JP2007222203A - Mirror driving mechanism and imaging device equipped with mirror driving mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mirror driving mechanism capable of reducing power consumption and an imaging device equipped with the mirror driving mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The mirror driving mechanism is equipped with a mirror 21 light enters, a mirror supporting part 22 which supports the mirror 21 and moves with the mirror 21, a magnet 24 which is provided on the mirror supporting part 22 or is provided to face the mirror supporting part 22 to generate a magnetic field, a coil 25 which is provided to face the mirror supporting part 22 or is provided on the mirror supporting part 22 to generate the magnetic field by making the coil 25 carry a current and relatively moves the mirror supporting part 22 by the magnetic force between the magnet 24 and the coil 25, and a control means which controls the current carried by the coil 25 to move the mirror supporting part 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mirror driving mechanism for driving a mirror used in various cameras and the like, and an imaging apparatus using the mirror driving mechanism.

  In general, a flexible tube is connected to an endoscope for photographing the inside of a human body. On the other hand, in recent years, development of an ultra-small capsule endoscope has been promoted. This type of capsule endoscope is not connected to a flexible tube. Therefore, like a capsule-type internal medicine, the subject can easily swallow it, greatly reducing the subject's pain.

  Such an endoscope includes a light source, an optical system, a camera unit, a transmission unit, a battery, and the like inside a capsule-shaped housing. When the endoscope including these parts is swallowed by the subject, the endoscope moves in the body cavity and then images the inside of the body cavity with the action of the digestive organs of the human body. And the imaged image data is received by the receiving means outside the body cavity via the transmission unit. In addition, as a prior art regarding such a capsule endoscope, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-174713 (see abstract, etc.)

  By the way, in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the light source is attached to the front side in the traveling direction, the front side is illuminated with illumination light, and the side surface perpendicular to the traveling direction is imaged. Yes. In this case, since the illumination light is in a state of illuminating all of the circumferential direction of the side surface, there is a problem that the side surface portion to be imaged becomes dark. In order to solve such a problem, a light source having a larger output may be attached. However, when a light source with a large output is attached, power is required for the large output.

  In contrast to such a method, an endoscope that enables imaging in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction has been developed. Such an endoscope has a method of rotating the entire internal configuration of the housing unit including the imaging unit. However, when the entire internal configuration is rotated, the mass of the portion to be rotated becomes heavier, so that much power is required. In other words, at present, even if an endoscope adopts any method, it requires a certain amount of power consumption.

  Note that when the power consumption increases, heat is generated in the endoscope correspondingly. It is preferable that such heat generation does not occur as much as possible inside the body cavity. From the viewpoint of heat generation, power saving is desired.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mirror drive mechanism capable of reducing power consumption and an image pickup apparatus including the mirror drive mechanism. It is.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a mirror on which light is incident, a mirror support part that supports the mirror and is movably provided, the mirror support part, or the mirror support part. A magnet for generating a magnetic field and a mirror support unit are provided opposite to each other or provided on the mirror support unit, and a magnetic field is generated by passing an electric current. A coil for moving the mirror support part relatively by the magnetic force between them, and a control means for moving the mirror support part by controlling the current flowing through the coil.

  In such a configuration, when a current is conducted to the coil under the control of the control means, a magnetic field is formed in the coil. A magnetic force is generated between the coil and the magnet facing the coil. And a mirror support part moves with this magnetic force. This movement changes the traveling direction of the light reflected by the mirror.

  In this case, the part driven by the magnetic force is a mirror and a mirror support part. For this reason, compared with the case where the whole internal structure including an imaging unit etc. is rotated like before, the weight of the site | part driven can be made small and the electric power consumed by the said drive is reduced. Is possible. In addition, since less power is consumed, the amount of heat generated in the mirror drive mechanism can be reduced by that amount, which is more suitable for various uses including endoscopes.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the mirror support portion is provided rotatably about a support shaft along the center axis thereof, and the magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other. The mirror support portion is rotationally driven with a support shaft as a fulcrum by magnetic force.

  When configured in this way, the mirror support unit causes the support shaft to move by causing the magnet to repel or attract between the magnet and the coil by controlling the current that conducts the current to the coil by the control means. Rotates as a fulcrum Thereby, the mirror is rotated about the support shaft, and the light incident on the mirror changes according to the direction in the rotation direction of the mirror, and the direction of the light reflected by the mirror also changes. If it does in this way, it will become possible to reflect the light of all the directions in a rotation direction with a mirror.

  Further, according to another invention, in addition to each of the above-described inventions, the mirror, the mirror support portion, the magnet, and the coil are housed inside a casing portion that is provided in a cylindrical shape. The part is provided with a transparent part for transmitting the light traveling toward the mirror, and the mirror support part is a housing for stabilizing the rotation when the mirror support part is rotated about the support shaft. A rotation guide portion that is close to and faces the inner wall surface of the portion.

  When configured in this way, the mirror and the mirror support portion rotate while the rotation guide portion of the mirror support portion faces and opposes the inner wall surface of the housing portion. For this reason, even if the rotation balance of the mirror and the mirror support portion is broken and they are about to rotate out of the rotation center, the rotation balance is prevented from being lost due to the rotation guide portion coming into contact with the housing portion or the like. It becomes possible. Therefore, the mirror and the mirror support portion can be stably rotated.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other along the radial direction of the mirror support portion.

  In the case of such a configuration, the magnet and the coil are arranged on the outer diameter side. Accordingly, when the mirror and the mirror support portion are rotated, it is possible to increase the rotation holding force accompanying the magnetic force, and it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy during the rotation.

  Furthermore, in another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, a magnet and a coil are arranged in a state of facing each other along the central axis direction.

  When configured in this manner, the radial dimension of the mirror drive mechanism can be reduced, and the size can be reduced.

  In another aspect of the invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the mirror support portion is rotatably provided with the support shaft as a fulcrum, and the mirror support portion is separated from a neutral position during the rotation. An elastic member for exerting a gradually increasing urging force is connected, and the magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other, and the mirror support portion resists the urging force with the support shaft as a fulcrum by the magnetic force. While being rotated.

  In such a configuration, when a current is conducted to the coil under the control of the control means, a magnetic field is formed in the coil. A magnetic force is generated between the coil and the magnet facing the coil. Then, the mirror support portion rotates about the support shaft by this magnetic force. Here, the mirror support portion is connected to an elastic member that exerts an urging force that gradually increases as the distance from the rotational neutral position increases. For this reason, when a mirror support part starts rotation, a mirror support part stops in the position where magnetic force and urging | biasing force balance. Therefore, the light reflection angle at the mirror is maintained at a predetermined rotational position. Moreover, the reflection angle of the light reflected by the mirror is changed by changing the current to be conducted to the coil.

  For this reason, it is possible to project (reflect) images (light) in various directions by swinging the mirror and the mirror support portion. Moreover, since the part driven at the time of a rocking | swiveling is a mirror and a mirror support part, the weight of the part to drive can be made small and it becomes possible to reduce the electric power consumed by the said drive. In addition, since less power is consumed, the amount of heat generated in the mirror drive mechanism can be reduced by that amount, which is more suitable for various uses including endoscopes.

  Furthermore, another invention is an imaging device including the mirror driving mechanism according to each of the above-described inventions. The imaging device makes light reflected by the mirror incident, collects the light after emission, and a plurality or A lens unit including a single lens, and an image sensor that receives light emitted from the lens unit and generates an electrical signal according to the amount of received light. An image pickup unit for forming image data based on a simple signal, and the control means controls the operation of the image pickup unit.

  When configured in this manner, light of a predetermined angle out of the light reflected by the mirror enters the lens unit. When the light passes through the lens unit, the light is received by the image sensor. In the imaging unit, an electrical signal is generated according to the amount of light received by the imaging device, and image data is created based on the electrical signal.

  In this way, after the mirror is moved to a predetermined position by the mirror driving mechanism, it is possible to cause the imaging unit to take in light corresponding to the position of the mirror. Therefore, it is possible to create image data corresponding to the position of the mirror, and it is possible to create the entire image data within a certain range of position change by changing the position of the mirror.

  According to another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the lens unit is provided in a focus mechanism that is movable relative to the image sensor.

  In such a configuration, since the lens unit is provided in the focus mechanism, it is possible to adjust the focal length by using the focus mechanism to collect light on the image sensor. For this reason, the imaging unit can create clearer image data.

  Further, according to another invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, the mirror support portion is further provided with illumination means for irradiating the observation site with light incident on the mirror and reflected toward the lens unit. It is.

  In the case of such a configuration, when the mirror and the mirror support portion are moved by the operation of the mirror driving mechanism, the illumination unit is also moved. For this reason, the illumination means can always illuminate a certain direction, and the mirror can reflect the image of the part illuminated by the illumination means toward the imaging unit. Further, since the illumination means is provided, even when the observation site is dark, the image data corresponding to the observation site can be satisfactorily created by irradiating the observation site with the illumination means.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the mirror is a half mirror, and the illuminating means includes a mirror support portion in which light emitted from the illuminating means passes through the half mirror and is observed. It is provided in the site | part irradiated to a site | part.

  In such a configuration, since the mirror is a half mirror, the light emitted from the illumination means passes through the half mirror and is irradiated onto the observation site. When the observation site is irradiated with light, the reflected light is reflected toward the half mirror, and the half mirror reflects the reflected light toward the lens unit. As a result, the imaging unit can generate image data based on the reflected light. As described above, when the half mirror is used, it is possible to install the illumination unit in a part different from the part where the light is emitted to the observation part or reflected from the observation part in the mirror support unit. It is possible to increase the space efficiency.

  According to the present invention, power consumption can be reduced in the mirror drive mechanism and the imaging apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the imaging device 10 using the mirror drive mechanism 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 10.

  The imaging apparatus 10 in the present embodiment includes a mirror driving mechanism 20, a lens unit 30, an imaging unit 40, a power supply unit 50, and a control unit 60 as main components.

  Among these, the mirror drive mechanism 20 includes a mirror 21, a mirror support portion 22, a bearing 23, a magnet 24, and a coil 25. Among these, the mirror 21 is a part for changing the direction of light input to the image sensor 41 described later. In the present embodiment, the mirror 21 is attached to the mirror support 22 so as to be able to image the side surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the imaging device 10 so as to be inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. It has been. However, the mounting angle of the mirror 21 is not limited to approximately 45 degrees, and can be variously changed.

  Further, the mirror support portion 22 is a member for supporting the above-described mirror 21. The mirror support portion 22 includes a mirror attachment portion 22a, a magnet attachment portion 22b, and a support shaft 22c. Among these, the mirror attachment portion 22 a is a portion for attaching the mirror 21. In the present embodiment, when the mirror 21 is attached to the mirror attachment portion 22a, the mirror 21 is provided with an inclination of, for example, approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 10.

  Further, the magnet attachment portion 22b is provided on one end side (right side in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 10 with respect to the above-described mirror attachment portion 22a. The magnet attachment portion 22b has a cylindrical shape in appearance, for example. And the ring-shaped magnet 24 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of this cylindrical part. The magnet 24 has a predetermined number of N poles and S poles alternately in the circumferential direction. Further, a support shaft 22c is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 10 with respect to the magnet mounting portion 22b. The support shaft 22c is a columnar portion having a smaller diameter than the magnet attachment portion 22b. The support shaft 22 c is inserted into the insertion hole 23 a of the bearing 23. Thereby, the mirror support part 22 is rotatably attached to a housing (not shown) via the bearing 23.

  Further, the coil 25 is configured by winding a predetermined number of turns around the yoke 25a. In the present embodiment, stepping drive can be performed by the magnet 24 and the coil 25 described above. In order to realize such stepping drive, a predetermined number (four in FIG. 2) of coils 25 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the magnet 24. The number of coils 25 arranged is not limited to four, and can be variously changed as long as it is an even number such as six.

  Further, the light reflected by the mirror 21 enters the lens unit 30. The lens unit 30 includes a plurality of lenses 31 and a lens barrel 32 that holds these lenses 31. The light that has passed through each lens 31 forms an image on the surface of the image sensor 41.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an imaging unit 40 is provided at a portion on the other end side (left side in FIG. 1) from the lens unit 30. The imaging unit 40 includes an imaging element 41, an AD conversion unit 42, and a data conversion unit 43. Among these, the image sensor 41 is an element capable of converting received light into an electrical signal, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image sensor 41 includes photodiodes corresponding to R, G, and B, and generates analog signals at the R, G, and B photodiodes according to the amount of light received.

  The imaging element 41 is not limited to a CCD, and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) may be used.

  Further, the image sensor 41 is connected to an AD converter 42, and the AD converter 42 converts an analog signal from the image sensor 41 into a digital signal. The AD converter 42 is connected to the data converter 43. The data converter 43 creates pixel data based on a predetermined number of R, G, and B digital signals. Then, by arranging a large number of pixel data in a matrix, image data corresponding to light incident from the outside of the housing is created.

  In addition, a power supply unit 50 is provided in a portion (not shown in FIG. 1) on the other end side than the image sensor 41 (see FIG. 3). The power supply unit 50 is a part that supplies power to the mirror driving mechanism 20, the imaging unit 40, and the like. The power supply unit 50 includes a battery 51, and power can be supplied from the battery 51 to each part. However, the power supply unit 50 does not necessarily adopt a configuration including the battery 51. For example, the power supply unit 50 may include a receiving unit having a coil, receive electromagnetic energy generated outside, and use the electromagnetic energy as a power source.

  The control unit 60 corresponds to a control unit and controls the driving of the mirror driving mechanism 20, the imaging unit 40, the power supply unit 50, and the like. The control unit 60 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM, and controls the mirror driving mechanism 20 and the like according to the program. The control unit 60 includes a driver (not shown), and is provided so that the direction of the current flowing through the coil 25, the duty ratio of the current pulse conducted during the stepping drive, and the like can be changed.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described below.

  In the power-on state of the image pickup apparatus 10, first, the mirror drive mechanism 20 operates so that the mirror 21 is disposed at a predetermined image pickup position. When the mirror driving mechanism 20 is operated, a current is conducted to the coil 25 included in the mirror driving mechanism 20, and the coil 25 is magnetized. Thereby, a magnetic force is generated between the magnet 24 and the coil 25, and the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22 are stepped by a predetermined angle using the magnetic force.

  Then, when the mirror 21 stops at a predetermined stepping angle, imaging in the imaging device 10 is started. In this case, when light is incident on the mirror 21 arranged at a predetermined angle, the mirror 21 causes the traveling direction of the light to pass through the lens unit 30 (direction along the central axis L). Changed to Then, when the light incident on the lens unit 30 passes through the lens 31 at the final stage, an image is formed on the surface of the image sensor 41. The image sensor 41 generates an analog signal corresponding to the amount of incident light. The analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the above-described AD conversion unit 42, and image data is created through the data conversion unit 43.

  Here, the control unit 60 temporarily stores image data captured via the image sensor 41 in a storage part such as a RAM at predetermined time intervals. The image data stored in the RAM or the like is stored in a data storage unit (not shown) such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive.

  In addition, when the imaging at the predetermined angle described above is completed, and when it is confirmed that a certain time has passed by the clock count or the like, the control unit 60 causes the coil 25 to supply a current in a predetermined direction via the driver. To conduct. As a result, the coil 25 is magnetized, and the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22 are driven stepwise by a predetermined angle. Thereafter, the imaging apparatus 10 repeats the operation as described above.

  According to the mirror driving device 20 having such a configuration and the imaging device 10 including the mirror driving device 20, a magnetic field is formed by conduction of current to the coil 25, and a magnetic force is generated between the coil 25 and the magnet 24. In addition, the mirror support portion 22 can be rotated about the support shaft 22c by appropriately switching the conduction of current to the coil 25 by the control portion 60. In this case, since the portions driven by the magnetic force are the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22, the weight of the driven portion is reduced as compared with the conventional case where the entire imaging unit or the like is rotated. be able to. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power consumed during the rotational drive. Further, since less power is consumed, the amount of heat generated in the mirror drive mechanism 20 can be reduced by that amount, which is more suitable for various uses including endoscopes.

  The mirror support portion 22 is rotatably provided with a support shaft 22c along the center axis L as a fulcrum. For this reason, the mirror support part 22 rotates favorably by using the support shaft 22c as a fulcrum by appropriately controlling the current conducted to the coil 25 by the control part 60. As a result, the direction of light reflected by the mirror 21 changes, and light in all directions in the rotation direction can be reflected by the mirror 21. For this reason, light can be reflected toward the lens unit 30 over the entire circumference of the mirror support 22 rotating, and the image pickup unit 40 can create image data over the entire circumference in the rotation direction. Is possible.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG. Note that in the imaging device 11 in the present embodiment, the same members and the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  4 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a part related to the mirror drive mechanism 20B in the imaging apparatus 11, and FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a schematic configuration of a part related to the mirror drive mechanism 20B.

  In the imaging device 11 according to the present embodiment, the configuration of the mirror drive mechanism 20B is different. This mirror drive mechanism 20B is not for rotating the mirror 21 as in the first embodiment, but for swinging the mirror 21.

  In order to realize such a swing of the mirror 21, the mirror support portion 22 </ b> B in the present embodiment is provided so as to be swingable via a support shaft 26. The support shaft 26 is provided at a position slightly separated from the mirror attachment portion 22a to which the mirror 21 is attached. A coil 25B is disposed at the end opposite to the mirror mounting portion 22a with the support shaft 26 interposed therebetween. The coil 25B is disposed on one side surface and / or the other side surface of the mirror support portion 22B. At this time, the coil 25B is laminated in a direction perpendicular to the central axis L and the axial direction of the support shaft 26, as shown in FIGS.

  The coil 25B is provided with a magnet 24B facing the coil 25B. The magnet 24B is magnetized so as to change from the N pole to the S pole or from the S pole to the N pole along the stacking direction of the coils 25B. In the present embodiment, two magnets 24B are arranged along the central axis L. In addition, the magnet 24B is magnetized so that the magnetic poles change in the direction in which the coils 25B are stacked, and one magnet 24B is opposite to the other magnet 24B. By adopting such a configuration, when a current flows through the coil 25B, a magnetic force is generated between the coil 24B and the mirror support portion 22B is swingably provided with the support shaft 26 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 5, the mirror support portion 22 </ b> B is connected to the support wire 27. The support wire 27 is made of a member having predetermined elasticity and capable of applying a biasing force to the mirror support portion 22B.

  The arrangement of the coil 25B and the arrangement of the magnet 24B are not limited to these, and any arrangement relationship may be adopted as long as the mirror support portion 22B can be rotated about the support shaft 26 as a fulcrum. The support wire 27 may be made of a conductive material.

  The operation of the imaging device 11 having the above configuration and the mirror drive mechanism 20B having the imaging device 11 will be described below.

  When the mirror drive mechanism 20B is operated, a current is passed through the coil 25B. In this case, when a current is passed in the direction shown in FIG. 5, a force directed rightward in FIG. 5 acts on the coil 25B. Therefore, the mirror support portion 22B rotates about the support shaft 26 as a fulcrum. In that case, the mirror support portion 22B moves against the elastic force (biasing force) applied by the support wire 27 by an electromagnetic force corresponding to the magnitude of the current. The mirror support portion 22B moves (rotates) to a position where the elastic force applied according to the movement amount by the support wire 27 and the electromagnetic force generated according to the magnitude of the current balance.

  If the direction of the current flowing through the coil 25B is opposite to that shown in FIG. 5, a leftward force in FIG. 5 acts on the coil 25B. Also in this case, the mirror support portion 22B moves (rotates) to a position where the elastic force applied according to the movement amount by the support wire 27 and the electromagnetic force generated according to the magnitude of the current are balanced.

  In this way, the mirror support 22B is rotated, and the tilt angle of the mirror 21 can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to change the angle of light incident on the lens unit 30.

  According to the mirror drive mechanism 20B having such a configuration and the imaging device 11 including the mirror drive mechanism 20B, the mirror support portion 22B supports the support shaft 22c as a fulcrum by variously changing the current to be conducted to the coil 25B. As a result, it is possible to appropriately change the rotation angle. For this reason, the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22B can be rotated (oscillated) to have a desired angle, and images (light) in various directions are reflected toward the imaging unit 40. Is possible.

  Further, since the parts to be driven when swinging are the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22B, the parts to be driven can be reduced, and the power consumed by the driving can be reduced. Further, since less power is consumed, the amount of heat generated in the mirror drive mechanism 20B can be reduced by that amount, which is more suitable for various uses such as endoscopes.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the imaging device 12 using the mirror drive mechanism 20C according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 12 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a part related to the mirror drive mechanism 20C in the imaging device 12. Note that in the imaging device 12 in the present embodiment, the same members and the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Note that the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The imaging device 12 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a housing unit 100, a lens unit 30, an imaging unit 40, a power supply unit 50, a control unit 60, and a focus mechanism 70 as main components.

  Among these, the housing unit 100 includes a cylindrical case 101 provided in a cylindrical shape, and a transparent cover 102 provided in a bottomed cylindrical shape and attached to the cylindrical case 101. Among these, the transparent cover 102 corresponds to the transparent portion, and is made of transparent resin, glass, or the like. Thereby, the transparent cover 102 can transmit light from the outside. By attaching the transparent cover 102 to the cylindrical case 101, the imaging device 12 of the present embodiment is provided so that the appearance thereof is substantially pile-shaped. In addition, a bearing mounting portion 103 is provided in a portion of the transparent cover 102 on one end side (right side in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 12. The bearing mounting portion 103 is a portion that holds the outer peripheral portion of the bearing 23.

  In addition, this bearing attaching part 103 is comprised so that it may have the recessed part 103a, for example, and this bearing 23 can be hold | maintained by inserting the outer peripheral part of the recessed part 103a bearing 23. FIG.

  The mirror drive mechanism 20C in the present embodiment includes a mirror 21, a mirror support portion 22C, a bearing 23, a magnet 24, and a coil 25. Among these, the mirror support portion 22C includes a mirror mounting portion 22a, a magnet mounting portion 22b, and a support shaft 22c similar to those in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the mirror support portion 22C includes a rotation guide portion 22d.

  The rotation guide portion 22d is closer to the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 12 than the mirror mounting portion 22a (the side away from the tip portion of the transparent cover 102; the left side in FIG. 1) of the mirror support portion 22C. Is provided. The rotation guide portion 22d has a substantially L-shaped appearance, and has a radially extending portion 22d1 extending from the mirror mounting portion 22a to a portion close to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical case 101 toward the outer diameter side, A flange portion 22d2 extending from the direction extending portion 22d1 toward the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 12 (left side in FIG. 1).

  Among these, the flange portion 22d2 and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical case 101 are in close proximity to each other with a slight gap. Therefore, when the mirror support portion 22C rotates, the rotation center axis (center axis L) of the mirror support portion 22C tends to deviate from the center axis L of the image sensor 41 when the magnetic pole of the magnet 24 is changed. The flange portion 22d2 contacts the inner wall surface of the cylindrical case 101. Since the shift amount of the mirror support portion 22C at this time is small, it is possible to prevent the mirror support portion 22C from being greatly displaced, and the mirror support portion 22C is provided so as to be able to achieve good rotation. Further, the flange portion 22d2 is in close proximity to the outer peripheral edge portion of the coil attachment portion 72. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mirror support portion 22C from shifting toward the inner diameter side.

  In addition, a focus mechanism 70 is provided in a portion of the inside of the casing unit 100 on the other end side (left side in FIG. 1) from the mirror drive mechanism 20C. The focus mechanism 70 includes a lens housing portion 71 to which a magnet 711 is attached, and a coil attachment portion 72 to which a coil 721 is attached, and focusing (focal length) according to a current conducted to the coil 721. Adjustment). In the present embodiment, the lens housing portion 71 has a cylindrical portion 712 that is provided in a cylindrical shape, and the lens unit 30 is attached to the inside thereof.

  Further, a magnet fitting portion 713 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the other end side (left side in FIG. 1) of the lens housing portion 71. The magnet fitting portion 713 is a portion to which the magnet 711 is attached, and is surrounded by two flange portions 713a and 713a. The magnet 711 attached to the magnet fitting portion 713 is provided in a ring shape, and has an N pole or S pole on one end side (right side in FIG. 1) and an S pole or pole on the other end side (left side in FIG. 1). It is magnetized so that the N pole is arranged.

  Further, the lens unit 30 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the lens housing portion 71. The lens unit 30 also includes a plurality of lenses 31, and light passes through the plurality of lenses 31, so that the light that has passed through is imaged on the surface of the image sensor 41.

  In addition, a coil attachment portion 72 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the lens storage portion 71. The coil attachment portion 72 is provided in a cylindrical shape, and the coil 721 is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. The coil 721 is configured by winding a winding a predetermined number of times. At this time, the coil 721 is disposed at a position close to the magnet 711 (see FIG. 6).

  In the present embodiment, the above-described coil mounting portion 72 is fixedly provided with respect to the housing portion 100, whereas the lens housing portion 71 is not shown, such as a damper. It is attached via an elastic member. Then, when a magnetic field is formed as a current flows through the coil 721, the lens housing portion 71 moves along the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 12. Accordingly, the lens unit 30 existing inside the cylindrical portion 712 is also moved, and the focal length can be adjusted. Moreover, the above-mentioned coil attachment part 72 is provided with a ring-shaped bottom part 72a on one end side thereof. When the flange portion 713a of the lens housing portion 71 collides with the bottom portion 72a, the movement amount of the lens housing portion 71 is restricted from becoming too large.

  The mirror driving mechanism 20C having the above-described configuration and the imaging device 12 including the mirror driving device 20C include the focus mechanism 70. The focal length can be adjusted. For this reason, even if the light incident on the mirror 21 corresponds to an image at a short distance or an image at a long distance, it is possible to form an image on the surface of the image sensor 41, It is possible to prevent an unclear image from being formed because the captured image is not focused.

  In the above-described configuration, the mirror support portion 22C includes the rotation guide portion 22d, and the rotation guide portion 22d (flange portion 22d2) is close to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical case 101. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the rotation balance from being lost when the mirror support 22C is rotationally driven by the magnetic force generated between the magnet 24 and the coil 25. In addition, by providing the rotation guide portion 22d, it is possible to suppress the tilt angle of the mirror 21 from fluctuating depending on the rotation angle, and it is possible to stabilize the tilt angle of the mirror 21 to be constant. Yes.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 or FIG. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 13 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a part related to the mirror driving mechanism 20D in the imaging device 13. Note that in the imaging device 13 according to the present embodiment, the same members and the same parts as those of the third embodiment (first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. To do. Since the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The imaging device 13 according to the present embodiment has a mirror support portion 22D having a configuration different from the mirror support portion 22C according to the third embodiment described above. The external appearance of the mirror support portion 22D in the present embodiment is substantially cylindrical. A mirror mounting portion 22a is provided inside the cylindrical mirror support portion 22D. The mirror mounting portion 22a has a portion closer to one of the bottom portions 22a1 (the right-side portion in FIG. 8) in order to mount the mirror 21 in a state where the mirror 21 is inclined by approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the imaging device 13. It is provided so as to protrude toward the portion 22e.

  The mirror support portion 22D is provided with an incident opening 22f for allowing light from the outside of the cylindrical case 101 to enter the mirror 21. The incident opening 22f is formed by cutting away a portion facing the reflection surface of the mirror 21 in a state of making an angle of approximately 45 degrees and being orthogonal to the central axis L. As a result, when the light at the observation site travels in a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface of the transparent cover 102 and passes through the incident opening 22f, the light is first incident on the mirror 21 and is further improved toward the lens unit 30 by the mirror 21. Reflected in.

  In the present embodiment, a magnet 24 similar to that described in the first to third embodiments is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the mirror support 22D on the opening 22e side. . The casing 100 is provided with a coil 25 similar to that described in the first to third embodiments so as to face the magnet 24. The coil 25 is fixedly provided with respect to the housing unit 100.

  In the mirror drive mechanism 20D having the above-described configuration and the imaging device 13 including the mirror drive mechanism 20D, the magnet 24 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical mirror support portion 22D. Therefore, it is possible to bring the magnet 24 and the coil 25 as close to the outer diameter side as possible inside the housing unit 100, and when the mirror 21 and the mirror support part are rotated, the rotational holding force accompanying the magnetic force can be increased. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to improve positioning accuracy when the mirror 21 and the mirror support portion 22D are rotated.

  A magnet 24 is attached to the mirror support portion 22D on the opening 22e side. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the coils 25 are arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals of 90 degrees, and when viewed along the clockwise direction, the direction of the magnetic poles that become the electromagnets due to current conduction between the adjacent coils 25. Is different.

  Therefore, compared with the mirror support portion 22C in the third embodiment, the rotation balance can be stabilized in the mirror support portion 22D without providing the rotation guide portion 22d, and good rotation can be realized. It has become.

(Fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10 or FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 14 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a part related to the mirror drive mechanism 20E in the imaging device 14. Note that in the imaging device 13 according to the present embodiment, the same members and the same parts as those of the third embodiment (first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. To do. In this embodiment, since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The imaging apparatus of the present embodiment has a mirror drive mechanism 20E having a configuration different from the mirror drive mechanism 20C of the third embodiment described above and the mirror drive mechanism 20D of the fourth embodiment described above. Yes. The mirror driving mechanism 20E includes a mirror support portion 22E as shown in FIG. The mirror support portion 22E is configured such that the flange portion 22g extends from the cylindrical mirror support portion 22D described in the fourth embodiment to the outer diameter side. The flange portion 22g is provided so as to extend over the entire circumference of the mirror support portion 22E. However, you may comprise so that the flange part 22g may be intermittently provided only in the site | part which attaches the magnet 24E mentioned later. Further, the outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion 22g is configured to face and oppose the inner wall surface of the cylindrical case 101 or the transparent cover 102.

  A magnet 24E is attached to the flange portion 22g. In the present embodiment, the magnet 24E has a shape (flexible curved shape) in which a magnet having a ring shape is cut out by a predetermined length along the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the magnet 24E is cut out by approximately 45 degrees from the ring shape.

  Further, the predetermined number of magnets 24E (four in FIG. 11) are attached along the circumferential direction of the flange portion 22g. In this case, the adjacent magnets 24E are magnetized so that the arrangement of the magnetic poles along the central axis L is different.

  Moreover, the coil 25E is attached to the bottom part 72a on the side facing the magnet 24E in the coil attachment part 72. As shown in FIG. 11, the coil 25 </ b> E is wound with a winding so as to have a bent shape similar to that of the magnet 24 </ b> E. The windings are stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis L of the imaging device 14.

  In the mirror drive mechanism 20E having the above-described configuration and the imaging device 14 including the mirror drive mechanism 20E, the mirror support 22E is similar to the mirror drive mechanism 20D and the imaging device 13 in the fourth embodiment described above. A magnet 24E and a coil 25E are arranged on the other end side (left side in FIG. 10). Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, magnets 24E and coils 25E are arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals of 90 degrees.

  Therefore, compared with the mirror support portion 22C in the third embodiment, the rotation balance can be made relatively stable in the mirror support portion 22E without providing the rotation guide portion 22d. Is feasible.

  Further, the magnet 24E and the coil 25E are arranged along the central axis L so as to face each other. For this reason, the magnet 24E and the coil 25E can be disposed closer to the center of the imaging device 14 in the radial direction, and the size of the mirror drive mechanism 20E in the radial direction can be reduced. Is possible.

(Sixth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the imaging apparatus 15 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of the magnet 24 </ b> F and the coil 721 in the imaging device 15. Note that in the imaging device 15 according to the present embodiment, the same members and the same parts as those of the third embodiment (first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. To do. Since the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the mirror drive mechanism 20F employs a configuration provided integrally with the focus mechanism 70. In other words, the cylindrical support portion 22 </ b> F is provided in the cylindrical portion 712 constituting the lens storage portion 71. In the present embodiment, the mirror support portion 22F has, for example, one half circumference portion (lower portion in FIG. 12) of the cylindrical portion 712 extending toward one end side (right side in FIG. 12). It is configured. Moreover, the mirror support part 22F is extended | stretched toward the other half periphery part (upper part in FIG. 12) of the cylindrical part 712 as it extends toward one end side. Thereby, the mirror support portion 22F is provided with a mirror mounting portion 22a that is inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the central axis L, as in the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the magnet 24F of the present embodiment is configured by bonding two ring-shaped thin magnets 24F1 and 24F2. Among the magnets 24F, a thin magnet 24F1 used as the mirror driving mechanism 20F exists on one end side (right side in FIG. 1). A thin magnet 24F2 used as the focus mechanism 70 is disposed on the other end side (left side in FIG. 1). Among these, the thin magnet 24F1 is magnetized so that the N pole and the S pole change alternately along the circumferential direction, like the magnet 24 described in the first embodiment and the like. ing. In this case, the number of magnetic poles constituting the thin magnet 24F1 is the same.

  Further, the thin magnet 24F2 has an N pole or S pole on one end side (right side in FIG. 12) and an S pole on the other end side (left side in FIG. 12), like the magnet 711 described in the third embodiment. It is magnetized so that poles or N poles are arranged.

  A coil mounting portion 72 is disposed on the outer diameter side of the magnet 24F so as to surround the magnet 24F. The configuration of the coil attachment portion 72 is the same as that described in the third embodiment and the like. Further, the same coil 721 as that described in the third embodiment is attached to the coil attachment portion 72.

  In the present embodiment, a coil 25F is further attached to the outer peripheral side of the coil 721. As shown in FIG. 13, the coil 25 </ b> F is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the coil 721 so that the central axis S of the coil 25 </ b> F is along the radial direction of the imaging device 15. In addition, the coil 25F is attached along the circumferential direction of the coil 721 at even intervals, for example, an even number such as four.

  In the mirror driving mechanism 20F having the above-described configuration and the imaging device 15 including the mirror driving mechanism 20F, the mirror driving mechanism 20F employs a configuration that is provided integrally with the focus mechanism 70, and thus the imaging device. The length dimension in the longitudinal direction of 10 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the size of the imaging device 10.

  The magnet 24F employs a configuration in which a thin magnet 24F1 for rotation of the mirror support portion 22F and a thin magnet 24F2 for operating the focus mechanism 70 are bonded together. For this reason, compared with the case where each magnet 24F1, 24F2 is provided separately, further space saving is possible.

  Although the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be variously modified in addition to this. This will be described below.

  The imaging devices 10 to 15 in the first to sixth embodiments described above may employ a configuration including illumination means. Here, as an illumination means, the structure which comprises light sources, such as LED, is mentioned, for example. The attachment part of the illumination means may be any part as long as it is a part that does not interfere with the part where light is incident on the mirror 21 and can irradiate the observation part. As an example, a configuration in which the illumination means is embedded in a portion other than the mirror mounting portion 22 a among the mirror support portions 22 to 22 F or attached to the end portion of the mirror 21 can be mentioned. Further, the transparent cover 102 may be arranged over the entire circumference so that the entire circumference of the imaging device 10 is irradiated with light.

  Moreover, you may make it use the half mirror for the mirror 21 in the above-mentioned 1st-6th embodiment. In the case of using a half mirror, it is possible to arrange the illumination means on the lower side opposite to the upper side where the light is incident on the mirror 21 in FIG. In this case, when light is emitted upward from the illumination means, the light passes through the half mirror and is irradiated to the observation site. Further, the reflected light from the observation site is reflected to the lens unit 30 side by the half mirror.

  When such a configuration is employed, it is possible to reliably install the illumination means at a portion of the mirror support portions 22 to 22F that does not interfere with the light incident on the mirror 21. In addition, the space efficiency of the imaging devices 10 to 15 can be improved.

  In addition to the first to sixth embodiments described above, a bearing having an outer diameter that can be directly fitted into the casing 100 is provided, and each mirror support described above is provided in the insertion hole of the bearing. You may comprise so that a part may be attached. In this case, since the mirror support portion is stably supported by a large-diameter bearing sufficiently larger than the bearing 23, it is possible to stabilize the rotation of the mirror support portion.

  In the third to sixth embodiments described above, the transparent cover 102 is provided in a bottomed cylindrical shape. However, the transparent cover is not limited to a bottomed cylindrical shape, and can be variously modified, for example, provided in a substantially hemispherical shape. In the case where the transparent cover is provided in a substantially hemispherical shape, the outer appearance of the casing 100 is substantially a capsule.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration is adopted in which the magnets 24 to 24F are provided in the mirror support portions 22 to 22F and the coils 25 to 25F are provided in a fixed part such as the housing portion 100. . However, a configuration in which the arrangement relationship is reversed, such as providing the coils 25 to 25F on the mirror support portions 22 to 22F and providing the magnets 24 to 24F on a fixed part such as the casing 100 may be adopted.

  In addition, the imaging devices 10 to 15 in the above-described embodiments can be used for various devices and applications such as a monitoring camera, an endoscope, a vehicle-mounted camera, and a mobile phone camera.

  The mirror driving mechanism and the imaging device of the present invention can be used in the field of electrical equipment.

It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding the mirror drive mechanism of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the imaging device of FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding the mirror drive mechanism of FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding the mirror drive mechanism of FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding the mirror drive mechanism of FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding the mirror drive mechanism of FIG. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the part regarding a mirror drive mechanism among the imaging devices which concern on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of a magnet and a coil among the mirror drive devices of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 ... Imaging device 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E ... Mirror drive mechanism 21 ... Mirror 22, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E ... Mirror support part 23 ... Support shaft 24, 24E , 24F ... Magnets 25, 25E, 25F ... Coils 27 ... Support wires (corresponding to elastic members)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Lens unit 40 ... Imaging unit 41 ... Imaging element 50 ... Power supply unit 60 ... Control part (corresponding to control means)
100 ... Case 102 ... Transparent cover (corresponding to transparent part)

Claims (10)

A mirror on which light is incident;
A mirror support unit that supports the mirror and is movably provided;
A magnet that is provided on the mirror support or provided opposite to the mirror support, and that generates a magnetic field;
The mirror support is provided opposite to the mirror support, or is provided on the mirror support, and a magnetic field is generated by passing an electric current, and the mirror support is moved relatively by the magnetic force between the magnet and the magnet. A coil for causing
Control means for controlling the current flowing through the coil to move the mirror support;
A mirror driving mechanism comprising: The mirror support portion is rotatably provided with a support shaft along its center axis as a fulcrum,
The magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other and are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction,
Due to the magnetic force, the mirror support is rotationally driven with the support shaft as a fulcrum,
The mirror driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The mirror, the mirror support part, the magnet, and the coil are housed in a cylindrical casing, and light that travels toward the mirror is contained in the casing. A transparent part for transmitting
When the mirror support portion is rotated about the support shaft as a fulcrum, the mirror support portion includes a rotation guide portion that is closely opposed to the inner wall surface of the housing portion in order to stabilize the rotation.
The mirror driving mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other along the radial direction of the mirror support portion.
The mirror drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mirror drive mechanism is a mirror drive mechanism. The magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other along the central axis direction.
The mirror drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mirror drive mechanism is a mirror drive mechanism. The mirror support portion is rotatably provided with a support shaft as a fulcrum,
The mirror support portion is connected to an elastic member for exerting an urging force that gradually increases as the mirror support portion moves away from the neutral position.
The magnet and the coil are arranged in a state of facing each other,
By the magnetic force, the mirror support portion is rotated while resisting the urging force with the support shaft as a fulcrum,
The mirror driving mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: It is an imaging device provided with the mirror drive mechanism of any one of Claim 1 to 6,
This imaging device
The light reflected by the mirror is made incident, the light after being emitted is condensed, and a lens unit composed of a plurality of lenses or a single lens;
An image sensor that receives light emitted from the lens unit and generates an electrical signal according to the amount of received light is formed, and image data is formed based on the electrical signal in the image sensor. An imaging unit for
The control means controls the operation of the imaging unit.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The lens unit is provided in a focus mechanism that is movable relative to the image sensor.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7.   The imaging device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the mirror support portion is provided with illumination means for irradiating the observation site with light incident on the mirror and reflected toward the lens unit. apparatus. The mirror is a half mirror,
The illuminating means is provided in a part of the mirror support portion where light emitted from the illuminating means passes through the half mirror and is irradiated onto the observation part.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 9.

Images