JP2023128221A - Image capturing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image capturing device which allows for easily switching between the used state and non-used state of multiple optical members without increasing the size.SOLUTION: An image capturing device (100) is provided, comprising an image sensor (121), a first optical member (160), a second optical member (510) disposed in parallel to the first optical member in an optical axis direction, and a grip (101) to be gripped by a user. Each of the first and second optical members moves between a first position where the optical member is inserted to an imaging range (190) and a second position where the optical member is retracted from the imaging range by swinging in a direction from the first position toward the grip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, imaging devices capable of capturing images using optical filters such as neutral density filters (ND filters) have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that includes a plurality of ND filters and can move up and down.

Patent No. 6794600

The imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a space above and below in which the optical filter (optical member) can be retracted, resulting in an increase in the size of the imaging device. In such an imaging device, if other optical members such as a light shielding member for protecting the imaging element and preventing dust from adhering are to be further provided, the size of the imaging device will become even larger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can easily switch between a used state and a non-used state of a plurality of optical members without increasing the size.

An imaging device as one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging element, a first optical member, a second optical member arranged parallel to the first optical member in the optical axis direction, and a grip held by a user. The first optical member and the second optical member each have a first position inserted into the imaging range and a position rotated from the first position toward the gripping part and removed from the imaging range. It moves between the evacuated second position and the evacuated second position.

Other objects and features of the invention are illustrated in the following examples.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can easily switch between a used state and a non-used state of a plurality of optical members without increasing the size.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an imaging device in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging device in this embodiment. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a state diagram when the power of the imaging device in this embodiment is turned off. FIG. 7 is a state diagram when the light-shielding filter holding member is driven in this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a state diagram when the light-shielding filter holding member is retracted in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a state diagram when the optical filter holding member is driven in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a state diagram when the optical filter holding member according to the present embodiment is retracted. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device in this embodiment. 5 is a timing chart showing the movements of a light-shielding filter holding member and an optical filter holding member in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, common elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, this embodiment is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. It is not something that will be done. Further, some of the embodiments described later may be combined as appropriate.

First, an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). FIGS. 1A and 1B are external perspective views of an imaging device (camera body) 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 1A is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 seen from the front side, and shows a state in which a lens device (interchangeable lens) 104 (see FIG. 2) that can be attached to the imaging device 100 is removed. FIG. 1(b) is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 viewed from the back side. Note that this embodiment describes an imaging system in which the lens device 104 is detachable from the imaging device (camera body) 100; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera body and the lens device are integrally configured. It is also applicable to imaging devices that have

The imaging device 100 includes a grip portion (gripping portion) 101 that is held by the user in order to stably hold the imaging device 100. A shutter button 102, which is a switch for starting imaging, is provided on the top of the grip section 101. A mount section (lens mount) 103 is provided at the front of the imaging device 100, and the lens device 104 is configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100 via the mount section 103. An opening 190 is provided inside the mount section 103 to define an imaging range. The mount contact 105 electrically connects the imaging device 100 and the lens device 104, supplies power to the lens device 104, and performs lens control using electrical signals and communication regarding lens data. When replacing the lens device 104, the lock can be released by pressing the lens lock release button 106, and the lens device 104 can be removed.

The power switch 107 is used to turn on or turn off the power of the imaging device 100. 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 shooting modes, and is used to switch to various modes such as shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture value priority shooting mode, and video shooting mode. The SET button 110 is a push button, and is mainly used for determining selection items.

The liquid crystal monitor 111 displays various setting screens of the imaging device 100, captured images, and live view images. The electronic viewfinder 112 is a viewfinder that can be viewed, and displays various setting screens of the imaging device 100, captured images, and live view images. The multi-function button 113 is a push button that can be used by the user to arbitrarily assign various settings related to photography. The display panel 114 displays various setting states of the imaging device 100, such as the shooting mode and ISO sensitivity. Further, the display panel 114 is displayed even when the power of the imaging device 100 is OFF.

The accessory shoe 115 has an accessory contact 116 to which various accessories such as an external strobe or microphone can be attached. The media slot lid 173 can be opened and closed, and when it is in the open state, an external recording medium (recording medium) 148 (see FIG. 8) such as an SD card is inserted into the internal media slot (recording medium insertion part) 172 (see FIG. 8). Can be inserted and removed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration and operation of the imaging device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the imaging device 100, showing a state in which the lens device 104 is attached. Note that parts common to those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same symbols.

The MPU 130 is a small central processing unit (control unit) built into the imaging device 100. A time measurement circuit 131, a shutter drive circuit 132, a switch sense circuit 133, a power supply circuit 134, a battery check circuit 135, a video signal processing circuit 136, a filter drive circuit 137, and a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145 are connected to the MPU 130. There is. The MPU 130 is responsible for controlling the operation of the imaging device 100, and processes input information and instructs and controls each element. The MPU 130 has an EEPROM and can store time information from the time measurement circuit 131, various setting information, and the like.

The MPU 130 also communicates with a lens control circuit 138 built into the lens device 104 via the mount contact 105. This allows the MPU 130 to control the operations of the focus lens 141 and the electromagnetically driven diaphragm (aperture diaphragm) 142 via the AF drive circuit 139 or the aperture drive circuit 140. Although FIG. 2 schematically shows only one focus lens 141 as the imaging optical system of the lens device 104, the imaging optical system is actually composed of a large number of lens groups.

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 a focus lens drive amount according to the defocus amount detected using the focus signal read from the image sensor 121, and transmits a focus command including the focus lens drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. The lens control circuit 138 that has received the focus command controls the drive of the focus lens 141 through the AF drive circuit 139. As a result, autofocus (AF) is performed.

The aperture drive circuit 140 is connected to an aperture actuator such as a stepping motor (not shown), and drives a plurality of aperture blades (not shown) forming an aperture opening in the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 . By driving the plurality of aperture blades, the size of the aperture aperture (aperture diameter) changes, and the amount of light is adjusted.

The MPU 130 calculates the aperture drive amount of the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 from the brightness signal read from the image sensor 121, and transmits an aperture command including the aperture drive amount to the lens control circuit 138. That is, the MPU 130 communicates with the lens control circuit 138 to control the electromagnetically driven aperture 142. The lens control circuit 138 that receives the aperture command controls the driving of the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 through the aperture drive circuit 140. As a result, an appropriate aperture value (F value) is automatically set.

The light shielding filter (light shielding member) 510 is driven by a motor 601, which will be described later, and which is connected to the filter drive circuit 137. When the power is turned off, the light-blocking filter 510 is driven to a position that covers the opening 190 and blocks light. The light shielding filter 510 can prevent the image sensor 121 from being damaged and dust from adhering to the image sensor 121. Conversely, the light shielding filter 510 is driven to a position retracted from the opening 190 during photographing (when the power is turned on).

The optical filter (first optical member) 160 is an optical element that gives a special effect to an image by diffusing incident light or attenuating a specific wavelength range. The optical filter 160 includes an ND filter that attenuates the amount of incident light at a certain rate, a Polarized Light (PL) filter that uses a polarizing film to suppress reflected light, and a soft filter that creates soft expression by diffusing light. However, it is not limited to these. The optical filter 160 is driven by a motor 601, which will be described later, and which is connected to the filter drive circuit 137. Note that detailed configurations of the optical filter 160 and the light shielding filter 510 will be described later.

The imaging unit 120 is mainly configured by unitizing an optical low-pass filter 122, an optical low-pass filter holding member 123, a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric member) 124, and an imaging element 121. The image sensor 121 photoelectrically converts a subject image (optical image) formed through the lens device 104. In this embodiment, the image sensor 121 is a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, but is not limited to this. As the image sensor 121, a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensor, a Charge Injection Device (CID) sensor, or the like may be used. The optical low-pass filter 122 placed in front of the image sensor 121 is a single birefringent plate made of crystal, and has a rectangular shape. The piezoelectric element 124 is a single-plate piezoelectric element, and is configured to be excited by a piezoelectric element drive circuit 145 that receives instructions from the MPU 130 and to transmit the vibration to the optical low-pass filter 122. This vibration allows fine dust attached to the optical low-pass filter 122 to be shaken off.

The video signal processing circuit 136 is responsible for general image processing such as filter processing and data compression processing for the electrical signal obtained from the image sensor 121. Image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 136 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111 and electronic viewfinder 112 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 144. Further, the video signal processing circuit 136 can also store image data in the buffer memory 147 via the memory controller 146 according to instructions from the MPU 130. The video signal processing circuit 136 can also perform image data compression processing such as JPEG. In the case of continuous shooting such as continuous shooting, the image data can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory 147, and the unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out through the memory controller 146. Thereby, the video signal processing circuit 136 can sequentially perform image processing and compression processing regardless of the speed of input image data.

The memory controller 146 has a function of storing image data in an external recording medium 148 and a function of reading image data stored in the external recording medium 148. The external recording medium 148 is an SD card or a CF card that is removable from the imaging device 100, but is not limited to these.

The switch sense circuit 133 transmits an input signal to the MPU 130 according to the operating 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 switch SW2 (102b) is turned on, an instruction to start photographing is transmitted to MPU 130. Also connected to the switch sense circuit 133 are a main electronic dial 108, a mode switching dial 109, a power switch 107, a SET button 110, a multi-function button 113, and the like.

The MPU 130 uses the accessory communication control circuit 118 to perform information communication via the accessory contacts 116 in order to utilize the functions of an accessory unit (not shown). The power supply circuit 134 distributes and supplies power from a battery 143 to each element of the imaging device 100. Further, a battery check circuit 135 is connected to the battery 143 and transmits information such as remaining amount of the battery 143 to the MPU 130.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the internal configuration of the imaging device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 mainly has a structure covered by exteriors of a front cover 10, a top cover 11, and a rear cover 12, and each exterior has an operation member and a display member attached. On the optical axis 1000, a light-shielding filter holding member 500, an optical filter holding member 600, an imaging unit 120, and a main board 180 are arranged in order of proximity to the subject.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B to FIG. 10, the configurations and switching operations of the light shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160 in this embodiment will be described. FIGS. 4A and 4B are state diagrams when the imaging device 100 is powered off. FIGS. 5A and 5B are state diagrams of the light-shielding filter holding member 500 when it is driven. FIGS. 6A and 6B are state diagrams of the light shielding filter holding member 500 when it is retracted. FIGS. 7A and 7B are state diagrams of the optical filter holding member 600 when it is driven. FIGS. 8A and 8B are state diagrams of the optical filter holding member 600 when it is retracted. 4(a), FIG. 5(a), FIG. 6(a), FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 8(a) are plan views of the imaging device 100 viewed from the back side, respectively. 4(b), FIG. 5(b), FIG. 6(b), FIG. 7(b), and FIG. 8(b) are perspective views of drive mechanisms for the light-blocking filter 510 and the optical filter 160, respectively. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 100, showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the movements of the light-shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600, and the notations in FIGS. 4 to 8 are shown correspondingly.

The light blocking filter 510 is inserted into and held by the light blocking filter holding member 500. The light-shielding filter holding member 500 has follower shapes 500a and 500b, and is rotatably mounted around a rotation shaft 604a provided on a gear base 604. Further, the light-shielding filter holding member 500 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 4A by a spring member (not shown) so as to move to a position covering the opening 190 that defines the imaging range.

The optical filter 160 is inserted into and held by the optical filter holding member 600. The optical filter holding member 600 has follower shapes 600a and 600b, and similarly to the light shielding filter holding member 500, it is rotatably attached around a rotation shaft 604a provided on a gear base 604. Further, the optical filter holding member 600 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. 4A by a spring member (not shown) so as to move to a position covering the opening 190.

A motor (drive unit) 601 for driving the light shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160 is attached to the gear base 604 . A worm gear 601a is attached to the drive shaft of the motor 601. Worm gear 601a transmits rotational force to follower shapes 500a, 500b of light-shielding filter holding member 500 and follower shapes 600a, 600b of optical filter holding member 600 via gears 602, 603. Thereby, the motor 601 can rotate the light-blocking filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600. A battery storage section 170 that stores the battery 143 is provided on the right side of the front cover 10.

4A and 4B show a state in which the light shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160 are respectively located at a position covering the opening 190 and are overlapped in the direction along the optical axis 1000 (inserted state position, 1st position). In this state, the power of the imaging device 100 is OFF, and the opening 190 (and the imaging element 121) is shielded from light by the light shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160. Since the image sensor 121 is covered with the light shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160, the image sensor 121 is protected and can be prevented from being scratched. Further, when replacing the lens device 104, etc., it is possible to prevent dust from entering through the opening 190 and adhering to the image sensor 121.

When the power switch 107 of the imaging device 100 is turned on from the states shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a drive command for the motor 601 is transmitted from the MPU 130, and the filter drive circuit 137 starts rotating the motor 601. Rotation is transmitted from the worm gear 601a to the follower shape 500a via the gear 602 and the cam 603a of the cam gear 603. As a result, the light shielding filter holding member 500 starts rotating clockwise in FIG. 4(a). FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show a state in the middle of rotation.

Thereafter, the rotation continues and is transmitted to the follower shape 500b via the cam 603b of the cam gear 603, and the light-shielding filter holding member 500 transitions to the state shown in FIGS. When the light-shielding filter holding member 500 moves to the predetermined position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a position sensor (not shown) detects this, and the filter drive circuit 137 stops the motor 601. Note that the position sensor refers to position detection means such as a photoreflector, but any means such as detection of the rotation angle of the motor 601 or detection using a mechanical switch may be used to determine the timing of stopping the drive.

In the state shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the light-shielding filter holding member 500 is rotated approximately 90 degrees on a plane parallel to the imaging unit 120 with respect to the inserted state shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). and is in a retracted state from the opening 190 (retracted state position, second position). At this time, the optical filter 160 remains in a position covering the opening 190 (inserted state). As a result, the light incident on the image sensor 121 passes through the optical filter 160, and the effects of the optical filter 160 enable various photographic expressions. For example, when the optical filter 160 is a neutral density filter (ND filter), incident light is attenuated, making it possible to perform long exposure photography and suppress overexposure even in a bright environment.

In this embodiment, the multi-function button 113 is assigned the function of inserting/retracting the optical filter 160. Next, the operation when driving the optical filter 160 by the user's operation will be described. Note that other buttons, dials, switches, setting screens, etc. may be used to switch the optical filter 160.

When the multi-function button 113 is pressed from the inserted state shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the switch sense circuit 133 detects the press. At this time, a drive command for the motor 601 is transmitted from the MPU 130, and the motor 601 starts rotating by the filter drive circuit 137. It is transmitted from the worm gear 601a to the follower shape 600a via the gear 602 and the cam 603c of the cam gear 603, and the optical filter holding member 600 starts rotating clockwise in FIG. 6(a). FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show a state in the middle of rotation.

After that, the rotation continues and is transmitted to the follower shape 600b via the cam 603d of the cam gear 603, and as shown in FIGS. state position, transition to the second position). When the optical filter holding member 600 moves to the predetermined position shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a position sensor (not shown) detects this, and the filter drive circuit 137 stops the motor 601. Note that the position sensor refers to position detection means such as a photoreflector, but any means such as detection of the rotation angle of the motor 601 or detection using a mechanical switch may be used to determine the timing of stopping the drive.

The rotation axis 604a is arranged closer to the bottom surface of the imaging device 100 than the optical axis 1000. As shown in FIGS. 5(a), (b) and 7(a), (b), the rotation shaft 604a can rotate the light-shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter without interfering with internal components such as the top cover 11. The holding member 600 can be rotated. Furthermore, by holding both the light shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 on the rotating shaft 604a (rotating around the same axis), driving parts including the gear 602 and the cam gear 603 can be efficiently operated. It is possible to arrange it and downsize it. Similarly, by disposing the motor 601 closer to the bottom than the optical axis 1000, the power transmission distance to the cam gear 603 is shortened, and driving efficiency can be increased.

In the state shown in FIG. 8(a), the optical filter holding member 600 is rotated approximately 90 degrees on a plane parallel to the imaging unit 120 and retracted from the opening 190 with respect to the inserted state in FIG. 4(a). (retracted state position, second position). In the retracted position, the light blocking filter 510 and the optical filter 160 are in a superimposed state in the direction along the optical axis 1000. By retracting the optical filter holding member 600, the light collected by the lens device 104 enters the image sensor 121 without passing through the optical filter 160.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the retracted state, the light shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 are located between the opening 190 and the battery storage section 170, that is, between the opening 190 and the grip section 101. They are evacuating. By rotating the light-blocking filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 by approximately 90 degrees, the short side directions of the light-blocking filter 510 and the optical filter 160 become substantially parallel to the X direction. Thereby, the light-shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 can be accommodated in the area between the opening 190 and the battery storage section 170.

When the user wants to insert the optical filter 160 again, the motor 601 rotates in the opposite direction to the above operation by pressing the multi-function button 113 in the retracted state shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b). . As a result, the optical filter 160 moves through the intermediate state shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) to the inserted state shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

As described above, in this embodiment, the imaging device 100 includes a first optical member (optical filter 160) and a second optical member (shading filter 510) disposed parallel to the first optical member in the optical axis direction. ). The first optical member and the second optical member each have a first position where they are inserted into the imaging range (opening 190), and a second position where they are rotated from the first position toward the grip and retreated from the imaging range. move between. The first position is a position where the optical filter 160 covers the imaging range (the imaging area including the optical axis 1000), and the second position is a position where the optical filter 160 does not overlap with the imaging range.

In this embodiment, a light-shielding filter (light-shielding member) 510 is used as the second optical member, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an optical filter such as an ND filter, a PL filter, or a low-pass filter (soft filter) is used. may also be used. Similarly, the optical filter 160 is not limited to an ND filter, and other optical filters such as a PL filter or a low-pass filter (soft filter) may be used. For example, if the light-shielding filter 510 and the optical filter 160 are both ND filters with different amounts of light attenuation, the amount of light attenuation can be set in three stages, allowing for a wider range of photographic expressions. Further, in this embodiment, even if both the light-blocking filter 510 and the optical filter 160 are in the retracted state, the imaging device 100 can operate normally.

Further, in this embodiment, by adjusting the rotational speed of the motor 601 and making the rotational speeds of the light shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 variable, usability for the user can be further improved. For example, if the switching of the light shielding filter 510 or the optical filter 160 is somewhat slow but the drive noise during rotation is desired to be reduced, the rotation speed of the motor 601 can be set to be slow. On the other hand, if you want to switch quickly even if the drive noise during rotation is somewhat loud, you can set the rotation speed of the motor 601 to be faster.

Further, in this embodiment, both the light shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600 are rotated using one motor 601, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a more flexible configuration in which each filter is rotated at a desired timing using two motors that independently rotate the light-shielding filter holding member 500 and the optical filter holding member 600. good.

With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an imaging device in which the first optical member (optical filter 160) and the second optical member (light shielding filter 510) can be easily switched between the inserted state and the retracted state without increasing the size. be able to.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which insertion and removal of the optical filter 160 is controlled in response to the user pressing the multi-function button 113, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is possible to adjust whether or not to insert or remove the optical filter 160 as one of the parameters for exposure control, the imaging device 100 may be configured to automatically insert or remove the optical filter 160 depending on the brightness of the subject. .

100 Imaging device 101 Grip section (gripping section)
121 Image sensor 160 Optical filter (first optical member)
510 Light blocking filter (second optical member)

Claims (10)

An image sensor and
a first optical member;
a second optical member arranged parallel to the first optical member in the optical axis direction;
a grip part that is gripped by a user;
The first optical member and the second optical member each have a first position where they are inserted into the imaging range, and a second position where they are rotated from the first position in a direction toward the grip and retreated from the imaging range. An imaging device characterized by moving between. The first optical member is an optical filter,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second optical member is a light shielding member. The first optical member is a first optical filter,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second optical member is a second optical filter. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first optical filter and the second optical filter include an ND filter, a PL filter, or a soft filter. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first optical member and the second optical member rotate about the same axis. further comprising a drive unit that drives the first optical member and the second optical member,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first optical member and the second optical member are rotated by the drive section. 7. The first optical member and the second optical member are rotatable between the first position and the second position at different timings. The imaging device described. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein rotational speeds of each of the first optical member and the second optical member are variable. It further has a mount part to which the lens device can be attached and detached,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first optical member and the second optical member are arranged between the imaging element and the mount section. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the imaging range is defined by an opening provided inside the mount section.