JP2005234446A - Tilt camera apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tilt camera apparatus which realizes photographing in the horizontal direction without causing vignetting. <P>SOLUTION: A tilt turning mechanism 14 makes a lens 12 turn centering on a main tilt shaft 24. The rear turning arm 26 of the tilt turning mechanism 14 makes the rear part of the lens 12 turn centering on the tilt shaft 24. When the tilt angle of the lens 12 is equal to or above a prescribed offset start tilt angle, the turning of the front part of the lens 12 is restricted. In the tilt turning mechanism 14, the rear turning arm 26 is linked with the tilt shaft 24 so as to be turnable, and also linked with the rear part of the lens 12 so as to be slidable. A front turning bracket 28 is turnably linked with the tilt shaft 24 and the front part of the lens 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a tilt type camera device capable of photographing in the horizontal direction.

As a conventional tilt type camera device, a dome type camera is known. The dome type camera includes a hemispherical dome cover and a lens provided inside the dome cover so as to be rotatable in a tilt direction. And the rotation center of a lens exists on an optical axis, and it arrange | positions so that it may correspond with the center of a dome cover, and a favorable image is obtained by this arrangement | positioning (for example, refer patent document 1).
JP 2000-155366 A (summary, FIG. 4)

  However, when the conventional dome type camera tries to shoot in the horizontal direction, vignetting occurs and a good image cannot be obtained. Here, the horizontal direction means a direction perpendicular to the dome zenith direction. Also, vignetting means that an image is partially darkened when a camera case is reflected in a part of the shooting range.

  The vignetting problem as described above is not limited to the dome type camera, and may occur in other types of tilt type camera devices.

  The present invention has been made under the above-mentioned background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tilt-type camera device that can capture images in the horizontal direction and can obtain a good image.

  The tilt type camera device of the present invention includes a lens and a tilt rotation mechanism that rotates the lens in a tilt direction around a main tilt axis, and the tilt rotation mechanism is centered on the main tilt axis. A rear rotation means for rotating the rear portion of the lens, and a front rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation of the front portion of the lens when the tilt angle of the lens is equal to or greater than a predetermined offset start tilt angle; It has.

  With this configuration, when the tilt angle of the lens exceeds the offset start tilt angle, the rotation of the front part of the lens is restricted, and the rear part of the lens continues to rotate, so that the lens is offset from the main tilt axis. To do. Therefore, since the lens faces in the horizontal direction with the lens being offset from the main tilt axis, it is possible to photograph the horizontal direction without causing vignetting.

  Further, in the tilt type camera device of the present invention, the front part rotation restricting means has an abutting structure that abuts against a front portion of the lens. With this configuration, the rotation of the front portion of the lens can be limited with a simple configuration.

  Further, in the tilt type camera device of the present invention, the tilt rotation mechanism is connected to the main tilt shaft so as to be rotatable and slidably connected to a rear portion of the lens. And a forward rotation member that is rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft and the front portion of the lens.

  With this configuration, when the rotation limiting unit limits the rotation of the front portion of the lens, the rotation of the front rotation member is also limited. Then, the rear rotation member continues to rotate, and the lens is offset from the main tilt axis. In this way, a suitable mechanism for offsetting the lens when the rotation limiting means functions can be provided.

  In the tilt type camera device of the present invention, the tilt rotation mechanism includes a rear rotation member that is rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft and a rear portion of the lens.

  This configuration can also provide a suitable mechanism for offsetting the lens when the rotation limiting unit functions.

  In addition, the tilt type camera device of the present invention includes drive means for rotating the backward rotation member about the main tilt axis. The driving means is constituted by a motor, for example.

  With this configuration, it is possible to provide a camera device that performs a suitable tilt rotation operation for offsetting the lens when the tilt angle is increased by rotating the rear rotation member by the driving unit.

  The tilt type camera device of the present invention further includes holding means for holding the lens optical axis passing through the main tilt axis until the tilt angle of the lens reaches the offset start tilt angle. The holding means is constituted by an urging member such as a spring, for example.

  With this configuration, the offset amount can be suitably suppressed until the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle.

  In addition, the tilt type camera device of the present invention includes a dome cover that accommodates the lens, and the rotation restricting unit restricts the rotation of the front portion of the lens so that the optical axis of the lens is in the dome zenith direction. Offset to

  With this configuration, the lens is arranged so that the optical axis passes through the center of the dome in an angle range where the tilt angle is small and there is no problem of vignetting, and a high-quality image is obtained. In a region where the tilt angle is large, by offsetting the optical axis in the direction of the dome apex, a good image can be obtained in that there is no vignetting even if the image quality is deteriorated due to the offset. In this way, it is possible to provide a tilt type camera device that can shoot in the horizontal direction and obtain a good image.

  The tilt type camera device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a dome cover, a lens provided inside the dome cover, and a tilt rotation mechanism that rotates the lens in a tilt direction. When the moving mechanism has a tilt angle of the lens smaller than a predetermined offset start tilt angle in the vicinity of the dome horizontal direction, the offset of the lens optical axis with respect to the dome center is suppressed, and the tilt angle of the lens is equal to or greater than the offset start tilt angle. Then, the optical axis of the lens is offset in the zenith direction according to the tilt angle.

  Also with this configuration, it is possible to provide a tilt type camera device capable of photographing in the horizontal direction and obtaining a good image by suitably controlling the offset of the lens optical axis.

  In the present invention, when the tilt angle of the lens becomes equal to or greater than the offset start tilt angle, the lens can be offset from the main tilt axis by restricting the rotation of the front portion of the lens. It is also possible to provide a tilt type camera device that can take a picture and has an effect that a good image can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a tilt type camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the tilt type camera device is a dome type surveillance camera.

  FIG. 1 shows a camera apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the camera device 10 includes a lens 12 and a tilt rotation mechanism 14 that rotates the lens 12 in the tilt direction. The tilt turning mechanism 14 is provided on a pan turning plate 16, and the pan turning plate 16 is attached to a base portion (not shown) so as to be turnable in the pan direction by a motor around a pan shaft 18. A hemispherical dome cover 20 is attached to the base portion, and the lens 12 is housed in the dome cover 20 together with the tilt rotation mechanism 14.

  The lens 12 has a configuration in which a plurality of lenses are incorporated in a lens barrel. An imaging element such as a CCD is attached to the rear of the lens barrel, thereby constituting a camera. Hereinafter, the tilt angle when the lens 12 faces the dome zenith direction is 0 degree, and the tilt angle when the lens 12 faces the dome horizontal direction is 90 degrees. In the present embodiment, the camera device 10 is a type of surveillance camera that is attached to the ceiling. Therefore, when the tilt angle is 0 degree, the lens 12 faces downward, and when the tilt angle is 90 degrees, the lens 12 Facing sideways. In the present embodiment, front and rear mean front and rear in a direction along the optical axis of the lens 12.

  Next, the tilt rotation mechanism 14 will be described in detail. A rod-shaped tilt support portion 22 hangs down from the pan turning plate 16. A main tilt shaft 24 is provided at the tip of the tilt support portion 22. Then, the rear rotation arm 26 and the front rotation arm 28 are attached to the tilt support portion 22 so as to be rotatable about the main tilt shaft 24.

  The rear end of the rear turning arm 26 is slidably connected to the rear portion of the lens 12. On the other hand, the front rotation bracket 28 is rotatably connected to the front portion of the lens 12. The rear rotation arm 26 and the front rotation bracket 28 correspond to the rear rotation member and the front rotation member of the present invention. The rear turning arm 26 and the front turning bracket 28 are connected to the lens 12 with the following configuration.

  A lens frame 30 is fixed to the lens 12. The lens frame 30 includes a front frame portion 32 and a rear frame portion 34, and the front frame portion 32 and the rear frame portion 34 surround the front portion and the rear portion of the lens 12, respectively. The front frame portion 32 and the rear frame portion 34 are connected by an intermediate frame portion 36 that extends along the lens barrel of the lens 12.

  From the rear frame portion 34 of the lens frame 30, rear slide shafts 38 protrude on both sides. The rear slide shaft 38 is fitted in a longitudinal guide groove 40 provided at the rear end of the rear rotation arm 26. On the other hand, the front rotation bracket 28 is rotatably attached to a sub-tilt shaft 42 protruding from the front frame portion 32 of the lens frame 30 to both sides. Thus, the rear rotation bracket 26 is slidably connected to the rear portion of the lens 12, and the front rotation bracket 28 is rotatably connected to the front portion of the lens 12.

  A tilt motor 50 is attached as a drive means of the tilt rotation mechanism 14. The tilt motor 50 is attached to a motor bracket 52 provided at the tip of the tilt support portion 22. A drive gear 54 is attached to the rotation shaft of the tilt motor 50. On the other hand, a driven gear 56 is attached to the rear turning arm 26. The driven gear 56 is attached to an arm shaft 58 fixed to the rear turning arm 26, and the arm shaft 58 passes through the tilt support portion 22. The drive gear 54 of the tilt motor 50 and the driven gear 56 of the rear rotation arm 26 are engaged with each other, whereby the tilt motor 50 rotates the rear rotation arm 26 about the main tilt shaft 24. . The reduction ratio between the drive gear 54 and the driven gear 56 is set so that the tilt speed is appropriate.

  Further, the abutting plate 60 protrudes from the front frame portion 32 of the lens frame 30 on the rear side of the auxiliary tilt shaft 42. The forward rotation bracket 28 has a notch 62 at a position corresponding to the abutment plate 60, and the abutment plate 60 is fitted into the notch 62.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front rotation member 28 also extends behind the main tilt shaft 24. The holding spring 64 connects the spring mounting portion 66 at the rear end of the front rotation member 28 to the spring mounting portion 68 of the rear frame portion 34 of the lens frame 30.

  The holding spring 64 biases the lens 12 and the front rotation bracket 28 so that the opening angle between the lens 12 and the front rotation bracket 28 around the sub-tilt shaft 42 becomes small. Due to the urging force of the holding spring 64, the abutting plate 60 of the lens frame 30 abuts against the notch 62 of the front rotation bracket 28. Thereby, the opening angle of the lens 12 and the front rotation bracket 2 is maintained, and as a result, the angular relationship between the lens 12, the front rotation bracket 28 and the rear rotation bracket 26 is maintained, and these are rotated integrally. To do.

  In the integrated state, the optical axis of the lens 12 passes through the main tilt axis 24. Further, the rear slide shaft 38 and the auxiliary tilt shaft 42 are also on the optical axis of the lens 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a rod-like stopper 70 hangs down from the pan turning plate 16. The stopper 70 is provided at a position where it abuts against the abutting plate 60 of the lens frame 30 when the lens 12 rotates. The tip of the stopper 70 is located at a position where it abuts against the abutting plate 60 when the tilt angle of the lens 12 reaches the offset start tilt angle. With such a configuration, when the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 is limited.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of the tilt rotation mechanism 14 of FIG. The lens 12, the rear turning arm 26 and the front turning bracket 28 are shown as links. When the front portion of the lens 12 is not in contact with the stopper 70, the holding spring 64 (not shown) functions, and the lens 12, the rear rotation arm 26, and the front rotation bracket 28 rotate together. . At this time, the lens optical axis passes through the main tilt axis 24, and therefore the offset of the lens optical axis with respect to the main tilt axis 24 is zero.

  When the front portion of the lens 12 hits the stopper 70, the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 is restricted, and the rotation of the front turning bracket 28 is also restricted. In this state, when the rear rotating arm 26 further rotates, the rear portion of the lens 12 further rotates. As a result, the lens 12 rotates with respect to the front rotation bracket 28 about the sub tilt shaft 42, and the lens optical axis is offset with respect to the main tilt shaft 24. At this time, sliding occurs at the connecting portion between the rearward turning arm 26 and the lens 12. As illustrated, the amount of offset of the lens optical axis increases with the tilt angle.

  FIG. 3 shows the operation of the camera apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. The tilt operation of the camera device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 together with FIG. Here, the operation when the tilt angle increases will be described. Of course, when the tilt angle decreases, the camera device 10 performs the reverse operation.

  During the tilt operation, the tilt motor 50 rotates the rear rotation arm 26. As a result, the rear turning arm 26 exerts a turning force about the main tilt shaft 24 on the rear part of the lens 12, and thereby the rear turning arm 26 rotates the rear part of the lens 12.

  When the tilt angle is small, the stopper 70 is not functioning. Due to the urging force of the holding spring 24, the postures (angular relationship) of the rear turning arm 26, the lens 12 and the front turning arm 28 are held. Therefore, these members rotate integrally around the main tilt shaft 24. The lens optical axis passes through the main tilt axis 24, and the offset of the lens optical axis is zero.

  When the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the abutting plate 60 in the front portion of the lens 12 abuts against the stopper 70, thereby restricting the rotation of the front portion. When the rear rotation arm 26 continues to rotate, the urging force of the holding spring 64 is overcome, and the lens 12 rotates about the sub tilt shaft 42 with respect to the front rotation bracket 28. In this way, the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 is restricted and the rotation of the rear portion is continued. As a result, the optical axis of the lens 12 is offset from the main tilt shaft 24 in the dome zenith direction as shown in the figure.

  Next, the movement of the lens 12 and the change of the offset amount in the tilt operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a locus L of the lens front lens (frontmost lens) 80 and a locus M of the rear slide shaft 38. The former corresponds to the locus of the front portion of the lens, and the latter corresponds to the locus of the rear portion of the lens.

  In FIG. 4, when the tilt angle is small, both the lens front lens 80 and the slide shaft 38 rotate around the dome center (main tilt shaft 24). Therefore, the offset amount of the lens optical axis with respect to the center of the dome is zero.

  When the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the rotation of the lens front lens 80 is restricted. The lens front lens 80 stays at a place where the rotation is restricted and rotates on the spot. On the other hand, even after the rotation of the lens front lens 80 is restricted, the slide shaft 38 behind the lens continues to rotate. At this time, since the slide shaft 38 slides with respect to the rear rotation arm 26, the slide shaft 38 approaches the center of the dome while rotating in detail.

  As a result of the above operation, the rear portion of the lens optical axis rotates around the lens front lens 80. As shown in the figure, the lens optical axis is offset with respect to the dome center, and this offset increases.

  In the present embodiment, the offset start tilt angle is set so that vignetting can be prevented by the tilt operation as described above. That is, when the tilt angle reaches the maximum tilt angle (for example, 90 degrees), the position of the lens front lens 80 is determined so that vignetting does not occur. The offset start tilt angle is set so that the rotation of the lens front lens 80 stops at this position. And the shape of each part mentioned above is set so that rotation of lens 12 may be restricted with this offset start tilt angle.

  Moreover, in the above, in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, it has been described that the optical axis rotates around the lens front lens 80. More precisely, in the tilt rotation mechanism 14 configured as shown in FIG. 1, the rotation center of the optical axis is in the vicinity of the sub tilt shaft 42 slightly behind the lens front lens 80.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the conventional example and this embodiment will be compared.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the tilt angle and the offset amount in the conventional example. In this conventional example, the tilt rotation axis is fixed at a position away from the dome center by a distance A in the dome zenith direction. The actual offset amount of the lens is represented by the length of a perpendicular line from the center of the dome to the lens optical axis. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the offset amount is represented by A × sin θ. (Θ is the tilt angle). The offset amount increases with the tilt angle θ.

  Here, the offset becomes a factor of image quality degradation. This is because when the lens optical axis is offset, it is not orthogonal to the dome spherical surface. As the offset increases, the angle between the lens optical axis and the dome spherical surface becomes far from the right angle, and the image quality deteriorates more severely. In the conventional example of FIG. 5, there is an offset from when the tilt angle is small, and this offset causes a deterioration in image quality.

  The conventional example shown in FIG. 5 is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-244783 (second page, FIG. 1). Conventionally, when priority is given to the prevention of vignetting, a configuration as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the tilt angle and the offset in the camera apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the offset amount is 0 until the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle. When the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, an offset occurs. Then, the offset amount increases as the tilt angle increases.

  In FIG. 6, it is assumed that vignetting occurs in the hatched area in the graph. In the present embodiment, the offset start tilt angle and the offset amount are set so that the offset changes within a range where vignetting does not occur.

  It is desirable that the offset start tilt angle is large in a range where vignetting does not occur. In the above example, the offset start tilt angle is 80 degrees. Therefore, a high-quality image without offset can be obtained until the tilt angle reaches 80 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, high-quality shooting can be performed while suppressing the offset in the normal operating range. When the direction of the lens 12 reaches near the horizontal direction and the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the offset can be continuously increased while avoiding vignetting.

  By such offset control, compared to the conventional example, the offset amount can be greatly reduced in a wide tilt angle range, and the image quality can be greatly improved. In addition, while obtaining a high-quality image, an offset necessary for photographing in the horizontal direction is secured, and an image without vignetting can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, such offset control can be realized only by rotating the rear rotating arm 26 by the single tilt motor 50 as described above. Complex control is not required, and a suitable tilting operation can be realized with a simple mechanism.

  As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described.

  According to the tilt type camera device 10 of the first embodiment, when the tilt angle of the lens 12 becomes equal to or larger than the offset start tilt angle, the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 is restricted. The rear portion continues to rotate, which causes the lens 12 to be offset from the main tilt shaft 24. Accordingly, since the lens 12 faces in the horizontal direction with the lens 12 being offset from the main tilt axis 24, the horizontal direction can be photographed without causing vignetting.

  Further, according to the tilt type camera device 10 of the present embodiment, the rotation restricting means has the abutting structure that abuts against the front portion of the lens 12, so that the front portion of the lens 12 can be easily rotated. Can be limited by configuration.

  Further, according to the tilt type camera device 10 of the present embodiment, the rear rotating member is rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft 24 and is slidably connected to the rear portion of the lens 12. The front rotation member is rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft 24 and the front portion of the lens 12. With such a configuration, the lens 12 can be moved when the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 is restricted. A suitable tilt rotation mechanism that is offset with respect to the main tilt shaft 24 can be provided.

  In addition, according to the tilt type camera device 10 of the present embodiment, a suitable tilt rotation operation for offsetting the lens when the tilt angle increases is obtained by the drive means rotating the rear rotation member. It is done.

  Further, according to the tilt type camera device 10 of the present embodiment, the tilt angle is offset start tilt by providing the holding spring 64 as the biasing means for holding the lens optical axis passing through the main tilt axis 24. The offset amount can be suitably suppressed until the corner is reached.

  Further, according to the tilt type camera device 10 of the present embodiment, the lens 12 is housed in the dome cover 20. Then, by restricting the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12, the optical axis of the lens 12 is offset from the center of the dome toward the dome zenith. Therefore, in an angle range where the tilt angle is small and there is no problem of vignetting, the lens is arranged so that the optical axis passes through the center of the dome, and a high-quality image can be obtained. In an area where the tilt angle is large, an image without vignetting can be obtained by offsetting the optical axis toward the dome apex, although the image quality is lowered. In this way, it is possible to provide a tilt type camera device that can shoot in the horizontal direction and obtain a good image.

  The advantages of the present embodiment will be further described. The present embodiment provides a biaxial tilt mechanism including a main tilt shaft 24 and a sub tilt shaft 42. By adding the rotation limiting mechanism, the above-mentioned preferable tilting operation is realized. Moreover, this two-axis mechanism can be suitably operated with one tilt motor 50. And as demonstrated using FIG. 6, the offset control for obtaining a quality image with a dome type camera is easily realizable.

  Further, when viewing conventional surveillance cameras, a camera with a relatively low magnification is common, and thus the image quality problem due to the offset as described above is not remarkable. On the other hand, the development of surveillance cameras has progressed, and the number of surveillance cameras that perform high-magnification photography has increased. For example, a camera having a zoom function has been put into practical use. In high magnification photography, the problem of image quality degradation due to offset becomes significant. This embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent deterioration in image quality even at a high magnification.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a tilt type camera apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In principle, the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment. However, the slide mechanism is provided behind the lens in the first embodiment, whereas the slide mechanism is provided in front of the lens in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, description of matters overlapping with the above-described embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

  The camera device 100 in FIG. 7 includes a lens 102 and a tilt rotation mechanism 104. The tilt rotation mechanism 104 is provided below the pan rotation plate 106. The pan turning plate 106 turns in the pan direction around the pan axis 108. A rod-like tilt support portion 110 hangs down from the pan turning plate 106. A rear pivot arm 112 is pivotally attached to the tilt support section 110 at a main tilt shaft 114 at the lower end of the tilt support section 110.

  The rear end of the rear turning arm 112 is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the lens 102. Here, the rear turning arm 112 is rotatably attached to the lens frame 116 by a sub-tilt shaft 118 protruding from the lens frame 116 fixed to the lens 102.

  A tilt motor 120 is attached to the tilt support portion 110. The tilt motor 120 is located above the main tilt shaft 114. A rotation transmission belt 126 is wound around a drive pulley 122 of the tilt motor 120 and a driven pulley 124 of the rear turning arm 112.

  The rear turning arm 112 extends forward from the main tilt shaft 114. A holding spring 130 is attached between the front end of the rear turning arm 112 and the lens frame 116. Both ends of the holding spring 130 are attached to a spring attachment portion 132 of the lens frame 116 and a spring attachment portion 134 of the rearward turning arm 112. The holding spring 130 urges the lens frame 116 and the rear turning arm 112 to each other so that the angle between the lens frame 116 and the rear turning arm 112 around the sub tilt shaft 118 becomes small.

  Further, the front end portion of the rear turning arm 112 abuts against the spring mounting portion 132 of the lens frame 116. That is, the vicinity of the base of the spring mounting portion 132 functions as a butting plate. Until the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the angular relationship between the rear pivot arm 112 and the lens 102 is maintained by the abutting structure and the holding spring 130, and these rotate integrally. .

  In addition, a rod-shaped stopper 140 hangs down from the pan turning plate 106. When the tilt angle reaches the offset start tilt angle, the stopper 140 abuts against the abutting portion 142 of the lens frame 116 and restricts the rotation of the lens frame 116, and thus restricts the rotation of the front portion of the lens. The stopper 140 only touches the upper surface of the lens frame 116, and the lens frame 116 can slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the stopper 140.

  8 and 9 correspond to FIGS. 2 and 3 in the above-described embodiment. That is, FIG. 8 shows the principle of the tilt rotation mechanism 104 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows the operation of the camera device 100. The operation of the camera device 100 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, when the rotation of the rear portion continues after the rotation of the lens front portion is restricted, the rear end of the rear rotation arm slides with respect to the lens. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the lens 102 and the rear turning arm 112 are rotatably connected and cannot slide. Instead, the lens frame 116 slides with respect to the stopper 140. Therefore, a tilt operation substantially similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, the second embodiment also restricts the rotation of the front portion of the lens 12 when the tilt angle of the lens 12 becomes equal to or greater than the offset start tilt angle. The rear portion continues to rotate, which causes the lens 12 to be offset from the main tilt shaft 24. Accordingly, since the lens 12 faces in the horizontal direction with the lens 12 being offset from the main tilt axis 24, the horizontal direction can be photographed without causing vignetting.

  Further, unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not require a front rotating member, and the configuration is simplified.

  However, in the second embodiment, after the rotation of the lens front portion is restricted, the lens front portion moves back and forth in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the back and forth movement of the front portion of the lens is suppressed, thereby further improving the image quality.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can modify the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the tilt type camera device according to the present invention has an effect that the horizontal direction can be taken without causing vignetting, and is useful as a surveillance camera or the like.

The perspective view of the tilt type camera apparatus in the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the principle of the tilt rotation mechanism in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows tilt operation | movement of the tilt type camera apparatus in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows tilt operation | movement of the tilt type camera apparatus in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the relationship between the tilt angle and the offset amount in the reference example The figure which shows the relationship between the tilt angle and offset amount in 1st Embodiment The perspective view of the tilt type camera apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the principle of the tilt rotation mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows tilt operation | movement of the tilt type camera apparatus in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera apparatus 12 Lens 14 Tilt rotation mechanism 20 Dome cover 24 Main tilt shaft 26 Back rotation arm 28 Front rotation bracket 30 Lens frame 38 Back slide shaft 42 Subtilt shaft 52 Tilt motor 60 Butting plate 62 Notch 64 Holding spring 70 Stopper

Claims (8)

A lens and a tilt rotation mechanism that rotates the lens in a tilt direction around a main tilt axis;
The tilt rotation mechanism is
A rear rotation means for rotating a rear portion of the lens around the main tilt axis;
Front rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation of the front portion of the lens when the tilt angle of the lens is equal to or greater than a predetermined offset start tilt angle;
A tilt-type camera device comprising:   The tilt type camera device according to claim 1, wherein the front rotation restricting means has an abutting structure that abuts against a front portion of the lens. The tilt rotation mechanism is
A rear rotation member that is rotatably connected to the main tilt axis and is slidably connected to a rear portion of the lens;
A forward rotation member rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft and the front portion of the lens;
The tilt type camera device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The tilt type camera device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tilt rotation mechanism includes a rear rotation member rotatably connected to the main tilt shaft and a rear portion of the lens. .   5. The tilt type camera device according to claim 3, further comprising a drive unit that rotates the rearward rotation member about the main tilt axis.   The holding means for holding a state in which a lens optical axis passes through the main tilt axis until the tilt angle of the lens reaches the offset start tilt angle. Tilt-type camera device.   A dome cover for housing the lens is provided, and the rotation limiting unit limits the rotation of the front portion of the lens so that the optical axis of the lens is offset from the dome center toward the dome zenith direction. The tilt type camera device according to claim 1. A dome cover,
A lens provided inside the dome cover;
A tilt rotation mechanism for rotating the lens in the tilt direction;
The tilt rotation mechanism suppresses the offset of the lens optical axis with respect to the dome center when the tilt angle of the lens is smaller than a predetermined offset start tilt angle in the vicinity of the dome horizontal direction, and the tilt angle of the lens A tilt-type camera device that offsets the optical axis of the lens in the dome zenith direction in accordance with the tilt angle when the offset start tilt angle is exceeded.

Images