JP2005102162A - Imaging module and shutter instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging module that can be low-profiled by integrating a shutter unit and an imaging unit with each other. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging module includes a first fixing member (1a) having a plurality of drive electrodes (4a) on its surface, a first movable member (24a) that has a portion subjected to an electret process and is movable relatively to the fixing member by receiving driving force due to electric charges of the drive electrodes and further is possessed of light blocking effect, a protection member (25) arranged in a manner that the first moving member is sandwiched by the first fixing member (1a) and the protection member, and imaging elements (27) arranged at a backside of the first fixing member and of a surface opposed to the first moving member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging module and a shutter device in which a shutter unit and an imaging unit are integrally formed.

  In recent years, digital cameras that convert a light image from a subject into electronic data using a solid-state imaging device have been widely installed in various devices such as mobile phones, portable terminals, watches, peripheral terminals of data processing devices, and digital home appliances. In such a trend, one of the requirements for a digital camera is to make the camera body thinner or lighter, and this request is expected to continue.

  The following two techniques are known as techniques for reducing the thickness of the camera body.

One of them is to reduce the thickness by projecting the cover glass side of the image pickup unit housing the image pickup device into the shutter unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The other one is a combination of an imaging element and a light amount adjustment plate to make the imaging unit thinner (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-218838 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-129659

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the shutter unit itself is not thinned. Further, two members, a cover glass and a frame of the shutter unit, are required between the shutter unit and the imaging unit. Therefore, there is a limit to further reducing the thickness based on the present technology.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, an image pickup element and an electrochromic element are combined to form a unit. In the embodiment, it is described that the electrochromic element can also have a shutter function, but it is a technical problem whether the electrochromic element can replace 100% of the light shielding performance of the conventional mechanical shutter. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging module and a shutter device that can be thinned by integrating the shutter unit and the imaging unit.

  The imaging module according to claim 1 of the present invention has a first fixing member having a plurality of driving electrodes on the surface and an electretized portion, and receives a driving force from the charges of the driving electrodes. A first moving member having a light-shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixing member, and a protective member disposed so as to sandwich the first moving member between the first fixing member, And an image pickup device disposed on the back side of the surface of the first fixing member facing the first moving member.

  The imaging module according to claim 2 of the present invention is the imaging module according to the invention described above, wherein the light amount control means for adjusting the amount of light incident on the imaging element is the protective member and the first fixing member. At least one was provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging module according to the third aspect, the low-pass filter is provided in at least one of the protection member and the first fixing member.

  An imaging module according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the imaging module according to the invention described above, wherein an infrared filter is provided on at least one of the protective member and the first fixing member.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging module according to the fifth aspect, the imaging element is flip-chip mounted on the first fixing member.

  The imaging module according to claim 6 of the present invention has a first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface and an electretized portion, and the first driving electrode. A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force by the electric charge, and the first moving member so as to be sandwiched between the first fixed member The protective member, the second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged and electretized. A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the second fixing member by receiving a driving force by the electric charge of the second driving electrode and the second fixing member. And an image sensor disposed on the back side of the member.

  The imaging module according to claim 7 of the present invention is the imaging module according to the invention described above, wherein the light amount control means for adjusting the amount of light incident on the imaging element is the protection member, the first fixing member, At least one of the second fixing members is provided.

  An imaging module according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging module according to the above-described invention, wherein the low-pass filter is at least one of the protective member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. Provided.

  The imaging module according to claim 9 of the present invention is the imaging module according to the invention described above, wherein the infrared filter is at least one of the protective member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. Provided.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging module according to the above-described invention, the imaging element is flip-chip mounted on the second fixing member.

  A shutter device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface and an electretized portion, and the first driving electrode. A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force by the electric charge, and the first moving member so as to be sandwiched between the first fixed member The protective member, the second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged and electretized. And a second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the second fixing member by receiving a driving force by the electric charge of the second driving electrode.

  A shutter device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the shutter device according to the above-described invention, wherein the light amount control means for adjusting the amount of light incident on the image sensor is the protection member, the first fixing member, At least one of the second fixing members is provided.

  A shutter device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the shutter device according to the above-described invention, wherein a low-pass filter is used as at least one of the protection member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. Provided.

  A shutter device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the shutter device according to the above invention, wherein the infrared filter is at least one of the protective member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. Provided.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging module, when a periodic voltage is applied to the first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface and the first driving electrode. A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated between the first fixed member and the first fixed member is sandwiched between the first fixed member and the first fixed member. Arranged between the protective member, the second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member, A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the second fixed member by receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the second driving electrode; and And an imaging device arranged on the back surface side of the second fixing member.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the shutter device, when a periodic voltage is applied to the first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface and the first driving electrode. A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated between the first fixed member and the first fixed member is sandwiched between the first fixed member and the first fixed member. Arranged between the protective member, the second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member, A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the second fixed member by receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the second driving electrode. did.

  According to the present invention, the imaging module can be thinned by integrating the shutter unit and the imaging unit.

  First, the driving principle of the shutter mechanism in the shutter device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The shutter mechanism basically includes a stator 1 and a mover 2, and the mover 2 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction with respect to the stator 1. The stator 1 is provided with an opening 3 for guiding a light image from a subject to an image sensor (not shown), and a plurality of strip-like drive electrodes 4 are arranged at a predetermined interval. The mover 2 is a light-shielding member and includes a plurality of permanent-polarized derivatives (hereinafter referred to as electrets), which will be described later.

  In such a configuration, when a frequency voltage is applied to the drive electrode 4, an attractive force or a repulsive force is generated between the drive electrode 4 and the above-described electret, and as a result, the moving element 2 is relative to the stator 1. Moving.

  Accordingly, if the movable element 2 is movable so as to open or shield the opening 3 of the stator 1, a shutter mechanism can be configured thereby. (1) in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the shutter is open, and (2) in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the shutter is closed.

  The opening 3 is not necessarily required for the stator 1. The stator 1 is used as a transmissive member, and a region where the drive electrode 4 is not provided, that is, a transmissive region is formed as shown in FIG. You may do it. Hereinafter, this is referred to as an opening for convenience. Further, the shutter mechanism according to this configuration is referred to as an “electret shutter”.

  The right side of FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section of the electret shutter. A voltage signal line from the drive circuit 10 is connected to each drive electrode 4 arranged on the stator 1. A four-phase voltage signal is applied to the voltage signal line. Therefore, the same voltage signal is applied to the drive electrodes 4 every four lines. In FIG. 2, the voltage signals are distinguished by attaching the symbols A, B, C, and D to the drive electrode 4.

  The mover 2 is provided with a plurality of permanent-polarized derivatives (electrets) 5 on the surface facing the stator 1.

  In addition, this figure is a schematic diagram to the last, and the number and arrangement interval of electrodes and electret parts in an actual electret shutter are the size of the shutter mechanism, the area of the opening, the polarity of the electret part, the arrangement form, and the shutter mechanism. It is appropriately determined depending on various factors such as required drive resolution and maximum shutter speed. Further, in the case of this electret shutter, electret portions having positive and negative polarities are alternately arranged, but this can be realized with only one of the polarities.

  The left side of FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the drive circuit 10 that generates a voltage signal to be applied to the electret shutter. The rectangular wave train (drive pulse signal) generated by the pulse generation circuit 12 is supplied to the booster circuit 14 and the phase shifter 15. The booster circuit 14 boosts the input rectangular wave train to about 100 V, branches it into voltage signals having two polarities, and supplies them to the drive electrodes A and C.

  On the other hand, the rectangular wave train input to the phase shifter 15 has a waveform delayed by 90 °, and is then input to the booster circuit 14 to form two rectangular wave trains similar to those described above, and supplied to the drive electrodes B and D. Is done.

  FIG. 3 shows a voltage signal sequence created by the drive circuit 10 and applied to the drive electrode 4. As for the voltage state of the voltage electrode 4, the four states t1 to t4 change repeatedly corresponding to the passage of time.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electret shutter.

  FIG. 4A shows the voltage state of the electret and the drive electrode immediately after switching to t1. The electret 5 a receives a repulsive force from the drive electrode A and receives an attractive force from the drive electrode B. The electret 5 b receives a repulsive force from the drive electrode C and receives a suction force from the drive electrode D. For this reason, the movable element 2 receives a force in the right direction in the figure and moves by one drive electrode pitch d.

  FIG. 4 (2) shows the voltage state of the electret and the drive electrode immediately after switching to t2. The electret 5 a receives a repulsive force from the drive electrode A and receives an attractive force from the drive electrode B. The electret 5 b receives a repulsive force from the drive electrode C and receives an attractive force from the drive electrode D. For this reason, the movable element 2 receives a force in the right direction in the figure and moves by one drive electrode pitch d.

  FIG. 4 (3) shows the voltage state of the electret and drive electrode immediately after switching to t3, and FIG. 4 (4) shows the voltage state of the electret and drive electrode immediately after switching to t4. Yes. Similar to the above-described operation, the moving element 2 moves by one drive electrode pitch d. Then, by repeating this operation, the movable element 2 moves to the right in the figure. In order to move the movable element 2 in the left direction in the figure, the polarity of the voltage applied to the drive electrode 4 may be switched in reverse.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an imaging module to which the shutter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging module.

  The imaging module includes a shutter unit 21 and an imaging unit 22.

  The shutter unit 21 is a focal plane shutter having a light-shielding curtain (front curtain) 24a and a light-shielding curtain (rear curtain) 24b that run independently. The light shielding curtains 24a and 24b are provided with the above-described electret 5 (not shown). Further, stators 1a and 1b provided with a plurality of drive electrodes 4a and 4b and openings (or transmission parts) are arranged on the opposing surface side of each electret 5. Further, a protective member 25 having an opening (transmission part) is fixed on the subject side of the shutter unit 21 so as to cover the front surface of the shutter unit 21 via spacers 41 to 44.

  Here, the stators 1a and 1b use glass or the like as a substrate, drive electrodes 4a and 4b are formed on the surfaces thereof, and an insulating film is provided on the drive electrodes 4a and 4b. On the other hand, the light-shielding curtains 24a and 24b use polyimide or Teflon (registered trademark) as a base material, and a plurality of electrets are formed on one surface by a corona discharge method (electretized). And in this Embodiment, the electret site | part which has a positive / negative polarity is arrange | positioned alternately.

  The imaging unit 22 is configured such that an imaging element 27 and a signal line 28 are accommodated and fixed in a storage container 26 and the subject side of the storage container 26 is covered with a cover glass 29 having an opening (light-transmitting part). .

  Since this imaging module comprises the shutter unit 21 using an electret shutter, the thickness thereof can be greatly reduced as compared with a conventional shutter unit, and the thickness can be reduced.

  In addition, since the electret shutter does not use the charges induced in the light shielding curtains 24a and 24b but uses the charges that are permanently polarized in the electret, it is possible to shorten the rise time and speed up the shutter operation. it can.

  In addition, since the electret charge amount can be arbitrarily given, an optimum charge amount that maximizes the driving force can be given, and an extremely large driving force can be obtained. Accordingly, it is possible to configure an optimal shutter unit 21 corresponding to the size of the imaging module.

  Further, the light shielding curtains 24a and 24b are lightweight because a resin material can be used as a raw material. For example, the light shielding curtains 24a and 24b can be formed of a thin film of 10 to 20 μm. Therefore, the amount of power required for the operation is small, and a quiet operation can be realized.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the light shielding curtain (front curtain) 24a and the light shielding curtain (rear curtain) 24b.

  The initial state shown in FIG. 7 (1) is a fully closed state. That is, the front curtain 24a covers the entire exposure aperture, and completely blocks the image pickup unit 22 from subject light. Next, in response to an instruction to start the imaging operation, the front curtain 24a is driven in the direction of the arrow in the drawing as shown in FIG. 7B, and the exposure aperture is fully opened, so that the subject light is guided to the imaging unit 22. When a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 7 (3), the rear curtain 24b is driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure to block the exposure opening. Thereafter, the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b return to the initial state shown in FIG. 7A and wait for the next imaging operation.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a camera using the shutter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  This camera system records a body unit 100 as a camera body, an accessory device (hereinafter abbreviated as “accessory”), for example, a lens unit (that is, a lens barrel) 112 as an interchangeable lens, and captured image data. The recording medium 139 and an external strobe unit 180 are provided.

  The lens unit 112 can be detachably attached via a lens mount (not shown) provided on the front surface of the body unit 100.

  The recording medium 139 is an external recording medium such as various memory cards or an external HDD, and is mounted so as to be communicable with the camera body via the communication connector 135 and exchangeable. The strobe unit 180 includes a flash light emitting unit 181, a DC / DC converter 182, a strobe control microcomputer 183, and a battery 184, and can be mounted so as to be communicable with the camera body via a strobe communication connector 185.

  The lens unit 112 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Lucom”) 105. The body unit 100 is controlled by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “Bucom”) 150. The Lucom 105 and Bucom 150 are electrically connected to each other via the communication connector 106 when they are combined. As a camera system, the Lucom 105 is operated in cooperation with the Bucom 150 in a dependent manner.

  In the lens unit 112, photographing lenses 112a and 112b and a diaphragm 103 are provided. The taking lens 112a is driven by a DC motor (not shown) in the lens driving mechanism 102. The diaphragm 103 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) in the diaphragm drive mechanism 104. The Lucom 105 controls each of these motors in accordance with a command from the Bucom 150.

  The following structural members are arranged in the body unit 100 as shown in the figure. For example, a single-lens reflex type component (penta prism 113a, quick return mirror 113b, eyepiece lens 113c, sub mirror 113d) as an optical system, the imaging module 20, and a reflected light beam from the sub mirror 113d are automatically measured to measure the distance. For this purpose, an AF sensor unit 130a is provided. The imaging module 20 includes a focal plane shutter unit 21 on the optical axis and an imaging unit 22 that houses a CCD for photoelectrically converting a subject image that has passed through the optical system.

  Further, the AF sensor driving circuit 130b for driving and controlling the AF sensor unit 130a, the mirror driving mechanism 118 for driving and controlling the quick return mirror 113b, and the movement of the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b of the shutter unit 21 are controlled. A shutter drive control circuit 148 and a photometric circuit 132 that performs photometric processing based on the light flux from the pentaprism 113a are provided.

  The shutter drive control circuit 148 exchanges a signal for controlling the opening / closing operation of the shutter and a signal for synchronizing with the strobe with the Bucom 150.

  The camera system also includes an image sensor interface circuit 134 connected to the image pickup unit 22, a liquid crystal monitor 136, an SDRAM 138 provided as a storage area, a recording medium 139, and an image processing controller 140 that performs image processing. The electronic recording display function can be provided together with the electronic imaging function.

  The Bucom 150 is provided with an operation display LCD 157 for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera by display output, and a camera operation SW 152. The camera operation SW 152 is a switch group including operation buttons necessary for operating the camera, such as a release SW, a mode change SW, and a power SW. Further, a battery 154 as a power source and a power circuit 153 for converting the voltage of the power source into a voltage required for each circuit unit of the camera system and supplying the same are provided.

  Each part of the camera system configured as described above operates as follows.

  The mirror drive mechanism 118 is a mechanism for driving the quick return mirror 113b to the UP position and the DOWN position. When the quick return mirror 113b is at the DOWN position, the light flux from the photographing lenses 112a and 112b is the AF sensor unit 130a. Is divided and led to the pentaprism 113a side.

  The output from the AF sensor in the AF sensor unit 130a is transmitted to the Bucom 150 via the AF sensor driving circuit 130b, and a known distance measurement process is performed.

  The eyepiece 113c adjacent to the pentaprism 113a allows the user to see the subject, while part of the light beam that has passed through the pentaprism 113a is guided to a photosensor (not shown) in the photometry circuit 132, where A well-known photometric process is performed based on the detected light quantity.

  The shutter drive control circuit 148 receives a signal for controlling the driving of the shutter from the Bucom 150, controls the shutter unit 21 based on the signal, and outputs a strobe tuning signal for causing the Bucom 150 to emit a strobe at a predetermined timing. Output. The Bucom 150 outputs a light emission command signal to the strobe unit 180 by communication based on the strobe tuning signal.

  The image processing controller 140 controls the image sensor interface circuit 134 in accordance with an instruction from the Bucom 150 and takes in image data from the imaging unit 22. The image data is converted into a video signal by the image processing controller 140 and output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 136. The user can confirm the captured image from the display image on the liquid crystal monitor 136.

  The SDRAM 138 is a memory for temporarily storing image data, and is used as a work area when image data is converted. The image data is set to be stored in the recording medium 139 after being converted into JPEG data.

  The shutter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the shutter unit 21 and the shutter drive control circuit 148 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing signal connection between the shutter drive control circuit 148 and the shutter unit 21. The shutter unit 21 is provided with the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b as described above, and two drive circuits having the configuration shown in FIG. 2 are provided to drive the respective light-shielding curtains.

  The pulse generation circuit 12 drives the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b based on the opening / closing control signal from the Bucom 150, and controls the full opening / closing operation of the exposure opening shown in FIG. When a reset signal is received from the Bucom 150, the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b are driven to the initial state. Further, the pulse generation circuit 12 outputs a strobe tuning signal to the Bucom 150 at a predetermined timing.

  Subsequently, an imaging control method using the shutter device according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a schematic photographing operation procedure of the Bucom 150. This operation shows an operation procedure from the release operation to image data generation in the processing procedure of the electronic camera.

  When the user presses the release button one step, this process starts. First, photometric processing is executed (S01). That is, the luminance information of the subject measured by the photometry circuit 132 is acquired. Then, an exposure amount calculation is executed based on the luminance information, and an appropriate aperture value (AV: aperture value) and shutter speed (TV: time value) are calculated (S02).

  Next, AF processing is executed (S03). The light flux from the subject is received by the AF sensor unit 130a via the quick return mirror 113b and the sub mirror 113d, and the deviation amount of the received subject image is output to the Bucom 150 via the AF sensor drive circuit 130b. The Bucom 150 calculates a lens shift amount from the shift amount of the subject image, and transmits the calculated value to the Lucom 105 via the communication connector 106. The Lucom 105 adjusts the focus by moving the photographing lens 112a via the lens driving mechanism 102 based on the amount of lens displacement.

  It is checked whether or not the release body is further pressed (second stage) with the focus adjusted (S04).

  If the release button has not been pressed down by two steps (No in S04) and the release button is in the state of pressing down by one step (S05 Yes), the process waits until the release button is pressed down by two steps. However, if the release button has not been pressed down by two steps (S04 No) and the release button has not been pressed down by one step (S05 No), it is determined that the user has stopped the shooting operation and the process is terminated. To do.

  When the release button is pressed down two steps (S04 Yes), the photographing operation is continued and the narrowing drive is executed (S06). That is, the Bucom 150 transmits the AV value to the Lucom 105 via the communication connector 106. The Lucom 105 controls the diaphragm 103 via the diaphragm driving mechanism 104 based on the sent AV value.

  Next, mirror-up driving is executed (S07). That is, the quick return mirror 113b is flipped up via the mirror driving mechanism 118 to secure the photographing optical path. Thereafter, an instruction is output to start the imaging operation to the image sensor interface circuit 134 (S08). The imaging element interface circuit 134 operates the imaging element 27 of the imaging unit 22 based on this instruction.

  After the above operation, the Bucom 150 executes a shutter control operation. The shutter control operation will be described with reference to the shutter control time chart for full-open exposure shown in FIG.

  The Bucom 150 outputs a shutter open signal to the shutter drive control circuit 148 (S09). That is, the signal level of the open / close control signal in FIG. 11 is made active. In response to this, the pulse generation circuit 12 of the shutter drive control circuit 148 starts outputting the front curtain drive pulse in order to drive the front curtain 24a. Corresponding to the number of pulses of the front curtain drive pulse, the front curtain 24a is driven in the opening direction from the fully closed position of the exposure opening as shown in the front curtain opening waveform of FIG.

  Next, the Bucom 150 checks whether or not the exposure time has elapsed (S11).

  If the exposure time has not elapsed (Sll No), it is checked whether or not the strobe tuning signal shown in FIG. 11 is output from the shutter drive control circuit 148 (S12), and waits until the strobe tuning signal is output (S12). No, S11). The strobe tuning signal is output from the shutter drive control circuit 148 at the timing when the leading curtain 24a reaches a position where the exposure opening is fully opened.

  As described above, the front curtain 24a (and the rear curtain 24b) configured using the electret is extremely light, and therefore, the front curtain 24a can be driven with high accuracy and high speed by the front curtain drive pulse. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect whether or not the exposure opening is fully opened by using other detection means, and it can be determined by counting the number of front curtain drive pulses.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the shutter drive control circuit 148 outputs a strobe tuning signal (rectangular signal) to the Bucom 150 at a timing when a predetermined number (m) of the first curtain drive pulse is output.

  When it is detected that the strobe tuning signal is activated, the Bucom 150 outputs a light emission control signal that instructs the strobe unit 180 to emit light (S14). If a light emission control signal has already been output, control is performed so that the light emission control signal is not output again (S13).

  If the exposure time has elapsed (Sll Yes), Bucom 150 outputs a shutter close signal (S15). That is, the signal level of the open / close control signal is made non-active. In response to this, the pulse generation circuit 12 of the shutter drive control circuit 148 starts outputting the rear curtain drive pulse for driving the rear curtain 24b. According to the number of rear curtain drive pulses, the rear curtain 24b is driven from the fully open position of the exposure opening toward the fully closed position as shown in the rear curtain opening waveform of FIG.

  Next, the Bucom 150 outputs an instruction to the imaging element interface circuit 134 to stop the imaging operation (S16). The imaging element interface circuit 134 stops the imaging operation of the imaging element 27 of the imaging unit 22 based on this instruction.

  Further, the Bucom 150 outputs a reset signal to the shutter drive control circuit 148 (S17). In response to this, the pulse generation circuit 12 of the shutter drive control circuit 148 drives the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b to the initial positions.

  After the shutter control operation from step S09 to step S17 is completed, the image processing controller 140 is instructed to execute image data processing (S18). The image processing controller 140 AD-converts a signal from the image sensor interface circuit 134 to generate image data, processes the image data, and records it on the recording medium 139 via the communication connector 135.

  The Bucom 150 then lowers the quick return mirror 113b via the mirror drive mechanism 118 (S19), and instructs the Lucom 105 to fully open the aperture 103 via the aperture drive mechanism 104 (S20). Then, the imaging operation is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a shutter control time chart at the time of slit exposure.

  When the brightness of the subject is high, the exposure time may elapse before the front curtain 24a is fully opened. At this time, the shutter drive control circuit 148 outputs the trailing curtain drive pulse without outputting the strobe tuning signal. In this case, the exposure opening is not fully opened, and the slit opening formed by the front curtain 24a and the rear curtain 24b moves on the exposure opening. The imaging operation at the time of slit exposure is the same as the flow shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an imaging module according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the stator 1a also serves as the cover glass 29 of the imaging unit 22. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed configuration and description of the operation are omitted.

  According to the second embodiment, since the cover glass 29 is not required, the imaging module can be further reduced in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the shutter unit of the imaging module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a light transmission control film 31 is provided on the protective member 25. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed configuration and description of the operation are omitted. Since the configuration of the imaging unit 22 is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the imaging unit 22 is omitted in FIG.

  The light transmission control film 31 is a filter that adjusts the amount of incident light for obtaining appropriate imaging, imaging including desired information, and the like. The light transmission control film 31 includes an ND filter, a light quantity control film 31a such as an electrochromic element, an infrared filter 31b that blocks (transmits) light in a specific wavelength region, a low-pass filter 31c, a band-pass filter 31d, and the like.

  According to the third embodiment, since the light transmission control film 31 is provided on the protective member 25, in addition to the effects of the first or second embodiment, the light transmission control film can be obtained without impairing the thinning of the imaging module. 31 can be used.

  The light transmission control film 31 may be fixed to the protection member 25 or may be provided to be movable with respect to the protection member 25. Further, the moving mechanism may be realized using the above-described electret, or other moving mechanism may be used.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the shutter unit of the imaging module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that a light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) is provided on the protective member 25 and the stators 1a, 1b. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration and operation thereof will be omitted. Since the configuration of the imaging unit 22 is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the imaging unit 22 is omitted in FIG.

  According to the fourth embodiment, even when a plurality of light transmission control films 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) are used, the protective member 25 and the stators 1a, 1b are provided with the first or second embodiment. In addition to the effect of the form, the light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) can be used in an overlapping manner without impairing the thinning of the imaging module.

  The light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) may be provided fixed to the protection member 25 and the stators 1a, 1b, or provided movably with respect to the protection member 25, the stators 1a, 1b. May be. Further, the moving mechanism may be realized using the above-described electret, or other moving mechanism may be used. The order in which the light transmission control films 31 are provided is not limited to the order shown in FIG.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging module according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that an image sensor 27 is provided on the back surface of the stator 1a. Therefore, the same parts as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed configuration and description of the operation are omitted.

  The image sensor 27 is flip-chip mounted on the back surface of the stator 1a, and a wiring pattern 30 for driving the image sensor 27 is printed on the back surface of the stator 1a.

  According to the fifth embodiment, since a space for arranging the signal line 28 is not required, the imaging unit 22 can be thinned, and the imaging module can be further thinned.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging module according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that a light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) is provided on the protection member 25 and the stator 1b of the shutter unit 21. Accordingly, the same parts as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration and operation thereof will be omitted.

  According to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the fifth embodiment, the light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) can be used in an overlapping manner without impairing the thinning of the imaging module. .

  The light transmission control film 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) may be fixed to the protection member 25 and the stator 1b, or may be provided to be movable with respect to the protection member 25 and the stator 1b. Further, the moving mechanism may be realized using the above-described electret, or other moving mechanism may be used. The order in which the light transmission control films 31 (31a, 31b, 31c) are provided is not limited to the order shown in FIG.

  In each embodiment, the shutter unit 21 uses two light-shielding curtains 24a and 24b for the front curtain and the rear curtain. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the shutter unit 21 is configured by one light-shielding curtain. Also good.

  According to each embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain an imaging module that can be thinned by integrating the shutter unit and the imaging unit.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The figure which shows the shutter mechanism of the imaging module which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the basic composition of an electret shutter. The figure which shows the voltage signal sequence added to a drive electrode. The figure explaining operation | movement of an electret shutter. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an imaging module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an imaging module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining operation | movement of a light-shielding curtain. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a camera using a shutter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the signal connection of a shutter drive control circuit and a shutter unit. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic photographing operation procedure of Bucom 150. The shutter control time chart at the time of full open exposure. The shutter control time chart at the time of slit exposure. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging module of 2nd Embodiment concerning this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the shutter unit of the imaging module of 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the shutter unit of the imaging module of 4th Embodiment concerning this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging module of 5th Embodiment concerning this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the imaging module of 6th Embodiment concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stator, 2 ... Moving element, 3 ... Opening part (transmission part), 4 ... Drive electrode, 5 ... Electret, 10 ... Drive circuit, 21 ... Shutter unit, 22 ... Imaging unit, 24 ... Light-shielding curtain, 25 ... Protective member, 27 ... imaging device, 29 ... cover glass, 30 ... wiring pattern, 31 ... light transmission control film, 31a ... light quantity control film, 31b ... infrared filter, 31c ... low pass filter, 103 ... stop, 104 ... stop drive Mechanism: 105 ... microcomputer for lens control, 134 ... imaging device interface circuit, 148 ... shutter drive control circuit, 150 ... microcomputer for body control, 180 ... strobe unit.

Claims (16)

A first fixing member having a plurality of driving electrodes on the surface;
A first moving member having an electret portion, receiving a driving force from the electric charge of the driving electrode, and having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member;
A protective member arranged to sandwich the first moving member with the first fixing member;
An image sensor disposed on the back side of the surface of the first fixed member facing the first moving member;
An imaging module characterized by comprising:   2. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein a light amount control means for adjusting a light amount incident on the imaging element is provided in at least one of the protection member and the first fixing member.   2. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein a low-pass filter is provided on at least one of the protection member and the first fixing member.   The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein an infrared filter is provided on at least one of the protection member and the first fixing member.   The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein the imaging element is flip-chip mounted on the first fixing member. A first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface;
A first moving member having an electret portion, receiving a driving force from the charge of the first driving electrode, and having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixing member;
A protective member arranged to sandwich the first moving member with the first fixing member;
A second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface;
The first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first fixing member and the electretized portion. The driving force is received by the electric charge of the second driving electrode. A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the fixed member;
An image sensor disposed on the back side of the second fixing member;
An imaging module comprising:   7. The imaging module according to claim 6, wherein a light amount control means for adjusting a light amount incident on the imaging element is provided on at least one of the protective member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. .   The imaging module according to claim 6, wherein a low-pass filter is provided on at least one of the protection member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member.   The imaging module according to claim 6, wherein an infrared filter is provided on at least one of the protection member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member.     The imaging module according to claim 6, wherein the imaging element is flip-chip mounted on the second fixing member. A first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface;
A first moving member having an electret portion, receiving a driving force from the charge of the first driving electrode, and having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixing member;
A protective member arranged to sandwich the first moving member with the first fixing member;
A second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface;
The first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first fixing member and the electretized portion. The driving force is received by the electric charge of the second driving electrode. A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the fixed member;
A shutter device characterized by comprising:   12. The shutter device according to claim 11, wherein a light amount control means for adjusting the amount of light incident on the image sensor is provided on at least one of the protective member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. .   12. The shutter device according to claim 11, wherein a low-pass filter is provided on at least one of the protection member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member.   The shutter device according to claim 11, wherein an infrared filter is provided on at least one of the protection member, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member. A first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface;
A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force by static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the first driving electrode;
A protective member arranged to sandwich the first moving member with the first fixing member;
A second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface;
The first fixing member and the second fixing member are disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first fixing member and the second driving member, and when receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the second driving electrode, A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the two fixed members;
An image sensor disposed on the back side of the second fixing member;
An imaging module comprising: A first fixing member having a plurality of first driving electrodes on the surface;
A first moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the first fixed member by receiving a driving force by static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the first driving electrode;
A protective member arranged to sandwich the first moving member with the first fixing member;
A second fixing member having a plurality of second driving electrodes on the surface;
The first fixing member and the second fixing member are disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first fixing member and the second driving member, and when receiving a driving force due to static electricity generated when a periodic voltage is applied to the second driving electrode, A second moving member having a light shielding property capable of moving relative to the two fixed members;
A shutter device characterized by comprising:

Images