Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of more preferably removing a foreign object adhering to an optical filter, in an imaging apparatus incorporating the optical filter.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes an optical filter, a holding member which holds the optical filter and is movable between a first position where an imaging luminous flux passes through the optical filter and a second position where the imaging luminous flux does not pass through the optical filter, and an elastic member which relatively moves on the surface of the optical filter, while contacting with the surface, during the movement of the holding member. The part with which the elastic member comes into contact when the holding member is in the first position or in the second position, of the surface of the holding member has a roughness larger than that of the surface of the optical filter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a digital camera having a built-in optical filter. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of the video shooting function of digital cameras, an increasing number of users are shooting videos using interchangeable lens digital cameras such as mirrorless single-lens cameras. In addition, digital cameras that can express videos by taking advantage of bokeh and a rich dynamic range by combining lenses and large-format sensors are being used. When shooting in a bright environment such as outdoors during the day, the brightness exceeds the upper limit of the dynamic range of the sensor, causing image quality degradation called whiteout, in which image information is lost. It is possible to reduce this image quality degradation by adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor, but there are cases where the adjustment is not possible. Therefore, it is common to shoot by reducing the amount of light of the imaging light beam incident on the sensor.

[0003] One way to reduce the amount of light entering the sensor is to narrow the lens aperture, but this method also deepens the depth of field, making it difficult to achieve bokeh that takes advantage of the lens's performance. It is also possible to reduce the amount of light entering the sensor by increasing the shutter speed. However, when capturing a fast-moving subject, increasing the shutter speed can result in a series of still images with little subject blur in each frame, resulting in a video (moving image) that loses smoothness and flickers.

[0004] Therefore, when shooting video, ND (Neutral Density) filters (also called neutral density filters) are used. ) is often used. ND filters are physical optical filters that reduce the amount of light without significantly affecting the color development of the captured image, and they increase the freedom to change shutter speed and aperture value even in bright shooting environments, expanding the range of expression in video shooting.

[0005] In addition, a camera has been proposed that is equipped with an ND filter and configured so that the ND filter can be advanced and retreated relative to the sensor. However, when the ND filter moves inside the camera, dust inside the camera may adhere to the ND filter.

[0006] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, a configuration has been proposed in which foreign matter attached to an ND filter built into a camera is removed by a cleaning plate (Patent Document 1). FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a foreign matter removal device 900 built into a camera according to Patent Document 1. The foreign matter removal device 900 has an ND filter 901, a cleaning plate 902, a holding unit 903, a guide 904, a lead screw 905, adhesive members 906 and 907, and a motor 908. One end of the cleaning plate 902 is connected to the holding unit 903 so as to abut against the surface of the ND filter 901, and the other end is engaged with the guide 904. The holding unit 903 is engaged with the lead screw 905, and moves along the lead screw 905 as the lead screw 905 rotates with the rotation of the motor 908. In addition, adhesive members 906 and 907 are arranged so as to be able to abut against the cleaning plate 902 at positions sandwiching the ND filter 901. The cleaning plate 902 moves over the ND filter 901 and the adhesive members 906 and 907 in association with the movement of the holder 903 .

[0007] Foreign matter adhering to the surface of the ND filter 901 is captured by the cleaning plate 902, and then the cleaning plate 902 is moved onto the adhesive members 906 and 907, where it is captured by the adhesive members 906 and 907. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-226526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the foreign matter removal device according to Patent Document 1, depending on the adhesive strength of the adhesive member, foreign matter captured by the cleaning plate 902 may return to the ND filter without being captured by the adhesive member. Also, if the adhesive strength of the adhesive members 906, 907 is made strong, the cleaning plate 902 may not move smoothly and may be damaged.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for more suitably removing foreign matter adhering to an optical filter in an imaging device incorporating the optical filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The imaging device of the present invention includes an imaging device having an optical filter, a holding member that holds the optical filter and is movable between a first position where the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter and a second position where the imaging light beam does not pass through the optical filter, and an elastic member that contacts a surface of the optical filter and moves relatively over the surface while the holding member is moving, wherein a portion of the surface of the holding member that contacts the elastic member when the holding member is in the first position or the second position is rougher than the surface of the optical filter. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, in an image pickup device having an optical filter built therein, foreign matter adhering to the optical filter can be more suitably removed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical filter unit according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining state transitions of an optical filter unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of foreign matter attached to an optical filter according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a biasing relationship between an optical filter holding member and an elastic member according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical filter holding member according to a modified example; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a foreign matter removal device according to a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the claims, and is not limited to the individual embodiments below. In addition, parts of the embodiments described below may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0015] The configuration of a camera, which is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are external perspective views of a camera 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the camera 100 seen from the side where an imaging light beam is incident (front side), and Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the camera 100 seen from the opposite side to the side where the imaging light beam is incident (rear side). Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show a state where a photographing lens unit 104 (Fig. 2) attached to the camera 100 has been removed.

[0016] In FIG. 1A, the camera 100 has a grip part 101 that allows the user to stably hold the camera 100. On the top of the grip part 101, there is a switch for starting imaging. Camera 100 is provided with shutter button 102. Camera 100 also has grip part 304 for holding the camera in a direction different from that of grip part 101. As shown in Fig. 1A, a lens mount part 103 is provided on the front side of camera 100, to which photographing lens unit 104 shown in Fig. 2 can be attached and detached.

[0017] Mount contacts 105 electrically connect between camera 100 and photographing lens unit 104, supply power to photographing lens unit 104, and communicate lens control and lens data via electrical signals. When replacing the lens, pressing a lens lock release button 106 releases the lock, allowing the lens to be removed.

[0018] The power switch 107 is used to turn the camera on or off. It is also used to prohibit operation of specific operation members. The main electronic dial 108 and the sub electronic dial 119 are rotary operation members that can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and various setting values ​​such as aperture and shutter speed can be changed by rotating them. The mode switching dial 109 is an operation unit for switching between shooting modes. As an example, the mode switching dial 109 is used to switch between various modes such as shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture value priority shooting mode, and video shooting mode. The SET button 110 is a push button, and is mainly used to confirm selected items.

[0019] The liquid crystal monitor 111 displays various setting screens and captured images of the camera 100, as well as live view images. The electronic viewfinder 112 is an eye-accessible finder, and displays various setting screens and captured images of the camera 100, as well as live view images. The multifunction button 113 is a push button, which the user can arbitrarily assign to switch between various settings related to shooting.

[0020] The display panel 114 displays various settings of the camera, such as the shooting mode and ISO sensitivity. The display panel 114 also displays information even when the camera is turned off. The accessory shoe 115 has accessory contacts 116 (Fig. 2) and allows various accessories, such as an external flash or microphone, to be attached. The media slot cover 173 can be opened and closed, and when open, an external recording medium 148 (Fig. 3) can be inserted into the internal media slot 172. 3) can be inserted and removed. Battery 143 provides power to camera 100.

[0021] Next, the electrical configuration and operation of the camera 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the camera 100.

[0022] The MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 130 is a small central processing unit built into the camera 100. The MPU 130 is connected to an accessory communication control circuit 118, a time measurement circuit 131, a shutter drive circuit 132, a switch sense circuit 133, and a power supply circuit 134. In addition, the MPU 130 is also connected to a battery check circuit 135, a video signal processing circuit 136, an optical filter drive circuit 137, and a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145.

[0023] The MPU 130 controls the operation of each part of the camera 100, processes input information, and issues instructions and controls to each element. The MPU 130 also has an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and stores time information from a time measurement circuit 131 and information about each setting. It is possible to store certain information, etc. The MPU 130 also communicates with a lens control circuit 138 built into the photographing lens unit 104 via a mount contact 105. As a result, the MPU 130 controls the operation of a focus lens 141 and an electromagnetically driven diaphragm 142 via an AF drive circuit 139 and an aperture drive circuit 140. Although only one focus lens 141 is shown in FIG. 2, the photographing lens unit 104 may be made up of a group of multiple lenses.

[0024] The AF drive circuit 139 is connected to, for example, a stepping motor (not shown) and drives the focus lens 141. The MPU 130 calculates the focus lens drive amount according to the defocus amount detected using the focus signal read out from the image sensor 121. Then, the MPU 130 transmits a focus command including the calculated focus lens drive amount to the lens control circuit 138.

[0025] The lens control circuit 138 that receives the focus command controls the driving of the focus lens through the AF drive circuit 139. This performs autofocus (AF). An aperture actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown) is connected to the aperture drive circuit 140, which drives a plurality of aperture blades (not shown) that form an aperture in an electromagnetically driven aperture 142. By driving the plurality of aperture blades, the size (aperture diameter) of the aperture changes, and the light amount of the imaging light beam is adjusted.

[0026] The MPU 130 calculates the aperture drive amount from the luminance signal read out from the image sensor 121, and transmits an aperture command including the calculated aperture drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. That is, the MPU 130 communicates with the lens control circuit 138 to control the electromagnetically driven aperture 142. Upon receiving the aperture command, the lens control circuit 138 controls the drive of the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 via the aperture drive circuit 140. This allows an appropriate aperture value to be automatically set.

[0027] The mechanical focal plane shutter 150 is driven by a shutter drive circuit 132. When capturing an image, the exposure time to the image sensor 121 is controlled by running a front curtain shutter (not shown) to open the shutter from the point in time when the photographer presses the shutter button 102, and running a rear curtain shutter (not shown) to close the shutter according to the desired exposure time.

[0028] The optical filter 160 is an optical element that diffuses the imaging light beam incident on the imaging unit 120 of the camera 100 and attenuates light in a specific wavelength range to give a special effect to the image. The optical filter 160 may be an ND (Neutral Density) filter that attenuates the amount of incident light of the imaging light beam at a constant rate, a PL (Polarized Light) filter that uses a polarizing film to suppress reflected light, or a soft filter that diffuses light. The optical filter 160 is driven by the optical filter driving circuit 137, and the relative position of the optical filter 160 with respect to the imaging unit 120 is changed.

[0029] The imaging unit 120 is a unit that mainly comprises an optical low-pass filter 122, an optical low-pass filter holding member 123, a piezoelectric element 124 which is a piezoelectric member, and an imaging element 121. The imaging element 121 photoelectrically converts a subject image, and in this embodiment, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is assumed. The imaging device is not limited to the above, and various types of imaging devices such as a CCD type, a CID type, etc. The optical low pass filter 122 arranged in front of the imaging element 121 is a rectangular birefringent plate made of quartz crystal.

[0030] The piezoelectric element 124 is a single-plate piezoelectric element (piezo element), which is excited by a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145 in response to instructions from the MPU 130, and transmits the vibration to the optical low pass filter 122. The vibration of the piezoelectric element 124 can shake off fine dust adhering to the optical low pass filter 122.

[0031] The video signal processing circuit 136 is responsible for general image processing such as filtering and data compression for the electrical signal obtained from the imaging element 121. The image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 136 is transmitted via a liquid crystal drive circuit 144 to the liquid crystal monitor 111 and the electronic viewer. It is displayed in the viewfinder 112.

[0032] Furthermore, the video signal processing circuit 136 can also store image data in a buffer memory 147 via a memory controller 146 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 130. Furthermore, the video signal processing circuit 136 can also perform image data compression processing such as JPEG. When continuous shooting is performed, such as continuous shooting, the image data can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory 147, and unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out via the memory controller 146. This allows the video signal processing circuit 136 to perform image processing and compression processing sequentially, regardless of the input speed of the image data.

[0033] The memory controller 146 has a function of storing image data in an external recording medium 148 and a function of reading out image data stored in the external recording medium 148. Examples of the external recording medium 148 include an SD card or a CF card that is detachable from the camera body.

[0034] The switch sense circuit 133 transmits an input signal to the MPU 130 according to the operation state of each switch. The switch SW1 (102a) is turned on by the first stroke (half-press) of the shutter button 102. The switch SW2 (102b) is turned on by the second stroke (full press) of the shutter button 102. When the switch SW2 (102b) is turned on, an instruction to start shooting is transmitted to the MPU 130. In addition, the main electronic dial 108, the mode switching dial 109, the power switch 107, the SET button 110, the multifunction button 113, etc. are connected to the switch sense circuit 133.

[0035] The MPU 130 communicates information to utilize the functions of an accessory unit (not shown) via the accessory contact 116 through the accessory communication control circuit 118. A power supply circuit 134 distributes and supplies power from a battery 143 to each element of the camera. A battery check circuit 135 is also connected to the battery 143, and transmits information about the remaining charge of the battery 143 to the MPU 130.

[0036] Next, the internal configuration of the camera 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera 100 according to this embodiment. The exterior of the camera 100 is mainly composed of a front cover 10, a top cover 11, and a rear cover 12.

[0037] The battery 143 is disposed at the bottom of the camera 100, and can be inserted and removed in the direction of the arrow S51. Furthermore, the external recording medium 148 can be inserted in the direction of the arrow S52 into a media slot 172 provided on the side of the camera 100. The media slot 172 has a push-type lever, and by pressing the lever the external recording medium 148 can be removed in the direction of the arrow S52.

[0038] A lens mount section 103 and an imaging unit 120 are provided on an optical axis 1000 of the camera 100, and an optical filter unit 320 is disposed between the lens mount section 103 and the imaging unit 120. A main board on which an MPU 130 and the like are provided is disposed between the imaging unit 120 and the rear cover 12.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the optical filter unit 320 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the optical filter unit 320 of the camera 100 according to this embodiment.

[0040] The components constituting the optical filter unit 320 are attached to a base member 321. The optical filter 160 is held by an optical filter holding member 322. Optical filter holding portion The optical filter holding member 322 is engaged with an upper rail 323 and a lower rail 324 which are guide members, and can move the optical filter 160 in the direction in which the upper rail 323 and the lower rail 324 extend.

[0041] The leaf spring member 329 is attached to the base member 321 by a screw (not shown). An elastic member 330 is fixed to an attachment portion 329a of the leaf spring member 329 with double-sided tape or the like. An accumulating member 332 is attached to an attachment portion 329b of the leaf spring member 329. It is preferable to use an adhesive material such as double-sided tape for the accumulating member 332. The elastic member 331 is fixed to the attachment portion 321a of the base member 321 with double-sided tape or the like, similar to the elastic member 330, and is disposed on the opposite side to the elastic member 330 with the optical filter 160 interposed therebetween. The elastic members 330 and 331 are disposed outside the area through which the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter 160.

[0042] Moreover, the elastic members 330 and 331 are arranged so that the side opposite to the attachment surface is in contact with the optical filter 160 or the rough surface portions 322b and 322c (FIG. 7C) of the optical filter holding member 322. Moreover, the surfaces of the rough surface portions 322b and 322c (FIG. 7C) of the optical filter holding member 322 are rougher than the surface of the optical filter 160, and are configured with concave and convex surfaces as described later.

[0043] 4, a motor 325 for moving the optical filter holding member 322 by a rack gear 322a is disposed in the optical filter unit 320. A pinion gear 325a is attached to the drive shaft of the motor 325. A first gear 326, a second gear 327, and a third gear 328 are rotatably attached to a shaft provided in the base member 321. The motor 325, the pinion gear 325a, the first gear 326, the second gear 327, the third gear 328, and the rack gear 322a function as an actuator for moving the optical filter holding member 322.

[0044] Next, the movement of the optical filter 160 held by the optical filter holding member 322 in the optical filter unit 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the optical filter 160 is inserted into the imaging optical path. When the optical filter 160 is arranged as shown in FIG. 5A, the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter 160. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the optical filter 160 is moving from a state in which it is inserted into the imaging optical path to a state in which it is retracted from the imaging optical path. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path. When the optical filter 160 is arranged as shown in FIG. 5C, the imaging light beam does not pass through the optical filter 160. The optical filter holding member 322 is configured to be movable between a position shown in FIG. 5A and a position shown in FIG. 5B.

[0045] 5A, when the user presses the multifunction button 113, the optical filter holding member 322 starts to move to a state in which the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path. At this time, the rotation of the motor 325 is transmitted to the rack gear 322a of the optical filter holding member 322 via the first gear 326, the second gear 327, and the third gear 328.

[0046] Then, the optical filter holding member 322 on which the optical filter 160 is arranged is guided by the upper rail 323 and the lower rail 324 to move from the position where the optical filter 160 is inserted into the imaging optical path (FIG. 5A) to a position where the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path (FIG. 5C). When the optical filter 160 moves to the position where the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path by the movement of the optical filter holding member 322, the movement of the optical filter holding member 322 and the optical filter 160 is stopped by detection of the optical filter 160 by a sensor (not shown).

[0047] When the user wants to reinsert the optical filter 160 into the imaging optical path, the user presses the multifunction button 113 with the optical filter 160 in the position shown in Fig. 5C. Then, the motor 325 rotates in the opposite direction to the above operation, and the optical filter holding member 322 moves to the position shown in Fig. 5A. When the optical filter 160 moves from the imaging optical path to the inserted position, the movement of the optical filter holding member 322 and the optical filter 160 stops due to the detection of the optical filter 160 by a sensor (not shown).

[0048] Next, the elastic members 330 and 331 in this embodiment will be described. In Fig. 5A to Fig. 5C, an effective area 160a of the optical filter 160 surrounded by a dotted line is a region through which the imaging light flux guided from the focus lens 141 (Fig. 2) passes when the optical filter 160 is inserted in the imaging optical path as shown in Fig. 5A. Therefore, the region of the optical filter 160 outside the effective area 160a is a region through which the imaging light flux does not pass when the optical filter 160 is inserted in the imaging optical path as shown in Fig. 5A.

[0049] First, a case will be described in which the optical filter 160 moves from a position where the optical filter 160 is inserted into the imaging optical path (FIG. 5A; inserted state) to a position where the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path (FIG. 5C; retracted state). At the position where the optical filter 160 is inserted into the imaging optical path (FIG. 5A), the elastic members 330 and 331 are in contact with the rough surface portions 322b and 322c (FIG. 7) of the optical filter holding member 322, respectively.

[0050] During movement of the optical filter holding member 322 from a position where the optical filter 160 is inserted into the imaging optical path to a position where the optical filter 160 is retracted from the imaging optical path, the elastic members 330, 331 relatively move on the surface of the optical filter 160 while contacting the surface of the optical filter 160. Then, together with the movement of the optical filter holding member 322, foreign matter that is attached to the surface of the optical filter 160 and affects imaging is moved by the elastic members 330, 331. Here, the elastic members 330 and 331 come into contact with the effective area 160a of the optical filter 160 and move the foreign matter from the effective area 160a during the process in which the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state (FIG. 5A) to the retracted state (FIG. 5C).

[0051] At this time, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the optical filter 160 adheres to the end 330a of the elastic member 330 and the end 331a of the elastic member 331 (FIG. 7E) and is moved. In a state in which the optical filter 160 in FIG. 5C is retracted from the imaging optical path, the end 330a of the elastic member 330 and the end 331a of the elastic member 331 are located outside the effective area 160a. For this reason, it is possible to move foreign matter adhering to the end 330a of the elastic member 330 and the end 331a of the elastic member 331 to the outside of the effective area 160a.

[0052] Next, when optical filter 160 moves from the retracted state (FIG. 5C) to the inserted state (FIG. 5A), the foreign matter adhering to optical filter 160 similarly adheres to end 330b of elastic member 330 and end 331b (FIG. 7E) of elastic member 331 and is moved. In the state in which optical filter 160 in FIG. 5A is inserted into the imaging optical path, elastic members 330 and 331 are located on rough surface portions 322b and 322c, respectively, which are outside effective area 160a.

[0053] Here, the behavior of the foreign matter moved to rough surface portion 322b by elastic member 330 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0054] 6A is a view of optical filter 160, optical filter holding member 322, and integrating member 332 extracted from optical filter unit 320. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the rectangular portion indicated by G in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along line II in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along line JJ in FIG. 6A. Also, in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the optical filter 160 moves from the retracted state (FIG. 5C) to the inserted state (FIG. 5A). The movement direction of the optical filter holding member 322 is indicated by arrow D1. The movement direction of the optical filter holding member 322 when the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state (FIG. 5A) to the retracted state (FIG. 5C) is indicated by arrow D2. In addition, in FIGS. 6A to 6D, it is assumed that the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter 160 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and the direction of gravity at this time is indicated by arrow D3.

[0055] When optical filter 160 moves from the retracted state (FIG. 5C) to the inserted state (FIG. 5A), optical filter holding member 322 moves in the direction indicated by arrow D1. At this time, foreign matter adhering to optical filter 160 is moved to rough surface portion 322b of optical filter holding member 322 located outside optical filter 160.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the rough surface portion 322b of the optical filter holding member 322 has an uneven surface. In FIG. 6B, the lattice-shaped hatched portion is a convex portion protruding toward the front side of the paper from the non-hatched portion. The rough surface portion 322b has a plurality of grooves 322e formed by convex portions and concave portions (non-hatched portions). Each groove 322e has a wall portion 322f extending in a direction obliquely intersecting with the direction D2 on the side farther from the optical filter 160 (direction D2 side). Moreover, the groove 322e has a saw-shaped wall portion 322g extending along the extending direction of the wall portion 322f on the side closer to the optical filter 160 (direction D1 side). The wall portion 322g is formed by alternately connecting first portions 322h extending in the gravity direction D3 perpendicular to the movement direction of the optical filter holding member 322 and second portions 322i extending in a direction intersecting the gravity direction D3. In Fig. 6B, as an example, foreign matter that has accumulated on the end portion 330b of the elastic member 330 and has been moved to the rough surface portion 322b is shown as foreign matter G1 and G2.

[0057] When the optical filter holding member 322 moves in the direction D1, the foreign matter attached to the elastic member 330 moves into the groove 322e of the rough surface portion 322b (foreign matter G2). The elastic member 330 is in contact with the rough surface portion 322b, and the foreign matter G2 remains in contact with the elastic member 330 even after moving to the groove 322e. Then, when the optical filter holding member 322 further moves in the direction of the arrow D1, the foreign matter G2 is moved in the direction of the arrow D2 by the elastic member 330 and hits the wall portion 322f of the groove 322e. Then, the foreign matter G2 moves in the direction of the arrow 1001 along the wall portion 322f as the optical filter holding member 322 moves.

[0058] Moreover, when the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state (FIG. 5A) to the retracted state (FIG. 5C), the optical filter holding member 322 moves in the direction of the arrow D2. At this time, the foreign matter G1 attached to the elastic member 330 is moved in the direction of the arrow D1 by the elastic member 330 and hits the first part 322h of the wall part 322g of the groove 322e. Alternatively, the foreign matter G1 is moved in the direction of the arrow D1 by the elastic member 330, hits the second part 322i, and then moves along the second part 322i to the first part 322h. Since the first part 322h is a wall part extending in a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction D3, i.e., the moving direction D2 of the optical filter holding member 322, the foreign matter G1 does not move while remaining in contact with the first part 322h even if the optical filter holding member 322 moves. Therefore, the foreign matter G1 remains on the rough surface portion 322b, and is prevented from returning to the optical filter 160. In this manner, according to the present embodiment, the foreign matter of the optical filter 160 adhering to the elastic member 330 moves to the groove 322e formed in the rough surface portion 322b of the optical filter holding member 322, and the phenomenon in which the foreign matter returns from the groove 322e to the optical filter 160 is prevented.

[0059] Next, the movement of the foreign object G2 shown in Fig. 6B will be described with reference to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 6C. In Fig. 6C, the movement positions of the foreign object G2 in Fig. 6B are indicated by G3, G4, G5, and G6. As shown in Fig. 6C, the optical filter G2 is moved by the elastic member 330 to the side perpendicular to the movement direction of the optical filter holding member 322 with respect to the rough surface portion 322b, i.e., to the side of the gravity direction D3. A collecting member 332 is provided for collecting the foreign objects 160 .

[0060] When the optical filter holding member 322 is repeatedly moved between the inserted state and the retracted state of the optical filter 160, in FIG. 6C, the foreign matter G2 moves from position G3 along the wall portion 322f in the direction of the arrow 1002. Then, the foreign matter G2 reaches position G4 at the upper end of the inclined portion 322d of the optical filter holding member 322. The foreign matter G2 that has moved to position G4 moves in the direction of the arrow 1003 along the slope of the inclined portion 322d, and reaches position G5 at the lower end of the inclined portion 322d. The foreign matter G2 that has moved to position G5 moves from the inclined portion 322d in the direction of the arrow 1004, and is accumulated on the surface of the accumulation member 332 (position G6).

[0061] Thus, according to this embodiment, the foreign matter adhering to the optical filter 160 is moved by the elastic member 330 into the groove 322e of the rough surface portion 322b, and then accumulated by the accumulation member 332. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the moving direction of the optical filter holding member 322, the width w2 of the accumulation member 332 is set to be larger than the width w1 of the elastic member 330. As a result, even if the foreign matter adhering to the ends 330a, 330b of the elastic member 330 falls from the elastic member 330 during the movement of the optical filter holding member 322, the foreign matter can be received by the accumulation member 332. Note that an inclined portion and an accumulation member similar to the inclined portion 322d and accumulation member 332 are also provided on the opposite side of the optical filter holding member 322. As a result, the foreign matter moved to the rough surface portion 322c is accumulated by the accumulation member from the rough surface portion 322c via the inclined portion, similar to the foreign matter moved to the rough surface portion 322b.

[0062] 6D, recesses 322j, 322n are formed between optical filter 160 and rough surface portions 322b, 322c in optical filter holding member 322. Recesses 322j, 322n have inclined surfaces 322k, 322m that rise from optical filter 160 toward rough surface portions 322b, 322c.

[0063] In the following, the relationship between the optical filter 160, the rough surface portion 322b, the inclined surface 322k, the recessed portion 322j, and the foreign matter will be described, but the relationship between the optical filter 160, the rough surface portion 322c, the inclined surface 322m, the recessed portion 322n, and the foreign matter is similar. In Fig. 6D, the direction in which the imaging light flux passes through the optical filter 160 is indicated as direction D4. As shown in Fig. 6D, the inclined surface 322k is formed in the recessed portion 322j that is recessed in the direction D4 from the surface of the optical filter 160.

[0064] When the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state (FIG. 5A) to the retracted state (FIG. 5C), there is a possibility that the foreign matter that has moved into the groove 322e of the rough surface portion 322b moves to the outside of the groove 322e while adhering to the elastic member 330 and moves toward the optical filter 160. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6D, the foreign matter that has moved out of the groove 322e moves along the inclined surface 322k in the direction of the arrow D1 and accumulates in the recess 322j like the foreign matter G7. As shown in FIG. 6D, in the cross section of the optical filter holding member 322 taken along a plane parallel to the direction of the arrow D4, the recess 322j is formed to be recessed from the surface of the optical filter 160 and the surface of the rough surface portion 322b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the foreign matter that has been moved to the rough surface portion 322b by the elastic member 330 accumulates in the recess 322j, so that the foreign matter can be prevented from returning to the optical filter 160.

[0065] The wider the width of the inclined surfaces 322k, 322m in the moving direction of the optical filter holding member 322, the more effectively the phenomenon of foreign matter that has moved out of the groove 322e returning to the optical filter 160 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the gentler the inclined surfaces 322k, 322m, i.e., the smaller the gradient of the inclined surfaces 322k, 322m, the more easily foreign matter can be moved to the rough surface portions 322b, 322c by the elastic members 330, 331. The range in which the recesses 322j, 322n are formed in the optical filter holding member 322 and the width and gradient of the inclined surfaces 322k, 322m are appropriately determined depending on the size of the optical filter holding member 322 and the optical filter 160 built into the camera 100, the arrangement of the respective components, etc. It is okay to do so.

[0066] 6A to 6D, the behavior of the foreign matter on the elastic member 330 side has been described, but the optical filter holding member 322 also has the same components as above in the elastic member 331 provided on the opposite side of the optical filter 160. Therefore, the foreign matter of the optical filter 160 adhering to the elastic member 331 also behaves in the same manner as above.

[0067] 7A to 7D, the biasing relationship between optical filter 160, optical filter holding member 322, and elastic members 330 and 331 will be described. Fig. 7A is a view of camera 100 seen from the rear side with rear cover 12 removed.

[0068] Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 7A when optical filter 160 is inserted (Fig. 5A). Fig. 7C is an enlarged view of the circle indicated by X in Fig. 7B for the sake of explanation. Fig. 7D is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 7A when optical filter 160 is in the retracted state (Fig. 5C). Fig. 7E is an enlarged view of the circle indicated by Y in Fig. 7D for the sake of explanation.

[0069] 7B and 7C, when the optical filter 160 is in the inserted state, the elastic members 330 and 331 are in contact with the rough surface portions 322b and 322c, respectively, of the optical filter holding member 322. The leaf spring member 329 urges the elastic member 330 toward the optical filter holding member 322. Furthermore, the optical filter holding member 322 pushes back the elastic member 331 toward the leaf spring member 329 against the urging force of the leaf spring member 329, thereby bringing about a balanced state between the elastic members 330 and 331.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7D, when the optical filter 160 is in the retracted state, the optical filter 160 is retracted between the grip portion 101 and the media slot 172 or the main board 180 by the optical filter holding member 322. Also, as shown in Figs. 7D and 7E, when the optical filter 160 is in the retracted state, the elastic members 330, 331 are in contact with the optical filter 160. The leaf spring member 329 biases the elastic member 330 in the direction of the optical filter holding member 322. Also, the optical filter holding member 322 pushes back the elastic member 331 in the direction of the leaf spring member 329 against the biasing force of the leaf spring member 329, thereby achieving a balanced state between the elastic members 330, 331.

[0071] Here, sound and vibrations generated when the optical filter holding member 322 moves, such as motor sound and micro-vibrations caused by gear meshing, are transmitted to and absorbed by the elastic members 330, 331 via the optical filter 160 or the optical filter holding member 322. Therefore, the vibrations and sound generated when the optical filter holding member 322 moves are not easily transmitted to the user of the camera 100.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera 100 that incorporates an optical filter mechanism without increasing the size of a conventional interchangeable lens camera, and that can more effectively remove foreign matter adhering to the optical filter 160.

[0073] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the following description, the same components as those in the camera 100 of the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustrations and detailed descriptions will be omitted, and only components different from the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an optical filter holding member 1322 built into the camera 100 according to this modified example. Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 6A, and shows the optical filter 160, the optical filter holding member 1322, and the integrated member 332 extracted from the optical filter unit 320.

[0074] When the optical filter holding member 1322 moves in the direction of the arrow D1, the optical filter 160 is moved from a position where it is retracted from the imaging optical path to a position where it is inserted into the imaging optical path. When the optical filter holding member 1322 moves in the direction of the arrow D2, the optical filter 160 is moved from a position where it is inserted into the imaging optical path to a position where it is retracted from the imaging optical path. In the optical filter holding member 1322, rough surface portions 1322d and 1322b are disposed on the direction D1 side and the direction D2 side with respect to the optical filter 160. In the optical filter holding member 1322, rough surface portions having the same configuration as the rough surface portions 1322b and 1322d are disposed on the opposite sides of the rough surface portions 1322b and 1322d with the optical filter holding member 1322 in between.

[0075] In this modification, when the optical filter 160 is in the inserted state, the elastic member 330 is in a position where it contacts the rough surface portion 1322d. When the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state to the retracted state, the optical filter holding member 322 moves in the direction of the arrow D2. At this time, the elastic member 330 moves relatively from the rough surface portion 1322d on the surface of the optical filter 160 in association with the movement of the optical filter holding member 322, and when the optical filter 160 is in the retracted state, it moves to a position where it contacts the rough surface portion 1322b. Therefore, when the optical filter 160 moves from the inserted state to the retracted state, foreign matter on the surface of the optical filter 160 adheres to the elastic member 330 and is moved to the rough surface portion 1322b.

[0076] On the other hand, when optical filter 160 moves from the retracted state to the inserted state, optical filter holding member 322 moves in the direction of arrow D1. At this time, elastic member 330 moves relatively from rough surface portion 1322b on the surface of optical filter 160 in conjunction with the movement of optical filter holding member 322, and moves to a position where it contacts rough surface portion 1322d when optical filter 160 is in the inserted state. Therefore, when optical filter 160 moves from the retracted state to the inserted state, foreign matter on the surface of optical filter 160 adheres to elastic member 330 and is moved to rough surface portion 1322d.

[0077] The behavior of the foreign matter moved to the rough surface portions 1322b and 1322d is the same as in the above embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, an elastic member 331 is disposed on the opposite side of the elastic member 330 across the optical filter 160. The movement of the elastic member 331 and the behavior of the foreign matter are the same as in the case of the elastic member 330, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Therefore, according to this modified example, each time optical filter 160 is switched between the inserted state and the retracted state, foreign matter on optical filter 160 moves to rough surface portions 1322b, 1322d, which is expected to have the effect of more reliably removing foreign matter from optical filter 160.

[0079] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An optical filter; a holding member that holds the optical filter and is movable between a first position where the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter and a second position where the imaging light beam does not pass through the optical filter; an elastic member that moves relatively on the surface of the optical filter while being in contact with the surface of the optical filter during the movement of the holding member; having A portion of the surface of the holding member with which the elastic member comes into contact when the holding member is in the first position or the second position is rougher than a surface of the optical filter. 1. An imaging device comprising: (Configuration 2) In the holding member, a portion between the optical filter and the portion where the elastic member is in contact is closer to the optical filter in a direction in which the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter than the surface of the optical filter. 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein a concave recess is formed. (Configuration 3) 3. The imaging device according to configuration 2, wherein the recess has a slope rising from the optical filter toward the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact. (Configuration 4) 4. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact is formed with projections and recesses. (Configuration 5) A groove is formed by the projections and recesses in the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact, In the groove, a wall portion on a side farther from the optical filter extends in a direction obliquely intersecting with the moving direction of the holding member, and a wall portion on a side closer to the optical filter includes a portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the holding member. 5. The imaging device according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) An imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that an accumulation member that accumulates foreign matter attached to the surface of the optical filter that has been moved by the elastic member to the portion with which the elastic member contacts is provided on a side of the portion with which the elastic member contacts that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the holding member between the first position and the second position. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to configuration 6, wherein the width of the accumulating member is greater than the width of the elastic member in the movement direction of the holding member between the first position and the second position. (Configuration 8) 8. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the elastic member is disposed outside a region where the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100 camera, 160 optical filter, 322 optical filter holding member, 322b, 322c rough surface portion, 330, 331 elastic member

Claims

1. An optical filter; a holding member that holds the optical filter and is movable between a first position where an imaging light beam passes through the optical filter and a second position where the imaging light beam does not pass through the optical filter; an elastic member that moves relatively on the surface of the optical filter while being in contact with the surface of the optical filter during the movement of the holding member; having A portion of the surface of the holding member with which the elastic member comes into contact when the holding member is in the first position or the second position is rougher than a surface of the optical filter.

1. An imaging device comprising:

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in the holding member between the portion where the optical filter and the elastic member are in contact, the recess being recessed in a direction in which the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter relative to the surface of the optical filter.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the recess has a slope rising from the optical filter toward the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact.

4. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact is formed with projections and recesses.

5. A groove is formed by the projections and recesses in the portion with which the elastic member comes into contact, In the groove, a wall portion on a side farther from the optical filter extends in a direction obliquely intersecting with the moving direction of the holding member, and a wall portion on a side closer to the optical filter includes a portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the holding member.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4.

6. The imaging device of claim 1, characterized in that an accumulation member for accumulating foreign matter adhering to the surface of the optical filter that has been moved by the elastic member to the portion with which the elastic member contacts is provided on a side of the portion with which the elastic member contacts that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the holding member between the first position and the second position.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein a width of the accumulating member is greater than a width of the elastic member in a moving direction of the holding member between the first position and the second position.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is disposed outside a region where the imaging light beam passes through the optical filter.

Images