Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging device that is miniaturizable in an optical axis direction, while having a rotationally driving optical filter upon inserting / pulling.SOLUTION: An imaging device is the imaging device to which a lens device is detachably mountable via a mount part, and has: an optical filter that rotationally moves between a first position covering an opening part provided inside of the mount part and a second position not overlapping with the opening part; and a connection member that electrically connects the optical filter to a substrate. The connection member includes: a first part that extends from the connection part; a connection part that is connected to the optical filter; a bend part that links to the first part; and a second part that links to the bend part. When the optical filter is positioned in the first position, the first part extends to the rotation retreat region side of the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second part do not overlap with each other upon viewing from a subject side. When the optical filter is positioned in the second position, the optical filter and the second part overlap with each other upon viewing from the subject side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device having an optical filter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an imaging device having an electronic ND filter that is rotationally driven during insertion and removal, in order to accommodate the rotational drive of the electronic ND filter, a configuration is used in which a flexible printed circuit board connected to the electronic ND filter is provided with a portion extending parallel to the imaging optical axis. However, since internal components are densely arranged in the optical path from the mount to the imaging unit in a small imaging device such as a mirrorless camera, when the above configuration is used, the flexible printed circuit board interferes with the internal components. Further, when the applications of the electro-optical filter are diversified, the number of control signals increases, but when the above configuration is used, the imaging device becomes larger.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that accommodates the rotational drive of a lens unit by providing an arc-shaped portion on a flexible printed circuit board connected to the lens unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the flexible printed circuit board does not overlap with the lens unit when the lens unit rotates. Therefore, the imaging device cannot be miniaturized.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that has an optical filter that is rotationally driven during insertion and removal and can be miniaturized in the optical axis direction.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device in which a lens device is detachable via a mount portion, and includes an optical filter that rotates between a first position covering an opening provided inside the mount portion and a second position not overlapping the opening, and a connection member that electrically connects the optical filter and a substrate. The connection member includes a connection portion connected to the optical filter, a first portion extending from the connection portion, a bent portion connected to the first portion, and a second portion connected to the bent portion. When the optical filter is in the first position, the first portion extends to the side of the rotation retraction region of the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second portion do not overlap when viewed from the subject side. When the electro-optical filter is in the second position, the optical filter and the second portion overlap when viewed from the subject side.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that has an optical filter that rotates during insertion and removal and can be miniaturized in the optical axis direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

Embodiment

[0011] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 seen from the front side, and FIG. 1(b) is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 seen from the back side.

[0012] The grip portion 101 is provided for the photographer to stably hold the imaging device 100. A shutter button 102, which is a switch for starting imaging, is provided at the upper part of the grip portion 101. A lens mount portion (mount portion) 103 is provided on the front surface of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 is configured such that a photographing lens unit (lens device) 104 (not shown) is detachable via the lens mount portion 103. The mount contacts 105 electrically connect the imaging device 100 and the photographing lens unit 104, and supply power to the photographing lens unit 104 and perform communication regarding lens control and lens data by electrical signals. A lens lock release button 106 is used when replacing the photographing lens unit 104. When the lens lock release button 106 is pressed, the locking between the imaging device 100 and the photographing lens unit 104 is released, and the photographing lens unit 104 can be removed.

[0013] The power switch 107 is used to turn on or off the power of the imaging device 100. The main electronic dial 108 and the sub - electronic dial 119 are rotatable operation members that can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. By rotating the operation, various setting values such as the aperture and shutter speed can be changed. The mode - switching dial 109 is an operation unit for switching the shooting mode. By operating the mode - switching dial 109, it is possible to switch to various modes such as the shutter - speed - priority shooting mode, the aperture - value - priority shooting mode, and the video - shooting mode. The SET button 110 is a push - button and is mainly used for determining selected items and the like. The liquid - crystal monitor 111 displays various setting screens, captured images, and live - view images of the imaging device 100.

[0014] The electronic viewfinder 112 is an eyepiece - accessible finder and displays various setting screens, captured images, and live - view images of the imaging device 100. The multi - function button 113 is a push - button, and the user can arbitrarily assign and use it to switch various settings related to shooting. The display panel 114 displays various setting states of the imaging device 100 such as the shooting mode and ISO sensitivity. Also, the display panel 114 can display even when the power of the imaging device 100 is in the OFF state. The accessory shoe 115 has an accessory contact 116 and can attach various accessories such as an external strobe and microphone. The media - slot cover 173 can be opened and closed, and when it is in the open state, an external recording medium 148 such as an SD card can be inserted into and removed from an internal media slot 172 (not shown).

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device 100. The MPU (control unit) 130 is a small central processing unit (MPU) that is responsible for controlling the operation of the imaging device 100, processes input information, and issues instructions and controls to each element. Connected to the MPU 130 are a time measurement circuit 131, a shutter drive circuit 132, a switch sense circuit 133, a power supply circuit 134, and a battery check circuit 135. Also connected to the MPU 130 are a video signal processing circuit 136, a filter unit drive circuit 137, a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145, and an electro-optical filter drive circuit 162. Furthermore, the MPU 130 includes an EEPROM and can store time information from the time measurement circuit 131 and various setting information, etc.

[0016] Also, the MPU 130 communicates with a lens control circuit 138 built into the photographic lens unit 104 via a mount contact 105. Thereby, the MPU 130 can control the operations of the focus lens 141 and the electromagnetic diaphragm 142 via an AF drive circuit 139 and a diaphragm drive circuit 140. Note that in Fig. 2, only the focus lens 141 is schematically shown, but actually, the photographic lens unit 104 is composed of a number of lens groups.

[0017] The AF drive circuit 139 has, for example, a stepping motor (not shown) connected thereto and drives the focus lens 141. The MPU 130 calculates a focus lens drive amount according to the defocus amount detected using the focus signal read from the imaging element 121, and transmits a focus command including the focus lens drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. The lens control circuit 138 that has received the focus command controls the drive of the focus lens via the AF drive circuit 139. Thereby, auto focus (AF) is performed.

[0018] The aperture drive circuit 140 is connected to an aperture actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown), and drives a plurality of aperture blades (not shown) that form an aperture opening in the electromagnetic drive aperture 142. By driving the plurality of aperture blades, the size (aperture diameter) of the aperture opening changes, and the amount of light is adjusted. The MPU 130 calculates the aperture drive amount from the luminance signal read from the imaging device 121, and transmits an aperture command including the aperture drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. That is, the MPU 130 communicates with the lens control circuit 138 to control the electromagnetic drive aperture 142. The lens control circuit 138 that has received the aperture command controls the drive of the electromagnetic drive aperture 142 through the aperture drive circuit 140. As a result, an appropriate aperture value is automatically set.

[0019] The mechanical focal plane shutter 150 is driven by the shutter drive circuit 132. At the time of imaging, the front curtain shutter (not shown) is run at the timing when the shutter button 102 is pressed to open the shutter, and the rear curtain shutter (not shown) is run according to the desired exposure time to close the shutter, thereby controlling the exposure time to the imaging device 121.

[0020] The electro-optical filter (optical filter) 160 is an optical element that gives a special effect to an image by diffusing incident light or attenuating a specific wavelength range. The electro-optical filter 160 is included in the filter unit 161. The filter unit drive circuit 137 can move the position of the electro-optical filter 160 by driving the filter unit 161. Also, the electro-optical filter 160 is driven by the electro-optical filter drive circuit 162. For example, by adjusting the density of the electro-optical filter 160, the attenuation amount of the incident light amount can be changed.

[0021] Note that the electro-optical filter 160 may use any optical member such as an electronic ND filter or a polarizing filter. For example, an electronic ND filter using liquid crystal is widely known, and the transmittance of light can be changed (attenuated at a fixed ratio of the set incident light amount) by controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal. Also, the imaging device 100 can operate normally even when the electro-optical filter 160 is not inserted.

[0022] The imaging unit 120 includes an optical low-pass filter 122, an optical low-pass filter holding member 123, a piezoelectric element 124, and an imaging element 121. The imaging element 121 photoelectrically converts the subject image. In this embodiment, a CMOS sensor is used as the imaging element 121, but other devices such as CCD type, CMOS type, and CID type may be used. The optical low-pass filter 122 is disposed in front of the imaging element 121 and is a single birefringent plate made of quartz, and its shape is rectangular. The piezoelectric element 124 is a single-plate piezoelectric element (piezo element), and is configured to be vibrated by a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145 that has received an instruction from the MPU 130 and transmit the vibration to the optical low-pass filter 122. The fine dust adhering to the optical low-pass filter 122 can be shaken off by the vibration of the piezoelectric element 124.

[0023] The video signal processing circuit 136 is responsible for all image processing such as filtering and data compression for the electrical signal obtained from the imaging device 121. The image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 136 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111 and the electronic viewfinder 112 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 144. Also, the video signal processing circuit 136 can store the image data in the buffer memory 147 through the memory controller 146 according to the instructions of the MPU 130. Furthermore, the video signal processing circuit 136 can perform image data compression processing such as JPEG. When continuous shooting such as burst shooting is performed, the image data can be stored in the buffer memory 147, and the unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out through the memory controller 146. Thereby, the video signal processing circuit 136 can sequentially perform image processing and compression processing regardless of the speed of the input image data.

[0024] The memory controller 146 has a function of storing image data in the external recording medium 148 and a function of reading out the image data stored in the external recording medium 148. As the external recording medium 148, a removable SD card, CF card, etc. for the imaging device 100 are used.

[0025] 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. Also, the main electronic dial 108, mode switch dial 109, power switch 107, SET button 110, and multi-function button 113 are connected to the switch sense circuit 133.

[0026] The MPU 130 performs information communication through the accessory communication control circuit 118 to utilize the functions of an accessory unit (not shown) via the accessory contact 116.

[0027] The power supply circuit 134 distributes and supplies the power of the battery 143 to each element of the imaging device 100. The battery check circuit 135 is connected to the battery 143 and transmits the remaining amount information of the battery 143 to the MPU 130.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 has a structure covered by the exteriors of the front cover 10, the top cover 11, and the rear cover 12, and operation members and display members are attached to each exterior. On the optical axis 1000, an electro-optical filter holding member 200, an imaging unit 120, and a main board 180 are arranged in order from the subject side to the image side. The electro-optical filter 160 is held by the electro-optical filter holding member 200. An electrical connection member (connection member) 163 is connected to the electro-optical filter 160. The electrical connection member 163 is connected to the main board 180. The electro-optical filter 160 is driven and controlled via the electrical connection member 163, and its optical characteristics can be changed.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the electro-optical filter 160 will be described. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram when the electro-optical filter 160 is driven, and shows a state in which the components related to the electro-optical filter 160 and the electro-optical filter holding member 200 are viewed from the back side of the imaging device 100.

[0030] The electro-optical filter 160 is held by the electro-optical filter holding member 200 as described above. The electro-optical filter holding member 200 has a gear shape 200a and is attached to the front cover 10 so as to be rotatable about the gear shape 200a. A motor 201 for driving the electro-optical filter 160 is attached to the front cover 10. A worm gear 201a is attached to the drive shaft of the motor 201. The worm gear 201a transmits a rotational force to the gear shape 200a of the electro-optical filter holding member 200 via an idler gear 202. Thereby, the electro-optical filter holding member 200 can be rotated. A battery storage portion 170 for storing the battery 143 is provided on the right side of the front cover 10.

[0031] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation when the electro-optical filter 160 is rotationally driven will be described. The electro-optical filter 160 is configured to be rotatable by 90 degrees between the position in FIG. 4(a) (first position) and the position in FIG. 4(b) (second position). Here, the 90-degree rotation includes not only the case of strictly rotating by 90 degrees but also the case of substantially rotating by 90 degrees (substantially 90-degree rotation).

[0032] FIG. 4(a) shows a state in which the electro-optical filter 160 is inserted into and superimposed on an opening 190 provided inside the lens mount portion 103 (hereinafter referred to as the inserted state). In the inserted state, the light incident on the imaging element 121 passes through the electro-optical filter 160, and various shooting expressions are possible due to the effect of the electro-optical filter 160. For example, when an electronic ND filter is used as the electro-optical filter 160, the incident light is attenuated, and long-exposure shooting and suppression of overexposure are possible even in a bright environment.

[0033] FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the electro-optical filter holding member 200 rotates by 90 degrees on a plane parallel to the imaging unit 120 with respect to the inserted state and retracts from the opening 190 (retracted state). When the electro-optical filter holding member 200 retracts, the light condensed by the photographing lens unit 104 enters the imaging element 121 without passing through the electro-optical filter 160.

[0034] When the imaging device 100 moves from the inserted state in Fig. 4(a) to the retracted state in Fig. 4(b), a drive command for the motor 201 is sent from the MPU 130, and the motor 201 starts to rotate by the filter unit drive circuit 137. The rotational force is transmitted from the worm gear 201a to the gear shape 200a via the idler gear 202, and the electro-optical filter holding member 200 starts to rotate. Then, the electro-optical filter holding member 200 moves to the position where it is in the retracted state in Fig. 4(b).

[0035] The rotation axis of the gear shape 200a is disposed between the bottom surface side of the imaging device 100 from the opening 190 and the short side between the optical axis 1000 and the grip portion 101 of the opening 190. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the electro-optical filter holding member 200 can be rotated without interfering with the internal components disposed on the optical path up to the imaging element 121. Also, the motor 201 is disposed on the bottom surface side from the opening 190. Thereby, the power transmission distance up to the gear shape 200a becomes short, and the drive efficiency can be enhanced.

[0036] When the electro-optical filter holding member 200 moves to the position where it is in the retracted state in Fig. 4(b), the filter unit drive circuit 137 stops the motor 201 according to the detection signal from a position sensor (not shown). The position sensor is a position detection means such as a photo-reflector, but the timing of drive stop may be detected using other means. For example, it may be detected using the rotation angle of the motor 201, or it may be detected using a mechanical switch.

[0037] Note that the rotation retraction area 164 of the electro-optical filter 160 indicated by the dotted line is a drive locus area when rotationally driving between the position (first position) where the electro-optical filter 160 is in the inserted state and the position (second position) where it is in the retracted state.

[0038] When the electro-optical filter 160 is inserted again, the motor 201 rotates in the reverse direction to the above-described operation, and the electro-optical filter holding member 200 moves to the position where it is in the insertion state shown in Fig. 4(a). When the electro-optical filter holding member 200 moves to the position where it is in the insertion state shown in Fig. 4(a), the filter unit drive circuit 137 stops the motor 201 based on the detection signal from the position sensor in the same manner as in the retracted state.

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 5, the operation during the rotational drive of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 will be described. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation during the rotational drive of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163. Fig. 5(a) shows the states of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in the inserted state. Fig. 5(b) shows the states of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in the state between the inserted state and the retracted state. Fig. 5(c) shows the states of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in the retracted state.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the electrical connection member 163 includes an electro-filter connection portion (connection portion) 163a, a first portion 163b, a bent portion 163c, and a second portion 163d. The electro-filter connection portion 163a is connected to the electro-optical filter 160. The first portion 163b extends from the electro-filter connection portion 163a toward the rotation retraction region 164 of the electro-optical filter 160 and is connected to the bent portion 163c. The bent portion 163c is connected to the first portion 163b and also to the second portion 163d.

[0041] When the imaging device 100 transitions from the inserted state to the retracted state and when it transitions from the retracted state to the inserted state, the electrical connection member 163 follows the rotational drive about the rotation center 165 of the electro-optical filter 160 as the bent portion 163c moves. Here, in the inserted state of FIG. 5(a), the second portion 163d does not overlap with the electro-optical filter 160 in the optical axis direction (as viewed from the subject side). On the other hand, in the retracted state of FIG. 5(c), the second portion 163d overlaps with the electro-optical filter 160 in the optical axis direction (as viewed from the subject side). Thus, the electrical connection member 163 can be connected to the electro-optical filter 160 without interfering with the internal components arranged on the optical path up to the imaging element 121. As a result, the imaging device 100 can be miniaturized in the optical axis direction while having the electro-optical filter 160 that is rotationally driven.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the details of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 will be described. FIG. 6 is a detailed explanatory view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member.

[0043] FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163. The first portion 163b has an arc shape concentric with the rotation center (pivot center) 165 of the electro-optical filter 160. Thereby, the electrical connection member 163 can correspond to the rotational drive of the electro-optical filter 160. Here, concentric includes not only the case of being exactly concentric but also the case of being substantially concentric (approximately concentric).

[0044] FIG. 6(b) is a view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 as viewed from the optical axis direction. The first portion 163b extends such that the width center 167 of the first portion 163b is located at the center 166 of the short side of the electro-optical filter 160 or on the side of the rotation center 165 from the center 166. Here, the center includes not only the case of being exactly the center but also the case of being substantially the center (approximately the center). Since the electro-optical filter 160 is rotationally driven, by setting the extension position of the electrical connection member 163 as described above, the electrical connection member 163 can be miniaturized.

[0045] FIG. 6(c) is a view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 as seen in the X-axis direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The bent portion 163c is sandwiched and fixed in the optical axis direction (from the subject side and the image side) by the sandwiching member s169. The sandwiching member 169 may be a dedicated member, or for example, peripheral members of the electrical connection member 163 such as the front cover 10 or the main substrate 180 may be used. At least a part of the second portion 163d is fixed to the sandwiching member (fixing portion) 169 by a fixing member 168 such as double-sided tape. Therefore, the bent portion 163c can follow the rotational drive with a stable bent shape, and the bending durability can be improved.

[0046] As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, when mounting the electro-optical filter 160 that is rotationally driven, the imaging device 100 can be miniaturized in the optical axis direction by using the drive space.

[0047] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An imaging device in which a lens device is detachable via a mount portion, an optical filter that rotates between a first position covering an opening provided inside the mount portion and a second position not overlapping the opening, and a connection member that electrically connects the optical filter and a substrate, the connection member includes a connection portion connected to the optical filter, a first portion extending from the connection portion, a bent portion connected to the first portion, and a second portion connected to the bent portion, when the optical filter is in the first position, the first portion extends to the side of the rotational retraction region of the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second portion do not overlap when viewed from the subject side, an imaging device characterized in that when the optical filter is in the second position, the optical filter and the second portion overlap when viewed from the subject side. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to Configuration 1, wherein the first portion has an arc shape concentric with the rotation center of the optical filter. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to Configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing at least a part of the second portion. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first portion extends such that the center of the width of the first portion is located at the center of the short side of the optical filter or on the side of the rotation center of the optical filter from the center. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the optical filter is rotatable 90 degrees between the first position and the second position. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a sandwiching member that sandwiches the bent portion from the subject side and the image side. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, further comprising an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a control portion that is disposed on the substrate and controls the optical filter.

[0048] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 100 Imaging device 103 Lens mount portion (mount portion) 104 Photographing lens unit (lens device) 160 Electro-optical filter (optical filter) 163 Electrical connection member (connection member) 163a Electronic filter connection portion (connection portion) 163b First portion 163c Bent portion 163d Second portion 180 substrate 190 opening

Claims

1. An imaging device in which a lens device is detachable via a mount portion, an optical filter that rotates between a first position covering an opening provided inside the mount portion and a second position not overlapping the opening, and a connection member that electrically connects the optical filter and a substrate, wherein the connection member includes a connection portion connected to the optical filter, a first portion extending from the connection portion, a bent portion connected to the first portion, and a second portion connected to the bent portion, when the optical filter is in the first position, the first portion extends to the side of the rotation retraction area of the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second portion do not overlap when viewed from the subject side, an imaging device, characterized in that when the optical filter is in the second position, the optical filter and the second portion overlap when viewed from the subject side.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has an arc shape concentric with the rotation center of the optical filter.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing at least a part of the second portion.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion extends such that the center of the width of the first portion is located at the center of the short side of the optical filter or on the side of the rotation center of the optical filter from the center.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical filter is rotatable 90 degrees between the first position and the second position.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a sandwiching member that sandwiches the bent portion from the subject side and the image side.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control portion disposed on the substrate for controlling the optical filter.

Images