Cover device and imaging device

Abstract

To protect an imaging element from a physical action due to intrusion of powder dust and contact of an object.SOLUTION: A cover device includes: a base which is arranged on a subject side of an imaging element, and has a rectangular opening surrounding at least a part of the imaging element when being viewed from an optical axis direction; a resin shielding body which can be advanced or retracted in a crossing direction crossing the optical axis direction, can shield the opening, and does not shield the opening when being used in the application of imaging; a driving shaft which is rotatably provided on the base; and a first link which has a first base connection part rotatably connected to the base and a first fitting hole rotatably connected to the resin shielding body, and oscillates according to the rotation of the driving shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover device and an imaging device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-120983, filed on July 21, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known an imaging device in which a shutter capable of controlling light blocking and exposure is attached to a main body having an imaging element (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-60478 Summary of the Invention

[0004] A cover device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base that is positioned on the subject side of an imaging element and has a rectangular opening that surrounds at least a portion of the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction; a resin shield that can move back and forth in a direction that intersects the optical axis direction and is capable of shielding the opening, but does not shield the opening when used for imaging purposes; a drive shaft that is rotatably mounted on the base; a first base connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the base; and a first link that has a first fitting hole that is rotatably connected to the resin shield, and that swings in accordance with the rotation of the drive shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a cover device according to a first embodiment in an open state in which an opening is open. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cover device according to the first embodiment in a closed state in which the opening is covered. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the resin shield, the first link, and the second link as seen from behind. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a connecting portion between the resin shield and the first and second links. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the cover device as viewed from the front. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of cross section A in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view taken along the arrow B in FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the cover device and the vibration isolation mechanism. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover device; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover device according to a second embodiment in an open state, as viewed from the front. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover device according to a second embodiment in a closed state, as viewed from the front. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover device according to the second embodiment in an open state with the base frame removed, as seen from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover device according to the third embodiment in an open state with the base frame removed, as seen from the front. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover device according to the third embodiment in a closed state with the base frame removed, as seen from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the covering device 100 according to the first embodiment in an open state in which the opening 10a is open. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the covering device 100 according to the first embodiment in a closed state in which the opening 10a is closed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the covering device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the resin shield 20, the first link 40, and the second link 50 as seen from the back. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the connecting portion between the resin shield 20 and the first link 40 and the second link 50. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the covering device 100 as seen from the front. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cross section A in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a view as seen from the arrow B in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a view showing the positional relationship between the covering device 100 and the vibration isolation mechanism VR. FIG. 10 is a view showing the covering device as seen from above. Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, the optical axis direction of the lens of the main body provided with the cover device 100 may be referred to as the first direction Z, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction when the optical axis direction is horizontal may be referred to as the second direction X, and the vertical direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction when the optical axis direction is horizontal may be referred to as the third direction Y. Furthermore, in the main body, the side on which the cover device 100 is arranged, that is, the side opposite to the side on which the imaging element is arranged and that faces the user, may be referred to as the front.

[0007] (Cover device) The cover device 100 according to the first embodiment is provided on the main body of an imaging device that includes a main body having an imaging element and a lens. The imaging device is a so-called digital camera. The cover device 100 is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element. That is, the cover device 100 is disposed between the imaging element and the lens in an imaging device in which the lens is attached to the main body. This allows the imaging element to be covered and shielded from light when the lens is attached to the main body. This makes it possible to correct pixel defects such as black spots on the imaging element. Furthermore, the cover device 100 is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element when the lens is detached from the main body. This allows the imaging element to be covered and not exposed when the lens is detached from the main body. This protects the imaging element from physical influences such as the intrusion of dust and contact with objects.

[0008] 1 to 3, the cover device 100 includes a base 10 having an opening 10a that surrounds at least a portion of an imaging element (not shown) when viewed from the front along the optical axis direction (first direction Z), a resin shield 20 that can advance and retreat in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction (for example, third direction Y) and can shield the opening 10a, a drive shaft 30 rotatably provided on the base 10, a first base connecting portion 40C rotatably connected to the base 10, and a first link 40 that has a first fitting hole 40Q1 rotatably connected to the resin shield 20 and swings in response to rotation of the drive shaft 30. In this way, the cover device 100 can open and close the opening 10a with the resin shield 20, and therefore can block light in the closed state and can ensure rigidity to protect the imaging element from physical effects.

[0009] (lens) The lens defines an optical axis and is configured to be detachably attached to the main body.

[0010] (Main body) The main body suitably has an outer shape along the lines of a cube bounded by a back surface, a front surface, a top surface (flat surface), a bottom surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface. The main body has an imaging element and a cover device 100 arranged on the subject side of the imaging element. The main body also has a lens mount that supports a lens as needed. The main body is provided with a shutter button, a viewfinder, etc. as appropriate. The main body may also function as a so-called electronic shutter, which electronically controls the exposure amount of the image sensor. The main body does not need to have a physical shutter, such as a focal plane shutter, for controlling the exposure amount of the image sensor.

[0011] The imaging element is an image sensor such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS).

[0012] (base) The base 10 has an opening 10a that surrounds at least a part of the imaging element when viewed from the front along the optical axis direction. The base 10 includes a base main body 11 and a base frame 12 that overlaps the base main body 11. The base 10 has a first link 40, a resin shield 20, and the like, which will be described later, movably arranged between the base main body 11 and the base frame 12. The base body 11 and the base frame 12 each have an opening. Each opening forms an opening 10a of the base 10. The base body 11 and the base frame 12 are engaged with each other at their peripheral edges and are integrated together.

[0013] (drive shaft) The drive shaft 30 is rotatably mounted on the base 10. The drive shaft 30 is rotationally driven by an actuator such as an electric motor, as appropriate. The rotation angle, rotation speed, etc. of the drive shaft 30 are controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the actuator.

[0014] (lever) The drive shaft 30 may have a lever 60 that swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30 and extends in a direction intersecting the drive shaft 30. The first link 40 may have a lever connector 40L that is rotatably connected to the lever 60. As a result, the lever 60 swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30, and the first link 40 connected to the lever 60 swings around the first base connector 40C that is connected to the base 10. The swing angle of the first link 40 can be controlled in response to the rotation angle of the drive shaft 30. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the lever 60, the swing speed can be freely set in response to the swing angle of the resin shield 20 connected to the first link 40.

[0015] 6, the lever 60 may have a guide groove 61 in which the lever connector 40L is engaged. The lever connector 40L may be a pin that protrudes from the first link 40 and slidably engages with the guide groove 61. The guide groove 61 may have an intersection 61X that extends in a direction intersecting with the locus T of the lever connector 40L. This ensures that even if an external force acts on the resin shield 20 in the direction indicated by the hatched arrow due to an impact or the like, the lever connector 40L engages with the guide groove 61 at the intersection 61X, restricting the swing of the first link 40. Therefore, when a user uses the imaging device, i.e., with a lens attached to the body, the resin shield 20 will not accidentally cover the opening 10a, ensuring that the opening 10a remains open.

[0016] Furthermore, the guide groove 61 may have a curved portion 61W. The curved portion 61W may be continuous with the intersecting portion 61X. This allows the lever connecting portion 40L to move along the trajectory T while being restricted in movement to follow the shape of the curved portion 61W. Therefore, when removing the lens from the main body, the resin shield 20 can be smoothly swung to cover the opening 10a in order to protect the imaging element of the main body.

[0017] (1st link) The first link 40 has a first base connecting portion 40C that is rotatably connected to the base 10, and a first fitting hole 40Q1 that is rotatably connected to the resin shield 20. The first link 40 swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30. The first base connecting portion 40C is rotatably connected to a first base shaft 10P provided on the base 10.

[0018] 4 and 5, the first fitting hole 40Q1 is engaged with the first pin 20P1 formed in the resin shield 20. In this way, the first pin 20P1 is formed in the resin shield 20, and therefore can be integrally formed by molding. This increases the strength and rigidity of the connection between the first link 40 and the resin shield 20, and simplifies assembly by fitting the first pin 20P1 formed in the resin shield 20 through the first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40. The first pin 20P1 formed in the resin shield 20 and the first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40 may be engaged by a snap fit utilizing the elasticity of the material.

[0019] (Resin shield) The resin shield 20 is a member that can move back and forth in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and can shield the opening 10a. The resin shield 20 is, for example, a plate-like body made of polycarbonate resin formed by molding. The resin shield 20 preferably has a light-blocking property to the extent that it can completely block light.

[0020] The resin shield 20 is connected to the first fitting hole 40Q1 of the first link 40. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the resin shield 20 forms a first pin 20P1 having a generally cylindrical shape that protrudes along the optical axis direction. The first pin 20P1 is integrally formed by molding. The first pin 20P1 may be locked by friction with the first fitting hole 40Q1. This allows the first link 40 and the resin shield 20 to be easily assembled by simply passing the first pin 20P1 through the first fitting hole 40Q1. In addition, in the assembled state, the first link 40 and the resin shield 20 are restricted from moving in a direction within the space formed between the base body 11 and the base frame 12 by the base body 11 and the base frame 12, so that the first pin 20P1 cannot be disengaged from the first fitting hole 40Q1 and released from the engaged state. The first pin 20P1 may have an outer peripheral groove that engages with the inner peripheral edge of the first fitting hole 40Q1. The tip of the first pin 20P1 is press-fitted into the first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40, causing it to elastically deform and shrink in diameter. After passing through the first fitting hole 40Q1, the tip of the first pin 20P1 elastically deforms and expands in diameter. The first pin 20P1 is then fitted into and engaged with the first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40. In this way, the resin shield 20 has the first pin 20P1 integrally formed by molding. This increases the strength and rigidity of the connection between the first link 40 and the resin shield 20, and simplifies assembly by fitting the first pin 20P1 formed in the resin shield 20 through the first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40.

[0021] 2 to 5, the resin shielding body 20 may have a first resin shielding plate 21 and a second resin shielding plate 22 that overlaps at least a portion of the first resin shielding plate 21 when viewed in the optical axis direction. This allows the opening 10a to be covered with the resin shielding body 20 divided into multiple pieces. This reduces the weight of each of the divided first resin shielding plate 21 and second resin shielding plate 22, thereby reducing the moment and shear force acting on the first link 40 that cantilever-supports them and on the connection between the base 10 and the first link 40. This reduces rigidity and the torque required to rotate the drive shaft 30. This allows the cover device 100 to be lightweight, and the space occupied by the cover device 100 in the imaging device to be reduced.

[0022] 2 to 5, the resin shielding body 20 may have a third resin shielding plate 23 in addition to the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22. This allows the opening 10a to be covered with at least three divided resin shielding bodies 20. This further reduces the weight of each of the divided first to third resin shielding plates 21 to 23, thereby reducing the moment and shear force acting on the first link 40 that cantilever-supports them and on the connection between the base 10 and the first link 40. This reduces rigidity and the torque required to rotate the drive shaft 30. This allows the cover device 100 to be lightweight, and the space occupied by the cover device 100 in the imaging device to be reduced.

[0023] In detail, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the resin shield 20 has a first resin shielding plate 21, a second resin shielding plate 22, and a third resin shielding plate .

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, when the opening 10a is in an open state, the first resin shielding plate 21 overlaps with the second resin shielding plate 22 and the third resin shielding plate 23 in the optical axis direction and is located at the end of the base 10 in the third direction Y, away from the opening 10a. The first pin 20P1 formed in the first resin shielding plate 21 is rotatably fitted into the first fitting hole 40Q1 of the first link 40. The second pin 20R1 formed in the first resin shielding plate 21 is rotatably fitted into the second fitting hole 50Q1 of the second link 50. The first pin 20P1 is fitted into the first fitting hole 40Q1 located at the end of the first link 40 on the resin shield 20 side, relatively far from the first base connecting portion 40C. The second pin 20R1 is fitted into the second fitting hole 50Q1 located at the end of the second link 50 on the resin shield 20 side, relatively far from the second base connecting portion 50C. As a result, a parallel link mechanism is formed by the first resin shielding plate 21, the first link 40, the second link 50, and the base 10, so that the first resin shielding plate 21 can move freely back and forth in the intersecting direction (third direction Y) that intersects with the optical axis direction due to the swinging of the first link 40 and the second link 50 in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 30. As a result, the first resin shielding plate 21 moves the longest distance along the third direction Y compared to the second resin shielding plate 22 and the third resin shielding plate 23. 2, the first resin shielding plate 21 moves to a position covering the edge of the opening 10a in the closed state where the opening 10a is closed. The first resin shielding plate 21 moves in a translational manner when the distance from the first base connecting portion 40C to the first fitting hole 40Q1 is the same as the distance from the second base connecting portion 50C to the second fitting hole 50Q1. In the closed state where the opening 10a is closed, the first resin shielding plate 21 and the adjacent second resin shielding plate 22 overlap at their ends when viewed in the optical axis direction.

[0025] Like the first resin shielding plate 21, the second resin shielding plate 22 overlaps with the first resin shielding plate 21 and the third resin shielding plate 23 in the optical axis direction when the opening 10a is open, and is located at the end of the base 10 in the third direction Y, away from the opening 10a. The third pin 20P2 formed in the second resin shielding plate 22 is rotatably fitted into the third fitting hole 40Q2 of the first link 40. The fourth pin 20R2 formed in the second resin shielding plate 22 is rotatably fitted into the fourth fitting hole 50Q2 of the second link 50. The third pin 20P2 is fitted into the third fitting hole 40Q2 arranged in the first link 40 between the first base connecting portion 40C and the end of the first link 40 on the resin shield 20 side. The fourth pin 20R2 is fitted into the fourth fitting hole 50Q2 arranged in the second link 50 between the second base connecting portion 50C and the end of the second link 50 on the resin shield 20 side. As a result, a parallel link mechanism is formed by the second resin shielding plate 22, the first link 40, the second link 50, and the base 10, so that the second resin shielding plate 22 can move freely back and forth in the intersecting direction (third direction Y) that intersects with the optical axis direction due to the swinging of the first link 40 and the second link 50 in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 30. As a result, the second resin shielding plate 22 moves along the third direction Y over a distance that is shorter than that of the first resin shielding plate 21 and longer than that of the third resin shielding plate 23. 2, the second resin shielding plate 22 moves to a position where it covers the middle of the opening 10a in the closed state where the opening 10a is closed. The second resin shielding plate 22 moves in a translational manner when the distance from the first base connecting portion 40C to the third fitting hole 40Q2 is the same as the distance from the second base connecting portion 50C to the fourth fitting hole 50Q2. In the closed state where the opening 10a is closed, the second resin shielding plate 22 is in a state where the ends of the adjacent first resin shielding plate 21 and third resin shielding plate 23 overlap each other when viewed in the optical axis direction.

[0026] Like the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22, the third resin shielding plate 23 overlaps with the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22 in the optical axis direction when the opening 10a is open, and is located at the end of the base 10 in the third direction Y, away from the opening 10a. The fifth pin 20P3 formed in the third resin shielding plate 23 is rotatably fitted into the fifth fitting hole 40Q3 of the first link 40. The sixth pin 20R3 formed in the third resin shielding plate 23 is rotatably fitted into the sixth fitting hole 50Q3 of the second link 50. The fifth pin 20P3 is fitted into the fifth fitting hole 40Q3 of the first link 40, which is located relatively close to the first base connecting portion 40C. The sixth pin 20R3 is fitted into the sixth fitting hole 50Q3 of the second link 50, which is located relatively close to the second base connecting portion 50C. As a result, a parallel link mechanism is formed by the third resin shielding plate 23, the first link 40, the second link 50, and the base 10, so that the third resin shielding plate 23 can move freely back and forth in the intersecting direction (third direction Y) that intersects with the optical axis direction due to the swinging of the first link 40 and the second link 50 in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 30. As a result, the third resin shielding plate 23 moves a shorter distance along the third direction Y than the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22. 2, the third resin shielding plate 23 moves to a position covering the edge of the opening 10a in the closed state where the opening 10a is closed. The third resin shielding plate 23 moves in a translational manner when the distance from the first base connecting portion 40C to the fifth fitting hole 40Q3 is the same as the distance from the second base connecting portion 50C to the sixth fitting hole 50Q3. In the closed state where the opening 10a is closed, the third resin shielding plate 23 and the adjacent second resin shielding plate 22 have their ends overlapping when viewed in the optical axis direction.

[0027] 7 and 8, the first resin shielding plate 21 has a first rib 21R that protrudes toward the second resin shielding plate 22 and can block light from the gap between the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22. The first rib 21R is provided at the end of the first resin shielding plate 21 on the second resin shielding plate 22 side in the third direction Y. The first rib 21R is positioned so as to overlap the second resin shielding plate 22 when viewed in the optical axis direction. The first rib 21R may be formed integrally with the first resin shielding plate 21 by molding. The second resin shielding plate 22 has a second rib 22R that protrudes toward the first resin shielding plate 21 and is capable of shielding the gap between the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22. The second rib 22R is provided at the end of the second resin shielding plate 22 on the first resin shielding plate 21 side in the third direction Y. The second rib 22R is arranged at a position overlapping the first resin shielding plate 21 when viewed in the optical axis direction. The second rib 22R may be formed integrally with the second resin shielding plate 22 by molding. Here, the first rib 21R and the second rib 22R overlap in the intersecting direction (third direction Y) intersecting the optical axis direction (first direction Z). This allows the resin shielding body 20, even if it includes the divided first resin shielding plate 21 and second resin shielding plate 22, to block light that may leak through gaps formed in the overlapping portions. Therefore, with the opening 10a covered by the resin shielding body 20, light is prevented from leaking in the optical axis direction from the subject toward the imaging element. Furthermore, the first rib 21R and the second rib 22R are integrally formed with the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22, respectively, improving the moment of inertia. This effectively increases bending rigidity without increasing the cross-sectional area. This protects the imaging element from external forces.

[0028] (Second link) The cover device 100 may include a second link 50. The second link 50 swings in response to the swinging of the first link 40.

[0029] The second link 50 has a second base connecting portion 50C rotatably connected to the base 10 and a second fitting hole 50Q1 rotatably connected to the resin shield 20. The second base connecting portion 50C is rotatably connected to a second base shaft 10R provided on the base 10. This allows the resin shield 20 to be supported on the base 10 via the first link 40 and the second link 50. Therefore, a four-section parallel link can be configured with the first fitting hole 40Q1 of the first link 40 and the second fitting hole 50Q1 of the second link 50 as joints. Therefore, the resin shield 20 can be rigidly supported on the base 10 and can translate along the opening 10a.

[0030] The second fitting hole 50Q1 is engaged with the second pin 20R1 formed in the resin shield 20. In this way, the second pin 20R1 is formed in the resin shield 20, and can be integrally formed by molding. This also increases the strength and rigidity of the connection between the second link 50 and the resin shield 20, and simplifies assembly by fitting the second pin 20R1 formed in the resin shield 20 through the second fitting hole 50Q1 formed in the second link 50. The second pin 20R1 and the second fitting hole 50Q1 formed in the second link 50 may be engaged by a snap fit utilizing the elasticity of the material.

[0031] 9, the imaging device may include a cover device 100 and an anti-shake mechanism VR having an image stabilization function. The imaging device may include, in its main body, the cover device 100 and the anti-shake mechanism VR having an image stabilization function. The anti-shake mechanism VR may move the imaging element in response to camera shake.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 10 , the base 10 includes a cover drive unit 13 that drives the drive shaft 30. The cover drive unit 13 includes, for example, an actuator such as an electric motor and a power transmission device such as a gear that transmits the torque of the actuator to the drive shaft 30. Unlike the drive units of typical focal plane shutters, the cover drive unit 13 does not need to drive the shielding unit at high speed to control the exposure amount, allowing for a compact power transmission device. The cover drive unit 13 is arranged to overlap the vibration isolation mechanism VR in the optical axis direction. The vibration isolation mechanism VR includes, for example, an actuator and a power transmission device. In this way, the cover drive unit 13 of the cover device 100 can be made smaller in size in the optical axis direction than the drive units of typical focal plane shutters. Therefore, even if the imaging device includes the vibration isolation mechanism VR, the cover drive unit 13 and the vibration isolation mechanism VR can be arranged overlapping each other in the optical axis direction, rather than being spaced apart from each other. This allows for a compact imaging device.

[0033] (action) Next, the operation of the cover device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. (1) When a user uses an imaging device with a lens attached to the main body for imaging purposes, the opening 10a of the cover device 100 is normally in an open state, not covered by the resin shield 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. That is, an image (light) from a subject passes through the lens, passes through the opening 10a of the cover device 100, and reaches the imaging element. At this time, the lever connecting portion 40L is engaged with the intersection 61X of the guide groove 61, preventing the resin shield 20 from swinging unexpectedly.

[0034] (2) When the user removes the lens or corrects a pixel defect, the cover device 100 is driven to cover the opening 10a with the resin shield 20 as indicated by the hatched arrow in FIG. 6 based on the user's operation on an operation switch or the like in preparation for removing the lens or correcting a pixel defect. Specifically, the actuator provided in the cover drive unit 13 is activated based on the user's operation on the operation switch or the like. The actuator rotates the drive shaft 30 counterclockwise. As the drive shaft 30 rotates, the lever 60 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 6. Then, the lever connecting portion 40L engaged with the guide groove 61 of the lever 60 moves along the trajectory T while its movement is restricted by the guide groove 61. Here, the first link 40 provided with the lever connector 40L is supported by the base 10 so as to swing around the first base connector 40C, so that as the lever connector 40L moves, the first link 40 swings clockwise around the first base connector 40C. In conjunction with the swing of the first link 40, the resin shield 20 moves in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction so as to cover the opening 10a.

[0035] (3) Then, the resin shield 20 moves to a position where it covers the opening 10a, and enters a closed state, as shown in Fig. 2. This makes it possible to block light that attempts to pass through the opening 10a and to protect the imaging element from physical influences.

[0036] (4) Also, when the user uses the imaging device, such as after the user has attached a lens or corrected a pixel defect, the resin shield 20 is changed from the closed state to the open state by operating the resin shield 20 in the reverse of the above-described operation.

[0037] (Second embodiment) The cover device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment may be omitted. Also, parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment may be given the same reference numerals. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the cover device 200 according to the second embodiment in an open state, as seen from the front. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cover device 200 according to the second embodiment in a closed state, as seen from the front. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the cover device 200 according to the second embodiment in an open state with the base frame 12 removed, as seen from the front.

[0038] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the cover device 200 of the second embodiment differs from the cover device 100 of the first embodiment in that the resin shielding body 20 is composed of two plates: a first resin shielding plate 21 and a second resin shielding plate 22.

[0039] The cover device 200 is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element. The cover device 200 includes a base 10 having an opening 10a that surrounds at least a part of the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction, a resin shield 20 that is movable forward and backward in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and that can shield the opening 10a, a drive shaft 30 (not shown) rotatably provided on the base 10, a first base connector 40C rotatably connected to the base 10, a first fitting hole 40Q1 rotatably connected to the resin shield 20, and a first link 40 that has a lever connector 40L engaged with a lever 60 (not shown) that swings in response to rotation of the drive shaft 30. In this way, the cover device 200 can open and close the opening 10a with the resin shield 20, so that in the closed state it can block light and also ensure the rigidity to protect the imaging element from physical effects.

[0040] In detail, the first link 40 has a first base connection portion 40C that is rotatably connected to the base 10, a first fitting hole 40Q1 that is rotatably connected to the first resin shielding plate 21, a third fitting hole 40Q2 that is rotatably connected to the second resin shielding plate 22, and a lever connection portion 40L that engages with the lever 60 that swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30. A first base connecting portion 40C formed at one end of the first link 40 of the cover device 200 is rotatably connected to the first base shaft 10P. The first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40 of the cover device 200 is engaged with the first pin 20P1 formed in the first resin shielding plate 21. The third fitting hole 40Q2 formed in the first link 40 of the cover device 200 is engaged with the third pin 20P2 formed in the second resin shielding plate 22. As in the first embodiment, the lever connecting portion 40L formed on the first link 40 of the cover device 200 is engaged with a lever 60 (not shown) that swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30. As a result, when the lever 60 engaged with the lever connecting portion 40L swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30, the first link 40 swings around the first base connecting portion 40C. Then, as the first link 40 swings, the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22 move. Therefore, by rotating the drive shaft 30, the resin shield 20 can be moved back and forth between an open state (see FIGS. 11 and 13) and a closed state (see FIG. 12).

[0041] The second link 50 has a second base connecting portion 50C that is rotatably connected to the base 10, and a second fitting hole 50Q1 that is rotatably connected to the resin shield 20. A second base connecting portion 50C formed at one end of the second link 50 of the cover device 200 is rotatably connected to a second base shaft 10R formed on the base 10. A second fitting hole 50Q1 formed in the second link 50 of the cover device 200 is rotatably engaged with a second pin 20R1 formed in the first resin shielding plate 21. The fourth fitting hole 50Q2 formed in the second link 50 of the cover device 200 is rotatably engaged with the fourth pin 20R2 formed in the second resin shielding plate 22. As a result, the second link 50 swings in response to the swing of the first link 40, which rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive shaft 30. Therefore, by driving the drive shaft 30 to rotate, the first link 40 and the second link 50 act as parallel links, and the resin shield 20 can be moved back and forth in translation between the open state and the closed state.

[0042] (Third embodiment) The cover device 300 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions of matters common to the first or second embodiment may be omitted. Also, parts having the same functions as those in the first or second embodiment may be given the same reference numerals. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the cover device 300 according to the third embodiment, seen from the front, in an open state with the base frame 12 removed. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the cover device 300 according to the third embodiment, seen from the front, in a closed state with the base frame 12 removed.

[0043] 14 and 15, the cover device 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the cover device 100 according to the first embodiment and the cover device 200 according to the second embodiment in that the resin shield 20 is composed of a single first resin shielding plate 21. Furthermore, the cover device 300 according to the third embodiment does not have a second link 50.

[0044] The cover device 300 is disposed on the subject side of the imaging element. The cover device 300 includes a base 10 having an opening 10a surrounding at least a portion of the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction, a resin shield 20 that is movable forward and backward in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and capable of shielding the opening 10a, a drive shaft 30 rotatably provided on the base 10, a first base connecting portion 40C rotatably connected to the base 10, and a first link 40 that has a first fitting hole 40Q1 rotatably connected to the resin shield 20 and swings in response to rotation of the drive shaft 30. In this way, the cover device 300 can open and close the opening 10a with the resin shield 20, so that in the closed state it can block light and also ensure the rigidity to protect the imaging element from physical action.

[0045] In detail, the first link 40 has a first base connecting portion 40C that is rotatably connected to the base 10, and a first fitting hole 40Q1 that is rotatably connected to the first resin shielding plate 21. A first base connecting portion 40C formed at one end of the first link 40 of the cover device 300 is rotatably connected to a first base shaft 10P formed on the base 10. The first fitting hole 40Q1 formed in the first link 40 of the cover device 300 is engaged with the first pin 20P1 formed in the first resin shielding plate 21. The cover device 300 includes a lever 60 that rotates together with the drive shaft 30. One end of the lever 60 is fixed to the drive shaft 30, and the other end is engaged with an elongated hole 45 formed in the first link 40. As a result, the lever 60 swings as the drive shaft 30 rotates, and the first link 40 swings. Then, the first resin shielding plate 21 moves as the first link 40 swings. Therefore, by driving the drive shaft 30 to rotate, the resin shielding body 20 can be moved back and forth between an open state (see FIG. 14) and a closed state (see FIG. 15).

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the correspondence between the present invention and the above embodiments will now be supplemented with a description.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, the cover device 100, 200, 300 includes a base 10 arranged on the subject side of the imaging element and having an opening 10a that surrounds at least a portion of the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction, a resin shielding body 20 that can move back and forth in a direction that intersects the optical axis direction and can shield the opening 10a, a drive shaft 30 that is rotatably mounted on the base 10, a first base connecting portion 40C that is rotatably connected to the base 10, and a first link 40 that has a first fitting hole 40Q1 that is rotatably connected to the resin shielding body 20 and swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30.

[0048] In the cover devices 100, 200, 300 configured as described above, the opening 10a can be opened and closed by the resin shield 20, so that in the closed state, light can be blocked and rigidity for protecting the imaging element from physical action can be ensured.

[0049] (2) In the above embodiment, the first fitting hole 40Q1 is engaged with the first pin 20P1 formed in the resin shield 20.

[0050] (3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second link 50 is provided, which has a second base connecting portion 50C that is rotatably connected to the base 10 and a second fitting hole 50Q1 that is rotatably connected to the resin shield 20.

[0051] (4) In the above embodiment, the second fitting hole 50Q1 is engaged with the second pin 20R1 formed in the resin shield 20.

[0052] (5) In addition, in the above embodiment, the drive shaft 30 has a lever 60 that swings in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 30 and extends in a direction intersecting the drive shaft 30, and the first link 40 has a lever connecting portion 40L that is rotatably connected to the lever 60.

[0053] (6) In the above embodiment, the lever 60 has the guide groove 61 in which the lever connecting portion 40L is engaged, and the guide groove 61 has an intersection portion 61X that extends in a direction intersecting the locus T of the lever connecting portion 40L.

[0054] (7) Also, in the above embodiment, the resin shielding body 20 has a first resin shielding plate 21 and a second resin shielding plate 22 that overlaps at least a portion of the first resin shielding plate 21 when viewed in the optical axis direction, the first resin shielding plate 21 has a first rib 21R that protrudes toward the second resin shielding plate 22 and can block light from the gap between the first resin shielding plate 21 and the second resin shielding plate 22, the second resin shielding plate 22 has a second rib 22R that protrudes toward the first resin shielding plate 21 and can block the gap, and the first rib 21R and the second rib 22R overlap when viewed in the intersecting direction.

[0055] (8) In the above embodiments, the imaging device includes the cover device 100, 200, 300 and the vibration isolation mechanism VR having a camera shake correction function.

[0056] (9) In the above embodiment, the base 10 of the imaging device has the cover driving unit 13 that drives the drive shaft 30, and the cover driving unit 13 is disposed so as to overlap the vibration isolation mechanism VR when viewed in the optical axis direction.

[0057] One embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes and the like are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10...Bass 10a...Opening 10P...First base axis 10R...Second base axis 11...Base body 12...Base frame 13...Cover drive unit 20...Resin shield 20P1...1st pin 20R1...2nd pin 20P2...3rd pin 20R2...4th pin 20P3...5th pin 20R3...6th pin 21...First resin shielding plate 21R…1st Rib 22…Second resin shielding plate 22R...2nd Rib 23…Third resin shielding plate 30...Drive shaft 40...1st link 40C...First base connection part 40L...Lever connection part 40Q1...First fitting hole 40Q2...3rd fitting hole 40Q3...5th fitting hole 45...long hole 50...Second link 50C...Second base connection part 50Q1...Second fitting hole 50Q2...4th fitting hole 50Q3...6th fitting hole 60...Lever 61...Guide groove 61W...Bend 61X...Intersection 100, 200, 300...Cover device T…trajectory VR: Anti-vibration mechanism X…Second direction Y...Third direction Z…1st direction (optical axis direction)

Claims

1. a base disposed on the subject side of the imaging element and having a rectangular opening surrounding at least a portion of the imaging element when viewed from the optical axis direction; a resin shield that is movable forward and backward in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, that can shield the opening, and that does not shield the opening when used for imaging purposes; a drive shaft rotatably mounted on the base; a first link having a first base connecting portion rotatably connected to the base and a first fitting hole rotatably connected to the resin shield, the first link swinging in response to rotation of the drive shaft; Equipped with Cover device.

2. The first fitting hole is engaged with a first pin formed in the resin shield. The cover device according to claim 1 .

3. a second link having a second base connecting portion rotatably connected to the base and a second fitting hole rotatably connected to the resin shield; The cover device according to claim 1 .

4. The second fitting hole is engaged with a second pin formed in the resin shield. The cover device according to claim 3 .

5. the drive shaft has a lever that swings in response to rotation of the drive shaft and extends in a direction intersecting the drive shaft, The first link has a lever connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the lever. The cover device according to claim 1 .

6. the resin shielding body is movable forward and backward in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, which is a short side direction of the rectangular opening, and is capable of shielding the entire opening to cover the imaging element and block light. The cover device according to claim 1 .

7. The cover device does not have a physical shutter for controlling the exposure amount of the imaging element. The cover device according to claim 1 .

8. The cover device according to claim 1 ; the imaging element; Lenses and an anti-shake mechanism having a camera shake correction function; Equipped with The cover device is provided between the imaging element and the lens. Imaging device.

9. the base has a cover drive unit that drives the drive shaft, The cover driving unit is disposed so as to overlap the vibration isolation mechanism unit when viewed in the optical axis direction. The imaging device according to claim 8 .

10. The cover device is capable of covering and blocking light from the imaging element when the lens is detached from the imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 8 .

Images