Imaging element protection device and imaging device

Abstract

This invention provides a camera element protection device and a camera device. The camera element protection device is configured close to the camera element and includes: a drive rod (50) connected to an arm (41) and rotatable about a support shaft (12); a working part (70) rotatable about a support shaft (14); a motor (60) that drives the working part to rotate; a torsion coil spring (26) that applies force to the arm (42) about the support shaft (13); and a control unit (200) that controls the operation of the motor. The working part has contact parts (74, 75) that can contact the drive rod. The control unit drives the motor to make the contact parts of the working part contact the drive rod, thereby rotating the arm (41, 42) and moving the blades (31-34). The control unit drives the motor to make the contact parts of the working part retract from the drive rod, and the arm rotates by the force of the torsion coil spring, thereby moving the blades.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera element protection device and a camera device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, in imaging devices such as cameras, exposure of the imaging element is achieved by driving a physical shutter. However, in recent years, imaging devices that perform electronic exposure processing of the imaging element (electronic shutter) have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in the case of an electronic shutter, there is no physical shutter in front of the imaging element, therefore, dust and dirt inside the camera easily adhere to the imaging element. When such dust and dirt adhere to the imaging element, the quality of the captured image degrades. Furthermore, it is sometimes necessary to block the light incident on the imaging element in order to perform the image element repositioning process. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a demand for further miniaturization of cameras, requiring the components built into the camera to be as compact as possible.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-30059 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide a camera element protection device and a camera device that can protect the camera element in a compact and simple manner.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a camera element protection device is provided that can protect a camera element in a compact and simple configuration. The camera element protection device is disposed close to the camera element. The camera element protection device includes: a frame having an opening; a first arm rotatable about a first axis on the frame; a second arm rotatable about a second axis on the frame; a blade portion connected to the first and second arms, moving with rotation of the first and second arms to change the opening / closing state of the opening; a drive rod connected to the first arm and rotatable about the first axis; a working part rotatable about a third axis on the frame; a motor that drives the working part to rotate; a force-applying member that applies force to the second arm about the second axis; and a control part that controls the operation of the motor. The working part has a contact portion that can contact the drive rod. When the blade portion is in the first position, the control unit drives the motor to rotate the working part in the working direction around the third axis, thereby causing the contact portion of the working part to contact the drive rod and causing the first arm to rotate. This causes the second arm to rotate against the force of the force-applying member, thereby moving the blade portion from the first position to the second position. When the blade portion is in the second position, the control unit drives the motor to rotate the working part further in the working direction around the third axis, thereby causing the contact portion of the working part to retract from the drive rod. The force of the force-applying member causes the first arm and the second arm to rotate respectively, thereby moving the blade portion toward the first position.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a camera device is provided, comprising: an optical system; an imaging element disposed on a surface imaged by light passing through the optical system; and a protective device for the imaging element. The protective device for the imaging element is disposed between the optical system and the imaging element. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a camera element protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the camera element protection device shown.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A top view of the drive lever of the camera element protection device shown.

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The right-side view of the drive lever shown.

[0012] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A The image shows a bottom view of the drive lever.

[0013] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the working part of the camera element protection device shown.

[0014] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The bottom view of the working part is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the limiting part in the camera element protection device shown.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism of the camera element protection device shown.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the adjustment plate of the camera element protection device shown.

[0018] Figure 9 This is an explanation Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the arm, locking component, and adjusting plate in the camera element protection device.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view showing the camera element protection device in the open state.

[0020] Figure 11A It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A top view of the arm and its surrounding components in a concealed state.

[0021] Figure 11B It is a schematic representation of from Figure 11A The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the working part is rotated by the driving motor.

[0022] Figure 11C It is a schematic representation of from Figure 11B The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the motor is further driven to rotate the working part.

[0023] Figure 11D It is a schematic representation of from Figure 11C The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the motor is further driven to rotate the working part.

[0024] Figure 11EIt is a schematic representation of from Figure 11D The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the motor is further driven to rotate the working part.

[0025] Figure 11F It is a schematic representation of from Figure 11E The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the motor is further driven to rotate the working part.

[0026] Figure 11G It is a schematic representation of from Figure 11F The diagram shows a top view of the state in which the motor is further driven to rotate the working part.

[0027] Figure 12A It means Figure 3 A schematic top view of the rotation position detection unit in the camera element protection device shown.

[0028] Figure 12B It means Figure 3 A schematic top view of the rotation position detection unit in the camera element protection device shown.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1: Camera device; 2: Optical system; 3: Camera element; 4: Camera element protection device; 5: Opening; 10: Base; 11: Opening; 12: Support shaft (first shaft); 13: Support shaft (second shaft); 14: Support shaft (third shaft); 20: Cover plate; 21: Opening; 23: Shaft (fourth shaft); 26: Torsion coil spring (force-applying component); 31-34: Blade (blade section); 41: Arm (first arm); 42: Arm (Second arm); 50: Drive rod; 60: Motor; 61: Worm gear; 62: Worm wheel; 63: Rotating plate; 69: Light-shielding part; 70: Working part; 74: First contact part; 75: Second contact part; 76: Terminal part; 90: Engaging member; 92A~92C: Engaging piece; 93: Engaging part; 95: Abutting part; 100: Adjusting plate; 103A~103F: Partial cylindrical surface; 130: Light interrupter; 200: Control part. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following will be referenced Figures 1 to 12B This section will describe in detail embodiments of the imaging device and imaging element protection device of the present invention. Figures 1 to 12B In this context, identical or equivalent components are labeled with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in... Figures 1 to 12B In the text, the scale and dimensions of each component are sometimes exaggerated, and some components are sometimes omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish components from each other and do not indicate a specific position or order.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a camera device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 1 in this embodiment includes: an optical system 2 composed of optical elements, such as lenses; an imaging element 3 disposed on the surface imaged by light passing through the optical system 2; and an imaging element protection device 4 disposed between the optical system 2 and the imaging element 3. The imaging element protection device 4 is disposed close to the imaging element 3, and has an opening 5 formed therein to allow light from the optical system 2 to pass through. For example, when the imaging element 3 is being photographed or when the power to the imaging device 1 is turned on, the imaging element protection device 4 opens the opening 5 to allow light from the optical system 2 to image onto the imaging element 3; when the imaging element 3 is not being photographed or when the power to the imaging device 1 is turned off, the opening 5 is blocked to protect the imaging element 3, preventing dust or dirt from adhering to the imaging element 3.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the camera element protection device 4. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera element protection device 4. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the camera element protection device 4 includes: a generally rectangular plate-shaped base 10; a cover plate 20 covering the +Z direction side of the base 10; support shafts 12, 13, and 14 extending from the base 10 in the +Z direction; four blades 31, 32, 33, and 34 (blade sections) disposed in blade chambers formed between the base 10 and the cover plate 20; two arms 41 and 42 respectively connected to the blades 31 to 34; and a drive rod 50 rotatably mounted on the support shaft 12. A rectangular opening 11 is formed in the base 10, and similarly, a rectangular opening 21 is formed in the cover plate 20. The base 10 and the cover plate 20 constitute the frame of the camera element protection device 4, and the openings 11 and 21 constitute the openings 5 ​​of the aforementioned camera element protection device 4. The cover plate 20 is secured, for example, by screws 22 (see reference). Figure 2 ) Installed at base 10.

[0034] Figure 4A This is a top view of drive lever 50. Figure 4B This is the right-side view. Figure 4C It's a bottom view. For example... Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the drive rod 50 has: a cylindrical shaft portion 51 into which the support shaft 12 is inserted; a first extension portion 52 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 51 in a straight line; a second extension portion 53 extending circumferentially from the first extension portion 52; a third extension portion 54 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 51; a pin portion 55 extending in the -Z direction at the front end of the third extension portion 54; and a protrusion portion 56 protruding radially outward on the opposite side of the third extension portion 54.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the end 51A of the shaft portion 51 for driving rod 50 is formed on the -Z direction side of the arm 41 (see reference). Figure 4B and Figure 4C The arm 41 has a hole 43 for inserting a drive rod 50 and a hole 44 for inserting a pin 55. A support shaft 12 is inserted into the shaft portion 51 of the drive rod 50, and the drive rod 50 is rotatable about the support shaft 12 (first shaft). The pin 55 of the drive rod 50 engages with the hole 44 of the arm 41. When the drive rod 50 rotates about the support shaft 12, the arm 41 (first arm) and the drive rod 50 become one unit and rotate about the support shaft 12 (first shaft) on the base 10. In addition, a sleeve 45 is installed on the arm 42 for inserting a support shaft 13. By inserting the support shaft 13 into the sleeve 45, the arm 42 (second arm) can rotate about the support shaft 13 (second shaft) on the base 10.

[0036] Blades 31-34 are thin plate-like components extending integrally along the X direction, and the four blades 31-34 overlap sequentially along the -Z direction. These blades 31-34 are rotatably connected to arms 41 and 42 via pins. Thus, the blades 31-34 and arms 41 and 42 constitute a linkage mechanism. That is, when arm 41 rotates around support shaft 12 and arm 42 rotates around support shaft 13, the overlapping area of ​​blades 31-34 changes through the linkage mechanism, and moves mainly in the Y direction. It should be noted that a damper 17 is provided at the base 10 to absorb the impact when blades 31-34 stop.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the camera element protection device 4 includes: a motor 60 mounted on the base 10; a worm gear 61 mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor 60; a working part 70 rotatably mounted on the support shaft 14 (third shaft); a worm wheel 62 mounted on the working part 70 and rotating integrally with the working part 70; a rotating plate 63 mounted on the worm wheel 62 and rotating integrally with the worm wheel 62; a gear cover 64 housing the worm gear 61, worm wheel 62, working part 70, and rotating plate 63; and a limiting part 80 rotatably mounted on a boss 15 provided on the base 10. The gear cover 64 is fixed to the support shaft 14 by screws 65 and fixed to the base 10 by screws 66.

[0038] Figure 5A This is a 3D diagram of Work Department 70. Figure 5B It's a bottom view. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the working part 70 has: a cylindrical shaft portion 71 into which the support shaft 14 is inserted; a key 72 protruding radially outward from the shaft portion 71 at its +Z direction side end; a flange portion 73 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 71; a first contact portion 74 that can contact the first extended portion 52 of the drive rod 50; and a second contact portion 75 that can contact the second extended portion 53 of the drive rod 50. The first contact portion 74 and the second contact portion 75 have terminal portions 76 protruding radially outward. The worm gear 62 is located on the flange portion 73 of the working part 70, and the key 72 of the working part 70 and the keyway 62A of the worm gear 62 (see reference) Figure 3 Furthermore, the rotating plate 63 is also provided with a key identical to the key 72 of the working part 70, and the key of the rotating plate 63 also engages with the keyway 62A of the worm gear 62. Thus, the working part 70 and the rotating plate 63 rotate integrally with the worm gear 62 around the support shaft 14.

[0039] Motor 60 and Control Unit 200 (see reference) Figure 2 The control unit 200 controls the operation (drive) of the motor 60. The control unit 200 is configured to control the operation of various components within the camera device 1, including the operation of the motor 60. The control unit 200 can also be located in a different place from the main components of the camera element protection device 4, for example, it can be integrated into the control unit of the camera device 1.

[0040] The worm 61 and worm wheel 62, which are mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor 60, mesh together. If the motor 60 is driven by a signal from the control unit 200, the worm wheel 62, which meshes with the worm 61, rotates around the support shaft 14. The working part 70 and the rotating plate 63 rotate together with the worm wheel 62 around the support shaft 14.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the limiting part 80. (For example...) Figure 6 As shown, the limiting part 80 includes: a shaft part 81, a boss 15 mounted on the base part 10; and a rotating part 82 rotatable relative to the shaft part 81. The rotating part 82 has a first arm part 83 that can contact the first contact part 74 of the working part 70, a second arm part 84 that can engage with the protrusion 56 of the drive rod 50, a pin part 85 protruding from the second arm part 84 in the -Z direction, and a spring seat 86 protruding from the second arm part 84 in the +Z direction.

[0042] A torsion coil spring 25 is arranged around the shaft portion 81 of the limiting portion 80 to exert force on the rotating portion 82 (see reference). Figure 2 ,exist Figure 3 (Not shown in the diagram). One end of the torsion coil spring 25 engages with the spring seat 16 provided in the base 10, and the other end engages with the spring seat 86 of the limiting part 80. Figure 2In the state shown, the opening angle between the two ends of the torsion coil spring 25 is smaller than the free angle of the torsion coil spring 25, and the limiting part 80 is subjected to force in a direction away from the spring seat 16 with the shaft part 81 as the center.

[0043] A torsion coil spring 26, which acts as a force-applying member that applies force to the arm 42 around the sleeve 45 mounted on the arm 42, is arranged around the sleeve 45 (see reference). Figure 2 ,exist Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the camera element protection device 4 includes: a locking member 90, which is mounted on the support shaft 13 on the +Z direction side of the sleeve 45; and an adjusting plate 100, which is mounted on the shaft portion 23 provided on the cover plate 20.

[0044] Figure 7 This is an enlarged 3D view of the engaging component 90. (For example...) Figure 7 As shown, the engaging member 90 includes: a first plate portion 91 located between the sleeve 45 and the cover plate 20; an engaging portion 93 composed of three engaging tabs 92A, 92B, and 92C extending from the first plate portion 91 in the -Z direction; a second plate portion 94 located on the -Z direction side closer to the first plate portion 91; and an abutment portion 95 extending from the second plate portion 94 in the -Z direction. A shaft hole 96 is formed in the first plate portion 91 for inserting the end of the support shaft 13. By inserting the end of the support shaft 13 into this shaft hole 96, the first plate portion 91 can rotate between the sleeve 45 and the cover plate 20 about the support shaft 13 (second shaft).

[0045] Figure 8 This is an enlarged 3D view of the adjustment plate 100. (See image below.) Figure 8 As shown, a shaft hole 101 is formed in the center of the adjusting plate 100 for inserting the shaft portion 23 of the cover plate 20. A flange 23A protruding radially outward is provided at the top of the shaft portion 23 of the cover plate 20 (see reference). Figure 2 However, a clearance groove 102 is formed on the side of the shaft hole 101 of the adjusting plate 100 to allow the flange 23A to pass through when the adjusting plate 100 is installed on the shaft portion 23 of the cover plate 20. After the flange 23A passes through the clearance groove 102, the adjusting plate 100 is rotated, thereby installing the adjusting plate 100 on the shaft portion 23. The adjusting plate 100 can rotate about the shaft portion 23 (fourth shaft).

[0046] The adjusting plate 100 has a shape that varies along the circumference. In this embodiment, the adjusting plate 100 has an outer circumferential surface comprising six partial cylindrical surfaces 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, and 103F with different diameters. The diameters of the partial cylindrical surfaces 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, and 103F gradually increase in the order of partial cylindrical surfaces 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, and 103F.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between arm 42, engaging member 90, and adjusting plate 100. (For example...) Figure 9 As shown, the abutting portion 95 of the engaging member 90 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate 100. Figure 9 In the example shown, the abutment portion 95 abuts against a portion of the cylindrical surface 103D of the adjusting plate 100. One end 26A of the torsion coil spring 26 engages with one of the three engaging tabs 92A to 92C of the engaging member 90, tab 92A. An engaging hole 47 is formed in the arm 42, and the other end 26B of the torsion coil spring 26 engages with this engaging hole 47. Figure 9 In the shown state, the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion spring 26 is larger than the free angle of the torsion spring 26. Therefore, the engaging member 90 engaged at one end 26A of the torsion spring 26 exerts a clockwise force centered on the support shaft 13. However, as described above, the engaging member 90 abuts against the outer periphery of the adjusting plate 100 at the abutment portion 95 and therefore does not move. Therefore, a counterclockwise force centered on the support shaft 13 is exerted on the arm 42 via the engaging hole 47 engaged at the other end 26B of the torsion spring 26. That is, the arm 42 is subjected to a counterclockwise force by the torsion spring 26 centered on the support shaft 13.

[0048] Figure 2 This indicates, for example, that the imaging element 3 was not used (see reference). Figure 1 This refers to the state when the camera is being filmed or when the power supply to the camera device 1 is cut off. In this state, most of the blades 31 to 34 are located inside the openings 11 and 21 (opening 5) of the camera element protection device 4, and the openings 11 and 21 are blocked by the blades 31 to 34. This state is called the blocked state, and the position of the blades 31 to 34 in the blocked state is called the "first position".

[0049] As described later, for example, when taking a picture using the imaging element 3 or when the power to the imaging device 1 is turned on, by moving the blades 31-34 from the first position of the covered state in the -Y direction, the blades 31-34 can be moved to the outside (-Y direction side) of the openings 11, 21, as follows: Figure 10 Open openings 11 and 21 (opening 5) as shown. This state is called the open state, and the position of blades 31-34 in the open state is called the "second position". Thus, by moving blades 31-34 between the first and second positions, the opening and closing states of openings 11 and 21 change. It should be noted that in the open state, most of the area of ​​openings 11 and 21 only needs to be open, or a portion of blades 31-34 can remain within openings 11 and 21.

[0050] Figure 11A It is a schematic representation Figure 2 A top view of arm 41 and its surrounding components in the shaded state, as shown. Figure 11A As shown, in Figure 2 In the shielded state shown, neither the first contact portion 74 nor the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 is in contact with the drive rod 50, and the arm 41 is subjected to counterclockwise force via the arm 42 and the blades 31-34, which are stressed by the torsion coil spring 26. Figure 2 In the state shown, the second extended portion 53 of the drive rod 50 abuts against a stop member (not shown) to restrict the counterclockwise rotation of the drive rod 50, and the blades 31-34 are held in the first position (covered state).

[0051] At this time, the two ends 25A and 25B of the torsion coil spring 25 arranged around the shaft portion 81 of the limiting part 80 are engaged with the spring seats 16 and 86 respectively. The opening angle between the two ends 25A and 25B is smaller than the free angle of the torsion coil spring 25. Therefore, the torsion coil spring 25 exerts a counterclockwise force on the limiting part 80 centered on the shaft portion 81. Since the pin portion 85 of the limiting part 80 and the stop groove 18 formed in the base portion 10 (also refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 10 The edge of the locking part is engaged, thus the limiting part 80 remains in place. Figure 11A The location shown.

[0052] When blades 31-34 are held in the first position (covered state), for example, at the timing of starting the image capture of the camera element 3, the control unit 200 drives the motor 60, thereby rotating the worm wheel 62 via the worm 61. As a result, the working unit 70 and the worm wheel 62 rotate counterclockwise (working direction) around the support shaft 14. Through the rotation of the working unit 70, such as... Figure 11B As shown, soon the first contact portion 74 of the working part 70 comes into contact with the first arm portion 83 of the limiting part 80, and the first contact portion 74 overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring 25, causing the limiting part 80 to rotate clockwise around the shaft portion 81.

[0053] When the motor 60 is further driven to cause the working part 70 to rotate counterclockwise (in the working direction) around the support shaft 14, as Figure 11CAs shown, the first contact portion 74 of the working part 70 soon comes into contact with the first extended portion 52 of the drive rod 50, causing the drive rod 50 to rotate clockwise around the support shaft 12. At this time, since the pin portion 55 of the drive rod 50 engages with the hole 44 of the arm 41, the drive rod 50 causes the arm 41 to rotate clockwise around the support shaft 12, and overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring 26 to cause the arm 42 to rotate around the support shaft 13. Thus, via the linkage mechanism based on the arms 41, 42 and the blades 31-34, the blades 31-34 move mainly in the -Y direction from the first position while changing the overlapping area. It should be noted that the second extended portion 53 of the drive rod 50 is located in the Z direction at a position that does not interfere with the first contact portion 74 of the working part 70, so the first contact portion 74 does not come into contact with the second extended portion 53 of the drive rod 50 during the rotation of the working part 70.

[0054] When the motor 60 is further driven to rotate the working part 70, as Figure 11D As shown, soon the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 contacts the second unfolding portion 53 of the drive rod 50, and the second contact portion 75 causes the drive rod 50 to rotate clockwise about the support shaft 12. Simultaneously, the drive rod 50 further causes the arms 41 and 42 to rotate clockwise about the support shafts 12 and 13 respectively, and the blades 31-34 move mainly in the -Y direction. Thus, the blades 31-34 move in the -Y direction, ultimately as... Figure 10 As shown, blades 31-34 move to the second position outside the openings 11 and 21 (opening 5) and become open.

[0055] When blades 31-34 reach the second position, control unit 200 stops motor 60. The state at this time is as follows: Figure 11E As shown. As mentioned above, the force of the torsion coil spring 26 acts on arm 41, but as... Figure 11E As shown, since the force is configured to act in the direction from the second extension 53 of the drive rod 50 toward the center of the support shaft 14, the drive rod 50 does not rotate, and the arm 41 remains stationary. Figure 11E The position shown. Alternatively, for example, the drive rod 50 and arm 41 can also be held in place by the holding torque of the motor 60 connected to the working part 70. Figure 11E The position shown. It should be noted that, alternatively, just before the blades 31-34 are about to reach the second position, the control unit 200 stops the motor 60, and the blades 31-34 are moved to the second position by the inertial movement based on the working unit 70 and the drive rod 50.

[0056] The leaf blade remains at 31-34 Figure 10In the second position (open state) shown, for example, at the time when the imaging element 3 has finished capturing images, the control unit 200 drives the motor 60 again, thereby causing the working unit 70 to rotate counterclockwise (working direction) around the support shaft 14. The terminal portion 76 of the second contact portion 75 of the working unit 70 protrudes radially outward, and the second extension portion 53 of the drive rod 50 moves along the shape of the terminal portion 76 of the second contact portion 75, thus... Figure 11F As shown, through the terminal portion 76 of the second contact portion 75, arms 41 and 42 rotate further clockwise around the support shafts 12 and 13, respectively. As a result, blades 31 to 34 move to a position further away from the first position (on the -Y direction side) than the second position. This position of blades 31 to 34 is referred to as the "third position".

[0057] When the motor 60 is further driven to further rotate the working part 70 counterclockwise (working direction) around the support shaft 14, as Figure 11G As shown, the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 moves away from the second unfolding portion 53 of the drive rod 50 (retracts), so the arms 41 and 42 rotate counterclockwise at high speed around the support shafts 12 and 13 respectively by the force of the torsion coil spring 26. As a result, the blades 31-34 move at high speed mainly in the +Y direction to reach the first position ( Figure 11A As shown in the diagram, openings 11 and 21 (opening 5) are closed by blades 31-34 (closed state). The control unit 200 stops the motor 60 after the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 separates from the second unfolding portion 53 of the drive rod 50, and maintains this state. Figure 11A The state shown. It should be noted that, alternatively, just before the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 is about to leave the second extension portion 53 of the drive rod 50, the control unit 200 stops the motor 60, and uses the movement based on the inertia of the working part 70 and the drive rod 50 to cause the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 to retract from the second extension portion 53 of the drive rod 50.

[0058] Here, from Figure 11G The state shown Figure 11A During the state transition shown, the protrusion 56 of the drive rod 50 contacts the second arm 84 of the limiting part 80, overcoming the force of the torsion spring 25 and causing the limiting part 80 to rotate clockwise around the shaft 81. When the protrusion 56 of the drive rod 50 rotates past the front end of the second arm 84 of the limiting part 80, the limiting part 80 rotates counterclockwise due to the force of the torsion spring 25, as shown. Figure 11AAs shown, the second arm 84 of the limiting part 80 engages with the protrusion 56 of the drive rod 50. Therefore, even if the blades 31-34, which are stopped in the first position, are subjected to a force returning in the -Y direction due to impact, the drive rod 50 and even the arm 41 will not move because of the engagement between the second arm 84 of the limiting part 80 and the protrusion 56 of the drive rod 50. Thus, the return of the blades 31-34 in the -Y direction is suppressed.

[0059] In this way, by driving the motor 60 through the control unit 200 to move the blades 31-34, it is possible to switch between an open state where the blades 31-34 are located outside the openings 11, 21 (openings 5) and a shielded state where the blades 31-34 are located inside the openings 11, 21 (openings 5). Therefore, for example, when the imaging element 3 is taking pictures or when the power of the imaging device 1 is turned on, it can be set to the open state to open the openings 5, allowing light from the optical system 2 to image onto the imaging element 3. When the imaging element 3 is not taking pictures or when the power of the imaging device 1 is turned off, it can prevent accidental opening of the openings 5, set to the shielded state to shield the openings 5, protect the imaging element 3, and prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the imaging element 3 inside the imaging device 1. Thus, the imaging element protection device 4 according to this embodiment can protect the imaging element 3 with a compact structure, reducing the degradation of image data and the generation of noise.

[0060] Conventionally, physical shutters used in imaging devices include those that move blades using a motor, hold the blades in a predetermined position using the attraction of an electromagnet, and stop energizing the electromagnet at a predetermined time, thereby moving the blades (e.g., Japanese Patent No. 6467557). While the application of such physical shutters in imaging element protection devices has been considered, such shutters require an electromagnet in addition to a motor, increasing the number of components and the overall size of the device. In contrast, the imaging element protection device 4 according to this embodiment can move the blades 31-34 and hold them at the second position using only the motor 60, thus enabling a compact and simple structure for protecting the imaging element.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal portion 76 of the second contact portion 75 of the working portion 70 protrudes radially outward. Therefore, when the blades 31-34 are moved from the second position to the first position, the blades 31-34 can also be moved from the second position in the -Y direction. This allows the blades 31-34 to move toward the first position after the force of the torsion spring 26 is increased instantaneously. Thus, the load on the torsion spring 26 while holding the blades 31-34 in the second position is reduced, and the speed at which the blades 31-34 move toward the first position is increased.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the rotating plate 63, which rotates integrally with the working part 70, has a light-shielding part 69 extending radially outward, and a light-blocking device 130 capable of detecting the light-shielding part 69 is provided inside the gear cover 64. In this embodiment, the rotating plate 63 and the light-blocking device 130 constitute a rotation position detection part for detecting the rotation position of the working part 70, or in other words, the rotation position of the arm 41.

[0063] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a schematic top view showing the rotational position detection unit. The light interruptor 130 includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, and is connected to the control unit 200 (see reference 200). Figure 2 The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the light interruptor 130 are connected. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The paper elements are arranged at intervals perpendicular to the surface. When the rotating plate 63 rotates, the light-shielding portion 69 of the rotating plate 63 passes between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. Therefore, when the rotating plate 63 and the working part 70 rotate counterclockwise (in the working direction), as... Figure 12A As shown, when the light-shielding part 69 of the rotating plate 63 moves between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the light interruptor 130, the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked by the light-shielding part 69 of the rotating plate 63, and the output of the light-receiving element changes. Furthermore, as... Figure 12B As shown, when the light-shielding part 69 of the rotating plate 63 retracts from between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the light-blocking device 130, the light emitted from the light-emitting element re-enters the light-receiving element, causing a change in the output of the light-receiving element. By detecting this change in the output of the light-receiving element, the rotational position of the working part 70 can be detected, and thus the rotational position of the arm 41 can be detected. Alternatively, the control unit 200 can be configured to use the output of the light-blocking device 130 to control the operation of the imaging device 1. For example, the start of shooting and the reset of the imaging element 3 can be performed based on the output of the light-blocking device 130.

[0064] The control unit 200 can also control the drive of the motor 60 based on the rotational position of the working part 70 (arm 41) detected by the light interrupter 130. By controlling the drive of the motor 60 based on the rotational position of the working part 70 (arm 41), the moving speed and moving distance of the blades 31-34 can be adjusted according to the position of the blades 31-34. For example, the light-shielding part 69 can be configured to detect the blades 31-34 moving to any of the aforementioned first, second, and third positions, and the control unit 200 determines the timing of driving the motor 60 based on the detection signal from the light interrupter 130. Furthermore, multiple light-shielding parts 69 of the rotating plates 63 can be provided to detect more than three rotational positions.

[0065] As described above, arm 42 is stressed by torsion spring 26, but in this embodiment, the force of the torsion spring 26 can be easily adjusted. Figure 9 In the example shown, the end 26A of the torsion coil spring 26 engages with the engaging tab 92A of the engaging member 90. However, the engaging portion 93 of the engaging member 90 has three engaging tabs 92A. Therefore, by reattaching the end 26A of the torsion coil spring 26 from the engaging tab 92A to the engaging tab 92B, the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion coil spring 26 can be increased, thus increasing the force of the torsion coil spring 26. Furthermore, by reattaching the end 26A of the torsion coil spring 26 to the engaging tab 92C, the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion coil spring 26 can be further increased, thus further increasing the force of the torsion coil spring 26. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 93 of the engaging member 90 has three engaging tabs 92A, 92B, and 92C, but the number of engaging tabs is not limited to this; it can also be one, two, or four or more.

[0066] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate 100, which is abutted by the abutting portion 95 of the engaging member 90, includes multiple partial cylindrical surfaces 103A to 103F with different diameters, thus allowing for fine adjustment of the force of the torsion spring 26. The adjusting plate 100 can rotate about the shaft portion 23 (fourth shaft) of the cover plate 20; therefore, by rotating the adjusting plate 100 around the shaft portion 23, the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate 100 abutted by the abutting portion 95 of the engaging member 90 can be changed between the partial cylindrical surfaces 103A to 103F. Since these partial cylindrical surfaces 103A to 103F have different diameters, by changing the partial cylindrical surfaces 103A to 103F abutting with the abutting portion 95 of the engaging member 90, the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion spring 26 can be finely adjusted, resulting in fine adjustment of the force of the torsion spring 26.

[0067] For example, it is also considered to gradually change the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate 100 along the circumferential direction. However, by using a partial cylindrical surface 103A to 103F on the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate 100, the force acting on the adjusting plate 100 from the abutment portion 95 of the engaging member 90 is directed towards the center of the adjusting plate 100. This prevents the adjusting plate 100 from being subjected to force along the circumferential direction, thus preventing changes in the force of the torsion coil spring 26 caused by accidental rotation of the adjusting plate 100.

[0068] In this embodiment, the change in the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion spring 26 caused by the difference in diameter of the partial cylindrical surfaces 103A to 103F of the adjusting plate 100 is smaller than the change in the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion spring 26 caused by the re-engaging of end 26A of the torsion spring 26 between the engaging pieces 92A, 92B, and 92C of the engaging part 93. Therefore, the opening angle between the two ends 26A and 26B of the torsion spring 26 can be adjusted in 6×3=18 levels.

[0069] In the example above, four blades 31 to 34 are provided, but the number of blades constituting the blade section is not limited to this. For example, the opening 5 can be covered by only one blade. Furthermore, each blade 31 to 34 can be formed of a flexible material or a rigid material, but when the blades 31 to 34 are formed of a rigid material, deformation of the blades 31 to 34 can be suppressed. In addition, if the user drops an object into the camera device 1, the blades 31 to 34 can prevent the dropped object from contacting the camera element 3.

[0070] Furthermore, the working part 70 in the above embodiment has two contact parts 74 and 75, but the number of contact parts is not limited to this. The drive rod 50 can be rotated by a single contact part, or by three or more contact parts. In addition, the shape of the terminal part 76 of the second contact part 75 can be any shape as long as it can rotate the arm 41 and move the blades 31 to 34 from the second position to the third position. It can be a shape that protrudes radially outward, or a shape that gradually increases in size along the circumference, etc.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example was described where the control unit 200 stops the motor 60 after the blades 31-34 reach the second position or just before they reach the second position, and then drives the motor 60 again at the timing when the shooting is completed. However, for example, in the case of continuously shooting multiple photos, the control unit 200 can also be configured such that even if the blades 31-34 reach the second position, the motor 60 is not stopped, and the motor 60 is continued to be driven as before, so that the blades 31-34 return to the first position. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 200 stops the motor 60 after the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 retracts from the second extension portion 53 of the drive rod 50 or just before it retracts. However, similarly, the control unit 200 can also be configured such that even if the second contact portion 75 of the working part 70 retracts from the second extension portion 53 of the drive rod 50, the motor 60 is not stopped, and the motor 60 is continued to be driven as before, so that the blades 31-34, which have returned to the first position, move from the first position to the second position again.

[0072] Furthermore, this embodiment describes an example of using a torsion helical spring as a force-applying member, but it is not limited to a torsion helical spring; other types of springs or other types of force-applying units may also be used.

[0073] As described above, the camera element protection device of the present invention can be configured as follows.

[0074] [Composition 1] A camera element protection device is disposed close to a camera element, wherein the camera element protection device comprises: a frame having an opening; a first arm rotatable about a first axis on the frame; a second arm rotatable about a second axis on the frame; a blade portion connected to the first arm and the second arm, moving with the rotation of the first arm and the second arm, thereby changing the opening and closing state of the opening; and a drive rod connected to the first arm, rotatable about the first axis. The unit comprises: a working part rotatable about a third axis on the frame and having a contact part that can contact the drive rod; a motor that drives the working part to rotate; a force-applying member that applies force to the second arm about a second axis; and a control unit that controls the operation of the motor. The control unit drives the motor when the blade portion is in a first position, causing the working part to rotate in the working direction about the third axis, thereby causing the contact part of the working part to contact the drive rod and causing the first arm to rotate. This causes the second arm to rotate against the force of the force-applying member, thereby moving the blade portion from the first position to the second position. When the blade portion is in the second position, the motor is driven to further rotate the working part in the working direction about the third axis, causing the contact part of the working part to retract from the drive rod. The force of the force-applying member causes the first arm and the second arm to rotate respectively, thereby moving the blade portion toward the first position.

[0075] [Configuration 2] According to the camera element protection device of Configuration 1, the control unit drives the motor when the blade portion is in the first position, stops the motor after the blade portion reaches the second position or just before it reaches the second position when the contact portion of the working part is in contact with the drive rod, drives the motor when the blade portion is in the second position, and stops the motor after the contact portion of the working part retracts from the drive rod or just before it retracts.

[0076] [Configuration 3] According to the camera element protection device of Configuration 2, the contact portion of the working part has a terminal portion that protrudes radially outward, and the terminal portion moves the blade portion to a third position further away from the first position than the second position by rotating the working part in the working direction.

[0077] [Configuration 4] The camera element protection device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the camera element protection device further comprises: an adjustment plate that is rotatable about a fourth axis on the frame and has an outer peripheral surface that varies in the circumferential direction; and a locking member that is rotatable about a second axis on the frame and has an abutting portion that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment plate and a locking portion that can be locked with the force-applying member, wherein the force-applying member is a spring mounted between the locking portion of the locking member and the second arm.

[0078] [Configuration 5] According to Configuration 4, the camera element protection device, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment plate includes a plurality of partial cylindrical surfaces with different diameters.

[0079] [Configuration 6] According to configuration 4 or 5, the camera element protection device wherein the engaging portion of the engaging member has a plurality of engaging tabs that can engage with the force-applying member.

[0080] [Configuration 7] The camera element protection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the camera element protection device further comprises: a rotating body that rotates integrally with the working part and has a light-shielding part extending radially outward; and a light-blocking device capable of detecting the light-shielding part of the rotating body.

[0081] [Configuration 8] According to the camera element protection device of Configuration 7, the light-shielding part of the rotating body is configured to detect that the blade part has moved to at least one of the first position and the second position.

[0082] Furthermore, the camera device of the present invention may be configured as follows.

[0083] [Configuration 9] A camera device comprising: an optical system; an image sensor disposed on a surface imaged by light passing through the optical system; and an image sensor protection device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, the image sensor protection device being disposed between the optical system and the image sensor.

[0084] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can of course be implemented in various different ways within the scope of its technical concept.

Claims

1. A camera element protection device, wherein the camera element protection device is disposed close to the camera element, wherein, The camera element protection device includes: The frame has an opening; The first arm is rotatable about a first axis on the frame; The second arm is rotatable on the frame about a second axis; The blade section is connected to the first arm and the second arm, and moves as the first arm and the second arm rotate, thereby changing the opening and closing state of the opening; A drive rod, which is connected to the first arm, is rotatable about the first axis; The working part is rotatable about a third axis on the frame and has a contact part that can contact the drive rod; A motor that drives the working part to rotate; A force-applying member that applies force to the second arm about the second axis; and The control unit controls the operation of the motor. Regarding the control unit, With the blade section in the first position, the motor is driven to rotate the working part about the third axis in the working direction. This causes the contact part of the working part to contact the drive rod, thereby rotating the first arm. Consequently, the second arm rotates against the force applied by the force-applying member, thus moving the blade section from the first position to the second position. When the blade section is in the second position, the motor is driven to make the working part rotate further in the working direction with the third axis as the center, so that the contact part of the working part retracts from the drive rod, and the first arm and the second arm rotate respectively by the force of the force-applying member, so that the blade section moves toward the first position.

2. The camera element protection device according to claim 1, wherein, Regarding the control unit, The motor is driven when the blade section is in the first position, and stops after the blade section reaches or just before reaching the second position when the contact portion of the working part is in contact with the drive rod. The motor is driven when the blade is in the second position, and stopped after the contact portion of the working part retracts from the drive rod or just before it retracts.

3. The camera element protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The contact portion of the working part has a terminal portion that protrudes radially outward, and the terminal portion moves the blade portion to a third position further away from the first position than the second position by rotating the working part in the working direction.

4. The camera element protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The camera element protection device also includes: An adjusting plate, which is rotatable about a fourth axis on the frame and has an outer circumferential surface that varies circumferentially; and The engaging member is rotatable on the frame about the second axis, and has an abutting portion that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate and an engaging portion for engaging the force-applying member. The force-applying component is a spring that is mounted between the engaging portion of the engaging component and the second arm.

5. The camera element protection device according to claim 4, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the adjusting plate includes multiple cylindrical surfaces of different diameters.

6. The camera element protection device according to claim 4, wherein, The engaging portion of the engaging member has a plurality of engaging tabs that can engage with the force-applying member.

7. The camera element protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The camera element protection device also includes: A rotating body that rotates integrally with the working part and has a light-shielding portion extending radially outward; and A light-blocking device that can detect the light-blocking portion of the rotating body.

8. The camera element protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The light-shielding portion of the rotating body is configured to detect when the blade portion moves to at least one of the first position and the second position.

9. A camera device, the camera device comprising: Optical system; An imaging element, disposed on the surface imaged by light passing through the optical system; and The camera element protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the camera element protection device is disposed between the optical system and the camera element.

Images