Imaging device

Abstract

To selectively arrange an optical filter in front of an imaging surface of an imaging element without increasing an imaging apparatus in size.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging element 22 including an imaging surface 22a; a first filter unit 16 including a first optical filter 24; and a drive mechanism that moves the first filter unit 16 in parallel in a second direction intersecting a first direction being a normal direction of the imaging surface 22a and between a first filtering position and a first retraction position. The first filtering position is a position at which the first optical filter 24 is present in front of the imaging surface 22a, and the first retraction position is a position at which the first optical filter 24 is deviated from the front of the imaging surface 22a. The drive mechanism includes: a belt member 40 coupled to the first filter unit 16; and a belt drive member 42 that rotates in a state where the belt member 40 is partially wound and that moves a first portion 40b of the belt member 40 to which the first filter unit 16 is coupled in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device including a light control cell that changes the light incident on an image sensor. The light control cell is provided with a transmittance variable portion whose light transmittance changes by changing an applied voltage, and a transmittance fixed portion whose light transmittance is constant, specifically, a transparent transmittance fixed portion, as an optical filter. By translating the light control cell in the parallel direction of the transmittance variable portion and the transmittance fixed portion, the transmittance variable portion or the transmittance fixed portion is selectively arranged in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the imaging device described in Patent Document 1, in the direction normal to the imaging surface of the image sensor, a retreat space for each of the transmittance variable portion and the transmittance fixed portion of the light control cell is required on both sides of the image sensor. As a result, the imaging device becomes larger.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to selectively arrange an optical filter in front of the imaging surface of an image sensor without increasing the size of the imaging device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an image sensor including an imaging surface on which light from a subject is incident, A first filter unit comprising a first optical filter, The first filter unit has a drive mechanism that moves it in a second direction intersecting a first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between a first filtering position and a first retracted position. The first filtering position is a position where the first optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The aforementioned drive mechanism, A belt member connected to the first filter unit, and An imaging apparatus is provided, which includes a belt drive member that rotates the belt member in a partially wound state and moves the first portion of the belt member to which the first filter unit is connected in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the optical filter can be selectively positioned in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor without increasing the size of the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic front perspective view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Front perspective view of the filter module of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Rear perspective view of the filter module [Figure 4] Rear view of the filter module [Figure 5] Forward exploded perspective view of the filter module [Figure 6] Rear exploded perspective view of the filter module [Figure 7] This diagram shows the connection between the first and second filter units and the belt member of the drive mechanism. [Figure 8]Rear perspective view of the filter module in a state where the first filter unit is located at the first retracted position [Figure 9A] Schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism of an embodiment in which the first and second filter units are translated in opposite directions to each other, showing a state where the first filter unit is located at the first filtering position [Figure 9B] Schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism of an embodiment in which the first and second filter units are translated in opposite directions to each other, showing a state where the first filter unit is located at the first retracted position [Figure 10A] Schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism of a comparative example in which the first and second filter units are translated in opposite directions to each other, showing a state where the first filter unit is located at the first filtering position [Figure 10B] Schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism of a comparative example in which the first and second filter units are translated in opposite directions to each other, showing a state where the first filter unit is located at the first retracted position [Figure 11] Schematic front perspective view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure [Figure 12] Front perspective view of the filter module of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 13] Rear perspective view of the filter module in a state where the first filter unit is located at the first filtering position [Figure 14] Rear perspective view of the filter module in a state where the first filter unit is located at the first retracted position

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, detailed descriptions that are more detailed than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0010] The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, but do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0011] Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a filter module of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the filter module. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the filter module. The X - Y - Z orthogonal coordinate system shown in the figures is for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. The X - axis direction is the front - rear direction of the imaging device, the Y - axis direction is the left - right direction, and the Z - axis direction is the height direction. The side where the subject exists during shooting is defined as the front side of the imaging device.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, an imaging device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a so - called lens - interchangeable single - lens reflex camera, and a filter module 12 is mounted thereon.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in the case of Embodiment 1, the filter module 12 includes a housing 14, a first filter unit 16, and a second filter unit 18.

[0015] The housing 14 is made of a metal material such as aluminum die - casting, for example, and supports the first and second filter units 16, 18. Also, in the case of this embodiment, the housing 14 includes a lens attachment portion 14a to which a lens (not shown) is attached, and a protective glass 20 through which light from the subject passes.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the imaging device 10 has an image sensor 22 that is spaced apart from the protective glass 20 and faces the direction in which the optical axis LA of the imaging device 10 extends (i.e., the front-to-back direction of the imaging device 10 (X-axis direction)), and has an imaging surface 22a into which light from the subject is incident. The image sensor 22 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS, and creates image data of the subject from the light from the subject (image of the subject) incident on the imaging surface 22a via the protective glass 20. The optical axis LA extends in the direction normal to the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22 and passes through the center of the rectangular imaging surface 22a.

[0017] In this first embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first filter unit 16 comprises a first optical filter 24 and a frame-shaped first frame structure 26 that supports the outer periphery of the first optical filter 24. The second filter unit 18 comprises a second optical filter 28 and a second frame structure 30 that supports the outer periphery of the second optical filter 28.

[0018] In this embodiment 1, the first optical filter 24 is a filter that adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22, and is, for example, an electronic ND filter with adjustable light transmittance. The ND filter is, for example, a liquid crystal type filter. By changing the driving voltage applied to the first optical filter 24, the light transmittance of the first optical filter 24 changes. Note that the first optical filter 24 is not limited to an electronic ND filter, but may be another optical filter such as a non-electronic polarizing filter or an optical filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength. The second optical filter 28 is a filter with an unchangeable light transmittance, i.e., a fixed light transmittance, for example, transparent glass. Note that the second optical filter 28 is not limited to a filter with a fixed light transmittance, but may be a different optical filter from the first optical filter 24. In this embodiment 1, the first and second optical filters 24 and 28 are rectangular in shape, similar to the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22.

[0019] Figure 5 is a forward exploded perspective view of the filter module. Figure 6 is a rear exploded perspective view of the filter module.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first and second filter units 16 and 18 are each supported by the housing 14 of the filter module 12 so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22. In this embodiment 1, the first and second filter units 16 and 18 each move in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10.

[0021] In this embodiment 1, the first frame structure 26 of the first filter unit 16 is supported by a first upper guide rail 32 and a first lower guide rail 34 so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10. The first upper guide rail 32 and the first lower guide rail 34 are pole-shaped and are attached to the housing 14 so as to extend in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 and be parallel to each other. An upper slider portion 26a is provided at the top of the first frame structure 26, which is movable in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 while holding the first upper guide rail 32. A lower slider portion 26b is provided at the bottom of the first frame structure 26, which is movable in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 while holding the first lower guide rail 34.

[0022] The second frame structure 30 of the second filter unit 18 is supported by a second upper guide rail 36 and a second lower guide rail 38 so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10. The second upper guide rail 36 and the second lower guide rail 38 are pole-shaped and are attached to the housing 14 so as to extend in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 and be parallel to each other. An upper slider portion 30a is provided at the top of the second frame structure 30, which is movable in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 while holding the second upper guide rail 36. A lower slider portion 30b is provided at the bottom of the second frame structure 30, which is movable in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 while holding the second lower guide rail 38.

[0023] In this embodiment 1, the first frame structure 26 of the first filter unit 16 is located in front of the second frame structure 30 of the second filter unit 18, and is translated in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10. That is, the first frame structure 26 and the second frame structure 30 are in different positions in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the imaging device 10.

[0024] Furthermore, the guide members that guide the first frame structure 26 and the second frame structure 30 so that they can move in parallel in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10 are not limited to guide rails 32 to 38. For example, guide grooves formed in the housing 14 and extending in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 may be used to guide the first frame structure 26 and the second frame structure 30 so that they can move in parallel in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10.

[0025] The imaging device 10 has a drive mechanism that moves the first filter unit 16 and the second filter unit 18 in parallel in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22 (in this embodiment 1, the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 (Y-axis direction)).

[0026] The drive mechanism includes a belt member 40, a belt drive member 42 that rotates with the belt member 40 partially wound around it, and a power source 44 that rotates the belt drive member 42.

[0027] In this first embodiment, the belt member 40 is made from a flexible material and is endless in shape. The belt member 40 also has internal teeth 40a. The drive mechanism includes a belt support member 46 that rotates freely with the belt member 40 partially wound around it. In this first embodiment, the belt drive member 42 and the belt support member 46 are gears with external teeth that engage with the internal teeth 40a of the belt member 40. The belt drive member 42 and the belt support member 46 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10 and are supported by the housing 14 so as to be rotatable about a rotation centerline that extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the imaging device 10.

[0028] In this first embodiment, the power source 44 that rotates the belt drive member 42 consists of a motor 48 and a drive coupling mechanism 50, such as a reduction gear mechanism, that connects the motor 48 and the belt drive member 42. In this first embodiment, the power source 44 is located within the grip portion 10a of the imaging device 10, which protrudes forward as shown in Figure 1. This allows the power source 44 to be installed in the imaging device 10 without compromising the design of the imaging device 10, i.e., the design of the interchangeable-lens single-lens reflex camera.

[0029] The first frame structure 26 of the first filter unit 16 and the second frame structure 30 of the second filter unit 18 are connected to the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism.

[0030] Figure 7 shows the connection between the first and second filter units and the belt member of the drive mechanism.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the belt member 40 is wound around the belt drive member 42 and the belt support member 46, which are spaced apart in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10. As a result, the belt member 40 has a linear first portion 40b and a linear second portion 40c that extend linearly in the left-right direction of the imaging device 10 and are parallel to each other, between the belt drive member 42 and the belt support member 46. The first frame structure 26 of the first filter unit 16 is connected to the first portion 40b of the belt member 40 via its lower slider portion 26b. The second frame structure 30 of the second filter unit 18 is connected to the second portion 40c of the belt member 40 via its lower slider portion 30b. In this first embodiment, the lower slider portion 26b of the first frame structure 26 and the lower slider portion 30b of the second frame structure 30 are formed with engaging teeth 26c and 30c that engage with the internal teeth 40a of the belt member 40.

[0032] With the connection of the first and second filter units 16 and 18 to the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism, when the first filter unit 16 moves in a parallel direction to the left or to the right, the second filter unit 18 moves in a parallel direction to the opposite direction.

[0033] Specifically, when a user performs a predetermined operation on a predetermined operating unit (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the imaging device 10, for example, the motor 48 of the power source 44 rotates the belt drive member 42 via the drive coupling mechanism 50. As a result, the first portion 40b of the belt member 40 moves to the left or to the right, and the second portion 40c moves in the opposite direction. Consequently, the first filter unit 16 connected to the first portion 40b of the belt member 40 is guided by the first upper guide rail 32 and the first lower guide rail 34 and moves in parallel to the left or to the right. At the same time, the second filter unit 18 connected to the second portion 40c of the belt member 40 is guided by the second upper guide rail 36 and the second lower guide rail 38 and moves in parallel to the direction of movement of the first filter unit 16.

[0034] In this embodiment 1, the first lower guide rail 34 and the second lower guide rail 38 are arranged in the space surrounded by the endless belt member 40. By effectively utilizing the space surrounded by the endless belt member 40 in this way, the filter module 12 can be made smaller compared to when the first lower guide rail 34 and the second lower guide rail 38 are arranged in a location other than this space. As a result, the imaging device 10 can be made smaller.

[0035] The belt member 40 of this drive mechanism causes the first filter unit 16 to move in parallel between a first filtering position and a first retracted position.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first filter unit 16 is moved in parallel by the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism and positioned at the first filtering position. Specifically, when the first filter unit 16 is in the first filtering position, the first optical filter 24 is located in front of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22. As a result, light from the subject passes through the first optical filter 24 before reaching the imaging surface 22a through the protective glass 20. Consequently, light from the subject that has been filtered by the first optical filter 24 is incident on the imaging surface 22a.

[0037] Furthermore, the first filter unit 16 is moved in parallel by the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism and positioned in the first retracted position.

[0038] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the filter module with the first filter unit in the first retracted position.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the first filter unit 16 retracts to a first retracted position, which is a position away from the front of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22. In this embodiment 1, the first filter unit 16 retracts to the left from the front of the imaging surface 22a (when viewed from the front of the imaging device 10). As a result, light from the subject enters the imaging surface 22a without being obstructed by the first filter unit 16, that is, without passing through the first optical filter 24.

[0040] Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, the second filter unit 18 is moved in parallel by the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism and positioned at the second filtering position. Specifically, when the second filter unit 18 is in the second filtering position, the second optical filter 28 is located in front of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22. Light from the subject passes through the second optical filter 28 before reaching the imaging surface 22a after passing through the protective glass 20. As a result, light from the subject that has been filtered by the second optical filter 28 is incident on the imaging surface 22a. The second filtering position is located behind the first filtering position.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second filter unit 18 is moved in parallel by the belt member 40 of the drive mechanism and positioned in a second retracted position. Specifically, the second filter unit 18 retracts to a position away from the front of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22 as the second retracted position. In this embodiment, the second filter unit 18 retracts to the left from the front of the imaging surface 22a (when viewed from the front of the imaging device 10). As a result, light from the subject is incident on the imaging surface 22a without being obstructed by the second filter unit 18, that is, without passing through the second optical filter 28. Note that the second retracted position is located behind the first retracted position.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, when the first filter unit 16 is in the first filtering position, the second filter unit 18 is in the second retracted position. Also, as shown in Figure 8, when the first filter unit 16 is in the first retracted position, the second filter unit 18 is in the second filtering position. In other words, the first filter unit 16 and the second filter unit 18 are swapped in the front-to-back direction (viewed along the X-axis) of the imaging device 10. Then, either the first optical filter 24 of the first filter unit 16 or the second optical filter 28 of the second filter unit 18 is selectively positioned in front of the image sensor 22.

[0043] In this way, by swapping the positions of the first filter unit 16 and the second filter unit 18 in the front-to-back direction (viewed along the X-axis) of the imaging device 10, it becomes unnecessary to provide retraction spaces for the first and second filter units 16 and 18 on both sides of the image sensor 22. As a result, the size of the imaging device 10 is kept down compared to the case where retraction spaces are provided on both sides of the image sensor 22.

[0044] For example, each time a user performs a predetermined operation on a predetermined operating unit located on the rear of the imaging device 10, the first filter unit 16 and the second filter unit 18 are swapped. As a result, the optical filter located in front of the image sensor 22 switches from the first optical filter 24 to the second optical filter 28, or vice versa.

[0045] The reason why the first and second filter units 16 and 18, which are selectively positioned in front of the image sensor 22, are moved in opposite directions by the belt member 40 will be explained with reference to a comparative example.

[0046] Figures 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of the drive mechanism of the embodiment, which moves the first and second filter units in opposite directions. Figure 9A shows the state in which the first filter unit 16 is in the first filtering position (i.e., the first optical filter 24 is positioned in front of the image sensor 22). Figure 9B shows the state in which the first filter unit 16 is in the first retracted position (i.e., the first optical filter 24 is positioned away from the front of the image sensor 22).

[0047] Figures 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a comparative example drive mechanism that moves the first and second filter units in opposite directions. Figure 10A shows the state in which the first filter unit 16 is in the first filtering position (i.e., the first optical filter 24 is positioned in front of the image sensor 22). Figure 10B shows the state in which the first filter unit 18 is in the first retracted position (i.e., the first optical filter 24 is positioned away from the front of the image sensor 22).

[0048] As shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, the first and second filter units 16 and 18 move in parallel within a predetermined movement range SR in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 10.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the drive mechanism that moves the first and second filter units 16 and 18 in opposite directions can be positioned without extending outside the predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18. That is, the endless belt member 40, the belt drive member 42, and the belt support member 46 can each be positioned so as to fit within the predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18. This suppresses the enlargement of the filter module 12, particularly the enlargement of the imaging device 10 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0050] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the drive mechanism of the comparative example is a so-called rack and pinion structure, consisting of first and second racks 102 and 104 provided on the first and second filter units 16 and 18, respectively, and a pinion gear 106 that engages with the racks 102 and 104.

[0051] The first and second racks 102 and 104 are supported by the housing of the filter module so as to be movable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device.

[0052] The pinion gear 106 is supported by the housing of the filter module so as to be rotatable about a rotation centerline extending in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the imaging device. The pinion gear 106 is also positioned in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device, corresponding to the center of a predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18. The first rack 102 engages with the pinion gear 106 from above, and the second rack 104 engages with the pinion gear 106 from below.

[0053] The drive mechanism of the comparative example of the rack and pinion structure shown in Figures 10A and 10B can move the first and second filter units 16 and 18 in opposite directions, similar to the drive mechanism of the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B. However, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the first and second racks 102 and 104 cannot be entirely contained within the predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18. That is, parts of the first and second racks 102 and 104 protrude from the predetermined movement range SR in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device. This is because, when the first filter unit 16 is in the first filtering position and the second filter unit 18 is in the second retracted position, or when the first filter unit 16 is in the first retracted position and the second filter unit 18 is in the second filtering position, the first and second racks 102 and 104, respectively, need to be securely engaged with the pinion gear 106. As a result, the filter module of the comparative example is enlarged in the left-right direction of the imaging device (compared to the embodiment using the belt member 40 shown in Figures 9A and 9B).

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, if a pinion gear 106 is placed at the center of a predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18, it may become difficult to provide a power source to rotate the pinion gear 106 in the imaging device. For example, as shown in Figure 1, if the imaging device is a so-called interchangeable-lens single-lens reflex camera, the lens mounting part of the imaging device and the power source may interfere with each other. To avoid this interference, it is necessary to increase the height of the imaging device so that the lens mounting part and the power source do not overlap in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the imaging device becomes larger in the height direction.

[0055] In contrast, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the belt drive member 42 is positioned away from the center of the predetermined movement range SR of the first and second filter units 16 and 18. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the power source 44 that rotates the belt drive member 42 can be positioned away from the lens mounting portion 14b. Consequently, the power source 44 can be placed within the grip portion 10a of the imaging device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0056] According to this embodiment 1 described above, the optical filter can be selectively positioned in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor without increasing the size of the imaging device.

[0057] (Embodiment 2) This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the power source for the drive mechanism that moves the first and second filter units in opposite directions is different. Therefore, this second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences. Components of this second embodiment that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic front perspective view of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the filter module of the imaging device according to Embodiment 2. Furthermore, Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the filter module with the first filter unit in the first filtering position. And Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the filter module with the first filter unit in the first retracted position.

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the drive mechanism that moves the first and second filter units 16 and 18 in opposite directions and in parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging device 210 is manual, unlike the embodiment 1 described above. Specifically, the drive mechanism according to this embodiment 2 includes a dial 244 connected to a belt drive member 242 and rotated by the user, as a power source for rotating the belt drive member 242. The dial 244 is provided on the front of the imaging device 210, as shown in Figure 11. By the user rotating the dial 244 forward or backward, the first filter unit 16 is positioned at a first filtering position (i.e., a position in front of the image sensor 22) as shown in Figure 13, or at a first retracted position (i.e., a position away from the front of the image sensor 22) as shown in Figure 14, via the belt member 40 and the belt drive member 242.

[0060] Similar to Embodiment 1 described above, this second embodiment also allows for the selective placement of the optical filter in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor without increasing the size of the imaging device.

[0061] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 3, the imaging device 10 has a second optical filter 28 made of glass or the like, whose light transmittance cannot be changed. Furthermore, the second optical filter 28 has substantially the same optical path length as the first optical filter 24. This makes it possible to maintain focus even when changing from the first optical filter 24 to the second optical filter 28. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. If the focus can be maintained by another mechanism even when the first optical filter 24 is moved away from the first filtering position (the position in front of the imaging surface 22a of the image sensor 22), then the second optical filter 28, i.e., the second filter unit 18, can be omitted. For example, instead of the second filter unit 18, the imaging device 10 is provided with a mechanism that shifts the image sensor 22 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the imaging device 10 to adjust the focus.

[0063] In other words, the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure broadly includes an image sensor having an imaging surface into which light from a subject is incident, a first filter unit having a first optical filter, and a drive mechanism that moves the first filter unit in a second direction intersecting a first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between a first filtering position and a first retracted position, wherein the first filtering position is a position in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor where the first optical filter is located, the first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from in front of the imaging surface, and the drive mechanism includes a belt member connected to the first filter unit, and a belt drive member that rotates with the belt member partially wound around it, moving the first portion of the belt member to which the first filter unit is connected in the second direction.

[0064] As described above, the embodiments described in this disclosure have been explained as examples of the technology. For this purpose, drawings and a detailed description are provided. Therefore, among the components described in the drawings and detailed description, there may be not only components that are essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology described above. For this reason, the mere fact that these non-essential components are described in the drawings and detailed description should not be immediately assumed to be essential.

[0065] Furthermore, since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] This disclosure is applicable to imaging devices that include multiple ND filters with different light transmittances. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 16. First filter unit 22 Imaging elements 22a Imaging surface 24. First optical filter 40 Belt component 40b Part 1 42 Belt drive member

Claims

1. An image sensor having an imaging surface into which light from the subject enters, A first filter unit comprising a first optical filter, A drive mechanism for moving the first filter unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between the first filtering position and the first retracted position, A second optical filter is provided, and the second filter unit moves in a second direction at a position in the first direction different from that of the first filter unit, and moves in parallel between the second filtering position and the second retracted position. It has, The first filtering position is a position where the first optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The second filtering position is a position where the second optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface. The second retracted position is a position where the second optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The aforementioned drive mechanism, The system includes a belt member connected to the first filter unit, and a belt drive member that rotates with the belt member partially wound around it, moving the first portion of the belt member connected to the first filter unit in the second direction. The second filter unit is connected to the second portion of the belt member which moves in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the first portion. An imaging device in which the belt member and the belt drive member are arranged within the range of movement of the first and second filter units in the second direction.

2. An image sensor having an imaging surface into which light from the subject enters, A first filter unit comprising a first optical filter, A drive mechanism for moving the first filter unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between the first filtering position and the first retracted position, A second optical filter is provided, and the second filter unit moves in a second direction at a position in the first direction different from that of the first filter unit, and moves in parallel between the second filtering position and the second retracted position. It has, The first filtering position is a position where the first optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The second filtering position is a position where the second optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface. The second retracted position is a position where the second optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The aforementioned drive mechanism, The system includes a belt member connected to the first filter unit, and a belt drive member that rotates with the belt member partially wound around it, moving the first portion of the belt member connected to the first filter unit in the second direction. The second filter unit is connected to the second portion of the belt member which moves in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the first portion. The system further includes first and second guide members that guide each of the first and second filter units to move in parallel in the second direction, An imaging device in which the first and second guide members are arranged in the space surrounded by the belt member.

3. An image sensor having an imaging surface into which light from the subject enters, A first filter unit comprising a first optical filter, A drive mechanism for moving the first filter unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between the first filtering position and the first retracted position, A second optical filter is provided, and the second filter unit moves in a second direction at a position in the first direction different from that of the first filter unit, and moves in parallel between the second filtering position and the second retracted position. It has, The first filtering position is a position where the first optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The second filtering position is a position where the second optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface. The second retracted position is a position where the second optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The aforementioned drive mechanism, The system includes a belt member connected to the first filter unit, and a belt drive member that rotates with the belt member partially wound around it, moving the first portion of the belt member connected to the first filter unit in the second direction. The second filter unit is connected to the second portion of the belt member which moves in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the first portion. The first optical filter is an electronic ND filter with adjustable light transmittance, The second optical filter is made of transparent glass, An imaging device wherein the second optical filter has an optical path length substantially the same as that of the first optical filter.

4. An image sensor having an imaging surface into which light from the subject enters, A first filter unit comprising a first optical filter, The first filter unit has a drive mechanism that moves it in a second direction intersecting the first direction which is the normal direction of the imaging surface, and between a first filtering position and a first retracted position. The first filtering position is a position where the first optical filter is located in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor. The first retracted position is a position where the first optical filter is removed from the front of the imaging surface. The aforementioned drive mechanism, The system includes a belt member connected to the first filter unit, and a belt drive member that rotates with the belt member partially wound around it, moving the first portion of the belt member connected to the first filter unit in the second direction. The drive mechanism includes a motor connected to the belt drive member as a power source for rotationally driving the belt drive member. An imaging device in which the motor is located within the grip portion of the imaging device.

5. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive mechanism includes a dial connected to the belt drive member and operated by the user, as a power source for rotationally driving the belt drive member.

Images