JP2024046513A - Camera module and imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] A filter and a holding frame are arranged in parallel along the optical axis of an optical member. [Solution] A camera module 11 according to an embodiment includes an image sensor that receives subject light, a lens that guides the subject light to the image sensor, a filter 193 that is provided between the image sensor and the lens and has a first filter 191 that does not allow the passage of illumination light emitted from an illumination unit and a second filter 192 that allows the passage of the illumination light, a holding frame 195 that holds the filter 193, and a support plate 194 member that is attached to the holding frame 195 and supports the filter 193 held by the holding frame 195. The holding frame 195 has a plurality of fixed bosses 211 that extend along the optical axis L direction of the lens, and a plurality of positioning bosses 212 that define the position where the support plate 194 is attached. The plurality of fixed bosses 211 are stepped bosses, and the support plate 194 is fixed to the plurality of fixed bosses 211 and attached to the holding frame 195. [Selected Figure] FIG.

Description

The present invention relates to a camera module and an imaging device.

Surveillance cameras are installed in various locations, such as nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and stores, for crime prevention and disaster prevention purposes. In surveillance cameras, which are imaging devices, optical filters that limit the wavelength of incident light are placed between the optical components and the imaging element in order to obtain high-quality images.

Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that includes an optical filter and has a configuration in which the optical filter can be switched between a state where it is located on an optical path of an optical member and a state where it is retracted from the optical path.

JP 2019-138972 Publication

In Patent Document 1, an optical filter is fitted into an opening provided in a filter frame, and the peripheral edge of the optical filter is bonded by thermocompression. However, when performing such attachment, it is difficult to attach the optical filter and the filter frame in parallel along the optical axis direction of the optical member.

A camera module according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image sensor that receives subject light, an optical member that guides the subject light to the image sensor, a filter that is provided between the image sensor and the optical member and has a first region that does not allow the passage of illumination light emitted from an illumination light source and a second region that allows the passage of the illumination light, a holding frame that holds the filter, and a support member that is attached to the holding frame and supports the filter held by the holding frame. The holding frame has a plurality of first protrusions that extend along the optical axis direction of the optical member and a plurality of second protrusions that define the position at which the support member is attached. The plurality of first protrusions are stepped protrusions, and the support member is fixed to the plurality of first protrusions and attached to the holding frame.

An imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention includes the above camera module.

According to the present invention, it is possible to arrange the filter and the holding frame in parallel along the optical axis of the optical member.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the appearance of an imaging device in an open state according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the appearance of the imaging device in a closed state. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device in an open state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module viewed from the lower right front. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of an imaging device in a modified example.

Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Although the use of the imaging device is not particularly limited, it is suitable for installation as a surveillance camera or a monitoring camera in hospitals, nursing care facilities, factories, stores, etc. Further, the imaging device can be switched between a shooting enabled state and a shooting disabled state. More specifically, the imaging device can be switched between a closed state in which light cannot enter the imaging optical system and an open state in which light can enter the imaging optical system. Furthermore, when the imaging device is switched to the non-capturing state (closed state), the person being photographed can recognize that the imaging device has been switched to the non-capturing state. Furthermore, the imaging device can switch between normal photography mode photography and night vision mode photography, depending on the brightness of the surrounding external environment. In the normal photography mode, photography is performed using light incident on the imaging optical system when the external environment is bright. In night vision mode, illumination light is emitted when the external environment is dark, and a subject illuminated by the illumination light is photographed.

Figures 1A and 1B are external perspective views of the imaging device 10. Figure 1A shows the imaging device 10 in an open state, and Figure 1B shows the imaging device 10 in a closed state. Also, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 10 in the open state shown in Figure 1A.

<Overall configuration of imaging device 10>
The imaging device 10 is switched from an open state (FIG. 1A) to a closed state (FIG. 1B). Further, the imaging device 10 is switched from the closed state (FIG. 1B) to the open state (FIG. 1A). As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the imaging device 10 includes a camera module 11, a housing (exterior case) 12, blades 13, a blade drive mechanism 14, a lighting section 16, an illumination meter 17, and a filter. It has a unit 19 (see FIG. 3), a connector 25, a memory slot 26, an antenna 27, and a control section 31.

<Housing 12>
The housing 12 includes a front case 120 and a rear case 121. The front case 120 includes a rectangular or substantially rectangular ceiling plate 122, and side wall plates 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d connected to each side from the ceiling plate 122. The ceiling plate 122 and the side wall plates 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are integrally molded from synthetic resin, and the side wall plate 123a is connected to one long side of the ceiling plate 122, and the side wall plate 123b is connected to the other long side of the ceiling plate 122. Connected to the long side. Further, the side wall plate 123c is connected to one short side of the ceiling plate 122, and the side wall plate 123d is connected to the other short side of the ceiling plate 122.

In the following description, the direction of the front case 120 of the housing 12 is upward, the direction of the rear case 121 is downward, the direction of the side wall plate 123a is the front, the direction of the side wall plate 123b is backward, and the direction of the side wall plate 123c is the right side. , the direction of the side wall plate 123d is sometimes referred to as the left side. Further, the left-right direction may be referred to as a first direction, and the front-rear direction may be referred to as a second direction. The first direction is a direction that intersects with the optical axis L of a lens 111 included in the camera module 11, which will be described later, and the second direction is a direction that intersects with the first direction and the optical axis L.

A circular first opening 125 that communicates with the inside and outside of the housing 12 is provided in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120 . In other words, the first opening 125 is a through hole provided in the ceiling plate 122. Light (subject light) emitted from an object to be imaged (subject) is taken into the housing 12 through the first opening 125 and enters the imaging optical system.

A lighting opening 126 is provided in the ceiling plate 122 of the front case 120 at a position corresponding to a position where a lighting section 16, which will be described later, is arranged. That is, the illumination opening 126 is also a through hole provided in the ceiling plate 122. The illumination light emitted from the illumination section 16 passes through the illumination aperture 126 and illuminates the object to be imaged (subject).

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, there are two on the right side of the ceiling plate 122 (one on the front side and the other on the rear side) and two on the left side of the ceiling plate 122 (one on the front side and the other on the side wall plate). A total of four illumination openings 126 (on the rear side) are provided. However, the position of the illumination opening 126 is not limited to the illustrated position, but is appropriately determined according to the arrangement position of the illumination section 16. Further, the number of illumination openings 126 is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more, and is determined according to the number of illumination sections 16 included in the imaging device 10.

The rear case 121 is fixed to the front case 120 and closes the bottom (lower part) of the front case 120. Rear case 121 is fixed to front case 120 by, for example, screw connection.

<Connector 25>
2, the imaging device 10 includes a connector 25 to which a power cable, a communication cable, etc. can be connected. More specifically, the imaging device 10 includes a female connector 25 to which a USB cable can be connected. The connector 25 faces an opening provided in a right side wall plate of the rear case 121 or an opening provided in the bottom surface of the rear case 121. The connector 25 is electrically connected to a board 240 on which the power supply unit 24 is provided.

<Memory slot 26>
The imaging device 10 also includes a memory slot 26 to which a predetermined recording medium can be connected. More specifically, the imaging device 10 includes a slot into which an SD memory card can be inserted and removed. When the lid 260 provided on the rear case 121 is opened, an SD memory card can be inserted into and removed from the memory slot 26.

<Camera module 11>
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the imaging device 10 in the closed state shown in FIG. 1B. The camera module 11 includes an image sensor 110 such as a CMOS or CCD, a lens 111, and a filter unit 19. The image sensor 110 is mounted on a substrate 112. The lens 111 is, for example, a convex lens, and has a predetermined curvature, and a central portion (near the position of the optical axis L) protrudes toward the imaging target (subject). The lens 111 is arranged above the image sensor 110 and held by a lens holder 113. A substrate 112 on which the image sensor 110 described above is mounted is fixed below the lens holder 113 by, for example, screw connection.

Further, a filter section 190 included in the filter unit 19 is arranged between the image sensor 110 and the lens 111. The filter section 190 includes a filter 193 and is arranged between the image sensor 110 and the lens 111, as will be described in detail later.

The object light incident on the first opening 125 is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 110 by the lens 111 and is focused. That is, the lens 111 is an optical member (imaging optical system) that forms an image of the object to be imaged on the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 110, or is at least a part of the optical member. At this time, the image sensor 110 receives the subject light that has passed through the filter section 190. The image sensor 110 converts the brightness of the light of the image formed by the lens 111 into an amount of charge, and outputs a signal (image signal) corresponding to the converted amount of charge.

<Antenna 27>
Referring again to Fig. 2, the imaging device 10 includes an antenna 27 and can be interconnected with other devices via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). For example, the imaging device 10 can wirelessly transmit a signal (image signal) output from the imaging element 110 to other devices such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The imaging device 10 can also be remotely controlled by other devices such as a smartphone.

<Illumination unit 16>
The illumination unit 16 emits illumination light that illuminates an object to be imaged when imaging is performed in a dark environment (i.e., when imaging is performed in night vision mode). The illumination unit 16 has an illumination light source 161 and a cover unit 162. The illumination light source 161 is, for example, an LED, and is controlled by a control unit 31 described later to emit light having a wavelength in the infrared range (infrared rays, infrared light). The illumination light source 161 is disposed on a base member 140 of the blade drive mechanism 14 described later.

The cover portion 162 is molded, for example, from a translucent resin, and is provided on the emission side (upper side) of the illumination light source 161. The cover portion 162 has a surface that covers at least the upper side of the illumination light source 161. The surface of the cover portion 162 is fitted into the illumination opening 126. In this case, the cover portion 162 is attached so that the surface does not protrude outward (upward) beyond the outer surface of the ceiling plate 122 of the housing 12. The illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 161 is emitted to the outside of the imaging device 10 through the surface of the cover portion 162.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2, the imaging device 10 includes four illumination units 16. A pair of lighting sections 16 among the four lighting sections 16 are provided on the right side of the ceiling plate 122, one lighting section 16 is provided on the front side and the other one lighting section 16 is provided on the rear side. The other pair of lighting sections 16 are provided on the left side of the ceiling plate 122, with one lighting section 16 provided on the front side and the other lighting section 16 provided on the rear side.

Note that the number of illumination units 16 included in the imaging device 10 is not limited to four. The imaging device 10 may include three or less illumination units 16, or may include five or more illumination units 16.

<Luminometer 17>
The illumination meter 17 is, for example, a photoresistor or a photodiode, and receives light from the environment around the imaging device 10 (external environment). The illumination meter 17 is arranged on a base member 140 of the blade drive mechanism 14, the details of which will be described later. The illumination meter 17 converts the brightness of the received light into an amount of charge, and outputs a signal (luminance signal) corresponding to the amount of charge. That is, the illumination meter 17 detects the brightness of the environment around the imaging device 10.

<Control Unit 31>
The control unit 31 is disposed at the rear side within the housing 12 and mounted on a board 310. The control unit 31 is configured with, for example, a CPU, a memory, etc., and is electrically connected to a board 112 on which the imaging element 110 is mounted. The control unit 31 is a processor that controls each part of the imaging device 10 by reading and executing a control program pre-recorded in a recording medium such as a flash memory. For example, the control unit 31 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 24 to the imaging element 110 and the filter unit 19.

Furthermore, based on the luminance signal output from the illumination meter 17, the control unit 31 sets the normal shooting mode when the external environment of the imaging device 10 is bright, and sets the normal shooting mode when the external environment of the imaging device 10 is dark. Configure night vision mode. In the normal photographing mode, the control unit 31 controls a drive mechanism 196 included in the filter unit 19, which will be described later, to position the first filter 191 on the optical axis of the lens 111. In the night vision mode, when the external environment is dark and the amount of light is insufficient, the control unit 31 controls the illumination unit 16 to emit infrared light as illumination light, and illuminates the subject with the infrared light. The control unit 31 controls a drive mechanism 196 included in the filter unit 19, which will be described later, to retract the first filter 191 from the optical axis of the lens 111 and arrange the second filter 192 on the optical axis of the lens 111.

<Blade 13 and blade drive mechanism 14>
The blade drive mechanism 14 includes a base member 140 and an actuator 15. The blade drive mechanism 14 moves the blades 13 in a direction along the long side of the ceiling plate 122 (first direction), opens and closes the first opening 125, and controls the incidence of subject light onto the lens 111. More specifically, the blade drive mechanism 14 moves the blade 13 between a closed position where the first opening 125 is closed and an open position where the first opening 125 is opened. Further, the blades 13 in the closed position function as a light shielding part that blocks the first opening 125 and restricts subject light from entering the image sensor 110.

From another perspective, the blade drive mechanism 14 switches the first opening 125 of the imaging device 10 from the open state (FIG. 1A) to the closed state (FIG. 1B). Further, the blade drive mechanism 14 switches the first opening 125 of the imaging device 10 from the closed state (FIG. 1B) to the open state (FIG. 1A). This covers the lens 111 in the closed state (FIG. 1B) and exposes the lens 111 in the open state (FIG. 1A).

<Base member 140>
The base member 140 is made of synthetic resin, for example, and is integrally formed with a main base part 141 and a sub-base part 142. The main base portion 141 is located on the ceiling plate 122 side (upper side) of the housing 12 with respect to the lens 111. The sub-base part 142 rises downward from the main base part 141, and has a screw hole formed in a part thereof for being screwed to the rear case 121. The base member 140 is fixed to the rear case 121 by fixing the sub-base portion 142 to the rear case 121 by screwing. Since the base member 140 has the above shape, it can be said that the image sensor 110 is disposed below the main base portion 141 (on the rear case 121 side).

A circular opening 143 is formed in the main base portion 141 and communicates with the upper and lower portions of the base member 140, centering on the position where the optical axis L of the lens 111 passes. In other words, the opening 143 is a through hole provided in the main base portion 141. Light (subject light) emitted from the object to be imaged (subject) and passed through the first opening 125 provided in the housing 12 enters the lens 111 via the opening 143.

At least the blades 13, the actuator 15, the lighting unit 16, and the illuminometer 17 are mounted on the main base portion 141. The blades 13, the lighting unit 16, and the illuminometer 17 are mounted on the upper side of the main base portion 141. Two lighting units 16 are mounted on each of the right and left sides of the main base portion 141. The illuminometer 17 is positioned on the right side of the opening 143 on the main base portion 141.

<Actuator 15>
The actuator 15 is mounted on the rear case 121 side (lower side) of the main base portion 141. In other words, the actuator 15 is mounted on the inside of the base member 140. It can also be said that the actuator 15 is disposed on the side of the blades 13 where the imaging element 110 is disposed.

The actuator 15 functions as a drive unit that moves the blade 13 along the first direction. The actuator 15 has a motor 151, a rotating shaft 152, and a gear 153. The motor 151 has, for example, a coil, a yoke, a magnet, etc., and rotates by power (current) supplied from the power supply unit 24 under the control of the control unit 31. The direction of rotation of the motor 151 is reversed depending on the direction of the current supplied to the coil. For example, when a current in a certain direction flows through the coil, the motor 151 rotates clockwise, and when a current in the opposite direction flows through the coil, the motor 151 rotates counterclockwise.

The rotating shaft 152 extends along the second direction and engages with the gear 153. The rotating shaft 152 is rotationally driven by the rotation of the motor 151. The gear 153 engaged with the rotating shaft 152 rotates in accordance with the rotational drive of the rotating shaft 152. As described above, the rotation direction of the motor 151 is reversed depending on the direction of the supplied current. Therefore, the rotating direction of the rotating shaft 152 and the gear 153 is similarly reversed depending on the direction of the current supplied to the motor 151. The gear 153 is engaged with a rack portion formed on the blade 13, which will be described later.

<Feather 13>
The blade 13 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin or a metal material. The blade 13 is supported on the main base portion 141 of the base member 140 so as to be movable (slidable) in a straight line. The blade 13 is a thin plate whose longitudinal direction is the first direction, and is arranged on the upper part of the base member 140 and overlaps with the base member 140. More specifically, the blades 13 overlap the main base portion 141 and partially cover the main base portion 141.

A second opening 133 is formed in the blade 13, which communicates with the top and bottom of the blade 13. In other words, the second opening 133 is a through hole provided in the blade 13. When the blade 13 is in the open position, the second opening 133 allows subject light that has passed through the first opening 125 formed in the ceiling plate 122 to pass through.

The underside of the blade 13 is provided with a rack section in which multiple teeth are arranged in the left-right direction (first direction). The blade 13 engages with the gear 153 of the actuator 15 described above via this rack section. When the gear 153 is driven by the rotation of the motor 151 as described above, the rack section converts the rotational force into a linear movement force along the first direction. As a result, a moving force in the first direction acts on the blade 13, and the blade 13 moves along the first direction. In other words, the blade 13 is movable (slidable) in the first direction between the base member 140 (main base section 141) and the front case 120 (ceiling panel 122). From another perspective, the blade 13 can move in the first direction, but cannot move in other directions, and cannot rotate.

<Filter unit 19>
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module 11 as viewed from the lower right front side, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module 11 as viewed from the lower left rear side. Note that Figs. 4 and 5 show the camera module 11 with the image sensor 110 and the lens 111 removed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter unit 19 is attached to the lens holder 113 within the camera module 11. The filter unit 19 allows the illumination light emitted from the illumination unit 16 to enter the image sensor 110 depending on the brightness (luminance) of the external environment of the imaging device 10 . Switch between the state of allowing the light to enter. Specifically, the filter unit 19 includes a filter section 190 and a drive mechanism 196.

<Filter section 190>
The filter unit 190 is disposed inside the lens holder 113, that is, on the side where the imaging element 110 is disposed on the lower side with respect to the lens holder 113. In other words, the lens holder 113 is a housing unit that houses the filter unit 190 inside. The filter unit 190 has a filter 193, a support plate 194, and a holding frame 195. The filter 193 has a first filter 191 and a second filter 192 that are arranged side by side along a first direction. The first filter 191 is an infrared cut filter, and functions as a first region that does not allow illumination light (infrared light) to enter the imaging element 110. The second filter 192 is a dummy lens or the like, and functions as a second region that allows illumination light (infrared light) to enter the imaging element 110. The holding frame 195 is a member that holds the filter 193 by fixing the filter 193. The supporting plate 194 is a supporting member that supports the filter 193 held by the holding frame 195 from below.

<Support plate 194>
The support plate 194 is a thin plate formed of, for example, a metal material, and is disposed between the lens 111 and the image sensor 110 in parallel with the image sensor 110. Therefore, the support plate 194 can obtain sufficient strength to support the filter 193 without increasing the thickness of the lens 111 in the optical axis L direction. A filter opening 200 is formed in the center of the support plate 194. The filter opening 200 has a first filter opening 201 and a second filter opening 202 formed along the first direction. The first filter opening 201 is formed on the right side of the first direction, and its opening area is smaller than the area of the first filter 191. The second filter opening 202 is formed on the left side of the first direction, and its opening area is smaller than the area of the second filter 192. Therefore, the upper surface of the support plate 194 contacts the lower surfaces of the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 held by the holding frame 195 as described later, and the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 can be supported from below (the image sensor 110 side).

The support plate 194 is formed with a fixing hole 203 and a positioning hole 204 used when attaching to the holding frame 195 described later. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the support plate 194 is formed with three fixing holes 203a, 203b, and 203c. The fixing hole 203a is formed forward of the filter opening 200 in the second direction, and the fixing holes 203b and 203c are formed rearward of the filter opening 200 in the second direction. The fixing hole 203b is formed on the left side of the support plate 194 in the first direction, and the fixing hole 203c is formed on the right side of the support plate 194 in the first direction. The number and positions of the fixing holes 203 are not limited to the above number and positions. However, it is preferable that the support plate 194 has at least one fixing hole 203 formed on each of one side (forward) and the other side (rearward) in the second direction with respect to the filter opening 200.

Two positioning holes 204a and 204b are formed in the support plate 194. The positioning hole 204a is, for example, a round hole, and is formed in front of the filter opening 200 in the second direction. The positioning hole 204b is, for example, a long hole, and is formed at the rear of the filter opening 200 in the second direction.

<Holding frame 195>
The holding frame 195 holds the filter 193 in a plane parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110. The holding frame 195 includes a mounting surface 205 to which the filter 193 is fixed and a support plate 194 is attached, a first connecting portion 206 formed on one side (front) of the mounting surface 205 in the second direction, and a first connecting portion 206 formed on one side (front) of the mounting surface 205 in the second direction. It has a second connecting portion 207 formed on the other side (backward) in the second direction and a light shielding portion 208. The mounting surface 205, the first connecting portion 206, the second connecting portion 207, and the light shielding portion 208 are integrally molded from, for example, synthetic resin.

<Mounting surface 205>
The mounting surface 205 is formed in a thin plate shape and has a mounting opening 210, a fixing boss (first protrusion) 211, and a positioning boss (second protrusion) 212. The mounting opening 210 is formed in the center of the mounting surface 205. The first filter 191 is fitted into the right side of the mounting opening 210 in the first direction. The second filter 192 is fitted into the left side of the mounting opening 210 in the first direction. The first filter 191 and the second filter 192 are fixed to the mounting surface 205 by an adhesive or the like poured around them. As a result, the mounting surface 205 of the holding frame 195, the first filter 191, and the second filter 192 are parallel to each other in the up-down direction.

A plurality of recesses 205a are formed on the side surface of the edge of the mounting surface 205 that forms a boundary with the mounting opening 210. These recesses 205a function as adhesive reservoirs for the adhesive poured when fixing the first filter 191 and the second filter 192.

The fixing boss 211 is a protrusion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the mounting surface 205, and is a stepped boss (stepped protrusion). As shown in Figures 4 and 5, three fixing bosses 211a, 211b, and 211c are formed on the mounting surface 205. The fixing boss 211a is formed in a position corresponding to the position of the fixing hole 203a formed in the support plate 194, forward of the mounting opening 210 in the second direction. The fixing boss 211b is formed in a position corresponding to the position of the fixing hole 203b formed in the support plate 194, rearward of the mounting opening 210 in the second direction. The fixing boss 211c is formed in a position corresponding to the position of the fixing hole 203c formed in the support plate 194, rearward of the mounting opening 210 in the second direction.

The positioning boss 212 is a projection that projects downward from the lower surface of the mounting surface 205. Two positioning bosses 212a and 212b are formed on the mounting surface 205. The positioning boss 212a is formed in front of the attachment opening 210 in the second direction at a position corresponding to the position where the positioning hole 204a formed in the support plate 194 is formed. The positioning boss 212b is formed at a position corresponding to the position where the positioning hole 204b formed in the support plate 194 is formed behind the attachment opening 210 in the second direction.

When the support plate 194 is attached to the mounting surface 205, the fixing boss 211 and the positioning boss 212 are inserted from above the support plate 194 into the fixing holes 203 and the positioning holes 204 formed at the corresponding positions. That is, the fixing boss 211a is inserted into the fixing hole 203a, the fixing boss 211b is inserted into the fixing hole 203b, and the fixing boss 211c is inserted into the fixing hole 203c. In addition, the positioning boss 212a is inserted into the positioning hole 204a, and the positioning boss 212b is inserted into the positioning hole 204b.

As described above, the fixed boss 211 is a stepped boss. Therefore, the protruding portion protruding from the step of the fixed boss 211 is inserted into the fixed hole 203, and the surface of the step (the surface facing downward) abuts against the upper surface of the support plate 194. Therefore, the support plate 194 is attached parallel to the mounting surface 205 of the holding frame 195 at a position spaced downward from the mounting surface 205 by a distance corresponding to the height of the step of the fixed boss 211. In other words, the mounting surface 205 of the holding frame 195 and the support plate 194 are parallel to each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the filter 193 held by the holding frame 195 and the support plate 194 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction.

A protrusion that protrudes from the stepped portion of the fixing boss 211 passes through the fixing hole 203 and protrudes to the lower surface of the support plate 194 . The support plate 194 is fixed to the mounting surface 205 (ie, the holding frame 195) by heat-stamping this protrusion, for example.

In addition, because the positioning boss 212 is inserted into the positioning hole, the support plate 194 is prevented from being fixed in a rotated state on a plane intersecting the optical axis L with respect to the mounting surface 205. That is, as described below, the support plate 194 is fixed in a state in which the movement direction of the holding frame 195 and the movement direction of the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 are aligned along the first direction.

<First connecting portion 206 and second connecting portion 207>
The first connecting portion 206 is formed on one side (front) of the holding frame 195 in the second direction. The first connecting portion 206 has surface portions 206a and 206b that rise upward from the holding frame 195 and have surfaces perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction at the front and rear sides in the first direction. That is, the first connecting portion 206 is formed above the mounting surface 205. A hole is formed in the surface portions 206a and 206b of the first connecting portion 206, through which a first guide rail 304 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) extending along the first direction passes, as described later. Thereby, the first connecting part 206 is movably connected to the first guide rail 304. Further, a transmission mechanism 306 of a drive mechanism 196, which will be described later, is connected between the surface portions 206a and 206b of the first connecting portion 206.

The second connecting portion 207 is formed on the other side (rear) of the holding frame 195 in the second direction, above the mounting surface 205. The second connecting portion 207 has a hole through which the second guide rail 305 (see Figures 4 and 5) extending along the first direction passes, as described below. This allows the second connecting portion 207 to be movably connected to the second guide rail 305.

As described above, the first connecting portion 206 and the second connecting portion 207 are respectively connected to the first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305, so that the holding frame 195 is connected to the driving mechanism 196 so as to be movable along the first direction.

<Light blocking section 208>
The light shielding portion 208 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes from the left rear end portion of the second connecting portion 207 toward the left in the first direction. The light shielding part 208 moves along the direction in which the second guide rail 305 extends together with the holding frame 195 which is moved by a drive mechanism 196 which will be described later. When the holding frame 195 moves to the left in the first direction, a portion of the light shielding part 208 projects to the outside of the lens holder 113 through a through hole 113d formed in the left side surface 113a of the lens holder 113. A portion of the light blocking section 208 that protrudes to the outside of the lens holder 113 blocks detection light emitted from a detecting section 320, which will be described later.

<Detection unit 320>
As shown in FIG. 5, the detection unit 320 is provided on the outer wall of the lens holder 113. Specifically, the detection unit 320 is attached to the upper wall surface 113c of the lens holder 113 on the rear side of the left rear side surface 113a of the lens holder 113. That is, the detection unit 320 is provided outside the lens holder 113. The detection unit 320 is a photointerrupter that includes a detection light source 321 and a light receiving unit 322 provided at a position facing the detection light source 321 along the front-rear direction. The detection light source 321 is, for example, an LED, and emits light having a wavelength in the infrared region (infrared rays, infrared light) as detection light toward the light receiving section 322 in the second direction. The light receiving section 322 is, for example, a phototransistor, and when it receives the detection light emitted from the detection light source 321, it generates an electric signal having a value (current value) according to the amount of the received light, and sends it to the control section 31 as a detection signal. Output.

When the light shielding section 208 provided on the holding frame 195 described above does not pass between the detection light source 321 and the light receiving section 322, the detection light is not blocked by the light shielding section 208. Therefore, the light receiving section 322 receives the detection light from the detection light source 321 and outputs a large current value as a detection signal. On the other hand, while the light blocking section 208 provided on the holding frame 195 described above is passing between the detection light source 321 and the light receiving section 322, the detection light is blocked by the light blocking section 208 and is not received by the light receiving section 322. Therefore, the light receiving section 322 outputs a small current value as a detection signal. This allows the control unit 31 to detect the position of the holding frame 195 according to the magnitude of the current value obtained as the detection signal.

<Drive mechanism 196>
4 and 5, the driving mechanism 196 is housed in the lens holder 113 which is a housing portion, and is disposed in front of the holding frame 195 in the second direction and above the mounting surface 205 (i.e., the first filter 191 and the second filter 192). In other words, the driving mechanism 196 is disposed in front of the lens holder 113 on the lens 111 side in the direction along the optical axis L of the lens 111, i.e., above.

The drive mechanism 196 has a drive unit 300, a first gear 301, a second gear 302, a lead screw 303, a first guide rail 304, a second guide rail 305, and a transmission mechanism 306. The drive unit 300 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is controlled by the control unit 31. The rotation angle and rotation speed of the drive unit 300 are controlled by inputting a drive signal (pulse signal) from the control unit 31 to the driver of the drive unit 300. The rotation angle of the drive unit 300 is proportional to the number of pulses, and the rotation speed of the drive unit 300 is proportional to the pulse frequency.

The first guide rail 304 is attached to the lens holder 113 by being inserted into attachment holes formed in front of the left side surface 113a and right side surface 113b of the lens holder 113, respectively. These mounting holes are centered on an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction on a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110, that is, on a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 111. This hole is formed as a hole. Therefore, the first guide rail 304 is attached parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110 and parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction.

The second guide rail 305 is attached to the lens holder 113 by being inserted into attachment holes formed at the rear of the left side surface 113a and the rear of the right side surface 113b of the lens holder 113, respectively. These mounting holes are centered on an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction on a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110, that is, on a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 111. This hole is formed as a hole. Therefore, the second guide rail 305 is attached parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110 and parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction.

Therefore, the first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305 are provided parallel or approximately parallel to each other along the first direction. As described above, the first guide rail 304 is inserted into the first connecting portion 206 of the holding frame 195, and the second guide rail 305 is inserted into the second connecting portion 207 of the holding frame 195, so that the holding frame 195 is attached parallel or approximately parallel to the imaging surface of the imaging element 110. Also, as described above, the mounting surface 205 of the holding frame 195 and the filter 193 are provided parallel or approximately parallel to each other in the vertical direction (i.e., the direction along the optical axis L of the lens 111). Therefore, the filter 193 is provided parallel or approximately parallel to the imaging surface of the imaging element 110.

The first gear 301 is connected to a rotation shaft that is the center of rotation of the drive unit 300. The second gear 302 meshes with the first gear 301. The lead screw 303 is connected to a rotating shaft that is the center of rotation of the second gear 302, and extends along the first direction in parallel or substantially parallel to the first guide rail 304. A thread is formed in the lead screw 303, and meshes with a thread formed in a transmission mechanism 306 provided between the surface portions 206a and 206b of the first connecting portion 206.

<Operation of drive mechanism 196 and filter section 190>
When the drive unit 300 rotates under the control of the control unit 31, the first gear 301 connected to the rotation shaft of the drive unit 300 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive unit 300. When the first gear 301 is rotated by the drive unit 300, the second gear 302 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first gear 301. When the second gear 302 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first gear 301, the lead screw 303 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the second gear 302.

The transmission mechanism 306 connected to the lead screw 303 via a screw moves relative to the lead screw 303 when the lead screw 303 rotates. At this time, as the transmission mechanism 306 moves, the first connecting part 206 moves along the first direction, guided by the first guide rail 304 to which it is connected. As the first connecting part 206 moves, the second connecting part 207 of the holding frame 195 connected to the second guide rail 305 moves along the first direction. As a result, the holding frame 195 moves along the first direction, guided by the first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305. In other words, the first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305 function as a moving support part that supports the holding frame 195 so that it can move along the first direction.

The movement direction of the holding frame 195 can be changed by switching the rotation direction of the drive unit 300. For example, when the drive unit 300 is rotated forward, the lead screw 303 rotates clockwise and the holding frame 195 moves from the first position to the second position. When the drive unit 300 is rotated reversely, the lead screw 303 rotates counterclockwise and the holding frame 195 moves from the second position to the first position. In other words, by switching the rotation direction of the drive unit 300, one of the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 can be positioned on the optical axis L of the lens 111.

Note that the first position is a position where the first filter 191 is placed on the optical axis L of the lens 111, and the second position is a position where the second filter 192 is placed on the optical axis L of the lens 111. be. Specifically, in the normal shooting mode, the control unit 31 controls the drive unit 300 to arrange the first filter 191 on the optical axis L of the lens 111, so that infrared light enters the image sensor 110. suppress things. Further, in the night vision mode, the control unit 31 controls the drive unit 300 to dispose the second filter 192 on the optical axis L of the lens 111, so that the infrared light that is the illumination light emitted from the illumination unit 16 is Light is allowed to enter the image sensor 110.

Further, as described above, the position of the holding frame 195 can be detected by the detection unit 320. That is, it becomes possible to detect whether either the first filter 191 or the second filter 192 is located on the optical axis L of the lens 111.

The above-described embodiment provides the following advantages:

(1) The filter unit 190 included in the camera module 11 includes a holding frame 195 that holds the filter 193 and a support plate 194 that is attached to the holding frame 195 and supports the filter 193 held by the holding frame 195. The holding frame 195 includes a plurality of fixing bosses (first protrusions) 211 extending along the optical axis L direction of the lens 111, and a plurality of positioning bosses (second protrusions) 212 that define the position where the support plate 194 is attached. have The plurality of fixing bosses 211 are stepped bosses (stepped protrusions), and the support plate 194 is attached to the holding frame 195 by being fixed to the plurality of fixing bosses 211. As a result, the support plate 194 is mounted parallel to the mounting surface 205 of the holding frame 195 at a position spaced downward from the mounting surface 205 by a distance corresponding to the height of the stepped portion of the fixed boss 211 . That is, the holding frame 195 and the filter 193 supported by the support plate 194 can be provided parallel to each other in the vertical direction (that is, the direction along the optical axis L) with a simple structure.

(2) The first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305, which function as a plurality of moving supports, extend along the first direction (left-right direction) and are arranged on a surface perpendicular to the optical axis L of the lens 111. It is attached to the lens holder 113 parallel to the direction. As a result, by adjusting the inclinations of the first guide rail 304 and the second guide rail 305 when they are attached to the lens holder 113, the filter section 190 can be easily attached parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110. I can do it. In addition, in order to attach the filter section 190 parallel or substantially parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 110, a first guide rail 304 and a second guide rail 305 are used to guide the movement of the holding frame 195 in the first direction. There is. Therefore, a dedicated configuration for attaching the filter section 190 is not required, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, contributing to miniaturization and weight reduction of the camera module 11.

(3) The holding frame 195 has an attachment opening 210 to which the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 are attached, and a recess 205a formed on a side surface that forms a boundary with the attachment opening 210. Thereby, the recess 205a functions as an adhesive pool when adhesive is used when fixing the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 to the holding frame 195. That is, by using the adhesive, the first filter 191 and the second filter 192 can be securely fixed to the holding frame 195, and there is no possibility that the first filter 191 or the second filter 192 will fall off from the holding frame 195. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects.

(4) The detection unit 320 is provided on the outer wall of the lens holder 113 and detects the position of the holding frame 195 along the first direction (left-right direction). The detection unit 320 has a detection light source 321 that emits detection light and a light receiving unit 322 that receives the detection light. The detection unit 320 detects the position of the holding frame 195 along the first direction based on whether the light blocking unit 208 that extends along the first direction (left-right direction) of the holding frame 195 and passes through the through hole 113d provided on the outer wall of the lens holder 113 blocks the detection light that enters the light receiving unit 322. This prevents the detection light emitted from the detection unit 320 provided outside the lens holder 113 from entering the inside of the lens holder 113. In other words, the detection light is prevented from entering the imaging surface of the image sensor 110 through the filter unit 190, thereby adversely affecting the generated image signal.

(5) The driving mechanism 196 is disposed on the lens 111 side (upper side) in the direction (up-down direction) along the optical axis L of the lens 111. As a result, by disposing the driving mechanism 196 in the space formed above the lens holder 113, the space can be effectively utilized and the size of the camera module 11 can be prevented from increasing.

(6) The driving mechanism 196 is disposed on one side (forward) of the lens holder 113 in the second direction relative to the lens 111. This prevents the camera module 11 from becoming larger in the vertical direction compared to when the driving mechanism 196 is disposed above or below the lens holder 113.

Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments that are conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment described above, the imaging device 10 has a configuration in which the incidence of subject light onto the lens 111 is controlled by moving the blade 13 in the first direction. However, the imaging device 10 is not limited to this example, and may not include the blades 13 and the actuator 15 of the blade drive mechanism 14. That is, as shown in the external perspective view of FIG. 6, a configuration may be provided in which the lens 111 of the imaging device 10 is always exposed to the outside from the ceiling plate 122 of the housing 12. In this case as well, the imaging device 10 can include the camera module 11 described in the embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the filter section 190 has been described as having the first filter 191 and the second filter 192, but the number of filters that the filter section 190 has is not limited to two. . The filter unit 190 may be switchably equipped with three or more filters.

10 imaging device, 11 camera module, 12 housing, 16 lighting unit, 17 illuminometer, 19 filter unit, 31 control unit, 110 imaging element, 111 lens, 112 substrate, 113 lens holder, 113a, 113b side surface, 113c upper wall surface, 113d through hole, 190 filter unit, 191 first filter, 192 second filter, 193 filter, 194 support plate, 195 holding frame, 196 drive mechanism, 200 filter opening, 201 first filter opening, 202 second filter opening, 203, 203a, 203b, 203c fixing hole, 204, 204a, 204b positioning hole, 205 mounting surface, 205a recess, 206 first connecting portion, 206a, 206b surface portion, 207 Second connecting part, 208 Light shielding part, 210 Mounting opening, 211, 211a, 211b, 211c Fixing boss, 212, 212a, 212b Positioning boss, 213, 214 Hole, 300 Drive part, 301 First gear, 302 Second gear, 303 Lead screw, 304 First guide rail, 305 Second guide rail, 306 Transmission mechanism, 320 Detection part, 321 Detection light source, 322 Light receiving part

Claims (7)

An image sensor that receives subject light;
an optical member that guides the subject light to the image sensor;
a filter provided between the image sensor and the optical member, the filter having a first region that does not allow passage of illumination light emitted from an illumination light source and a second region that allows passage of the illumination light;
A holding frame for holding the filter;
a support member attached to the holding frame and supporting the filter held by the holding frame,
the holding frame has a plurality of first protrusions extending along an optical axis direction of the optical member and a plurality of second protrusions defining a position where the support member is attached,
A camera module, wherein the multiple first protrusions are stepped protrusions, and the support member is fixed to the multiple first protrusions and attached to the holding frame. 2. The camera module according to claim 1,
a housing section that houses the imaging element, the optical member, the filter, the holding frame, and the support member therein;
a plurality of movable support parts that support the holding frame inside the housing part so that the holding frame is movable along a first direction that intersects with the optical axis;
The camera module, wherein the plurality of movement support parts are attached to the housing part parallel to the first direction on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The camera module according to claim 1,
The holding frame has an opening to which the filter is attached, and a recess formed in a side surface that forms a boundary with the opening. The camera module according to claim 2,
a detection unit provided on an outer wall of the storage unit and configured to detect a position of the holding frame along the first direction;
The detection unit includes a light source that emits detection light in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a light receiving unit that is disposed opposite to the light source and receives the detection light. ,
The holding frame has a light shielding part that extends along the first direction and passes through a through hole provided in an outer wall of the accommodating part,
The detection unit determines whether or not the holding frame moves in the first direction based on whether or not the light blocking unit blocks the detection light incident on the light receiving unit by moving the holding frame in the first direction. A camera module that detects the position along. The camera module according to claim 2,
comprising a drive mechanism that drives the holding frame along the first direction,
The drive mechanism is a camera module arranged on the optical member side in a direction along the optical axis. The camera module according to claim 5,
The drive mechanism is a camera module, in which the drive mechanism is disposed on one side of the accommodating portion with respect to the optical member in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the optical axis. An imaging device comprising a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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