Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To detachably attach an optical filter to an imaging apparatus, and to remove dust adhering to an imaging device or a low-pass filter when attaching / detaching the optical filter to / from the imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An image pickup apparatus in which an optical unit including an optical filter is insertable and removable, wherein an exterior member of the image pickup apparatus is provided with a first hole portion and a second hole portion for arranging the optical filter on an optical axis of an image pickup element by inserting the optical unit, and the first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided such that a first direction that is an insertion direction of the optical unit into the first hole portion and a second direction that is an insertion direction of the optical unit into the second hole portion are orthogonal to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices are known to have an electric insertion / removal mechanism that can electrically switch optical filters such as infrared cut filters, neutral density filters, etc. However, when the imaging device is, for example, an interchangeable lens imaging device in which the distance from the lens mounting surface to the imaging element (flange back amount) is short or when a thick low-pass filter is required, it is difficult to fit the filter electric insertion / removal mechanism into a small gap.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a user can attach and detach an optical unit that holds an optical filter in front of an image sensor or a low-pass filter from outside the image pickup device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6699051 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a user attaches or detaches the optical unit, dust may enter the imaging device from outside and adhere to the imaging element or low-pass filter. If the optical unit is attached to the imaging device with dust adhered to either the imaging element or the low-pass filter, there is a concern that the dust may appear in the image.

[0006] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the gap between the image sensor or the low-pass filter and the optical filter is sealed with an elastic member, and dust is prevented from entering only when the holding frame is attached to the image sensor. However, dust adhering to the image sensor is not removed and remains inside the image sensor.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to remove dust adhering to an imaging element or a low-pass filter in an imaging device having a detachable optical filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An imaging device in which an optical unit having an optical filter can be inserted and removed, characterized in that the exterior member of the imaging device has a first hole portion and a second hole portion for inserting the optical unit to position the optical filter on the optical axis of an imaging element, and the first hole portion and the second hole portion are formed so that a first direction, which is the insertion direction of the optical unit into the first hole portion, and a second direction, which is the insertion direction of the optical unit into the second hole portion, are perpendicular to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in an imaging device with a detachable optical filter, it is possible to remove dust adhering to the imaging element or low-pass filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the imaging device with an interchangeable lens attached. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the imaging device with an optical unit and a cover member removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device with a cover member removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of elements related to imaging of the imaging device. [Figure 6]FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the imaging device, and FIG. 7(b) is an exploded perspective view with the optical filter removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of only an optical unit in the imaging apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an optical unit in the imaging device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of only the imaging unit in the imaging device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging unit in the imaging apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view of the imaging device with an optical unit and a cover member removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An imaging device to which the technology of the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [State Form] First Embodiment The configuration of the imaging device 10 will be described using Figure 1 and Figures 2(a) and (b). To simplify the following description, the XYZ coordinate system will be defined below. The Z axis is the direction of the imaging optical axis of the imaging device 10, and the direction toward the subject being photographed is considered positive. In a plane perpendicular to the Z axis, the width direction of the imaging device 10 is considered the X axis, and the right side as viewed from the subject side when facing the imaging device 10 is considered positive. The vertical direction is considered the Y axis, and the direction toward the sky is considered positive.

[0013] 1 and 2(a) and (b) are perspective views showing an overview of an imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 includes a main board that controls the entire imaging device 10 and an imaging element that converts electrical signals received from the lens, and is capable of capturing an optical image from a subject. The imaging device 10 also includes interfaces such as terminals for supplying power to the main board, imaging element, and other electronic components, and terminals for outputting captured images, thereby fulfilling the main function of the imaging device. As shown in FIG. 1, an interchangeable lens 20 is attached to the imaging device 10 on the subject side (+Z side), and the lens can be changed to suit the shooting conditions.

[0014] 2(a) and 2(b), the imaging device 10 has exterior members 110a-f, an optical unit 120, and a cover member 130. The exterior members 110a-f form the exterior of the imaging device 10. The optical unit 120 and the cover member 130 are detachably attached to the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 also has a mount 151, an electronic communication contact 152, and a release knob 153.

[0015] The mount 151 has a mount surface 1511. The interchangeable lens 20 is fixed to the imaging device 10 with the mount surface 1511 of the mount 151 abutting against an abutment surface (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 20. When the interchangeable lens 20 is attached to the imaging device 10, an electronic communication contact (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 20 comes into contact with an electronic communication contact 152 of the imaging device 10, enabling lens communication between the interchangeable lens 20 and the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 and the interchangeable lens 20 are fixed using, for example, a bayonet-type mount structure, and the user can remove the interchangeable lens 20 from the imaging device 10 by pressing a release knob 153, allowing another lens to be attached.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the imaging device 10 with the optical unit 120 and the cover member 130 removed. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 10 with the cover member 130 removed. The imaging device 10 is an imaging device into which the optical unit 120 having the optical filter 122 can be inserted and removed. The imaging device 10 is characterized in that exterior members 110a and 110c are respectively provided with a first hole 111 and a second hole 112 for inserting the optical unit 120 to position the optical filter 122 on the optical axis of the imaging element.

[0017] Here, the first hole 111 is provided on a side surface of the imaging device 10, and the second hole 112 is provided on a bottom surface of the imaging device 10. That is, the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided so that a first direction (-X direction) which is the insertion direction of the optical unit 120 into the first hole 111 and a second direction (+Y direction) which is the insertion direction of the optical unit 120 into the second hole 112 are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided so that either the first direction or the second direction is approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In this embodiment, the first hole 111 is provided so that the first direction, i.e., the insertion direction of the optical unit 120 into the first hole 111, is approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0018] Preferably, the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided on approximately the same plane with respect to the optical axis direction of the imaging device 10. The optical unit 120 is detachably fitted into the first hole 111 (by inserting it in a first direction). Similarly, the optical unit 120 is detachably fitted into the second hole 112 (by inserting it in a second direction). However, if the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided on approximately the same plane, it is not possible to insert another optical filter from one of the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 while the optical unit 120 is inserted from the other. In this embodiment, assuming that the optical unit 120 is inserted into or removed from the first hole 111, a cover member 130 is fitted into the second hole 112 to seal the second hole 112. The cover member 130 is detachable. In other words, the second hole 112 is provided so that the cover member 130 can be fitted into it.

[0019] Here, when the optical unit 120 and the cover member 130 are not attached, if air is blown into the inside of the image capture device 10 through the first hole 111 using a blower or the like, the air is exhausted to the outside of the image capture device 10 through the second hole 112. The same is true in reverse; in other words, air sent from one of the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 is exhausted from the other.

[0020] As described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the optical unit can be inserted from either the first hole 111 or the second hole 112. For example, the optical unit may be inserted from the second hole 112, and the first hole 111 may be configured so that the cover member 130 can be fitted thereto. However, because the second hole 112 faces the direction of gravity, there is a risk that the optical unit may be accidentally removed from the second hole due to factors such as a decrease in the fitting force of the optical unit in the second hole 112 or an external impact. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to insert the optical unit only from the first hole 111, and the present embodiment will also be described assuming that the optical unit 120 is inserted and removed only from the first hole 111. Preferably, to prevent erroneous attachment of the optical unit 120, the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 have different shapes, and the optical unit 120 cannot be attached to the image capture device 10 from the second hole 112.

[0021] However, the above-described configuration in which the optical unit can be inserted only through the first hole 111 is effective when the imaging device 10 is installed with the second hole 112 facing the bottom as shown in FIG. 1 , but this does not apply to installation states other than the normal installation state. For example, it is possible to imagine capturing a subject vertically by rotating the imaging device 10 90° in the +X direction from the normal installation state. In that case, for the reasons described above, the optical unit should be inserted through the second hole 112 rather than through the first hole 111. Therefore, whether the optical unit can be inserted only through the first hole 111 (or only through the second hole 112) or through either hole should be appropriately changed depending on the expected specifications of the imaging device 10. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the optical unit can be inserted only through the first hole 111. Therefore, a feature of the imaging device 10 in this embodiment is that the insertion direction (first direction) of the optical unit into the first hole portion and the insertion direction (second direction) of the optical unit into the second hole portion are perpendicular to each other.

[0022] 5(a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of elements related to imaging in the imaging device 10. Fig. 6 is a front view showing the insertion direction of the optical unit 120 into the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 has an exterior member 110a, the optical unit 120, the imaging unit 140, a mount 151, electronic communication contacts 152, a release knob 153, a spring member 154, fixing screws 155 and 156, an adjustment washer 161, and a fixing screw 162.

[0023] When the interchangeable lens 20 is attached to the imaging device 10, the spring member 154 biases the interchangeable lens 20 toward the imaging device 10, firmly fixing it in place. The mount 151 is fixed to the exterior member 110a with a fixing screw 156, sandwiching the spring member 154. The electronic communication contact 152 is fixed to the exterior member 110a with a fixing screw 155. The imaging unit 140 is fixed to the exterior member 110a with a fixing screw 162. At this time, by sandwiching an adjustment washer 161 of any thickness between the exterior member 110a and the imaging unit 140, the distance (flange back amount) between the imaging element provided inside the imaging unit 140 and the mount surface 1511 can be adjusted.

[0024] Here, the optical unit 120 is detachably held between the imaging unit 140 and the electronic communication contact 152. The optical unit 120 is attached to the imaging device 10 in a state in which part of the side surface portion 1213 provided on the optical unit 120 abuts on part of the ribs 1412a, b provided on the imaging unit 140. At this time, the optical unit 120 is attached in a direction parallel to the low-pass filter 142 provided on the imaging unit 140.

[0025] Furthermore, a first sealing member 124 is provided on the subject side (+Z direction) of optical unit 120, and a second sealing member 125 is provided on the imaging element side (-Z direction) of optical unit 120. When optical unit 120 is inserted into imaging device 10, first sealing member 124 and second sealing member 125 seal electronic communication contact 152, imaging unit 140, and optical unit 120, preventing dust from entering the interior of imaging device 10. As shown in Fig. 6, optical unit 120 is detachably fitted into first hole portion 111 in a direction parallel to low-pass filter 142.

[0026] 7(a) and (b) are perspective views of the optical unit 120, and FIGS. 8(a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of the optical unit 120. The optical unit 120 is composed of a base member 121, an optical filter 122, a frame member 123, a first sealing member 124, a second sealing member 125, fixing screws 126, and an adhesive 127. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the first sealing member 124 and the second sealing member 125 are arranged to surround the optical filter 122.

[0027] The base member 121 is provided with an opening 1211 and a recess 1212. The opening 1211 provided in the base member 121 is shaped so as not to eclipse light from the interchangeable lens 20 attached to the imaging device 10. The optical filter 122 is an infrared light blocking filter or a neutral density filter. The optical filter 122 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the base member 121 and the frame member 123, and is fixed with fixing screws 126 and adhesive 127. At this time, a part of the optical filter 122 abuts against the recess 1212 of the base member 121.

[0028] 7(a) and 7(b) is assumed to be inserted through the first hole 111, but the optical unit 120 may have a different shape when inserted into the second hole 112. That is, the shape of the base member 121 changes so that it fits into the second hole 112. In this embodiment, the base member 121 is shaped to extend from the optical filter 122 in the X direction, but for example, the base member 121 may be shaped to extend from the optical filter 122 in the Y direction.

[0029] 9(a) and 9(b) are perspective views of the imaging unit 140 in the imaging device 10, and 10(a) and 10(b) are exploded perspective views of the imaging unit 140 in the imaging device 10. The imaging unit 140 has a holding member 141, a low-pass filter 142, a sealing member 143, an imaging element 144, a holding plate 145, a substrate 146, fixing screws 147 and 148. The holding member 141 has a recess 1411.

[0030] A low-pass filter 142 is disposed in a recess 1411 of the holding member 141. The imaging element 144 is soldered to a substrate 146 with a holding plate 145 sandwiched therebetween. At this time, the imaging element 144 is fixed to the holding plate 145 with an adhesive (not shown). The holding plate 145 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity and dissipates heat generated by the imaging element 144 and the substrate 146. With the low-pass filter 142, sealing member 143, and imaging element 144 sandwiched between the holding member 141 and the holding plate 145, the holding member 141 is fixed to the holding plate 145 with fixing screws 147. The sealing member 143 prevents dust from adhering to the surface of the imaging element 144 when the imaging unit 140 is in its assembled state. The substrate 146 is fixed to the holding plate 145 with fixing screws 148.

[0031] The low-pass filter 142 is provided closer to the subject (in the +Z direction) than the image sensor 144. The holding member 141 has ribs 1412a, 1412b and openings 1413a, 1413b. The first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided so that the low-pass filter 142 is positioned closer to the image sensor than the insertion surface of the optical unit 120. As a result, air that has flowed into the image sensor 10 from the first hole 111 passes through the opening 1413a of the holding member 141, passes over the surface of the low-pass filter 142, passes through the opening 1413b of the holding member 141, and is discharged to the outside of the image sensor 10 from the second hole 112. The ribs 1412a, 1412b of the holding member 141 regulate the flow of air blown into the image sensor 10 from the first hole 111 as it passes through the interior of the image sensor 10. That is, the wind that enters through the first hole 111 passes through the inside of the imaging device 10 in the order of opening 1413 a, imaging element 144 and opening 1413 b projected onto the low-pass filter 142, and is exhausted through the second hole 112.

[0032] The hatched areas in FIG. 9(a) indicate spaces formed by the first hole 111 and the second hole 112. The first space 1414a is a space for inserting an optical unit through the first hole, and the second space 1414b is a space for inserting an optical unit through the second hole. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the first space 1414a and the second space 1414b are spatially continuous, and the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are provided so that the first space 1414a and the second space 1414b overlap on the projection of the imaging element. FIG. 9(a) shows that the first hole 111 and the second hole 112 are on approximately the same plane (X-Y plane), and that at least a portion of the first space 1414a and the second space 1414b share the same space.

[0033] 9(a), the ribs 1412a and 1412b do not need to be provided so as to surround the entire periphery of the first space 1414a and the second space 1414b. It is sufficient that the ribs are formed so as to surround at least a portion of the first space 1414a and the second space 1414b to an extent that the flow of air blown into the imaging device 10 can be regulated. By regulating the flow of air by the ribs 1412a and 1412b, the air becomes more likely to hit dust adhering to the low-pass filter 142, and dust can be removed more efficiently.

[0034] By inserting optical unit 120 into first hole 111, optical unit 120 is positioned to fill the first space, and first sealing member 124 and second sealing member 125 seal the first space. If an optical filter is inserted through second hole 112, first sealing member 124 and second sealing member 125 similarly seal the second space. That is, first sealing member 124 and second sealing member 125 are provided to seal the first space or the second space when optical filter 120 is inserted. This makes it difficult for external dust to adhere to the image sensor and low-pass filter 142.

[0035] 11 is a front view of the imaging device 10 with the optical unit 120 and the cover member 130 removed. As described above, the imaging device 10 has a flow path 170 (dotted line portion in FIG. 11) that runs from the first hole 111 through the portion that overlaps with the low-pass filter 142 in projection to the second hole 112.

[0036] Here, first hole 111 and second hole 112 are provided closer to the subject (in the +Z direction) than low-pass filter 142. As explained above, even if dust adheres to the surface of low-pass filter 142 due to attachment or detachment of optical unit 120, the air sent into image capture device 10 from first hole 111 using a blower or the like passes over the surface of low-pass filter 142, thereby removing the adhered dust. Then, the air containing the dust is discharged from second hole 112 to the outside of image capture device 10.

[0037] In the present embodiment, a state has been described in which low-pass filter 142 is provided on the subject side (+Z direction) of image sensor 144. Even when low-pass filter 142 is not provided, dust adhering to the surface of image sensor 144 is similarly removed by blowing air into image sensor 10 through first hole 111 and then discharged to the outside of image sensor 10 through second hole 112.

[0038] The present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the invention that do not deviate from the gist of the invention are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10. Imaging device 20 Interchangeable Lenses 110a~f Exterior members 111 First hole 112 Second hole 120 Optical Unit 121 Base material 1211 Opening 1212 recess 1213 Side part 122 Optical Filter 123 Frame members 124 First sealing member 125 Second sealing member 126 Fixing screw 127 Adhesive 130 Lid member 140 Imaging unit 141 Retaining member 1411 recess 1412 Rib 1413 Opening 142 Low-pass filter 143 Sealing member 144 image sensor 145 Retaining Plate 146 PCB 147 Fixing screw 148 Fixing screw 151 Mount 1511 Mounting surface 152 Electronic communication interface 153 Release knob 154 Spring member 155 Fixing screw 156 Fixing screw 161 Adjustment washer 162 Fixing screw 170 flow path

Claims

1. An imaging device in which an optical unit having an optical filter can be inserted and removed, The exterior member of the imaging device includes: a first hole and a second hole are provided for inserting the optical unit to position the optical filter on the optical axis of the image sensor; An imaging device characterized in that the first hole portion and the second hole portion are arranged so that a first direction, which is the insertion direction of the optical unit into the first hole portion, and a second direction, which is the insertion direction of the optical unit into the second hole portion, are perpendicular to each other.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided so that either the first direction or the second direction is approximately perpendicular to the weight direction.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided so that a first space for inserting the optical unit through the first hole portion and a second space for inserting the optical unit through the second hole portion are continuous.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first hole and the second hole are provided so that the first space and the second space overlap on the projection of the imaging element.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are located on substantially the same plane with respect to the optical axis direction of the imaging element.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the air blown through one of the first hole and the second hole is exhausted through the other.

7. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein a rib is formed so as to surround at least a part of the first space and the second space.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are provided so that a cover member can be fitted into them.

9. The optical unit includes: a first sealing member and a second sealing member disposed to seal the first space when inserted into the first hole; 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first sealing member is disposed on the imaging element side of the optical filter, and the second sealing member is disposed on the subject side.

10. The optical unit includes: a first sealing member and a second sealing member disposed to seal the second space when inserted into the second bore; 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first sealing member is disposed on the imaging element side of the optical filter, and the second sealing member is disposed on the subject side.

11. 11. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are arranged to surround the optical filter.

12. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole and the second hole have different sizes.

13. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first hole and the second hole are provided so that a low-pass filter is positioned closer to the imaging element than the insertion surface of the optical unit.

14. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is an interchangeable lens imaging device.

Images