected to a grip side contact pattern 5314 (described later) provided on the grip 5104. A control circuit in the imaging device body 5102 can supply power to and communicate with the grip 5104 via the body side contact pins 5251.

The contact block 5252 holds the main body side contact pin 5251. The contact block spring 5253 is a member that biases the contact block 5252 in the X direction to a position where it can abut against the grip side contact pattern 5314 described later.

The contact protection cover 5211 is disposed inside the main body side mounting member 5241, and is provided with an opening 5212, a contact exposure portion 5213, a finger loop 5214, a protrusion 5215, and a contact protection cover abutment portion 5216.

The opening 5212 is an opening for inserting the grip side screw 5311. The contact exposure portion 5213 is an opening through which the body side contact pin 5251 protrudes when the contact protection cover 5211 is pressed down in the X direction with the attachment of the grip 5104. The size of the contact exposure portion 5213 is set to the minimum size through which the contact block 5252 can pass, in accordance with the outer shape of the contact block 5252. This makes it possible to minimize the intrusion of dust and other particles through the contact exposure portion 5213.

The finger loop 5214 is a portion on which the user places his/her finger when rotating the contact protection cover 5211, and in this case is a circular concave portion located opposite the contact exposure portion 5213. By placing a finger on the finger loop 5214, the user can easily rotate the contact protection cover 5211.

Note that the position, shape, and number of finger loops 5214 are not limited to the above example, as long as the user can easily hook their fingers on them.

The protrusions 5215 are convex portions of the same shape arranged on the outer peripheral side surface of the contact protection cover 5211. By fitting the protrusions 5215 into the cam grooves 5242 of the main body side mounting member 5241, the contact protection cover 5211 can be moved or rotated along the trajectory of the cam grooves 5242.

The contact protection cover 5211 is preferably molded from a high-strength material to mechanically protect the main body contact pin 5251, and is preferably molded from an insulating material (dielectric material) such as a resin material to further provide electrical protection.

The contact protection cover abutment portion 5216 is a convex portion disposed at a position approximately 90 degrees away from the contact exposure portion 5213 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the X-axis as shown in FIG. 30(b). The contact protection cover abutment portion 5216 abuts against the contact block 5252 when the contact protection cover 5211 performs an operation to press down the contact block 5252. Note that a slope 5217 may be formed on the contact protection cover abutment portion 5216 so that the contact protection cover abutment portion 5216 can easily ride up onto the contact block 5252 when the contact protection cover 5211 rotates.

The contact protection cover holding part 5221 is a member that holds the contact protection cover 5211 so that it can rotate around the X axis. For example, the contact protection cover holding part 5221 and the contact protection cover 5211 may be in contact with each other to slide, or a thrust bearing or the like may be used to slide. The contact protection cover spring 5231 is a member that biases the contact protection cover holding part 5221 in the -X direction (the axial direction of the main body side screw 5261 toward the contact protection cover 5211), and its position is determined by the cam groove 5242 described above.

[Movement of the contact protection cover along the cam groove]
Next, the manner in which the contact protection cover 5211 moves along the cam groove 5242 will be described.

Figure 31 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the body-side mounting member 5241 in the body-side mounting mechanism 5111 shown in Figure 30. Figure 31 (a) is a perspective view showing the body-side mounting member 5241, and Figure 31 (b) is a view of one cam groove 5242 expanded in the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 31(a), multiple identical cam grooves 5242 are arranged on the inner circumference of the main body side mounting member 5241 at intervals in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the X-axis. In the illustrated example, three cam grooves 5242, each with an angle of approximately 90 degrees, are arranged on a circumference of 360 degrees. One of the protrusions 5215 of the contact protection cover 5211 is fitted into each cam groove 5242.

In FIG. 31(b), possible positions of protrusion 5215 fitted in cam groove 5242 are indicated by dashed circles. Cam groove 5242 has a roughly U-shaped trajectory, and has push groove 5275 on the closed position side, push groove 5276 on the open position side, and circumferential groove 5277 for opening and closing. Push groove 5275 on the closed position side and push groove 5276 on the open position side are grooves parallel to the X-axis, and protrusion 5215 passes through when pushing in contact protection cover 5211.

The circumferential groove 5277 for opening and closing is a groove parallel to the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the X-axis, through which the protrusion 5215 passes when the user rotates the contact protection cover 5211 to open or close it. The cam groove 5242 is formed in the shape shown in FIG. 31B, thereby restricting the movement positions (rotational positions) of the protrusion 5215 and the contact protection cover 5211. As the contact protection cover 5211 moves in a translatory or rotational manner, the protrusion 5215 moves through the non-attached/closed position 5271, the non-attached/opened position 5272, the attached/closed position 5273, and the attached/opened position 5274. The half-pressed/closed position 5278 and the half-pressed/opened position 5279 shown in FIG. 31(b) will be described later.

Figure 32 is a diagram for explaining the position of the contact protection cover according to the position of the protrusion shown in Figure 31. Figure 32 (a) shows the position of the contact protection cover when it is closed, (i) shows a state where nothing is attached to the main body side attachment mechanism, and (ii) shows a state where a grip without electrical contacts (hereinafter referred to as a "contactless grip") is attached to the main body side attachment mechanism. Furthermore, Figure 32 (b) shows the position of the contact protection cover when it is open, (iii) shows a state where nothing is attached to the main body side attachment mechanism, and (iv) shows a state where a grip with contacts is attached to the main body side attachment mechanism. Details of the contactless grip will be described later with reference to Figures 36 and 37.

Figure 32 shows the positions of the contact protection cover 5211 when the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached/closed position 5271, the non-attached/open position 5272, the attached/closed position 5273, and the attached/open position 5274.

In (i) of FIG. 32(a), the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached/closed position 5271, the tip of the body-side contact pin 5251 is covered by the contact protection cover 5211, and the body-side contact pin 5251 cannot be seen from outside the imaging device body 5102.

In (ii) of FIG. 32(a), the protrusion 5215 is in the attached/closed position 5273, the tip of the body-side contact pin 5251 is covered by the contact protection cover 5211, and the body-side contact pin 5251 cannot be seen from outside the imaging device body 5102. In addition, the contact protection cover 5211 and the contact block 5252 are in a position pressed down in the X direction as indicated by the arrows U1 and U2 by the action of pressing down the contact protection cover 5211, compared to the state in (i) of FIG. 32(a).

The non-attached closed position 5271 and the non-attached open position 5272 are positions that locally protrude in the -X direction from the circumferential groove 5277 for opening and closing shown in FIG. 31. The protrusion 5215 fits into the groove at the non-attached closed position 5271 or the non-attached open position 5272 due to the biasing force of the contact protection cover spring 5231. This allows the protrusion 5215 to be stably held at the non-attached closed position 5271 or the non-attached open position 5272.

In FIG. 32(b) (iii), the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached/open position 5272, and the main body side contact pin 5251 can be seen through the contact exposure portion 5213 of the contact protection cover 5211.

In (iv) of FIG. 32(b), the contact protection cover 5211 is pushed down in the X direction as shown by the arrow U3 compared to the state shown in (iii) of FIG. 32(b) by the action of pushing down the contact protection cover 5211. As a result, the tip of the main body side contact pin 5251 is exposed through the contact exposure portion 5213 of the contact protection cover 5211.

Note that in the mounting/closed position 5273 and the mounting/opened position 5274, there is no end of the groove in the X direction. With this structure, the protrusion 5215 can be fitted in from the mounting/closed position 5273 or the mounting/opened position 5274 for assembly. If the main body side mounting member 5241 is fixed to the imaging device main body 5102 after assembly, the movement position of the protrusion 5215 is restricted by the contact surface 5262 (see FIG. 30(a)) of the imaging device main body 5102. Therefore, the protrusion 5215 will not come out of the cam groove 5242.

In addition, by arranging the three sets of cam grooves 5242 and protrusions 5215 on a circumference, the orientation of the contact protection cover 5211 is uniquely determined according to the position of each of the protrusions 5215. The contact protection cover 5211 can be stably held when the protrusions 5215 are in the non-attached, closed position 5271 and when they are in the non-attached, open position 5272. Furthermore, when performing the operation of pressing down the contact protection cover 5211, the contact protection cover 5211 can be pressed down stably.

[Outline of grip with contact pattern]
Next, the grip 5104 that is detachable from the body side mounting mechanism 5111 of the imaging device body 5102 will be described.

Figure 33 is a diagram for explaining the grip 5104 (see Figure 28) shown in Figure 29. Figure 33 (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the grip 5104, and Figure 33 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the grip side attachment part 5307 provided on the grip 5104.

The grip 5104 has a gripping portion 5302 that the user holds in his/her hand. The gripping portion 5302 is shaped to fit the shape of a person's fingers. The belt 5303 is a member that prevents the user's hand from coming off the gripping portion 5302 by tightening it.

The button 5304, cross key 5305, and dial 5306 are operating members, and are connected to the grip-side contact pattern 5314 by electrical wiring (not shown). Note that the grip 5104 may have any structure that includes a grip-side mounting portion 5307 and can be attached to the main body-side mounting mechanism 5111, and its external shape is not limited to that shown in FIG. 33(a).

The grip side attachment portion 5307 is a portion that is attached to the body side attachment mechanism 5111. Each member that constitutes the grip side attachment portion 5307 has a function corresponding to each member of the body side attachment mechanism 5111.

The grip side screw 5311 is a male thread that screws into the body side screw 5261. The tightening knob 5312 is mechanically connected to the grip side screw 5311, and the user can turn the grip side screw 5311 by turning the tightening knob 5312.

The grip side rosette 5313 is an engagement part with projections and recesses formed on its surface, and engages with the main body side engagement part 5244. A grip side substrate 5317 is disposed inside the grip side rosette 5313, and multiple grip side contact patterns 5314, which are electrical contacts, are formed in an annular shape on the grip side substrate 5317.

By attaching the grip 5104 to the imaging device body 5102, the body side contact pin 5251 and the grip side contact pattern 5314 are connected, and power can be supplied and communication can be performed between the imaging device body 5102 and the grip 5104. Specifically, the grip side contact pattern 5314 is connected to operation members such as the button 5304, cross key 5305, and dial 5306 by electrical wiring (not shown). When the user operates any of the operation members, a specified operation instruction can be sent to the imaging device body 5102 via the grip side contact pattern 5314.

Since the grip side contact pattern 5314 is arranged in a ring shape, the body side contact pin 5251 and the grip side contact pattern 5314 can be electrically connected regardless of the angle at which the grip 5104 is attached to the imaging device body 5102. Note that the operating member of the grip 5104 may be electrically connected directly to the grip side contact pattern 5314, or a control circuit (not shown) or the like may be interposed therebetween.

The grip side abutment portion 5315 is a portion that protrudes in the +X direction from the surface on which the grip side contact pattern 5314 is arranged, and is, for example, a ring-shaped convex portion arranged on the outer periphery of the grip side contact pattern 5314. The grip side abutment portion 5315 abuts against the contact protection cover 5211 when the contact protection cover 5211 is pushed in.

[Operation when attaching a grip having a contact pattern to an imaging device]
Next, the attachment of the grip 5104 to the imaging device body 5102 will be described.

Figure 34 is a diagram explaining the relationship between the rotational movement of the contact protection cover 5211 of the main body side attachment mechanism 5111 shown in Figure 30, the position of the protrusion 5215, and the attachment and detachment of the grip (contactless grip 5105 (see Figure 36) and grip 5104 (Figure 33)). Note that the "grip" in the lower part of Figure 34 refers to grip 5104.

Figure 35 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the body side attachment mechanism 5111 and the grip side attachment part 5307 when attaching the grip 5104 shown in Figure 33. Figure 35 (a) is a diagram showing the position (initial position) of the contact protection cover 5211 when the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached/closed position 5271 (upper left in Figure 34). Figure 35 (b) is a diagram showing the position of the contact protection cover 5211 when the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached/open position 5272 (lower left in Figure 34). Figure 35 (c) is a diagram showing the state in which the grip 5104 is attached to the imaging device body 5102, and is a diagram showing the position of the contact protection cover 5211 when the protrusion 5215 is in the attached/open position 5274 (lower right in Figure 34).

The initial position of the contact protection cover 5211 of the body side attachment mechanism 5111 is the position shown in FIG. 35(a). In the initial position, the body side contact pin 5251 is covered by the contact protection cover 5211 and is not visible from the outside of the imaging device body 5102. At this time, the contact protection cover 5211 is biased in the -X direction by the contact protection cover spring 5231, and the protrusion 5215 is held in the non-attached/closed position 5271 (upper left in FIG. 34) in the cam groove 5242 shown in FIG. 31(b).

Next, the user opens the contact protection cover 5211 to electrically connect the imaging device body 5102 and the grip 5104. Specifically, the user places a finger on the finger loop 5214 of the contact protection cover 5211, presses it in the X direction against the biasing force of the contact protection cover spring 5231, and rotates it clockwise as viewed from the -X direction. At this time, the contact protection cover holding portion 5221 smoothly rotates the contact protection cover 5211 around the X axis relative to the contact protection cover spring 5231. As a result, the protrusion 5215 of the contact protection cover 5211 shown in FIG. 31(b) passes from the non-attached/closed position 5271 to the half-pressed/closed position 5278 and enters the circumferential groove 5277 for opening and closing.

Furthermore, when the contact protection cover 5211 is rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise as viewed from the -X direction, the protrusion 5215 continues to pass through the circumferential groove 5277 for opening and closing, passes through the half-pressed open position 5279, and enters the non-attached open position 5272. The protrusion 5215 that has entered the non-attached open position 5272 is maintained in that position by the biasing force of the contact protection cover spring 5231.

Figure 35 (b) shows the position of the contact protection cover 5211 when the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached, open position 5272. When the protrusion 5215 is in the non-attached, open position 5272, the body side contact pin 5251 can be seen from the outside of the imaging device body 5102, but the tip of the body side contact pin 5251 does not protrude from the contact protection cover 5211.

Next, the user attaches the grip 5104 to the body-side attachment mechanism 5111. Specifically, the tightening knob 5312 is turned to screw the grip-side screw 5311 into the body-side screw 5261. This causes the grip-side abutment portion 5315 to approach and abut against the contact protection cover 5211, and then the grip-side abutment portion 5315 presses the contact protection cover 5211 down in the X direction. As a result, the body-side contact pin 5251 peeks out through the contact exposure portion 5213 of the contact protection cover 5211, and the tip of the body-side contact pin 5251 protrudes relatively from the contact protection cover 5211 in the -X direction.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 35(c), the main body side contact pin 5251 and the grip side contact pattern 5314 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected. FIG. 35(c) shows the state in which the grip 5104 is attached to the imaging device main body 5102. At this time, the protrusion 5215 moves to the attachment/open position 5274 through the push-in groove 5276 on the open position side shown in FIG. 31(b). Here, the grip side rosette 5313 and the main body side engagement portion 5244 are engaged at an angle desired by the user, so that the grip 5104 can be fixed to the imaging device main body 5102 at any angle. Note that the grip side contact pattern 5314 does not directly push the contact protection cover 5211, but the grip side abutment portion 5315 pushes the contact protection cover 5211, thereby preventing the grip side contact pattern 5314 from wearing out.

In this way, the user can easily bring the imaging device 5101 into a grippable state by opening the contact protection cover 5211 of the imaging device body 5102 and attaching the grip 5104 at any desired attachment angle. In addition, the body side contact pin 5251 and the grip side contact pattern 5314 are electrically connected at the same time as attaching the grip 5104, making it possible to supply power and communicate between the imaging device body 5102 and the grip 5104. In this way, the user can send operation instructions to the imaging device body 5102 by operating the operating member of the grip 5104.

When removing the grip 5104 attached to the imaging device body 5102, the above-mentioned attachment operation can be reversed. That is, when the user turns the tightening knob 5312 to loosen the grip side screw 5311, the grip 5104 is removed and at the same time the protrusion 5215 of the contact protection cover 5211 moves to the non-attached/open position 5272. When the user then turns the contact protection cover 5211 approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise as viewed from the -X direction, the protrusion 5215 moves to the non-attached/closed position 5271, and the contact protection cover 5211 covers the tip of the body side contact pin 5251. This makes it impossible to see the body side contact pin 5251 from outside the body side attachment mechanism 5111.

[Operation when attaching a grip without a contact pattern to an imaging device body]
Next, the operation when a grip having no electrical contacts (hereinafter referred to as a "contactless grip 5105") is attached to the imaging device body 5102 will be described.

Figure 36 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the contactless grip 5105 that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device body 5102.

The contactless grip 5105 has a gripping portion 5302 and a grip-side attachment portion 5307, similar to the grip 5104. The contactless grip 5105 may be provided with an operation portion such as a button, a cross key, or a dial. In this case, by connecting the imaging device body 5102 and the contactless grip 5105 with a cable (not shown), it is possible to supply power from the imaging device body 5102 to the contactless grip 5105 and to perform communication between the imaging device body 5102 and the contactless grip 5105.

Figure 37 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the components of the body-side attachment mechanism 5111 and the grip-side attachment part 5307 when attaching the contactless grip 5105 to the imaging device body 5102. Figure 37(a) is a diagram showing the initial state (non-attached, closed position), and Figure 37(b) is a diagram showing the state in which the contactless grip 5105 is attached to the imaging device body 5102 (attached, closed position).

First, assume that the contact protection cover 5211 is in the initial position shown in FIG. 37(a). In this case, similar to when the grip 5104 is attached, the main body side contact pin 5251 is covered by the contact protection cover 5211, and the protrusion 5215 is held in the non-attached/closed position 5271 of the cam groove 5242. Furthermore, when the contact protection cover 5211 is in the initial position, the contact block 5252 is disposed on the X-direction side of the contact protection cover abutment portion 5216.

Next, the user attaches the contactless grip 5105 to the body-side mounting mechanism 5111 of the imaging device body 5102 without opening the contact protection cover 5211. Specifically, when the tightening knob 5312 is turned, the grip-side screw 5311 and the body-side screw 5261 screw together, and the grip-side abutment portion 5315 presses the contact protection cover 5211 down in the +X direction against the biasing force of the contact block spring 5253. At the same time, the contact protection cover abutment portion 5216 presses the contact block 5252 down in the +X direction.

At this time, the protrusion 5215 passes through the push-in groove 5275 on the closed position side shown in FIG. 31(b) and moves to the attached/closed position 5273. When the grip side screw 5311 is tightened until the main body side engagement portion 5244 and the grip side rosette 5313 engage, rotation of the contactless grip 5105 relative to the imaging device main body 5102 is suppressed. In this way, the contactless grip 5105 is attached to the imaging device main body 5102 as shown in FIG. 37(b).

In this way, the user can attach the contactless grip 5105 while keeping the contact protection cover 5211 of the imaging device body 5102 closed, and at the same time, prevent the tip of the body side contact pin 5251 from coming into contact with other components.

In some cases, the grip-side abutment portion 5315 may have a unique shape, or the grip-side rosette 5313 may have an uneven shape that extends up to the vicinity of the grip-side screw 5311. In such cases, by attaching the contactless grip 5105 with the contact protection cover 5211 closed, it is possible to prevent the main body-side contact pin 5251 from being damaged by an unintended external force being applied to the main body-side contact pin 5251.

When removing the contactless grip 5105 from the imaging device body 5102, the above-mentioned attachment operation can be reversed. Here, when the user turns the tightening knob 5312 to loosen the grip side screw 5311, the contactless grip 5105 is removed and the protrusion 5215 of the contact protection cover 5211 moves to the non-attached/closed position 5271.

[Protection against contact with fingers, etc.]
Here, the function of protecting the main body side contact pins 5251 by the contact protection cover 5211 will be described.

When accessories, etc. are not attached to the imaging device main body 5102 via the main body side attachment mechanism 5111, the contact protection cover 5211 is closed and held in the non-attached/closed position 5271 (the initial position described above). This causes the main body side contact pins 5251 to be covered by the contact protection cover 5211, preventing fingers and the like from directly touching the main body side contact pins 5251.

When the contact protection cover 5211 is in the non-attached/closed position 5271, it is assumed that the contact protection cover 5211 is unintentionally pressed in by a finger or other device. In this case, the contact block 5252 is pressed in by the contact protection cover abutment portion 5216, similar to the operation when attaching the contactless grip 5105 described above to the imaging device. As a result, the contact block 5252 and the main body side contact pin 5251 are retracted in the X direction, so that the tip of the main body side contact pin 5251 does not come into contact with other members.

Also, suppose that an attempt is made to attach the grip 5104 or the like to the body-side attachment mechanism 5111 and the contact protection cover 5211 is in the non-attached/open position 5272. In this case, the body-side contact pin 5251 can be seen from outside the imaging device body 5102, but the tip of the body-side contact pin 5251 does not protrude from the contact protection cover 5211 due to the biasing force of the contact protection cover spring 5231. Therefore, even if a finger or other device touches the contact protection cover 5211 when the grip 5104 is not attached, the contact protection cover 5211 will not come into contact with the body-side contact pin 5251 unless the contact protection cover 5211 is pushed in, and damage to the body-side contact pin 5251 is prevented.

In this way, even if a user's finger or other device unintentionally touches the main body side attachment mechanism 5111, the contact protection cover 5211 prevents the finger or other device from directly touching the tip of the main body side contact pin 5251. As a result, it is possible to prevent poor contact caused by, for example, a finger touching the main body side contact pin 5251 and forming a coating.

Similarly, it is possible to prevent damage to the main body contact pin 5251 due to contact with another device.

[Operation when attaching a grip having a contact pattern to an imaging device body without power supply or communication]
Incidentally, some users may use the grip 5104 to hold the imaging device 5101, but may not want to operate operation members such as the button 5304, the cross key 5305, and the dial 5306 to prevent erroneous operation, etc. Also, in order to reduce power consumption in the grip 5104, there are cases where the imaging device body 5102 and the grip 5104 are mechanically connected but not electrically connected.

In such a case, the grip 5104 can be attached to the imaging device body 5102 in a manner similar to the operation of attaching the contactless grip 5105 described above to the imaging device body 5102. Specifically, the grip 5104 is attached with the contact protection cover 5211 closed. This allows the user to easily hold the imaging device 5101 with the grip 5104, but the body side contact pin 5251 does not come into electrical contact with the grip side contact pattern 5314.

As a result, even if the operating member of the grip 5104 is operated, no operation instruction is sent to the imaging device body 5102, so malfunction of the imaging device 5101 can be prevented. And, since power is not supplied from the imaging device body 5102 to the grip 5104, power consumption can be reduced.

[Third Modification of the Contact Protection Structure in the First Embodiment]
Next, a third modified example of the body side attachment mechanism 1200 of the image pickup device body 1000 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Outline of the third contact protection structure]
First, another embodiment of the contact protection structure will be described with respect to the body-side mounting mechanism of the image pickup device body and the grip-side mounting mechanism of the grip according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 38 is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 6180 provided on the imaging device body 6001 according to the third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Although the entire imaging device body 6001 is not shown in FIG. 38, here, the Z axis is the front-to-rear direction of the imaging device body 6001 (the front lens side, not shown, is the +Z direction). The Y axis is the up-down direction of the imaging device body 6001 (the top side is the +Y direction), and the X axis is the left-to-right direction of the imaging device body 6001 (the right side side when looking at the shooting lens, not shown, from the front is the +X direction).

The body-side mounting sheet metal 6112 attached to the imaging device body 6001 has a notch 6114 for inserting an FPC 6111 that transmits and receives electrical signals from the body-side contact pin 6110 (first electrical contact). The imaging device body 6001 also has a spring storage section 6113 for storing a protective cover spring 6108 (first biasing member) for biasing the protective cover 6105, which has a substantially annular shape, in the -X direction, which is the mounting side of the grip 6003.

The protective cover 6105 is movable in the X direction inside the body side mounting member 6119, and the outer periphery of the protective cover 6105 engages with the engagement portion 6125 (see Figures 41 and 42) of the lock levers 6103a to 6103c (locking members) to be supported in a predetermined position. The lock levers 6103a to 6103c are also biased by the lock springs 6104a to 6104c in a direction (hereinafter referred to as the "central axis direction") toward the central axis I (see Figure 41) of the protective cover 6105. Furthermore, the surface of the body side mounting member 6119 is provided with the body side engagement portion 6101 (first engagement portion), which is an engagement portion having an uneven shape.

The body side contact pin 6110 is attached to the contact holding part 6109 so as to be movable in the X direction (see Figures 43 and 44), and the body side contact pin 6110 is positioned on the projection of the contact exposure part 6106 of the protective cover 6105. The body side engagement part 6101 is fixed to the body side mounting sheet metal 6112 together with the contact holding part 6109 by screws 6102a to 6102c.

Figure 39 is a diagram for explaining the grip-side attachment mechanism disposed on the grip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 39(a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the grip-side attachment mechanism, and Figure 39(b) is an exploded perspective view of the grip-side attachment mechanism.

The grip side mounting member 6311, like the body side mounting member 6119, has a grip side engaging portion 6301 (second engaging portion) that is an engaging portion having an uneven shape on its surface. The grip side mounting member 6311 is fixed to the grip side mounting sheet metal 6306 by grip screws 6302a-6302.

A recess 6307 is provided at the center of the grip side mounting member 6311 for mounting a circular grip side substrate 6304 on which a contact pattern 6303 (second electrical contact) is formed. The grip side substrate 6304 is fixed to the recess 6307 with, for example, double-sided tape. Also, screw insertion holes 6310 and 6312 are formed at the centers of the grip side engagement portion 6301 and the grip side substrate 6304, respectively, for inserting a grip fixing screw 6010 (second screw portion) for fixing the grip 6003 to the imaging device body 6001.

In the grip-side mounting member 6311, a circular convex portion 6305 is provided between the inner circumference of the grip-side engagement portion 6301 and the outer circumference of the recess 6307, and the convex portion 6305 protrudes toward the main body side (+X direction side) beyond the uneven portion of the grip-side engagement portion 6301. When the grip 6003 is attached to the imaging device main body 6001, the convex portion 6305 is inserted into the inner wall of the main body side engagement portion 6101, and biases the protective cover 6105 supported in a predetermined position toward the inside (+X direction) of the imaging device main body 6001.

Next, we will explain how to attach the grip 6003 to the imaging device body 6001.

Figure 40 is a diagram showing the main body side engagement part 6101 shown in Figure 38. Also, Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA in Figure 40, showing a state in which the imaging device main body 6001 shown in Figure 38 and the grip 6003 shown in Figure 39 are not yet connected. And Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA in Figure 40, showing a state in which the convex part 6305 of the grip 6003 shown in Figure 39 is inserted into the inner wall of the main body side engagement part 6101 of the imaging device main body 6001 and abuts against the lock levers 6103a to 6103c.

Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA in Figure 40, showing the state in which the convex portion 6005 of the grip 6003 shown in Figure 39 pushes the protective cover 6105 into the imaging device body 6001 side, bringing the body-side contact pin 6110 into contact with the contact pattern 6303. Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA in Figure 40, showing the state in which the grip 6003 is fastened to the imaging device body 6001 by the grip fixing screw 6010 (second screw portion).

As shown in FIG. 41, when the grip 6003 is not connected to the imaging device body 6001, the protective cover 6105 is biased in the -X direction by the protective cover spring 6108. Furthermore, the lock levers 6103a to 6103c are in an engagement position with the protective cover 6105. In other words, the protective cover 6105 is engaged with the lock levers 6103a to 6103c, which are biased in the central axis direction by the lock springs 6104a to 6104c from the outer periphery toward the center. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the protective cover 6105 in the +X direction, the protective cover 6105 is not pushed in the +X direction. Furthermore, the expandable body side contact pin 6110 does not protrude from the protective cover 6105.

In FIG. 42, when the grip 6003 is pushed in the X direction (arrow V direction) toward the imaging device body 6001, the lock levers 6103a to 6103c are pushed outward (arrow W direction) by the convex portion 6305 of the grip 6003. This causes the engagement portions 6125 of the lock levers 6103a to 6103c to disengage from the protective cover 6105.

When the grip 6003 is further pushed in the +X direction and the lock levers 6103a to 6103c pushed into the convex portion 6305 are completely retracted to the outer periphery, the protective cover 6105 is in a state where it can be pushed in the +X direction by the convex portion 6305. Therefore, when the grip 6003 is further pushed in the +X direction, the protective cover 6105 is pushed in the +X direction and the main body side contact pin 6110 protrudes from the surface s of the protective cover 6105 through the contact exposure portion 6106.

When the body-side contact pin 6110 protrudes, as shown in FIG. 43, the contact pattern 6303 of the grip 6003 comes into contact with the body-side contact pin 6110. Then, when the grip fixing screw 6010 provided on the grip 6003 is tightened into the body-side screw 6116 (first screw portion) provided on the imaging device body 6001, the state shown in FIG. 44 is reached.

In the state shown in FIG. 44, the main body side contact pin 6110 is biased by the contact pattern 6303 by being pushed in the +X direction by ΔL, and maintains electrical contact with the contact pattern 6303.

Next, we will explain the self-cleaning between the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303.

Figure 45 is a diagram for explaining self-cleaning between the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303. Figures 45(a) and 45(b) are diagrams showing the main body side engagement part 6101, and Figures 45(c) and 45(d) are diagrams showing the grip side engagement part 6301. Note that Figures 45(a) and 45(c) are front views, and Figures 45(b) and 45(d) are perspective views.

The body side engaging portion 6101 and the grip side engaging portion 6301 each have a concave portion and a convex portion for each angle α. The opposing concave portion and convex portion mesh with each other between the body side engaging portion 6101 and the grip side engaging portion 6301, thereby suppressing rotation around the X-axis and determining the engagement position. The uneven portion of the body side engaging portion 6101, i.e., the body side concave portion 6501 and the body side convex portion 6502, are formed radially from the center of the body side engaging portion 6101. Similarly, the uneven portion of the grip side engaging portion 6301, i.e., the grip side concave portion 6601 and the grip side convex portion 6602, are formed radially from the center of the grip side engaging portion 6301.

Figure 46 is a diagram showing the state before the main body side engaging portion 6101 and the grip side engaging portion 6301 shown in Figure 45 engage with each other. Figure 46 (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the main body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side convex portion 6602 are in contact, and Figure 46 (b) is a perspective view showing the state in which the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 are in contact with each other in the state shown in Figure 46 (a), with a cutaway view.

In the state of FIG. 46 where the body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side convex portion 6602 are in contact, the body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 are in contact. In other words, when the grip 6003 is attached to the imaging device body 6001, the body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side convex portion 6602 abut at the same time as or after the body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 come into contact. At this time, the positional relationship between the body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 corresponds to the relationship described in FIG. 43.

When the grip fixing screw 6010 is tightened from the state shown in Figure 46, the main body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side concave portion 6601 mesh, and the distance between the contact pattern 6303 and the main body side contact pin 6110 decreases in the X direction by a maximum of M.

Figure 47 is a diagram showing the state in which the main body side engaging portion 6101 and the grip side engaging portion 6301 shown in Figure 45 are engaged. Figure 47 (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the main body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side concave portion 6601 are in contact. Figure 47 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 are in contact in the state shown in Figure 47 (a).

As described above, when the distance between the contact pattern 6303 and the main body side contact pin 6110 is reduced by a maximum of M in the X direction, the state shown in FIG. 47 is obtained.

As described above, the main body side concave portion 6501 and the main body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side concave portion 6601 and the grip side convex portion 6602 are each provided in multiple radial directions from the center. For this reason, it is not easy to engage the main body side concave portion 6501 and the grip side convex portion 6602 only by moving the main body side engagement portion 6101 and the grip side engagement portion 6301 in a linear direction. Therefore, in order for the main body side concave portion 6501 and the grip side convex portion 6602 to engage (the main body side convex portion 6502 and the grip side concave portion 6601 to engage), it is necessary to rotate the main body side engagement portion 6101 and the grip side engagement portion 6301 relatively around the X axis.

In other words, to transition from the state shown in FIG. 46 to the state shown in FIG. 47, it is necessary to rotate the grip side engagement portion 6301 in the circumferential direction by angle α. This rotation rotates the contact pattern 6303 formed on the grip side substrate 6304 fixed to the grip side engagement portion 6301. In this way, the contact pattern 6303 slides by angle α while in contact with the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303, causing the contacts of the main body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 to rub against each other, thereby performing self-cleaning.

In this way, when the grip 6003 is not attached to the imaging device body 6001, the body side contact pin 6110 does not protrude from the protective cover 6105, and the protective cover 6105 is fixed in a predetermined position. Therefore, even if a finger or other device touches the protective cover 6105, it will not come into contact with the body side contact pin 6110. This makes it possible to prevent poor contact of the body side contact pin 6110 caused by a coating formed by unintended contact, and damage to the body side contact pin 6110 due to unintended contact with another device.

Furthermore, when the grip 6003 is attached to the imaging device body 6001, the body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 rub against each other, self-cleaning. Therefore, the reliability of the electrical connection between the body side contact pin 6110 and the contact pattern 6303 can be ensured without using a separate method or mechanism.

Second Embodiment
Next, an example of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 48 is a perspective view showing an imaging device 7001 according to a second embodiment of the present invention from the front side. Also, Figure 49 is a perspective view showing the imaging device 7001 from the rear side.

Note that the coordinate system is defined as shown in the figure, with the surface seen from the taking lens side (the surface seen from the +Z direction in Figure 48) described below being the front, the surface opposite the front being the back, the surface on the right side as seen from the front being the right side, and the surface on the left side as seen from the front being the left side. Additionally, the surface on the upper side as seen from the front is the top side, and the surface on the lower side as seen from the front is the bottom side. The axis in the Z direction that passes through the center of the taking lens is the optical axis.

The imaging device 7001 includes an imaging device body 7002, a photographing lens 7003, and a grip 7004. The imaging device body 7002 includes an imaging element, a substrate, a recording medium, and the like (none of which are shown).

A CCD sensor or CMOS sensor is used as the imaging element, and the imaging element outputs an image signal corresponding to an optical image formed through the photographing lens 7003. The board controls the imaging device main body 7002 and accessories connected to the imaging device main body 7002. For example, an image processing IC and a system control IC (neither shown) that perform predetermined image processing on the image signal obtained by imaging the subject are mounted on the board, and various types of signal processing are performed on the image signal output from the imaging element to generate video data, etc.

The recording medium is a medium that stores the video data and audio data processed by the image processing IC and the system control IC, and may be, for example, a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive.

Figure 50 is a perspective view showing the state where the grip 7004 is removed from the imaging device 7001 from the front side. Also, Figure 51 is a perspective view showing the state where the grip 7004 is removed from the imaging device 7001 from the rear side.

A body-side attachment mechanism 7005 (area surrounded by dashed lines in Figures 50 and 51) is provided on the right side of the imaging device body 7002 to which accessories such as a grip 7004 can be attached.

[Configuration of main body side attachment mechanism]
Fig. 52A is a partially enlarged view of the main body side attachment mechanism 7005 shown in Fig. 50, and Fig. 52B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G shown in Fig. 52A. Fig. 52C is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 52B. Fig. 52C shows an enlarged view of the area 7017 surrounded by a two-dot chain line shown in Fig. 52B.

Figure 53 is an exploded perspective view of the main body side attachment mechanism 7005 shown in Figure 50.

First, referring to Figures 52A and 53, the body-side screw member 7006 has a screw 7015 for screwing into a grip-side screw member 7101 (described later) of the grip 7004. In the illustrated example, the screw 7015 is a male screw centered on a central axis 7016.

The body-side mounting member 7007 is molded into a roughly disk-like shape and includes a body-side engagement portion 7008 with convex and concave portions arranged at a specific pitch radially from the center. A member having such a shape is generally called a rosette.

The main body side engaging portion 7008 engages with the grip side engaging portion 7104, which has a similar convex portion and concave portion, to restrict rotation of the grip 7004.

The body-side screw member 7006 and the body-side mounting member 7007 are fixed to the body-side mounting sheet metal 7009 arranged inside the imaging device body 7002 with a screw 7013, with the central axis 7016 as the same center.

The body side contact pins 7010 are electrical contacts for supplying power and communicating between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 7004. A plurality of body side contact pins 7010 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the body side engagement part 7008 from the center of the body side engagement part 7008, and are electrically connected to the grip side contact pattern 7103. Each pin of the body side contact pins 7010 is assigned a predetermined function, and the body side contact pins 7010 function as, for example, a power terminal, a communication terminal, and a ground terminal.

The control circuit arranged in the imaging device body 7002 supplies power to the grip 7004 via the body side contact pin 7010 and can communicate with the grip 7004.

The body-side contact pin 7010 is biased in a direction (-X direction) in which it protrudes from the imaging device body 7002 by a compression spring (not shown) housed in the contact block 7018. This ensures a predetermined contact pressure when the grip 7004 is coupled to the imaging device body 7002.

The main body side contact pin 7010 housed in the contact block 7018 is electrically connected to the main body side board 7011 by soldering or the like at one end opposite the end that contacts the grip side contact pattern 7103 described below. The main body side board 7011 is electrically connected to the main body side control board (not shown) by electrical wiring (not shown).

The main body side substrate 7011 is fixed to the main body side mounting sheet metal 7009 by screws 7014, and the main body side contact pin 7010 is inserted into the main body side screw member 7006. The main body side contact pin 7010 is exposed to the outside of the imaging device main body 7002 from a contact exposure portion 7012 provided on the inner periphery side of the main body side engagement portion 7008.

As shown in Figures 52A and 52B, the body side screw member 7006 is disposed on the outer periphery side of the body side engagement part 7008. The contact exposure part 7012 is formed on the inner periphery side of the body side engagement part 7008. In other words, the body side contact pin 7010 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the body side engagement part 7008 and is exposed to the outside of the imaging device body 7002 in the -X direction. At this time, the tip of the body side contact pin 7010 and the recess of the body side engagement part 7008 are designed so that a predetermined clearance (symbol T1 shown in Figure 52C) is secured between the deepest position of the recess of the uneven shape part provided in the body side engagement part 7008. In other words, the tip of the body side contact pin 7010 is structured not to protrude outward from the deepest position of the recess of the body side engagement part 7008.

[Grip configuration]
Fig. 54 is a perspective view showing the grip 7004 from the rear side. Fig. 55 is an exploded perspective view of the grip 7004. Fig. 56 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the periphery of the attachment portion of the grip 7004 to the imaging device main body 7002.

The grip 7004 is a type of accessory that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device body 7002 to facilitate the user's act of taking pictures while holding the imaging device body 7002. Note that the accessory attached to the imaging device body 7002 is not limited to the grip 7004 as long as it has a structure that allows it to be attached to the body-side attachment mechanism 7005.

In the grip 7004, the exterior member 7106 contains a substrate, electrical wiring members, and structural members (none of which are shown), and has a portion that is gripped by the user, and a portion where operation parts such as push buttons and dials are exposed. A cylindrical protrusion 7109 into which the grip side screw member 7101 is rotatably fitted is provided on a part of the exterior member 7106. Furthermore, the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 7109 in the +X direction is provided with multiple fitting recesses 7117 into which the contact pattern holding members 7112 are housed.

The grip side screw member 7101 has a thread 7105 on the inner peripheral side of the member for screwing into the body side screw member 7006. In the illustrated example, the thread 7105 of the grip side screw member 7101 is a female thread to screw into the male thread of the body side screw member 7006. The grip side screw member 7101 also has an inner peripheral fitting portion 7108. The grip side screw member 7101 fits into the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical protrusion 7109 provided on the exterior member 7106, and is rotatable relative to the exterior member 7106 around a rotation axis 7110.

The grip side screw member 7101 is constantly biased toward the grip side mounting member 7102 (+X direction) described below by a biasing member 7111 composed of a compression coil spring. The biasing member 7111 is sandwiched in a compressed state between the exterior member 7106 and the grip side screw member 7101.

The grip side mounting member 7102, like the main body side mounting member 7007, is formed into a disk-shaped outer shape and has a grip side engagement portion 7104 with uneven shapes formed radially from the center. The grip side engagement portion 7104 engages with the main body side engagement portion 7008 to restrict rotation of the grip 7004 about the rotation axis 7110. The grip side mounting member 7102 is fixed to the grip side mounting sheet metal 7107 with screws 7118. The grip side mounting sheet metal 7107 is fixed to the inside of the exterior member 7106 of the grip 7004 with screws 7119.

The grip side contact pattern 7103 is an electrical contact for electrically connecting to the body side contact pin 7010 of the imaging device body 7002, and is formed concentrically on a substrate. The grip side contact pattern 7103 is also electrically joined by a substrate (not shown) and wiring member (not shown) contained in the exterior member 7106 of the grip 7004. The connection between the body side contact pin 7010 and the grip side contact pattern 7103 enables power supply and communication between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 7004.

The grip side contact pattern 7103 is composed of, for example, a molded integrated circuit (MID). The grip side attachment member 7102 is sandwiched between the grip side contact pattern 7103 and the contact pattern holding member 7112, and the grip side contact pattern 7103 is connected to the contact pattern holding member 7112 with screws 7120.

As shown in FIG. 55, the contact pattern holding member 7112 has a fitting cylindrical portion 7113 and multiple extension portions 7114 extending radially from the fitting cylindrical portion 7113. The fitting cylindrical portion 7113 fits into a through hole 7115 provided on the innermost circumference of the grip side mounting member 7102. A spring 7116 is stored in a compressed state between the extension portion 7114 of the contact pattern holding member 7112 and the grip side mounting member 7102. This applies a load in a direction (-X direction) that biases the grip side contact pattern 7103 connected to the contact pattern holding member 7112 toward the grip side mounting member 7102.

The extension 7114 of the contact pattern holding member 7112 is housed in a fitting recess 7117 provided at the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 7109 so that it can move in translation a predetermined stroke in the X direction. The grip side contact pattern 7103 and the contact pattern holding member 7112 are connected with a screw 7120, so that the two members move together.

[Grip installation procedure]
Next, the mechanical and electrical connections when the grip 7004 is attached to the imaging device body 7002 will be described.

Figure 57A is a cross-sectional view partially showing the state before the grip 7004 is attached to the imaging device body 7002 shown in Figure 48. Figure 57B is a cross-sectional view partially showing the state in the middle of attaching the grip 7004 to the imaging device body 7002. Figure 57C is a cross-sectional view partially showing the state after the grip 7004 has been attached to the imaging device body 7002. Figure 57D is a cross-sectional view partially showing the state in which the body side engagement portion and the grip side engagement portion are in contact.

As shown in FIG. 57A, when attaching the grip 7004 to the imaging device body 7002, the positions of both the body-side screw member 7006 and the grip-side screw member 7101 are aligned. Then, the grip 7004 is pressed toward the imaging device body 7002 (in the direction of arrow A (+X direction)). In the state shown in FIG. 57A, the grip 7004 is not fixed to the imaging device body 7002, nor is it electrically connected.

When the grip 7004 is pressed against the imaging device body 7002 in the direction of arrow A (+X direction) shown in FIG. 57A, the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104 are engaged as shown in FIG. 57B.

The attachment angle of the grip 7004 to the imaging device body 7002 is determined by the engagement of the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104. At this time, since the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104 are formed radially, the grip 7004 can be set to any angle before fixing the grip 7004 to the imaging device body 7002.

In the state shown in FIG. 57B, the grip side contact pattern 7103 fixed to the contact pattern holding member 7112 is biased toward the grip side mounting member 7102 (-X direction) by the action of the spring 7116. Therefore, the grip side contact pattern 7103 is positioned lower than the recess of the grip side engagement portion 7104. On the other hand, the body side contact pin 7010 is provided at a lower position than the recess of the body side engagement portion 7008. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 57B, although the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104 are engaged, the body side contact pin 7010 and the grip side contact pattern 7103 are separated and therefore not electrically connected.

The above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to prevent the opposing engagement portions of the body side contact pin 7010 and the grip side contact pattern 7103 from accidentally coming into contact with each other when engaging the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104.

By rotating the grip side screw member 7101 in the direction of arrow B (clockwise when viewed from the -X direction) shown in FIG. 57B while the grip 7004 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (+X direction), the state shown in FIG. 57C is reached. In the state shown in FIG. 57C, the main body side engaging portion 7008 and the grip side engaging portion 7104 are engaged, the grip side screw member 7101 is screwed into the main body side screw member 7006, and the grip 7004 is firmly fixed to the imaging device main body 7002 without any rattling.

When the grip side screw member 7101 is rotated in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 57B), the extension 7114 provided on the contact pattern holding member 7112 comes into contact with the grip side screw member 7101. When the grip side screw member 7101 is further rotated in the direction of arrow B, the contact pattern holding member 7112 moves in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 57B. As a result, the grip side contact pattern 7103 coupled to the contact pattern holding member 7112 is pushed in the direction of arrow A. The grip side contact pattern 7103 pushed in the direction of arrow A comes into contact with the body side contact pin 7010 of the imaging device body 7002 and is electrically connected. In other words, the grip 7004 is firmly fixed to the imaging device body 7002, and the two can be easily electrically connected. Furthermore, since the electrical connection is made in a state in which the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 7004 are firmly fixed, a highly reliable electrical connection can be ensured.

When removing the grip 7004 from the imaging device body 7002, the reverse of the attachment operations described in Figures 57A to 57C can be performed. That is, first, the grip side screw member 7101 is turned in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B to loosen the grip side screw member 7101. This causes the contact pattern holding member 7112 to move in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A due to the biasing force of the spring 7116. As a result, the grip side contact pattern 7103 coupled to the contact pattern holding member 7112 moves away from the body side contact pin 7010 in conjunction with the movement of the grip side screw member 7101.

As a result, the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 7004 are no longer electrically connected. In addition, the grip side screw member 7101 comes off the body side screw member 7006, and the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 7004 are no longer fixed together. Then, by pulling the grip 7004 away in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A, the grip 7004 can be removed from the imaging device body 7002.

Next, we will explain what happens when the grip 7004 is brought close to the imaging device body 7002 at an angle.

Figure 57D shows the state in which the grip 7004 is brought close to the imaging device body 7002 from an oblique direction, causing the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104 to come into contact.

When the grip 7004 is brought diagonally close to the imaging device body 7002, the grip-side screw member 7101 of the grip 7004 first comes into contact with the body-side screw member 7006 of the imaging device body 7002. In this state, even if you try to attach the grip 7004 to the imaging device body 7002, the thread shapes of both the body-side screw member 7006 and the grip-side screw member 7101 do not screw together. For this reason, the grip 7004 cannot be fixed to the imaging device body 7002.

In this case, if the user moves the grip 7004 roughly while attempting to attach it to the imaging device body 7002, the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 7104 will frequently come into contact with each other.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 52C, a clearance T1 is provided between the body side engagement portion 7008 and the tip of the body side contact pin 7010. This prevents the grip side engagement portion 7104 from colliding with the body side contact pin 7010, thereby preventing the body side contact pin 7010 from being damaged.

[Outline of contact protection structure]
Next, a first modified example of the body side attachment mechanism 7005 of the image pickup device body 7002 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Similar to the body-side mounting member 7007 provided on the imaging device body 7002 described above, an accessory mounting mechanism called a rosette is used in the imaging device body 3600, which is a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device body 3600 has a contact portion 3602 on the inside of the body-side mounting member 3601, but if the contact portion 3602 is exposed on the surface of the imaging device body 3600, the following problems may occur.

For example, there is a possibility that a finger or the like may unintentionally touch the contact portion 3602, causing a coating and resulting in poor contact. Furthermore, there is a possibility that another device may touch the contact portion 3602 and destroy it. In addition, when attaching an accessory to the main body side mounting member 3601, there is a possibility that the engagement portion of the accessory may accidentally hit the contact portion 3602, destroying the contact portion 3602.

To prevent such problems, the imaging device body 3600 is designed so that the contact portion 3602 is exposed when an accessory having electrical contacts and a rosette is attached, and the contact portion 3602 is retracted otherwise.

Figure 58 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the imaging device body according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 59 is a diagram for explaining the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 provided on the imaging device body 3600 shown in Figure 58. Figure 59(a) is a perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 seen from the outside of the imaging device body 3600, and Figure 59(b) is a perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 seen from the inside of the imaging device body 3600.

Figure 60 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a grip 3700 that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device body 3600.

For ease of explanation, the coordinate system is defined as shown in FIG. 58. The Z axis is the front-rear direction of the imaging device body 3600 (the lens side (front side) not shown is the +Z direction), the Y axis is the up-down direction of the imaging device body 3600 (the top side is the +Y direction), and the X axis is the left-right direction of the imaging device body 3600 (the right side when viewed from the front side is the +X direction).

In FIG. 58, the imaging device body 3600 has a body-side attachment mechanism 3650 for fixing an accessory such as a grip 3700. As shown in FIG. 59, the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 uses an accessory attachment member called a rosette, similar to the body-side attachment member 7007 provided on the imaging device body 7002 in the second embodiment described above. The body-side attachment mechanism 3650 is firmly fixed to the inside of the imaging device body 3600 by a fastening member or the like, via the body-side fixing portion 3652 of the body-side attachment sheet metal 3651. Since it is firmly fixed, the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 can firmly support an accessory such as the attached grip 3700.

As shown in Figures 58 and 59, the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 has a circular body-side attachment member 3601. The surface of the body-side attachment member 3601 that is exposed to the outside is formed with a ring-shaped uneven portion that radiates from the center of the circle. Similarly, the grip-side attachment member 3702 of the grip 3700 shown in Figure 60 is also formed with a ring-shaped uneven portion that radiates from the center of the circle.

When the concave and convex portions of the body-side mounting member 3601 and the grip-side mounting member 3702 are engaged, the position of the grip 3700 relative to the imaging device body 3600 is determined.

A first body side screw 3603 is provided on the outer periphery of a cylindrical accessory fixing portion 3611 with a bottom that houses the body side mounting member 3601. The first body side screw 3603 is a threaded portion that screws into the first grip side screw 3703 of the grip 3700 shown in FIG. 60 to fix the imaging device body 3600 and the grip 3700.

The grip 3700 is also provided with a tightening knob 3705 that can be rotated relative to the grip body 3750. A first grip side screw 3703 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tightening knob 3705, and the first grip side screw 3703 rotates as the tightening knob 3705 is rotated. A second grip side screw 3704 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tightening knob 3705 closer to the tip (opening) than the first grip side screw 3703. Therefore, the second grip side screw 3704 rotates as the tightening knob 3705 rotates.

The first body side screw 3603 formed as a male screw screws into the first grip side screw 3703 formed as a female screw to fix the grip 3700 to the imaging device body 3600. In other words, the body side attachment member 3601 and the grip side attachment member 3702 are engaged, and the tightening knob 3705 is rotated to screw the first body side screw 3603 into the first grip side screw 3703. This allows the grip 3700 to be fixed to the imaging device body 3600.

The second grip side screw 3704 is formed as a female screw at the tip (opening side) of the tightening knob 3705. Therefore, when the tightening knob 3705 is rotated, the first grip side screw 3703 and the second grip side screw 3704 rotate integrally. The inner diameter of the second grip side screw 3704 is longer than the inner diameter of the first grip side screw 3703. This is because the outer diameter of the second body side screw 3604 described below, which screws with the second grip side screw 3704, is longer than the outer diameter of the first body side screw 3603, which screws with the first grip side screw 3703. The function of the second grip side screw 3704 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 59, the body side attachment mechanism 3650 has a contact portion 3602 for electrically connecting to the grip 3700. The contact portion 3602 is electrically connected to the inside of the imaging device body 3600 by an electrical connection portion 3660.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 60, a grip-side contact pattern 3701 is formed on the grip 3700 for electrical connection with the imaging device body 3600. The grip-side contact pattern 3701 comes into contact with the contact portion 3602 to establish an electrical connection.

The grip side contact pattern 3701 is formed as a concentric pattern centered on the axis of the grip side mounting member 3702. Therefore, when the grip 3700 is rotated at any angle and attached to the imaging device body 3600, the grip side contact pattern 3701 and the contact portion 3602 can be brought into contact with each other and electrically connected. In this state, power supply and communication can be performed between the imaging device body 3600 and the grip 3700. In the illustrated example, the contact portion 3602 has five pins, and the grip side contact pattern 3701 has a five-circumferential pattern corresponding to each pin.

When the grip 3700 is not fixed to the imaging device body 3600, the contact portion 3602 retracts to protect the contact portion 3602. This retraction will be described later.

Figure 61 is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 shown in Figure 59. Figure 61(a) is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 as viewed from the outside of the imaging device body 3600. Figure 61(b) is an exploded perspective view of the body-side attachment mechanism 3650 as viewed from the inside of the imaging device body 3600.

In the main body side mounting mechanism 3650, the main body side mounting member 3601, the accessory fixing portion 3611, and the main body side mounting sheet metal 3651 are fastened together by three shaft members 3606 and three screws 3655. A contact unit 3605 having a contact portion 3602 and an electrical connection portion 3660 is inserted into the shaft member 3606. The contact unit 3605 can slide along the shaft member 3606 between the shaft stopper 3607 and the main body side mounting sheet metal 3651.

Therefore, when the contact unit 3605 slides in the -X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3602 moves in the -X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3601a, and the contact portion 3602 becomes exposed. On the other hand, when the contact unit 3605 slides in the +X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3602 moves in the +X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3601a, and the contact portion 3602 retracts.

In addition to the contact unit 3605, a first spring portion 3609 and a second spring portion 3610 are inserted into the shaft member 3606. The first spring portion 3609 biases the contact unit 3605 in the +X direction, and the second spring portion 3610 biases the contact unit 3605 in the -X direction.

A second body side screw 3604 for screwing into the second grip side screw 3704 is formed as a male screw with a different thread pitch from the first body side screw 3603 on the outer periphery of the contact unit 3605. The axis of the second body side screw 3604 is located on the same axis as the first body side screw 3603. In other words, the second body side screw 3604 and the first body side screw 3603 are arranged coaxially.

As described above, the contact unit 3605 can slide along the shaft member 3606 between the shaft stopper 3607 and the main body side mounting sheet metal 3651. Therefore, when the contact unit 3605 slides in the -X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3602 moves in the -X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3601a, and the contact portion 3602 becomes exposed.

On the other hand, when the contact unit 3605 slides in the +X direction, the tip of the contact portion 3602 moves in the +X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3601a, and the contact portion 3602 retracts. Five contact springs 3608 (see FIG. 62), which will be described later, are provided on the inside (+X direction side) of the five pins of the contact portion 3602, corresponding to each pin. When the pins of the contact portion 3602 receive a force in the +X direction, the contact springs 3608 contract and are pushed into the inside (+X direction) of the contact portion 3602, preventing damage.

The electrical connection section 3660 is electrically connected to the inside of the imaging device body 3600, and the electrical connection section 3660 is electrically connected to the five pins of the contact section 3602. Therefore, when the contact section 3602 is in contact with the grip side contact pattern 3701, power and electrical signals can be sent from inside the imaging device body 3600 to the grip 3700.

62 to 64 are cutaway perspective views of the body-side mounting mechanism 3650 and the grip-side mounting member 3702. FIG. 62(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the state before the body-side mounting member 3601 and the grip-side mounting member 3702 are engaged. FIG. 62(b) is a cutaway perspective view of the state in which the body-side mounting member 3601 and the grip-side mounting member 3702 are engaged. FIG. 63(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the state in which the first body-side screw 3603 and the first grip-side screw 3703 start to be screwed together. FIG. 63(b) is a cutaway perspective view of the state in which the second body-side screw 3604 and the second grip-side screw 3704 are in contact with each other. FIG. 64(a) is a cutaway perspective view of the state in which the second body-side screw 3604 and the second grip-side screw 3704 start to be screwed together. Figure 64(b) is a cutaway perspective view of the grip 3700 fixed to the imaging device body 3600.

62(a) shows a state in which the grip 3700 and the imaging device main body 3600 are separated without the main body side mounting member 3601 and the grip side mounting member 3702 coming into contact with each other. In this state, the first spring portion 3609 applies a force in a direction in which the main body side mounting member 3601 and the contact unit 3605 are separated along the X axis, that is, in a direction in which the contact unit 3605 is biased toward the inside of the main body. Therefore, the first spring portion 3609 positions the contact portion 3602 provided on the contact unit 3605 in the +X direction from the mounting member contact surface 3601a, and the contact portion 3602 is in a retracted state. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 62(a), a force is applied by the second spring portion 3610 in a direction in which the contact unit 3605 and the shaft stopper 3607 are separated along the X axis.

As a result, the position of the contact unit 3605 is unstable between the main body side mounting member 3601 and the shaft stopper 3607, and there is a risk that the contact portion 3602 may be exposed even in the state shown in FIG. 62(a). Therefore, in the illustrated example, in the state shown in FIG. 62(a), the spring balance of the first spring portion 3609 and the second spring portion 3610 is adjusted so that the contact portion 3602 is always located on the +X direction side of the mounting member contact surface 3601a and is in a retracted state.

When the body side mounting member 3601 and the grip side mounting member 3702 are aligned and engaged from the state shown in FIG. 62(a), the state shown in FIG. 62(b) is obtained. When the tightening knob 3705 is rotated clockwise (K direction) in this state, the first grip side screw 3703 rotates clockwise (arrow K direction) in response to the rotation. When the first grip side screw 3703 rotates, the first grip side screw 3703 and the first body side screw 3603 screw together, and the first grip side screw 3703 advances toward the inside of the imaging device body 3600 (+X direction) while rotating, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 63(a).

In the state shown in FIG. 63(a), the diameter of the second grip side screw 3704 is set to be larger than the diameter of the first grip side screw 3703 so that the second grip side screw 3704 does not interfere with the first body side screw 3603.

When the tightening knob 3705 is further turned clockwise (in the direction of the arrow K), the first grip side screw 3703 advances further inward (in the +X direction) of the imaging device body 3600. Then, the second grip side screw 3704 provided at the tip of the first grip side screw 3703 comes into contact with the second body side screw 3604 provided on the contact unit 3605, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 63(b).

The first grip side screw 3703 and the second grip side screw 3704 are formed from the same material and have the same axis of rotation, so that the first grip side screw 3703 and the second grip side screw 3704 rotate together and advance toward the inside of the imaging device body 3600.

With the second grip side screw 3704 and the second body side screw 3604 in contact, the first grip side screw 3703 and the second grip side screw 3704 are further rotated clockwise (in the direction of the arrow K). Then, a force is applied from the contacting portion to push the contact unit 3605 inward (in the +X direction) of the imaging device body 3600, compressing the second spring portion 3610 via the contact unit 3605 and causing the contact unit 3605 to move inward (in the +X direction) of the imaging device body 3600.

Thus, while the second grip side screw 3704 rotates and pushes the contact unit 3605 forward, the threads of the second grip side screw 3704 and the second body side screw 3604 mesh. Here, in order for the threads of the second grip side screw 3704 and the second body side screw 3604 to mesh, the second grip side screw 3704 needs to rotate at most once after they come into contact. Therefore, the contact unit 3605 needs to be able to move inward (in the +X direction) of the imaging device body 3600 by at least the distance that it moves inward (in the +X direction) of the imaging device body 3600 with one rotation of the first grip side screw 3703.

In the illustrated example, the contact unit 3605, shaft member 3606, and second spring portion 3610 are configured so that the contact unit 3605 can slide a distance that is achieved by two rotations of the first grip side screw 3703.

From the state shown in FIG. 63(b), the tightening knob 3705 is further rotated clockwise (in the direction of the arrow K). Then, the first grip side screw 3703, which is threaded with the first body side screw 3603, advances toward the inside of the imaging device body 3600 (in the +X direction) while rotating. As a result, the second body side screw 3604 and the second grip side screw 3704 also thread together, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 64(a).

In the illustrated example, the second grip side screw 3704 has a steeper thread pitch than the first grip side screw 3703. Therefore, when rotated once, the second grip side screw 3704 moves a greater distance in the X direction than the first grip side screw 3703.

Assume that the second grip side thread 3704 and the first grip side thread 3703 have the same thread pitch. In this case, even if the first body side thread 3603 and the first grip side thread 3703 are screwed together and the second body side thread 3604 and the second grip side thread 3704 are screwed together at the same time, the distance between the body side attachment member 3601 and the contact unit 3605 does not change.

In response to this, by making the thread pitch of the second grip side screw 3704 steeper than the thread pitch of the first grip side screw 3703, the contact unit 3605 can be slid in a direction approaching the main body side mounting member 3601 (-X direction).

When the contact unit 3605 slides in a direction approaching the main body side mounting member 3601 (-X direction), the contact portion 3602 moves in the -X direction beyond the mounting member contact surface 3601a. This exposes the contact portion 3602 and makes contact with the grip side contact pattern 3701, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 64(a), which enables power supply and communication between the imaging device main body 3600 and the grip 3700.

When the tightening knob 3705 is further rotated clockwise (in the direction of arrow K) from the state shown in FIG. 64(a), it becomes the state shown in FIG. 64(b). In this state, the first grip side screw 3703 and the first body side screw 3603 tighten the body side attachment member 3601 and the grip side attachment member 3702, and the grip 3700 is firmly fixed to the imaging device body 3600.

In the state shown in FIG. 64(b), the body side mounting member 3601 and the contact unit 3605 are closer than in the state shown in FIG. 64(a), and the grip side contact pattern 3701 applies a force in a direction that crushes the contact portion 3602. However, the contact spring 3608 located at the base of the contact portion 3602 is compressed, so that damage to the contact portion 3602 due to crushing can be prevented.

When removing the grip 3700 from the imaging device body 3600, the grip 3700 can be easily removed by performing the reverse operations of those described in Figures 62 to 64.

In this way, the contact portion 3602 can be exposed and electrically connected to the grip side contact pattern 3701 only when the second grip side screw 3704 and the grip 3700 having the grip side contact pattern 3701 are attached to the body side attachment mechanism 3650.

On the other hand, when the grip 3700 is not attached, the second body side screw 3604 is not screwed into the body side attachment mechanism 3650, and the contact portion 3602 is not exposed. In addition, even if another device or the like inadvertently touches the periphery of the grip side attachment member 3702 and applies an external force in the pushing direction (+X direction), the contact portion 3602 is not exposed.

As described above, by exposing and retracting the contact portion 3602 depending on the situation, unintentional contact with the contact terminal and damage to the contact terminal can be prevented.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an example of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Grip configuration]
Fig. 65 is a perspective view of a grip 8001 used in an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side. Fig. 66 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment portion to an imaging device body provided on the grip 8001 shown in Fig. 65. Fig. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the grip 8001 shown in Fig. 65. Fig. 68 is a view showing in detail a part of an exterior member of the grip 8001.

Figures 69A and 69B are perspective views of the mounting member drive lever 8121 used in the grip 8001 shown in Figure 65. Figure 69C is an exploded perspective view of the mounting member drive lever 8121. Figure 69D is a perspective view of the guide pin 8127 that constitutes the mounting member drive lever 8121.

The grip 8001 is used to facilitate the act of a user taking pictures while holding the imaging device body 7002 (see FIG. 48, etc.) described above, and is a type of accessory that can be attached to and detached from the imaging device body 7002. Note that the accessory attached to the imaging device body 7002 is not limited to the grip 8001, and may have a structure that allows it to be attached to the body-side attachment mechanism 7005. Also, the details of the configuration of the imaging device body 7002 have already been explained, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

The exterior member 8106 of the grip 8001 contains a substrate, a wiring pattern, and structural members (none of which are shown), and has a portion that is held by the user and a portion where operating members such as push buttons and dials are exposed.

As shown in FIG. 68, a part of the exterior member 8106 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 8109 into which the grip side screw member 8101 described later fits. The cylindrical side surface of the cylindrical protrusion 8109 is provided with a plurality of guide holes 8128 (approximately L-shaped guide grooves) into which guide pins 8127 provided on the mounting member drive lever 8121 described later fit. The exterior member 8106 is also provided with an attachment portion opening hole 8130 for exposing the operation knob attachment portion 8124 provided on the mounting member drive lever 8121 to the outside of the grip 8001.

A threaded portion 8105 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the grip-side screw member 8101 for screwing into the body-side screw member 7006. In the illustrated example, the threaded portion 8105 is a female threaded portion for screwing into the male threaded portion of the body-side screw member 7006.

The grip side screw member 8101 has an inner peripheral fitting portion 8108, which fits with the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical protrusion 8109 provided on the exterior member 8106. This allows the grip side screw member 8101 to rotate relative to the exterior member 8106 around a rotation axis 8110. The rotation axis 8110 is parallel to the X-axis that passes through the center of the grip side screw member 8101.

The grip side screw member 8101 is constantly biased toward the stopper member 8118 (+X direction) by a screw member biasing spring 8111 composed of a compression coil spring. The screw member biasing spring 8111 is sandwiched in a compressed state between the exterior member 8106 and the grip side screw member 8101.

The stopper member 8118 is a member for preventing the grip side screw member 8101 from falling off the cylindrical protrusion 8109 when it receives the biasing force generated by the compression of the screw member biasing spring 8111, and is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical protrusion 8109 with a screw 8131.

The contact pattern 8103 is an electrical contact that can be electrically connected to the body-side contact pin 7010 of the imaging device body 7002, and is formed concentrically on the substrate. When the body-side contact pin 7010 is connected to the contact pattern 8103, power can be supplied and communication can be performed between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 8001. The contact pattern 8103 is, for example, made of a molded circuit component (MID), and is fixed to the inside of the exterior member 8106 with a screw 8132 via a contact pattern holding member 8119.

The contact pattern holding member 8119 is fixed to the inside of the grip 8001 with a screw (not shown). The contact pattern holding member 8119 has an attachment member fitting portion 8120 and a drive lever fitting portion 8122. The grip side engagement portion 8104 is fitted into the attachment member fitting portion 8120 so as to be capable of translational movement relative to the contact pattern holding member 8119. In addition, the attachment member drive lever 8121 is fitted into the drive lever fitting portion 8122 so as to be capable of rotational and translational movement relative to the contact pattern holding member 8119.

As shown in Figures 66, 69A and 69B, the mounting member drive lever 8121 has a holding member fitting portion 8129 that fits with the drive lever fitting portion 8122 described above. A base portion 8123 extends from the periphery of the holding member fitting portion 8129, and an operation knob mounting portion 8124 is disposed on the base portion 8123. A portion of the operation knob mounting portion 8124 is exposed to the outside through a mounting portion opening hole 8130 provided in the exterior member 8106.

A lever operation knob 8125 is fixed to the tip of the operation knob attachment portion 8124 from the outside of the attachment member drive lever 8121 with a screw 8133, and the user uses the lever operation knob 8125 when operating the attachment member drive lever 8121.

A guide pin attachment portion 8134 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holding member fitting portion 8129, and a guide pin 8127 is fixed to the guide pin attachment portion 8134. After the attachment member drive lever 8121 is attached to the exterior member 8106, the guide pin 8127 is attached from the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical protrusion 8109 so as to fit into a guide hole 8128 provided on the circumferential portion of the cylindrical protrusion 8109.

As shown in FIG. 69D, the guide pin 8127 has a tool hole 8135 and a male threaded portion 8136. To attach the guide pin 8127 to the mounting member drive lever 8121, a specified tool is inserted into the tool hole 8135 and the guide pin 8127 is rotated. This causes the male threaded portion 8136 to be fixed to a female threaded portion (not shown) provided on the guide pin mounting portion 8134. It is desirable to apply an adhesive to the male threaded portion 8136 to prevent the guide pin 8127 from falling off during use.

The grip-side engagement portion 8104 has a predetermined uneven shape formed on its surface, and engages with the aforementioned main body-side engagement portion 7008. In this way, the grip-side engagement portion 8104 restricts the grip 8001 from rotating around the rotation axis 8110.

The grip side engagement portion 8104 is constantly pressed against the tip side (-X direction) of the holding member fitting portion 8129 of the attachment member drive lever 8121 by the attachment member biasing spring 8126 that is compressed and held between the contact pattern 8103. The pressing force of this attachment member biasing spring 8126 causes the grip side engagement portion 8104 to move in the X direction in response to the translational movement (movement in the X direction) of the attachment member drive lever 8121.

[Grip installation procedure]
Here, the mechanical and electrical connections when the grip 8001 is attached to the imaging device body 7002 will be described.

Figure 70 is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the grip 8001 is attached to the imaging device body 7002. Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in the middle of attaching the grip 8001 to the imaging device body 7002. Figure 72 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the grip 8001 has been attached to the imaging device body 7002.

When attaching the grip 8001 to the imaging device body 7002, the positions of the body-side screw member 7006 and the grip-side screw member 8101 are aligned as shown in FIG. 70. Then, as shown in FIG. 71, the grip 8001 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (+X direction) toward the imaging device body 7002, so that the body-side engagement portion 7008 and the grip-side engagement portion 8104 are engaged.

The attachment angle of the grip 8001 to the imaging device body 7002 is determined by the engagement between the body side engagement part 7008 and the grip side engagement part 8104. At this time, since the body side engagement part 7008 and the grip side engagement part 8104 are formed in a radially uneven shape, they can be engaged at any angle before fixing the grip 8001 to the imaging device body 7002. Note that in the state shown in Figure 71, the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 8001 are not fixed and are not electrically connected.

While the grip 8001 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (+X direction), the grip-side screw member 8101 is rotated in the direction of arrow B (clockwise when viewed from the -X direction) shown in FIG. 71. This causes the grip-side screw member 8101 to screw into the main body-side screw member 7006, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 72.

As shown in FIG. 72, the body side screw member 7006 and the grip side screw member 8101 are screwed together while the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 8104 are engaged. This allows the grip 8001 to be firmly fixed to the imaging device body 7002 without any rattling. At this time, the body side contact pin 7010 and the contact pattern 8103 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected.

When removing the grip 8001 from the imaging device body 7002, the reverse of the attachment operations described in Figures 70 to 72 may be performed. That is, first, the grip side screw member 8101 is turned in the opposite direction of the arrow B to loosen the grip side screw member 8101. As a result, the contact pattern 8103 is separated from the body side contact pin 7010 by the biasing force of the spring 7116, and the electrical connection between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 8001 is cut off. In addition, the grip side screw member 8101 is disengaged from the body side screw member 7006, and the fixation between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 8001 is released. Then, the grip 8001 can be removed from the imaging device body 7002 by pulling it away in the opposite direction of the arrow A.

Next, we will explain the procedure for changing the angle of the grip 8001 when the grip 8001 is attached to the imaging device body 7002.

Figure 73 is a partial perspective view of the grip side engagement portion 8104 in a position where it engages with the main body side engagement portion. Figure 74 is a cross-sectional view showing the grip side engagement portion 8104 disengaged with the grip 8001 attached to the imaging device main body 7002. Figure 75 is a partial perspective view showing the grip side engagement portion 8104 in a position spaced apart from the main body side engagement portion 7008. Note that the grip side screw member 8101, screw member biasing spring 8111, and stopper member 8118 are not shown in Figures 73 and 75.

Figure 76 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the guide pin 8127 and the guide groove. Figure 76 (a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the guide pin 8127 and the guide hole 8128 when the main body side engagement part 7008 and the grip side engagement part 8104 are engaged. Figure 76 (b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the guide pin 8127 and the guide hole 8128 when the main body side engagement part 7008 and the grip side engagement part 8104 are separated.

First, as shown in FIG. 72, the grip 8001 is attached to the imaging device body 7002 and the grip side engagement part 8104 and the body side engagement part 7008 are engaged, and then the attachment member drive lever 8121 is operated to rotate in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 73.

When the mounting member drive lever 8121 is operated, the guide pin 8127 of the mounting member drive lever 8121 moves in the direction of arrow N shown in FIG. 76(a) along the guide hole 8128 of the exterior member 8106. At this time, the guide pin 8127 moves in the area P of the guide hole 8128 that is arranged on a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the rotation axis 8110 of the mounting member drive lever 8121. At this time, the guide pin 8127 rotates while maintaining the engagement between the main body side engagement part 7008 and the grip side engagement part 8104.

As the mounting member drive lever 8121 continues to rotate, the guide pin 8127 moves in the direction of arrow N within the area P of the guide hole 8128, and then reaches the inflection point of the guide hole 8128.

When the guide pin 8127 reaches the inflection point of the guide hole 8128, the mounting member drive lever 8121 moves along the guide hole 8128 to region Q. At that time, the grip side engagement portion 8104 is subjected to a load in the -X direction by the action of the mounting member biasing spring 8126 and is biased toward the mounting member drive lever 8121. Therefore, as the mounting member drive lever 8121 moves to region Q, the grip side engagement portion 8104 moves in the direction of arrow R by a distance T2. In other words, as shown in FIG. 74, the grip side engagement portion 8104 moves away from the main body side engagement portion 7008, and the grip 8001 is no longer in an engaged state. In other words, the rotational position of the grip 8001 can be changed.

On the other hand, even if the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 8104 are no longer engaged, the body side contact pin 7010 of the imaging device body 7002 and the contact pattern 8103 of the grip 8001 remain connected. In other words, only the mechanical connection between the body side engagement portion 7008 and the grip side engagement portion 8104 is released, but the electrical connection is maintained.

As a result, the grip 8001 can be rotated relative to the imaging device body 7002 while maintaining the fixation and electrical connection between the imaging device body 7002 and the grip 8001.

To fix the grip 8001 after resetting it to the desired angle, the user first uses the lever operation knob 8125 to operate the attachment member drive lever 8121 in the +X direction from the position shown in Figures 74 and 75. This causes the guide pin 8127 to move from region Q of the guide hole 8128 toward region P. Then, in conjunction with the attachment member drive lever 8121, the grip side engagement portion 8104 transitions from a spaced state to an engaged state with respect to the main body side engagement portion 7008.

Then, the user rotates the attachment member drive lever 8121 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B. This causes the guide pin 8127 to move to area P of the guide hole 8128, as shown in FIG. 76(a), and the grip side engagement portion 8104 and the main body side engagement portion 7008 can be maintained in an engaged state.

In this way, the angle of the grip 8001 can be changed without removing the grip 8001 from the imaging device body 7002. At that time, the grip 8001 can be kept electrically connected to the imaging device body 7002 and the grip side engagement portion 8104 can be kept separated, so that shooting can be performed while changing the shooting position, such as from a low angle to a high angle.

Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the imaging device body and the grip can be firmly fixed, and electrical connection can be easily made. As a result, the convenience of the imaging device can be improved. Furthermore, since the electrical connection is reliably made with the imaging device body and the grip firmly fixed, a highly reliable electrical connection can be ensured.

[Functional configuration of the imaging device body]
Fig. 77 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image capture device body 1000 in the first to third embodiments. The functional configuration of the image capture device body 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 77.

The imaging device body 1000 includes a lens communication unit 4800, an imaging element 4006 mounted on a sensor board 4302, a main board 4401, a card board 4502, and a microphone unit 4012. The imaging device body 1000 also includes an external connection terminal 4021, a removable battery 4070, an operation unit 4044, a fan 4404, and a display unit 4040.

The CPU 4041, ROM 4042, and RAM 4043 are mounted on the main board 4401. The ROM 4042 is an electrically erasable and storeable memory, such as an EEPROM. The ROM 4043 stores constants and programs for the operation of the CPU 4041. The CPU 4041 executes the programs stored in the ROM 4043 to control the operation of each part constituting the imaging device main body 1000, thereby achieving overall control of the imaging device main body 1000. The RAM 4043 is used as a system memory, work memory, image memory, audio memory, etc., and constants and variables for the operation of the CPU 4041 and programs read from the ROM 4042 are expanded.

The imaging element 4006 is a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor, and has an A/D converter. A lens device attached to the imaging device body 1000 focuses incident light onto the imaging element 4007 as an optical image. The imaging element 4006 converts the focused optical image into an analog electrical signal, which is then converted by an A/D converter into a digital signal and output as a video signal. The generated digital video signal is output to the video signal processing unit 4146 on the main board 4401.

The video signal processing unit 4146 performs a predetermined process on the input digital video signal, and generates video data by combining it with a separately captured audio signal and various metadata. The video data generated by the video signal processing unit 4146 is sent to the display unit 4040 and displayed as a video. At this time, the operating status of the imaging device main body 1000 is displayed as on-screen display information as necessary.

The image sensor 4006 is equipped with a number of phase difference detection pixels. The video signal processor 4146 performs correlation calculations using the output signals of the multiple phase difference detection pixels, and controls the focal position of the attached lens device based on the correlation calculation results to perform autofocus using the image plane phase difference detection method. When the photographer selects recording, the video data generated by the video signal processor 4146 is converted into various formats through predetermined processing, and then sent to the card board 4502, where it is stored as video on the recording media.

The imaging device main body 1000 can regenerate the original video data by having the video signal processing unit 4146 read the recorded data stored in the recording medium, and the regenerated video data can be output to the display unit 4040 or the external connection terminal 4021. When a specified connector is connected to the external connection terminal 4021, a video signal can be output from the video signal processing unit 4146 to the external connection terminal 4021 and transmitted to an external device.

The audio signal input from the microphone unit 4012 is gain-controlled to a predetermined level, then A/D-converted and converted into digital audio data. The video data and audio data are temporarily stored in the RAM 4043.

The CPU 4041 transmits the video data and audio data temporarily stored in the RAM 4043 to the card board 4502. The card board 4502 is designed to allow insertion and removal of recording media, and records the video data and audio data on the recording media. Note that the recording media used may be a removable flash memory such as an SD card or a memory card conforming to standards such as CF, CFast, XQD, or CFexpress.

The fan 4404 operates based on the temperature acquired by a temperature detection unit (not shown) and draws in and exhausts air into the imaging device body 1000. The rotation state of the fan 4404 is controlled by the CPU 4041. The operation unit 4044 transmits instructions operated by the user to the CPU 4031. The operation unit 4044 includes a REC button, a power switch, operation keys, etc. When the user operates the operation unit 4044, various instructions from the user are transmitted to the CPU 4041.

The power supply control unit (not shown) is composed of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit for switching between blocks to which electricity is applied, and detects whether a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery power. The battery 4070 that supplies power to the imaging device body 1000 is, for example, detachable from the imaging device body 1000, and is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The display unit 4040 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays the operating status of the imaging device body 1000, etc., as on-screen display information as necessary.

When the lens contact section provided in the lens communication section 4800 of the imaging device body 1000 comes into contact with the lens contact section on the lens device side and becomes conductive, the CPU 4041 of the imaging device body 1000 detects that the lens device is attached. When the CPU 4041 detects that the lens device is attached, it reads lens information from the built-in memory of the lens device and stores it in the RAM 4043.

In the imaging device main body 1000, for example, the light received by the imaging element 4006 is converted into digital image data of at least about 23 frames per second (fps) and recorded on a recording medium by the card board 4502. The frame rate can be set in a range of about 1 fps to about 250 fps or more. For example, the imaging device main body 1000 may change the frame rate according to the resolution set. That is, a frame rate of about 1 fps to about 100 fps is set in the "5k" resolution mode, and a frame rate of about 1 to about 125 fps is set in the "4k" resolution mode. A frame rate of about 1 to about 125 fps is set in the quad HD mode, about 1 to about 160 fps in the "3k" resolution mode, and about 1 to about 250 fps in the "2k" resolution mode. For example, the frame rates may be 20, 23.976, 24, 30, 60, and 120 frames per second, or other frame rates between these frame rates, or even higher.

The imaging device body 1000 can output image data at resolutions of 2k, 3k, 4k, 4.5k, quad HD, 5k, 6k, 8k, and even higher. 2k resolutions are, for example, 16:9 (2048 x 1152 pixels) and 2:1 (2048 x 1024 pixels). 3k resolutions are, for example, 16:9 (3072 x 1728 pixels) and 2:1 (3072 x 1536 pixels). 4k resolutions are, for example, 4096 x 2540 pixels, 16:9 (4096 x 2304 pixels), 2:1 (4096 x 2048 pixels), and 4.5k resolutions are, for example, 4480 x 1920 pixels. A quad HD resolution is, for example, 3840 x 2160 pixels, a 5k resolution is, for example, 5120 x 2700 pixels, a 6k resolution is, for example, 6144 x 3160 pixels, and an 8k resolution is, for example, 7680 x 4320 pixels. The imaging device body 1000 can be configured to record or output image data having a horizontal resolution at least between any of the resolutions listed above.

The resolution is between at least one of the values listed above (or some value between the values listed above), and may be about 6.5k, 7k, 8k, 9k, or 10k, or some value therebetween. In this embodiment, in terms of the form xk (such as the 2k and 4k listed above), the number "x" refers to the approximate horizontal resolution. Thus, a "4k" resolution corresponds to about 4000 or more horizontal pixels, and "2k" corresponds to about 2000 or more horizontal pixels.

The imaging element 4006 can range from about 0.5 inch (8 mm), 2/3 inch, S35 for cinema, 35 mm full frame still, and 645, and can be at least about 1.0 inch, 6 cm x 17 cm or larger. It can also have sizes of at least about 10.1 x 5.35 mm, 24.4 x 13.7 mm, 30 x 15 mm, 36 x 24 mm, 56 x 42 mm, and 186 x 56 mm.

In addition, the imager 4006 can be configured to provide variable resolution by selectively outputting only a predetermined portion of the pixel area. The imager 4006 can include, for example, a Bayer color filter array, thereby outputting data representative of the amount of red, green, or blue light detected by each photoelectric conversion element of the imager 4006.

The present invention has been described above based on its embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, parts of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

1000 Image capture device body 1200 Body-side mounting mechanism 1210 Body-side mounting member 1211 Body-side screw 1212 Body-side contact pin 1213 Body-side engagement portion 1400 Grip 1410 Grip-side mounting member 1411 Grip-side screw 1412 Grip-side contact pattern 1413 Grip-side engagement portion 1416 Grip-side holding member 1419 Compression spring 2002 Grip 2006 Flexible circuit board 2007 Fold-back portion 2014 Electrical connector 2021 Grip-side contact pattern 2022 Coverlay 2210 Body-side mounting member 2211 Body-side screw 2213 Body-side engagement portion 2311 Body-side first contact pin 2312 Body-side second contact pin 7002 Image capture device body 7004 Grip 7006 Body side screw member 7007 Body side mounting member 7008 Body side engagement portion 7015 Screw 8101 Grip side screw member 8104 Grip side engagement portion

Claims (25)

An electronic device to which an accessory can be detachably attached,
a main body of the electronic device including a first attachment portion facing the accessory;
The accessory includes a second attachment portion facing the main body,
The first mounting portion includes:
a first threaded portion disposed at a center of the first mounting portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a contact holding member and disposed outside the first screw portion; and a first engagement portion formed outside the first electrical connection portion,
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion disposed at a center of the second mounting portion and threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion disposed on an outer side of the second screw portion and electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion formed on an outer side of the second electrical connection portion and engaging with the first engaging portion;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, the contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the main body by a biasing member,
An electronic device characterized in that, when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other, and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected. An electronic device to which an accessory can be detachably attached,
a main body of the electronic device including a first attachment portion facing the accessory;
The accessory includes a second attachment portion facing the main body,
The first mounting portion includes:
A first threaded portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a contact holding member;
A first engagement portion,
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion that threadably engages with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion that electrically connects to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion,
one of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact patterns formed concentrically at a predetermined interval from the center of the mounting portion on which the one electrical connection portion is disposed,
the other of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact pins formed in a row in a radial direction at the same intervals as the plurality of contact patterns;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, the contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the main body by a biasing member,
An electronic device characterized in that, when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other, and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the first screw portion and the second screw portion are screwed together, the first screw portion pushes the contact holding member toward the second mounting portion , thereby electrically connecting the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion . The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are located on a surface different from the engagement surface of the first engagement portion and the engagement surface of the second engagement portion, respectively. An imaging means for imaging a subject;
5. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image processing unit that performs a predetermined image processing on the image obtained by the imaging unit. The accessory is attached to the main body so as to be rotatable at a predetermined angle,
one of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion has a plurality of contact pins radially arranged from a center of a mounting portion having the one electrical connection portion;
the other of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion has a circuit member on which wiring portions of a plurality of contact patterns are formed concentrically around a center of an attachment portion having the other electrical connection portion,
The circuit member includes:
a connection portion connected to a predetermined board of the main body or the accessory having the circuit member;
a pattern lead portion connecting the connection portion and the wiring portion,
2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein when the accessory is rotated relative to the main body, each of the plurality of contact pins contacts only a different one of the plurality of contact patterns. a circuit member on which the plurality of contact patterns are formed,
The circuit member includes:
a connection portion connected to a predetermined board of the main body or the accessory having the circuit member;
a pattern lead-out portion that connects the connection portion and the contact pattern,
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the accessory is rotated relative to the main body, each of the plurality of contact pins contacts only a different one of the plurality of contact patterns. The electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are each formed into a circular shape. The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the circuit member is a substrate and the pattern extraction portion is a through hole. The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the circuit member is a flexible substrate, and the pattern extraction portion is covered with a coverlay. the plurality of contact pins includes a first contact pin and a second contact pin;
The electronic device described in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that when the accessory is rotated relative to the main body, when one of the first contact pin and the second contact pin contacts the pattern pull-out portion, the other of the first contact pin and the second contact pin contacts the contact pattern. The electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a control means for prioritizing a signal output from the first contact pin when both the first contact pin and the second contact pin are in contact with the contact pattern. The first engagement portion is provided on an inner peripheral side of the first threaded portion,
the second engagement portion regulates a rotational position of the accessory or the main body relative to the other one of the accessory and the main body;
The electronic device described in claim 2, characterized in that the second engagement portion is movable between a first position that regulates the rotational position of the other of the accessory and the main body and a second position that allows the rotational position of the other of the accessory and the main body to be changed. The electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion each have a concave portion and a convex portion. the plurality of contact pins are provided on an inner peripheral side of the first engagement portion,
the plurality of contact patterns are provided on an inner peripheral side of the second engagement portion,
15. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the contact pins are in slidable contact with the contact patterns. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the multiple contact pins are exposed from a mounting portion on which the multiple contact pins are provided. the first engagement portion is provided on the inner peripheral side of the first screw portion, and the plurality of contact pins are provided on the inner peripheral side of the first engagement portion,
the plurality of contact patterns are provided on the inner peripheral side of the second engagement portion,
the second engagement portion regulates a rotational position of the accessory and the main body relative to the other one of the accessory and the main body;
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the contact pins are in slidable contact with the contact patterns, respectively. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a concave portion and a convex portion. The electronic device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the plurality of contact pins are exposed from a mounting portion on which the plurality of contact pins are provided. The electronic device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the positions of the tips of the multiple contact pins are lower than the position of the concave portion of the first engagement part. the second screw portion is disposed so as to surround an outer periphery of the plurality of contact patterns,
When the accessory is attached to the main body, the second screw portion protrudes closer to the one of the accessory and the main body than the second engagement portion;
The electronic device described in claim 20, characterized in that when an attempt is made to attach the accessory to the main body with the central axes of the first screw portion and the second screw portion misaligned, the second screw portion and the first engagement portion abut against each other, preventing collision between the multiple contact patterns and the first engagement portion. Electronic devices,
An accessory that is detachably attached to a main body of the electronic device,
one of the accessory and the main body includes a first attachment portion facing the other of the accessory and the main body;
the other of the accessory and the main body includes a second attachment portion facing the one of the accessory and the main body;
The first mounting portion includes:
a first threaded portion disposed at a center of the first mounting portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a first contact holding member and disposed outside the first screw portion;
a first engaging portion formed on an outer side of the first electrical connection portion;
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion disposed at a center of the second mounting portion and threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion held by a second contact holding member and disposed outside the second screw portion, and electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion formed on an outer side of the second electrical connection portion and engaging with the first engaging portion;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, at least one of the first contact holding member and the second contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the main body or the inside of the accessory by a biasing member;
A system characterized in that, when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected. Electronic devices,
An accessory that is detachably attached to a main body of the electronic device,
one of the accessory and the main body includes a first attachment portion facing the other of the accessory and the main body;
the other of the accessory and the main body includes a second attachment portion facing the one of the accessory and the main body;
The first mounting portion includes:
A first threaded portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a first contact holding member;
A first engagement portion,
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion that threadably engages with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion that is held by a second contact holding member and electrically connects to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion,
one of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact patterns formed concentrically at a predetermined interval from the center of the mounting portion on which the one electrical connection portion is disposed,
the other of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact pins formed in a row in a radial direction at the same intervals as the plurality of contact patterns;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, at least one of the first contact holding member and the second contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the main body or the inside of the accessory by a biasing member;
A system characterized in that, when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected. An accessory that is detachable from an electronic device,
The accessory includes a first attachment portion facing a main body of the electronic device,
The main body includes a second attachment portion facing the accessory,
The first mounting portion includes:
a first threaded portion disposed at a center of the first mounting portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a contact holding member and disposed outside the first screw portion; and a first engagement portion formed outside the first electrical connection portion,
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion disposed at a center of the second mounting portion and threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion disposed on an outer side of the second screw portion and electrically connected to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion formed on an outer side of the second electrical connection portion and engaging with the first engaging portion;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, the contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the accessory by a biasing member,
An accessory characterized in that when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected. An accessory that is detachable from an electronic device,
The accessory includes a first attachment portion facing a main body of the electronic device,
The main body includes a second attachment portion facing the accessory,
The first mounting portion includes:
A first threaded portion;
a first electrical connection portion held by a contact holding member;
A first engagement portion,
The second mounting portion includes:
a second threaded portion that threadably engages with the first threaded portion;
a second electrical connection portion that electrically connects to the first electrical connection portion;
a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion,
one of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact patterns formed concentrically at a predetermined interval from the center of the mounting portion on which the one electrical connection portion is disposed,
the other of the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion is a plurality of contact pins formed in a row in a radial direction at the same intervals as the plurality of contact patterns;
When the accessory is not attached to the main body, the contact holding member is biased toward the inside of the accessory by a biasing member,
An accessory characterized in that when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other and the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are electrically connected.

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