JP2008113060A - Imaging apparatus, and method of manufacturing imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which the tilt of an imaging device to the optical axis of a lens system can be accurately adjusted in a simple fashion, and to provide a method of manufacturing the imaging apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A lens barrel 2 which supports the lens system 1 for image-forming luminous flux from a subject and a mount 4 which supports an imaging device 3 for converting the image formed by the lens system 1 into an electric signal are coupled to each other. In this case, a spacer 7 is arranged between the lens barrel 2 and mount 4 and then the lens barrel 2 is tilted to the mount 4 to correct the tilt θ of the imaging device 3 to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a lens barrel that supports a lens system for forming an image of a light beam from a subject is engaged with a mount that supports an image sensor that converts an image formed by the lens system into an electrical signal. The present invention relates to an imaging device and a method for manufacturing the imaging device.

  In recent years, an electronic device having a photography function (imaging device) such as a digital camera or a mobile phone uses an imaging element in which pixels are arranged in a very high density due to an increasing demand for higher resolution. It has become to. In an imaging apparatus that realizes high resolution using such an imaging element, compared to a low-resolution imaging apparatus that uses a conventional imaging element, the accuracy of attaching the imaging element to the optical axis of the lens system is high. Required.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of an imaging apparatus according to a conventional example.

  A lens system 101 for forming a light beam from a subject, a lens barrel 102 that supports the lens system 101, an image sensor 103 that converts an image formed by the lens system 101 into an electrical signal, and an image sensor 103 And a mount 104 for supporting the above.

  The lens barrel 102 is provided with an engaging groove 105, and the mount 104 is provided with an engaging claw 106 that can engage with the engaging groove 105. That is, by engaging the engaging groove 105 of the lens barrel 102 and the engaging claw 106 of the mount 104 to connect the lens barrel 102 and the mount 104, the image pickup device with respect to the optical axis of the lens system 101. 103 is arranged.

  For this reason, the accuracy of the alignment of the imaging device 103 with respect to the optical axis of the lens system 101 is determined by the mounting accuracy of the imaging device 103 with respect to the mount 104 and the processing accuracy of components such as the lens barrel 102 that supports the lens system 101. The Rukoto.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged in the imaging apparatus of FIG. Note that hatching of the cross section is omitted.

  An inclination θ is generated between the optical axis L1 of the lens system 101 and the image sensor 103 due to the mounting accuracy of the image sensor 103 with respect to the mount 104 and the processing accuracy of components such as the lens barrel 102 that supports the lens system 101. is doing. Specifically, the normal L2 of the image sensor 103 is inclined by θ degrees in the arrow S direction with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 101.

  The occurrence of the inclination θ of the imaging element 103 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 101 is a high-resolution imaging apparatus that requires high accuracy for mounting the imaging element 103 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 101. It becomes a big factor to optical characteristic fall.

  In other words, in the high-resolution imaging device, the lens system 102 and the mount 104 are engaged so that the positions of the lens system 101 and the imaging device 103 are simply aligned, and the imaging device 103 is centered on the optical axis L1 of the lens system 101. There is a possibility that deviation or tilt may occur, and it is difficult to satisfy the required optical performance.

  As means for solving such a problem, there has been proposed an imaging apparatus in which two adjustment screws are arranged between a mount for supporting an imaging element (CCD element) and a lens barrel (see Patent Document 1). In this imaging apparatus, by changing the screwing degree of the two adjusting screws arranged, the angle of the mount with respect to the lens barrel can be changed, and the tilt of the CCD element can be corrected.

However, while adjusting the angle of the mount with the adjustment screw while imaging and checking the figure of the test chart, the position adjustment of the lens system with respect to the test chart, the angle adjustment of the mount with the adjustment screw, image confirmation and evaluation, etc. Many processes are required, and there is a problem that the number of processes and process time are greatly increased as compared with the manufacturing process of the imaging device according to the conventional example of FIG.
JP 2005-117253 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and includes a spacer that corrects the inclination of the imaging device with respect to the optical axis of the lens system between the lens barrel that supports the lens system and the mount that supports the imaging device. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus in which the inclination of the image pickup element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system is reduced and the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the image pickup apparatus is suppressed.

  The present invention also provides a process for obtaining the tilt of the lens system with respect to the reference plane of the lens barrel and the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the reference plane of the mount, and the optical axis of the lens system that is generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged. And a step of arranging a spacer at a position for correcting the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the image sensor, so that the tilt correction using the test chart can be omitted and an image pickup apparatus having high optical characteristics can be easily manufactured. Another object is to provide a manufacturing method.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, a mount that supports an imaging element that converts an image formed by the lens system into an electric signal is provided on a lens barrel that supports a lens system for imaging a light beam from a subject. In the engaged imaging device, a spacer is provided between the lens barrel and the mount.

  With this configuration, the position of the spacer provided between the lens barrel and the mount is adjusted, and the lens barrel generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged by appropriately tilting the lens barrel with respect to the mount. The inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis can be corrected. That is, it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus in which the inclination of the imaging element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system is reduced, and the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the imaging apparatus is suppressed.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, a spacer placement groove for placing the spacer is formed on a surface of the mount facing the lens barrel.

  With this configuration, when the spacer is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove provided in the mount, the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be corrected with high accuracy and stability.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the spacer arrangement groove is formed along a circular shape centering on the center of the imaging element.

  With this configuration, by adjusting the position of the spacer in the circumferential direction of the spacer arrangement groove, it is possible to adjust in accordance with the direction of inclination of the imaging element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system. That is, since the spacer can be arranged corresponding to the inclination in any direction, it is possible to easily and accurately correct the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, a plurality of the spacer arranging grooves are formed with different diameters.

  With this configuration, the position of the spacer can be easily adjusted according to the magnitude (angle) of the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system.

  For example, when the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged without a spacer, the position is closer to the center of the image sensor (smaller diameter). If the spacer is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove, and if it is small, the position where the spacer is arranged is arranged such that the spacer is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove at a position away from the center of the image sensor (larger diameter). By changing in the radial direction, it is possible to perform correction in accordance with the inclination without changing the dimension of the spacer. Therefore, correction of the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be easily performed with higher accuracy.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the plurality of spacer arranging grooves have the same groove width.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily correct the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system using spacers having the same dimensions.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the lens barrel and the mount are engaged by engaging an engaging groove provided on one side and an engaging claw provided on the other side. It is characterized by what has been done.

  With this configuration, the mount can be easily fixed to the lens barrel by snapping.

  In the imaging device according to the present invention, the spacer is a sphere.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the spacer while rotating the spacer. That is, correction of the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be performed more easily.

  The image pickup apparatus manufacturing method according to the present invention includes an image pickup element that converts an image formed by the lens system into an electric signal in a lens barrel that supports a lens system for forming an image of a light beam from a subject. In a manufacturing method of an imaging apparatus including a step of engaging a mount that supports the lens, a step of obtaining an inclination of the lens system with respect to a reference plane of the lens barrel and an inclination of the imaging element with respect to a reference plane of the mount; And a step of arranging a spacer at a position for correcting an inclination of the image pickup device with respect to an optical axis of the lens system generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged.

  With this configuration, the position of the spacer is determined by determining the inclination of the lens system with respect to the reference surface of the lens barrel and the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the reference surface of the mount, and occurs when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged. Since the spacer can be placed at the correct position to correct the tilt of the image sensor relative to the optical axis of the lens system, it is possible to easily correct the tilt by omitting steps such as confirmation and evaluation by imaging the test chart. Can do. That is, it is possible to easily manufacture an image pickup apparatus in which the inclination of the image pickup element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system is reduced and the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the image pickup apparatus is suppressed.

  According to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the lens barrel that supports the lens system and the mount that supports the imaging element are engaged with each other via the spacer. By adjusting and tilting the lens barrel appropriately with respect to the mount, it is possible to correct the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system that occurs when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged. That is, it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus in which the inclination of the imaging element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system is reduced, and the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the imaging apparatus is suppressed.

  In addition, according to the imaging device of the present invention, the spacer placement groove for placing the spacer is formed on the surface of the mount facing the lens barrel, so that the spacer is placed in the spacer placement groove. The inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be corrected accurately and stably.

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the spacer arrangement groove is formed along a circular shape centered on the center of the imaging element, so that the position of the spacer is in the circumferential direction of the spacer arrangement groove. By moving the lens, it is possible to adjust in accordance with the inclination direction of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system. That is, since the spacer can be arranged corresponding to the inclination in any direction, it is possible to easily and accurately correct the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system.

  Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, since the spacer arranging grooves are formed in a plurality of different diameters, the position of the spacer is set to the magnitude (angle) of the image pickup element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system. ) Can be adjusted easily.

  For example, when the inclination of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged without a spacer, the position is closer to the center of the image sensor (smaller diameter). If the spacer is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove, and if it is small, the position where the spacer is arranged is arranged such that the spacer is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove at a position away from the center of the image sensor (larger diameter). By changing in the radial direction, it is possible to perform correction in accordance with the inclination without changing the dimension of the spacer. Therefore, correction of the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be easily performed with higher accuracy.

  In addition, according to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, since the groove widths of the plurality of spacer arrangement grooves are equal to each other, the inclination of the imaging element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be easily corrected using the same size spacer. be able to.

  Further, according to the imaging device of the present invention, the engagement between the lens barrel and the mount is caused by the engagement between the engagement groove provided on one side and the engagement claw provided on the other side. Since this is done, the mount can be easily engaged with the lens barrel by snapping.

  Further, according to the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, since the spacer is a sphere, the position of the spacer can be easily adjusted while rotating the spacer. That is, correction of the tilt of the image sensor with respect to the optical axis of the lens system can be performed more easily.

  Further, according to the manufacturing method of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the position of the spacer is determined by determining the inclination of the lens system with respect to the reference plane of the lens barrel and the inclination of the imaging element with respect to the reference plane of the mount, Since the spacer can be placed at the correct position to correct the tilt of the image sensor relative to the optical axis of the lens system that occurs when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged, the steps such as confirmation and evaluation by imaging the test chart It is possible to easily correct the inclination by omitting. That is, it is possible to easily manufacture an image pickup apparatus in which the inclination of the image pickup element with respect to the optical axis of the lens system is reduced and the deterioration of the optical characteristics of the image pickup apparatus is suppressed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
An imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the mount of the image pickup apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged without using a spacer in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that hatching of the cross section is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged via the spacer in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that hatching of the cross section is omitted.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment uses a lens system 1 for forming a light beam from a subject, a lens barrel 2 that supports the lens system 1, and an image formed by the lens system 1 as an electrical signal. The imaging element 3 to be converted, the mount 4 that supports the imaging element 3, and the spacer 7 that is interposed between the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 are configured.

  In the completed imaging apparatus, the mount 4 is engaged with the lens barrel 2. The mount 4 and the lens barrel 2 are engaged with each other by the engagement groove 5 provided on the side surface of the lens barrel 2 and the engagement claw 6 provided on the side surface of the mount 4. Has been done.

  In other words, the mount 4 is fixed to the lens barrel 2 by a snap-fit method (snapping) by claw locking. Note that an adhesive for fixing the mount 4 to the lens barrel 2 more firmly may be applied to the connecting portion between the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 after engaging the claws.

  By the way, if the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 are engaged without the spacer 7 therebetween, the lens system is affected by the mounting accuracy of the image sensor 3 to the mount 4 and the processing accuracy of components such as the lens barrel 2. In some cases, the image pickup device 3 may be inclined with respect to one optical axis L1. For example, in FIG. 3, the normal L2 of the image sensor 3 is inclined by θ ° in the direction of the arrow S with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1. The occurrence of the inclination θ of the image sensor 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 causes a decrease in optical characteristics.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, a spacer 7 is disposed between the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 at a position for correcting the inclination θ of the imaging device 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the spacer 7 is disposed between the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4, so that the lens barrel 2 is fixed to the mount 4 in an inclined state, and the optical axis L 1 of the lens system 1. The angle θ formed by the normal line L2 of the image sensor 3 (the inclination θ of the image sensor 3) is close to 0 °.

  Further, the mount 4 is provided with a spacer arranging groove 8 for arranging the spacer 7 on the surface facing the lens barrel 2 (see FIG. 2). That is, by arranging the spacer 7 in the spacer arranging groove 8, the inclination θ of the image pickup device 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 can be corrected accurately and stably.

  Further, the spacer arrangement groove 8 is formed along a circular shape centering on the center C of the image sensor 3. In other words, by moving the spacer 7 in the circumferential direction of the spacer placement groove 8 (the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. 2), the spacer 7 is adjusted to any inclination θ direction of the image sensor 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1. The position can be adjusted.

  In addition, the spacer 7 is a sphere (for example, an elastic sphere), and the position of the spacer 7 can be easily adjusted while rotating the spacer 7.

  The dimension of the spacer 7 is adjusted in accordance with the magnitude (angle) of the inclination θ of the imaging device 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1. That is, the larger the size of the spacer 7, the more inclined the lens barrel 2 with respect to the mount 4. Therefore, when the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 are engaged without the spacer 7 (FIG. 3). The larger the dimension of the spacer 7 is, the more the image pickup apparatus having the larger inclination θ of the image pickup element 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 generated in (see FIG. 1).

  In the manufacturing method of the imaging device according to the present embodiment, the step of obtaining the inclination of the lens system 1 with respect to the reference surface 2F of the lens barrel 2 and the inclination of the imaging device 3 with respect to the reference surface 4F of the mount 4, and the lens mirror A step of arranging the spacer 7 at a position for correcting the tilt of the image pickup device 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 generated when the tube 2 and the mount 4 are engaged is provided, and the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 are interposed via the spacer 7. Is engaged.

  That is, the lens barrel 2 and the mount are determined by determining the inclination of the lens system 1 with respect to the reference surface 2F of the lens barrel 2 and the inclination of the imaging device 3 with respect to the reference surface 4F of the mount 4 to determine the position where the spacer 7 is to be disposed. The spacer 7 is arranged at an appropriate position for correcting the inclination θ of the image pickup device 3 with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 1 that is generated when engaged with the lens system 1. The structure is such that the process can be omitted and the inclination θ can be easily corrected.

  The tilt of the lens system 1 with respect to the reference surface 2F of the lens barrel 2 and the tilt of the image sensor 3 with respect to the reference surface 4F of the mount 4 can be easily measured by using an eccentricity measuring device, a tilt sensor, or the like. Can be requested.

<Embodiment 2>
An imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the mount of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged via the spacer in the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that hatching of the cross section is omitted.

  The basic configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the basic configuration of the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. That is, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment electrically converts the lens system 1 for imaging the light beam from the subject, the lens barrel 2 that supports the lens system 1, and the image formed by the lens system 1. The imaging device 3 is configured to convert the signal into a signal, the mount 4 that supports the imaging device 3, and the spacer 7 that is interposed between the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4. Therefore, differences from the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

  In the imaging device according to the present embodiment, a plurality of spacer arrangement grooves 8a, 8b, and 8c having different diameters are formed in the mount 4 (see FIG. 6). The groove widths W of the spacer arranging grooves 8a, 8b, and 8c are designed to be equal to each other.

  That is, the spacer arrangement grooves 8a, 8b, and 8c in which the spacers 7 are arranged can be selected in accordance with the magnitude (angle) of the inclination of the imaging device 3 with respect to the optical axis of the lens system 1. Specifically, since the magnitude of the inclination of the lens barrel 2 with respect to the mount 4 varies depending on the distance from the center C of the image sensor 3 to the spacer 7 (see FIG. 7), the spacer 7 is used as the spacer placement grooves 8a and 8b. , 8c in the radial direction (the direction of the arrow X2 in FIG. 6), the inclination between the optical axis of the lens system 1 and the image sensor 3 can be corrected without changing the dimension of the spacer 7. It has become.

  For example, when the inclination of the image sensor 3 with respect to the optical axis of the lens system 1 generated when the lens barrel 2 and the mount 4 are engaged without the spacer 7, the position is close to the center C of the image sensor 3. The spacer 7 is arranged in a certain spacer arrangement groove 8c (smaller in diameter), and in the case of being small, the spacer 7 is arranged in the spacer arrangement groove 8a located away from the center C of the image sensor 3 (larger diameter). By changing the position where the spacer 7 is arranged in the radial direction (the direction of the arrow X2 in FIG. 6), the correction according to the inclination can be performed without changing the dimension of the spacer 7. It can be configured.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mount of the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. In the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is a schematic sectional drawing which shows a state when a lens-barrel and a mount are engaged without a spacer. In the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is a schematic sectional drawing which shows a state when a lens-barrel and a mount are engaged via a spacer. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mount of the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. In the imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, it is a schematic sectional drawing which shows a state when a lens-barrel and a mount are engaged via a spacer. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on a prior art example. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 8.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens system 2 Lens barrel 2F Reference plane 3 of lens barrel 4 Imaging element 4 Mount 4F Reference plane 5 of mount 5 Engaging groove 6 Engaging claw 7 Spacer 8, 8a, 8b, 8c Spacer arrangement groove C Center of imaging element (Circle center of groove for spacer placement)
L1 Optical axis L2 of lens system Image sensor normal S Slope direction W Spacer arrangement groove width X1 Circumferential direction X2 Radial direction

Claims (8)

In an imaging apparatus in which a lens barrel that supports a lens system for imaging a light beam from a subject is engaged with a mount that supports an imaging element that converts an image formed by the lens system into an electrical signal ,
An image pickup apparatus comprising a spacer between the lens barrel and the mount.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a spacer placement groove for placing the spacer is formed on a surface of the mount facing the lens barrel.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the spacer arranging groove is formed along a circular shape centering on a center of the imaging element.   The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the spacer arrangement grooves are formed with different diameters.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of spacer arrangement grooves have the same groove width.   The engagement between the lens barrel and the mount is performed by engaging an engagement groove provided on one side and an engagement claw provided on the other side. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is a sphere. An imaging device comprising a step of engaging a lens barrel that supports a lens system for imaging a light beam from a subject with a mount that supports an imaging device that converts an image formed by the lens system into an electrical signal In the manufacturing method of
Obtaining a tilt of the lens system with respect to a reference plane of the lens barrel and a tilt of the image sensor with respect to a reference plane of the mount;
And a step of arranging a spacer at a position for correcting an inclination of the imaging element with respect to an optical axis of the lens system that is generated when the lens barrel and the mount are engaged with each other.

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