Imaging device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an imaging device that can be reduced in size in the optical axis direction and has an optical filter that is rotated when being inserted / removed. [Solution] The imaging device, in which a lens device can be attached / detached through a mounting part, includes: an optical filter which rotates between a first position covering an opening provided inside the mounting part and a second position not overlapping the opening; and a connection member that electrically connects the optical filter and a substrate. The connection member comprises a connection part connected to the optical filter, a first part extending from the connection part, a bent part connected to the first part, and a second part connected to the bent part. When the optical filter is located at the first position, the first part extends to the side of a rotation retreat area of the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second part do not overlap when viewed from the side of a subject. When the optical filter is located at the second position, the optical filter and the second part overlap when viewed from the subject side.

Description

Imaging device

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

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices with electronic ND filters that rotate when inserted or removed have used a configuration in which a flexible printed circuit board connected to the electronic ND filter has a section that extends parallel to the imaging optical axis to accommodate the rotational drive of the electronic ND filter. However, because the optical path from the mount to the imaging unit of compact imaging devices such as mirrorless cameras is densely packed with internal components, using this configuration can result in the flexible printed circuit board interfering with the internal components. Furthermore, diversifying the uses of the electro-optical filter increases the number of control signals, which results in an increase in the size of the imaging device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-144992 discloses an imaging device that is capable of supporting rotational driving of a lens unit by providing an arc-shaped portion on a flexible printed circuit board that is connected to the lens unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-077453

[0005] However, in the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the flexible printed circuit board does not overlap with the lens unit when the lens unit rotates, which makes it impossible to reduce the size of the imaging device.

[0006] The present invention provides an imaging device that has an optical filter that is rotationally driven when inserted or removed, and that can be made smaller in size in the optical axis direction.

[0007] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device in which a lens device can be attached and detached via a mount portion, and includes an optical filter that rotates between a first position that covers an opening provided inside the mount portion and a second position that does not overlap with the opening, and a connecting member that electrically connects the optical filter and the substrate, the connecting member having a connecting portion connected to the optical filter, a first portion extending from the connecting portion, a bending portion connected to the first portion, and a second portion connected to the bending portion, characterized in that when the optical filter is positioned at the first position, the first portion extends toward the rotational retreat area of ​​the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second portion do not overlap when viewed from the subject side, and when the electronic optical filter is positioned at the second position, the optical filter and the second portion overlap when viewed from the subject side.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that has an optical filter that is rotationally driven when inserted or removed, and that can be made smaller in size in the optical axis direction.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging device; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device; Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of an electro-optical filter when driven; Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the electro-optical filter and electrical connecting members when rotationally driven; Fig. 6 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the electro-optical filter and electrical connecting members.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] 1A and 1B are perspective views of an image capturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the image capturing apparatus 100 as seen from the front side, and Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the image capturing apparatus 100 as seen from the rear side.

[0012] The grip unit 101 is provided to allow the photographer to hold the imaging device 100 stably. A shutter button 102, which is a switch for starting imaging, is provided on the top of the grip unit 101. A lens mount unit (mount unit) 103 is provided on the front of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 is configured so that a photographing lens unit (lens device) 104 (not shown) can be attached and detached via the lens mount unit 103. The mount contacts 105 electrically connect the imaging device 100 and the photographing lens unit 104, supplying power to the photographing lens unit 104 and communicating lens control and lens data via electrical signals. The lens unlock button 106 is used when replacing the photographing lens unit 104. When the lens unlock button 106 is pressed, the engagement between the imaging device 100 and the photographing lens unit 104 is released, allowing the photographing lens unit 104 to be removed.

[0013] The power switch 107 is used to turn the power of the imaging device 100 ON or OFF. The main electronic dial 108 and the sub electronic dial 119 are rotary operation members that can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, and various setting values ​​such as aperture and shutter speed can be changed by rotating them. The mode switching dial 109 is an operation unit for switching between shooting modes. By operating the mode switching dial 109, various modes such as shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture value priority shooting mode, and video shooting mode can be switched. The SET button 110 is a push button, and is mainly used to confirm selection items, etc. The LCD monitor 111 displays various setting screens, captured images, and live view images of the imaging device 100.

[0014] The electronic viewfinder 112 is an eyepiece viewfinder that displays various setting screens for the imaging device 100, captured images, and live view images. The multi-function button 113 is a push button that the user can assign to switch various settings related to imaging. The display panel 114 displays various settings for the imaging device 100, such as the shooting mode and ISO sensitivity. The display panel 114 can also display information even when the imaging device 100 is powered off. The accessory shoe 115 includes accessory contacts 116, allowing various accessories such as an external flash and microphone to be attached. The media slot cover 173 is openable and closable, and when open, allows an external recording medium 148, such as an SD card, to be inserted or removed from an internal media slot 172, not shown.

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

[0016] The MPU 130 also communicates with a lens control circuit 138 built into the photographing lens unit 104 via the mount contacts 105. This enables the MPU 130 to control the operation of a focus lens 141 and an electromagnetically driven diaphragm 142 via an AF drive circuit 139 and an diaphragm drive circuit 140. Note that while only the focus lens 141 is shown in Fig. 2, the photographing lens unit 104 is actually made up of a number of lens groups.

[0017] The AF drive circuit 139 is connected to, for example, a stepping motor (not shown) and drives the focus lens 141. The MPU 130 calculates the focus lens drive amount according to the defocus amount detected using the focus signal read out from the image sensor 121, and transmits a focus command including the focus lens drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. Upon receiving the focus command, the lens control circuit 138 controls the drive of the focus lens via the AF drive circuit 139. This performs autofocus (AF).

[0018] The aperture drive circuit 140 is connected to an aperture actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown), and drives multiple aperture blades (not shown) that form an aperture opening in the electromagnetically driven aperture 142. Driving the multiple aperture blades changes the size (aperture diameter) of the aperture opening, thereby adjusting the amount of light. The MPU 130 calculates the aperture drive amount from the luminance signal read from the image sensor 121, and transmits an aperture command including the calculated aperture drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. In other words, the MPU 130 communicates with the lens control circuit 138 to control the electromagnetically driven aperture 142. Upon receiving the aperture command, the lens control circuit 138 controls the drive of the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 via the aperture drive circuit 140. This automatically sets an appropriate aperture value.

[0019] The mechanical focal plane shutter 150 is driven by a shutter drive circuit 132. When capturing an image, the exposure time for the image sensor 121 is controlled by running a front curtain shutter (not shown) to open the shutter when the shutter button 102 is pressed, and running a rear curtain shutter (not shown) to close the shutter according to the desired exposure time.

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

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

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

[0023] The video signal processing circuit 136 is responsible for general image processing, such as filtering and data compression, for the electrical signals obtained from the image sensor 121. Image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 136 is displayed on the LCD monitor 111 and the electronic viewfinder 112 via the LCD drive circuit 144. The video signal processing circuit 136 can also store image data in a buffer memory 147 via a memory controller 146 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 130. Furthermore, the video signal processing circuit 136 can also perform image data compression processing, such as JPEG. When continuous shooting, such as continuous shooting, is performed, the image data can be stored in the buffer memory 147 and unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out via the memory controller 146. This allows the video signal processing circuit 136 to perform image processing and compression sequentially, regardless of the speed of the input image data.

[0024] The memory controller 146 has a function of storing image data in an external recording medium 148 and a function of reading out image data stored in the external recording medium 148. As the external recording medium 148, an SD card, a CF card, or the like that is detachable from the imaging device 100 is used.

[0025] The switch sense circuit 133 transmits an input signal to the MPU 130 according to the operation state of each switch. The switch SW1 (102a) is turned ON by the first stroke (half-press) of the shutter button 102. The switch SW2 (102b) is turned ON by the second stroke (full press) of the shutter button 102. When the switch SW2 (102b) is turned ON, an instruction to start shooting is transmitted to the MPU 130. The switch sense circuit 133 is also connected to the main electronic dial 108, the mode switching dial 109, the power switch 107, the SET button 110, and the multi-function button 113.

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

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

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 is covered by exterior components made up of a front cover 10, a top cover 11, and a rear cover 12, with operation members and display members attached to each exterior component. Arranged on an optical axis 1000, in this order from the subject side to the image side, are an electronic-optical filter holding member 200, an imaging unit 120, and a main board 180. The electronic-optical filter holding member 200 holds an electronic-optical filter 160. An electrical connection member (connection member) 163 is connected to the electronic-optical filter 160. The electrical connection member 163 is connected to the main board 180. The electronic-optical filter 160 is driven and controlled via the electrical connection member 163, allowing its optical characteristics to be changed.

[0029] The configuration of the electro-optical filter 160 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of the electro-optical filter 160 when it is driven, showing the components related to the electro-optical filter 160 and the electro-optical filter holding member 200 as viewed from the rear side of the imaging device 100.

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

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

[0032] 4A shows a state (hereinafter referred to as an inserted state) in which the electro-optical filter 160 is inserted into and superimposed on the opening 190 provided inside the lens mount unit 103. In the inserted state, light incident on the image sensor 121 passes through the electro-optical filter 160, and various photographic expressions are possible due to the effects of the electro-optical filter 160. For example, when an electronic ND filter is used as the electro-optical filter 160, the incident light is attenuated, making it possible to take long-exposure photographs and suppress blown-out highlights even in bright environments.

[0033] 4B shows a state (retracted state) in which the electronic optical filter holding member 200 is rotated 90 degrees on a plane parallel to the imaging unit 120 with respect to the inserted state and retracted from the opening 190. By retracting the electronic optical filter holding member 200, light collected by the photographing lens unit 104 is incident on the imaging element 121 without passing through the electronic optical filter 160.

[0034] When the imaging device 100 transitions from the inserted state shown in Fig. 4A to the retracted state shown in Fig. 4B, a drive command for the motor 201 is sent from the MPU 130, and the motor 201 starts rotating via the filter unit drive circuit 137. The rotational force is transmitted from the worm gear 201a to the gear shape 200a via the idler gear 202, and the electronic optical filter holding member 200 starts rotating. Then, the electronic optical filter holding member 200 moves to a position that corresponds to the retracted state shown in Fig. 4B.

[0035] The rotation axis of the gear shape 200a is located closer to the bottom of the image pickup device 100 than the opening 190 and between the optical axis 1000 and the short side of the opening 190 on the grip section 101 side. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the electronic optical filter holding member 200 can be rotated without interfering with internal components located on the optical path leading to the image pickup element 121. The motor 201 is also located closer to the bottom than the opening 190. This shortens the power transmission distance to the gear shape 200a, thereby improving drive efficiency.

[0036] 4B, the filter unit drive circuit 137 stops the motor 201 in response to a detection signal from a position sensor (not shown). The position sensor is a position detection means such as a photoreflector, but the timing to stop the drive may be detected using other means. For example, the rotation angle of the motor 201 may be used for detection, or a mechanical switch may be used for detection.

[0037] The rotational retreat area 164 of the electro-optical filter 160 shown by the dotted line is the driving trajectory area when the electro-optical filter 160 is rotated between a position (first position) where the electro-optical filter 160 is inserted and a position (second position) where the electro-optical filter 160 is retreated.

[0038] When the electro-optical filter 160 is to be inserted again, the motor 201 rotates in the direction opposite to the above-described operation, and the electro-optical filter holding member 200 moves to a position where the electro-optical filter holding member 200 is in the inserted state shown in Fig. 4(a). When the electro-optical filter holding member 200 has moved to a position where the electro-optical filter holding member 200 is in the inserted state shown in Fig. 4(a), the filter unit driving circuit 137 stops the motor 201 in response to a detection signal from the position sensor, just as in the retracted state.

[0039] The operation of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 when they are rotationally driven will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 when they are rotationally driven. Fig. 5(a) shows the state of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in the inserted state. Fig. 5(b) shows the state of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in a state between the inserted state and the retracted state. Fig. 5(c) shows the state of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 in the retracted state.

[0040] 5A, the electrical connection member 163 includes an electronic filter connection portion (connection portion) 163a, a first portion 163b, a bent portion 163c, and a second portion 163d. The electronic filter connection portion 163a is connected to the electro-optical filter 160. The first portion 163b extends from the electronic filter connection portion 163a toward the rotational retreat area 164 of the electro-optical filter 160 and is connected to the bent portion 163c. The bent portion 163c is connected to the first portion 163b and also to the second portion 163d.

[0041] When the imaging device 100 transitions from the inserted state to the retracted state, and from the retracted state to the inserted state, the bent portion 163c moves, causing the electrical connection member 163 to follow the rotational drive of the electro-optical filter 160 around the rotation center 165. Here, in the inserted state shown in FIG. 5A , the second portion 163d does not overlap with the electro-optical filter 160 in the optical axis direction (as viewed from the subject side). On the other hand, in the retracted state shown in FIG. 5C , the second portion 163d overlaps with the electro-optical filter 160 in the optical axis direction (as viewed from the subject side). Therefore, the electrical connection member 163 can be connected to the electro-optical filter 160 without interfering with internal components arranged on the optical path leading to the image sensor 121. This allows the imaging device 100 to be miniaturized in the optical axis direction while still having a rotationally driven electro-optical filter 160.

[0042] The electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member.

[0043] 6A is a perspective view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163. The first portion 163b has an arc shape that is concentric with the rotation center (rotation center) 165 of the electro-optical filter 160. This allows the electrical connection member 163 to accommodate the rotational drive of the electro-optical filter 160. Here, concentricity includes not only the case where it is strictly concentric, but also the case where it is substantially concentric (approximately concentric).

[0044] 6(b) is a view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 as viewed in the optical axis direction. The first portion 163b extends so that the width center 167 of the first portion 163b is located at the center 166 of the short side of the electro-optical filter 160, or closer to the rotation center 165 than the center 166. Here, the center includes not only the exact center, but also the substantial center (approximate center). Because the electro-optical filter 160 is rotationally driven, the electrical connection member 163 can be made smaller by setting the extension position of the electrical connection member 163 as described above.

[0045] 6C is a view of the electro-optical filter 160 and the electrical connection member 163 as viewed from the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The bent portion 163c is sandwiched and fixed in the optical axis direction (from the subject side and the image side) by a sandwiching member s169. The sandwiching member 169 may be a dedicated member, or may be a peripheral member of the electrical connection member 163, such as the front cover 10 or the main board 180. At least a portion of the second portion 163d is fixed to the sandwiching member (fixing portion) 169 by a fixing member 168, such as double-sided tape. This allows the bent portion 163c to follow the rotational drive in a stable bent shape, thereby improving bending durability.

[0046] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when the rotationally driven electro-optical filter 160 is mounted, the imaging device 100 can be made smaller in size in the optical axis direction by utilizing the drive space.

[0047] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging device having a lens device that is detachable via a mount portion, the imaging device having an optical filter that rotates between a first position that covers an opening provided inside the mount portion and a second position that does not overlap with the opening, and a connecting member that electrically connects the optical filter and a substrate, the connecting member having a connecting portion connected to the optical filter, a first portion extending from the connecting portion, a bent portion connected to the first portion, and a second portion connected to the bent portion, wherein when the optical filter is located at the first position, the first portion extends toward the rotational retreat area of ​​the optical filter, and the optical filter and the second portion do not overlap when viewed from the subject side, and when the optical filter is located at the second position, the optical filter and the second portion overlap when viewed from the subject side.

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

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

4. An imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first portion extends so that the center of the width of the first portion is located at the center of the short side of the optical filter or on the side of the rotation center of the optical filter from the center.

5. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the optical filter is rotatable by 90 degrees between the first position and the second position.

6. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a clamping member for clamping said bent portion from the subject side and the image side.

7. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an imaging element for photoelectrically converting an image of a subject.

8. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a control unit arranged on the substrate for controlling the optical filter.

Images