JP2024108316A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an imaging device capable of appropriately adjusting the relative positional accuracy between a lens unit and an imaging element. [Solution] The imaging device includes a lens unit that holds an imaging optical system, a sensor board including an imaging element that converts an object image that has passed through the imaging optical system into an electrical signal, a sensor holder that integrally holds the sensor board, and a support member that is supported movably in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit. One of the sensor holder and the support member has a spherical convex portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the imaging element, and the other has a spherical concave portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the imaging element, the concave portion being in slidable contact with the convex portion. The support member is disposed on the object side relative to the sensor holder in the optical axis direction and is pressed toward the sensor holder by an elastic member, and the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by a first screw from a direction that resists the pressing force of the elastic member. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device.

In order to improve resolution degradation caused by misalignment of the position and tilt between the lens unit and the image sensor, some cameras have an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position and tilt between the lens unit and the image sensor.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a lens module in which a lens unit having a lens attached thereto is clamped and fixed by a support part of a housing and a fastening member screwed into the housing. Here, the lens unit is in contact with the support part in a spherical shape, and the inclination of the lens unit can be adjusted. In addition, the support part is formed so as to be elastically deformed in the optical axis direction, and the position of the lens unit in the optical axis direction can be adjusted.

JP 2005-195942 A

When adjusting the relative positional accuracy between the lens unit and the image sensor, multiple charts or collimator charts are placed in front of the lens unit and adjustments are made so that the resolution at the center and periphery of the image is maximized based on the image from the image sensor.
However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when adjusting the position and inclination of the lens unit, it is necessary to adjust the tightening member from the subject side. Therefore, if the angle of view of the lens unit is wide, adjustment tools and the like will be captured in the image capturing the chart.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an imaging device that can appropriately adjust the relative position accuracy between the lens unit and the imaging element.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the imaging device according to the present invention includes a lens unit that holds an imaging optical system, a sensor board including an imaging element that converts a subject image that passes through the imaging optical system into an electrical signal, a sensor holder that holds the sensor board as an integral part, and a support member that is supported movably in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit, where one of the sensor holder and the support member has a spherical convex portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the imaging element, and the other has a spherical concave portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the imaging element that slidably abuts against the convex portion, the support member is disposed on the subject side relative to the sensor holder in the optical axis direction and is pressed toward the sensor holder by an elastic member, and the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by a first screw from a direction that resists the pressing force of the elastic member.

The present invention provides an imaging device that can appropriately adjust the relative position accuracy between the lens unit and the imaging element.

FIG. 2 is an exploded configuration diagram of the lens module according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lens module according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of adjustment holes of the sensor holder in the embodiment. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views of the lens module during adjustment in each direction in the embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a focus adjustment unit and a focus stopper in the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Note that the embodiment described below is one example of a means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a typical example of the configuration of a lens module 10 included in an imaging device according to the present embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the example of the configuration of the lens module 10 in the present embodiment.
In the following description, in an imaging device, the side facing a subject is referred to as the “subject side,” and the opposite side is referred to as the “imaging surface side.” In addition, in the imaging device, the optical axis direction of the lens is the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens module 10 includes a lens unit 100, a focus adjustment section 110, a sensor substrate 211 including an image sensor 210, and a sensor holder 200 that integrally holds the sensor substrate 211.
As shown in Fig. 2, the lens unit 100 includes a plurality of lenses 101 in the center. The plurality of lenses 101 are supported by a cylindrical support portion 102 having an optical axis of the lens 101 as a central axis. Here, the lens 101 is an imaging optical system including a focus lens and a zoom lens. Note that although three lenses are illustrated in Fig. 2, the number of lenses is not particularly limited.

The focus adjustment section 110 is a support member that is fitted onto the cylindrical support section 102 of the lens unit 100 and supported by the lens unit 100 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction (X-axis direction).
The image sensor 210 converts an object image that has passed through the imaging optical system of the lens unit 100 into an electrical signal. A sensor board 211 including the image sensor 210 is attached to the sensor holder 200.
The sensor holder 200 has a spherical convex portion 201 centered at the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210. The focus adjustment unit 110 also has a spherical concave portion 111 of the same diameter as the convex portion 201 of the sensor holder 200 that is in slidable contact with the convex portion 201, and supports the sensor holder 200 rotatably around the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210.

Furthermore, the lens module 10 includes an elastic member 120 disposed between the lens unit 100 and the focus adjustment section 110. The elastic member 120 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and presses the focus adjustment section 110 toward the sensor holder 200. In other words, it presses in the -X direction in the figure. That is, the focus adjustment section 110 is disposed on the subject side of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction, and is pressed toward the sensor holder 200 by the elastic member 120. Note that the type, shape, and arrangement position of the elastic member 120 are not limited to those described above.
The lens module 10 also includes a focus stopper 130 that limits the range of movement of the focus adjustment section 110 in the pressing direction by the elastic member 120 so that the focus adjustment section 110 pressed by the elastic member 120 does not come off the lens unit 100 .

The focus stopper 130 is a stopper member that is fixed integrally to the lens unit 100 by a fixing screw 131. An insertion hole 132 through which the fixing screw 131 is inserted is formed in the focus stopper 130. The fixing screw 131 passes through the insertion hole 132 and is screwed into a fixing screw hole 104 formed in the lens unit 100, whereby the focus stopper 130 is fixed to the lens unit 100.
Moreover, the focus adjustment unit 110 and the focus stopper 130 are configured to be capable of being screwed together by a fixing screw 140. The focus stopper 130 is formed with an insertion hole 133 through which the fixing screw 140 is inserted. The fixing screw 140 passes through the insertion hole 133 and is screwed into a fixing screw hole 112 formed in the focus adjustment unit 110, thereby fixing the focus adjustment unit 110 and the focus stopper 130 together.

The sensor holder 200 is fixed to the imaging surface side end face of the lens unit 100 by an adjustment screw 230 .
Fig. 3(a) is a view of sensor holder 200 as seen from the imaging surface side (the negative side of the X-axis), and Fig. 3(b) is a view of sensor holder 200 as seen from the subject side (the positive side of the X-axis). Note that Fig. 2 corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 3(a).
The sensor holder 200 has four adjustment holes 202 at positions facing the long side direction (Y-axis direction) and short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, the lens unit 100 is provided with four adjustment screw holes 103 at positions corresponding to the four adjustment holes 202. The sensor holder 200 is fixed to the lens unit 100 by screwing the four adjustment screws 230 into the adjustment screw holes 103 through the adjustment holes 202, respectively.

The position and inclination of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustment screws 230. Specifically, the position of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction (X-axis optical axis) can be adjusted by turning all four adjustment screws 230 in the same direction. Turning all four adjustment screws 230 in the same direction means tightening or loosening all four adjustment screws 230.
In addition, the inclination of the sensor holder 200 can be adjusted by turning two of the four adjustment screws 230 that face the long side direction (Y-axis direction) or short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210 in opposite directions.
By adjusting the position and inclination of the sensor holder 200, the relative positions of the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 in the optical axis direction and in the inclination direction can be adjusted.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the lens module 10 when adjusting the position of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction. Fig. 4A corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3A.
4A, when the four adjustment screws 230 are tightened, the sensor holder 200 presses the focus adjustment unit 110. At this time, the pressing force of the sensor holder 200 overcomes the biasing force of the elastic member 120, and the sensor holder 200 moves toward the subject.
On the other hand, when the four adjustment screws 230 are loosened, the focus adjustment unit 110 is pressed toward the sensor holder 200 by the elastic member 120. At this time, the focus adjustment unit 110 presses the sensor holder 200, so that the sensor holder 200 moves toward the imaging surface.
In this way, by adjusting the four adjustment screws 230 , the position of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit 100 can be adjusted, and the position of the image sensor 210 in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit 100 can be adjusted.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the lens module 10 when the tilt position of the sensor holder 200 is adjusted. Fig. 4B corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3A.
4B shows an example in which, of the two adjustment screws 230 facing each other in the short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210, the upper adjustment screw 230 (Z-axis positive side) is tightened and the lower adjustment screw 230 (Z-axis negative side) is loosened. In this case, the focus adjustment unit 110 does not move, and the spherical convex portion 201 of the sensor holder 200 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4B around the center of the image sensor 210 along the concave portion 111 of the focus adjustment unit 110. This adjusts the inclination of the sensor holder 200 in the short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210.

On the other hand, when the two adjustment screws 230 facing each other in the long side direction (Y axis direction) of the imaging element 210 are turned in opposite directions, the inclination of the sensor holder 200 in the long side direction of the imaging element 210 can be adjusted.
In this way, by adjusting the two opposing adjustment screws 230, it is possible to adjust the tilt position of the sensor holder 200 relative to the lens unit 100 and adjust the angle of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210 relative to the optical axis. The tilts of the image sensor 210 in the long side direction and short side direction can be adjusted independently.

Note that at least three adjustment screws 230 are required to adjust the position and tilt of the optical axis direction of the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210. However, as in this embodiment, by arranging four adjustment holes 202 at positions facing the long side and short side directions of the image sensor 210, it is easier to separate adjustment of the optical axis direction from adjustment of the tilt direction, so it is preferable to arrange four adjustment screws 230.

Returning to FIG. 1, the lens module 10 includes an eccentricity adjustment unit 220, which is a fixed member fixed integrally to the sensor substrate 211. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 has four tapered portions 221 at positions facing each other in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) and short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210. Each of the tapered portions 221 is formed with a tapered surface that slopes inward of the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 on the side away from the sensor substrate 211 in the optical axis direction. In other words, the tapered portions 221 are formed with a tapered surface that slopes toward the center of the optical axis in the pressing direction by the elastic member 120.

The eccentricity adjustment unit 220 is positioned so that the four tapered portions 221 extend in the long side direction and short side direction of the image sensor 210, and is attached integrally to the sensor substrate 211. For example, the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 can be positioned relative to the sensor substrate 211 by utilizing the fit between a convex shape formed on one of the opposing surfaces of the sensor substrate 211 and the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 and a concave shape formed on the other (see FIG. 1). Note that the method of positioning the sensor substrate 211 and the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 is not limited to the above.

The lens module 10 includes four adjustment tapered screws 240 that respectively abut against the tapered portion 221 of the eccentricity adjustment unit 220. The adjustment tapered screws 240 may be, for example, flat head screws having heads that abut against the tapered portion 221. The sensor holder 200 is formed with four screw holes 204 into which the four adjustment tapered screws 240 are screwed. The four adjustment tapered screws 240 are screwed into the four screw holes 204 of the sensor holder 200 in a state in which they are respectively in contact with the tapered portion 221 of the eccentricity adjustment unit 220, whereby the sensor substrate 211 and the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 are fixed to the sensor holder 200.
In addition, by turning two of the four adjustment taper screws 240 that face each other in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction in opposite directions, it is possible to adjust the position of the eccentricity adjustment part 220 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction relative to the sensor holder 200.

Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the lens module 10 when adjusting the position of the decentering adjustment part 220. Fig. 4C corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3A.
4C shows an example in which, of the two adjustment taper screws 240 facing each other in the short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210, the upper adjustment taper screw 240 (Z-axis positive side) is tightened and the lower adjustment taper screw 240 (Z-axis negative side) is loosened. In this case, the tapered portion 221 on the side where the adjustment taper screw 240 is tightened is pressed by the adjustment taper screw 240, and the eccentricity adjustment portion 220 moves downward in FIG. 4C. This adjusts the position of the eccentricity adjustment portion 220 in the short side direction (Z-axis direction) of the image sensor 210.

On the other hand, when the two adjustment taper screws 240 facing each other in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaging element 210 are turned in opposite directions, the position of the eccentricity adjustment section 220 in the long side direction of the imaging element 210 can be adjusted.
In this way, by adjusting the position of the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, it is possible to adjust the position of the sensor substrate 211 to which the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 is integrally fixed in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to adjust the center position of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210 relative to the optical axis and adjust the eccentricity. Here, the positions of the image sensor 210 in the long side direction and the short side direction can be adjusted independently.
In this embodiment, the case has been described in which the eccentricity adjustment portion 220 fixed integrally to the sensor substrate 211 has the tapered portion 221, but the sensor substrate 211 may have a tapered surface equivalent to the tapered portion 221.

As described above, by adjusting the adjustment screw 230, the position and inclination of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction can be adjusted, and the position and inclination of the image sensor 210 in the optical axis direction can be adjusted. In addition, by adjusting the adjustment taper screw 240, the position of the eccentricity adjustment section 220 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction can be adjusted, and central alignment (eccentricity adjustment) between the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be performed.

The position and inclination of sensor holder 200 after adjusting the relative positions of lens unit 100 and image sensor 210 is maintained by adjustment screw 230 and the pressure of elastic member 120 via focus adjustment unit 110. However, if this state is left as it is, there is a possibility that sensor holder 200 will move towards the subject when a force is applied to sensor holder 200 in the direction of the subject.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the focus adjustment unit 110 is configured so that it can be screwed between the focus adjustment unit 110 and the focus stopper 130 after the position of the sensor holder 200 has been adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the focus adjustment unit 110 has two screw holes 112 for fixing. The focus stopper 130 has two insertion holes 133 formed therein that correspond to the two screw holes 112 for fixing. The fixing screw 140 is threaded through the insertion hole 133 into the screw hole 112 formed in the focus adjustment unit 110, thereby screwing the focus adjustment unit 110 to the focus stopper 130.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the focus adjustment unit 110 and the focus stopper 130. Fig. 5 corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3(a).
The focus stopper 130 is fixed integrally to the lens unit 100 by a fixing screw 131 (see FIG. 1) and cannot be moved. Therefore, when the fixing screw 140 is tightened as shown in FIG. 5, the fixing screw 140 is tightened so as to pull the focus adjustment unit 110 in the direction of the imaging surface.
2, the sensor holder 200 is fixed to the lens unit 100 by an adjustment screw 230, and cannot move in the direction of the imaging surface. Therefore, by tightening the fixing screw 140 as shown in FIG. 5, the sensor holder 200 and the focus adjustment unit 110 are completely fixed.

The fixing screw 140 is configured to be able to fasten the focus adjustment unit 110 and the focus stopper 130 together after adjusting the position of the sensor holder 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 are provided with tool insertion holes 203 and 212 for the fixing screw 140. The fixing screw 140 is configured to be able to be fastened from the side opposite the subject side in the optical axis direction (the imaging surface side) with the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 attached to the lens unit 100.

In this embodiment, the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 are provided with tool insertion holes 203 and 212, but this is not limited to the above. The fixing screw 140 only needs to be configured so that it can be fastened from the opposite side to the subject side in the optical axis direction (the imaging surface side) when the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 are attached to the lens unit 100. Therefore, for example, the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 may have a notch that does not interfere with the fixing screw 140 and the tool for the fixing screw 140.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the relative positions of the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be adjusted and fixed after adjustment simply by tightening the adjustment screw 230, the adjustment taper screw 240, and the fixing screw 140. The adjustment screw 230, the adjustment taper screw 240, and the fixing screw 140 can all be tightened by inserting a tool from the side opposite the subject side. Therefore, the tool will not be reflected within the angle of view of the lens module 10 when tightening the screws. Therefore, it will not interfere with the shooting of the chart for adjustment or the collimator chart.

As described above, the lens module 10 of the imaging device in this embodiment includes the lens unit 100, the sensor substrate 211 including the imaging element 210, the sensor holder 200 that integrally holds the sensor substrate 211, and the focus adjustment unit 110. The focus adjustment unit 110 is supported so as to be movable in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit 100.
Moreover, the sensor holder 200 has a spherical convex portion 201 centered at the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210, and the focus adjustment unit 110 has a spherical concave portion 111 centered at the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210. The convex portion 201 and the concave portion 111 are in slidable contact with each other. Furthermore, the focus adjustment unit 110 is disposed on the subject side of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction, and is pressed toward the sensor holder 200 by an elastic member 120.

Thus, in the imaging device of this embodiment, the sensor holder 200 that integrally holds the sensor substrate 211 is configured to be adjustable in position in the optical axis direction and inclination with respect to the lens unit 100. Therefore, the position and inclination of the lens unit 100 and the imaging element 210 can be appropriately adjusted, and a decrease in resolution caused by a misalignment in position and inclination between the lens unit 100 and the imaging element 210 can be improved.
In this embodiment, the sensor holder 200 and the focus adjustment unit 110 have a spherical shape centered on the center of the imaging element 210 that they abut against each other. The convex portion 201 of the sensor holder 200 moves along the concave portion 111 of the focus adjustment unit 110 to adjust the inclination of the sensor holder 200, so that the position in the optical axis direction is unlikely to shift during the inclination adjustment.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the focus adjustment unit 110 is disposed on the subject side of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction, and is pressed toward the sensor holder 200 by the elastic member 120. Therefore, the position and inclination of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction relative to the lens unit 100 can be adjusted by pressing the sensor holder 200 from the side opposite the subject side. In other words, no adjustment work is required from the subject side.

When adjusting the relative position between the lens unit and the image sensor, a chart capable of detecting optical characteristics such as focus, magnification, and tilt of the optical axis is generally used. The chart is placed on the lens unit, and the relative position between the lens unit and the image sensor is adjusted based on the image from the image sensor so that the optical characteristics reach a predetermined required value. However, when adjustment work from the subject side is required, if the lens unit has a wide angle of view, adjustment tools and the like will be reflected in the image capturing the chart.
In contrast, in this embodiment, no adjustment work is required from the subject side, so adjustment tools, etc. are not reflected in the image of the chart, and the relative positional accuracy between the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be appropriately adjusted.

In this embodiment, the sensor holder 200 is fixed to the lens unit 100 by the adjustment screws 230 from a direction resisting the pressure from the elastic member 120 (the side opposite to the side on which the image sensor 210 of the sensor board 211 is disposed). Specifically, the sensor holder 200 is fixed to the lens unit 100 by four adjustment screws 230 provided opposite to each other in the long side direction and the short side direction of the image sensor 210. Therefore, by turning all four adjustment screws 230 in the same direction, the position of the sensor holder 200 in the optical axis direction can be adjusted. In addition, by turning two adjustment screws 230 opposite to each other in the long side direction or the short side direction of the image sensor 210 in opposite directions, the inclination of the sensor holder 200 can be adjusted.
In this way, by adjusting the adjustment screw 230 , it is possible to appropriately adjust the position in the optical axis direction and the inclination of the image sensor 210 with respect to the lens unit 100 .

In this embodiment, the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 fixed integrally to the sensor substrate 211 has tapered portions 221 extending in the long side direction and the short side direction of the image pickup element 210. The tapered surface 221 is a tapered surface that is inclined toward the optical axis center in the pressing direction by the elastic member 120. The sensor substrate 211 is fixed to the sensor holder 200 by adjustment tapered screws 240 having heads that abut against the tapered portion 221 surfaces. Therefore, by turning the two adjustment tapered screws 240 facing each other in the long side direction (Y axis direction) or short side direction (Z axis direction) of the image pickup element 210 in opposite directions, the positions of the eccentricity adjustment unit 220 in the Y axis direction and the Z axis direction relative to the sensor holder 200 can be adjusted.
In this manner, by adjusting the adjustment taper screw 240 , it is possible to appropriately align the center of the image sensor 210 with respect to the lens unit 100 .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lens unit 100 further includes a focus stopper 130 that is fixed integrally to the lens unit 100 and limits the range of movement of the focus adjustment unit 110 in the pressing direction by the elastic member 120. The focus adjustment unit 110 is configured to be fixable by the focus stopper 130 and a fixing screw 140. Here, the fixing screw 140 can be fastened from the side opposite the subject side in the optical axis direction with the sensor holder 200 and the sensor board 211 attached to the lens unit 100.
By tightening the fixing screw 140 after adjusting the position of the sensor holder 200, it is possible to maintain the adjusted state and fix the focus adjustment unit 110. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the sensor holder 200 in the direction of the subject, it is possible to prevent the sensor holder 200 from shifting in position and maintain the adjusted state with high precision.

As described above, in this embodiment, the relative positions of the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be adjusted and the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be fixed together after adjustment simply by tightening the screws.
Conventionally, there has been a method in which, after adjusting the positions and inclinations of the lens unit and the imaging element, the lens unit or the lens holder that holds it is fixed to the sensor holder that holds the imaging element substrate with an adhesive. As the adhesive, a UV adhesive that hardens by UV irradiation can be used. However, adhesives such as UV adhesives shrink when hardened. In addition, in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the adhesive after hardening may absorb moisture and expand. If the adhesive present in the gap between the lens unit and the sensor holder expands or contracts, there is a problem in that the lens unit and the imaging element may be displaced from their adjusted positions.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the relative positions of the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 can be adjusted and fixed after adjustment simply by tightening the screws without using any adhesive. Therefore, misalignment between the lens unit 100 and the image sensor 210 due to the contraction and expansion of the adhesive as described above does not occur, and the adjusted state can be maintained with high precision.
Furthermore, all adjustments and fixings by tightening the screws can be performed from the side opposite the subject side, so the screw tightening tool does not appear within the angle of view of the lens unit 100 and does not hinder adjustments.

As described above, in this embodiment, an imaging device can be provided that includes a lens module 10 that can appropriately adjust the relative position accuracy between the lens unit 100 and the imaging element 210.

In the above embodiment, the sensor holder 200 has a spherical convex portion 201, and the focus adjustment unit 110 has a spherical concave portion 111. However, it is sufficient that the sensor holder 200 and the focus adjustment unit 110 have spherical abutment portions that abut against each other and are centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor 210. In other words, the sensor holder 200 may have a spherical concave portion, and the focus adjustment unit 110 may have a spherical convex portion.

Other Embodiments
The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.
(Configuration 1)
a lens unit that holds an imaging optical system;
a sensor substrate including an image sensor for converting an object image passing through the image capturing optical system into an electrical signal;
a sensor holder that integrally holds the sensor substrate;
a support member supported on the lens unit so as to be movable in the optical axis direction,
one of the sensor holder and the support member has a spherical convex portion centered on a center of a light receiving surface of the image sensor, and the other has a spherical concave portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor, the concave portion being in slidable contact with the convex portion,
the support member is disposed on a subject side with respect to the sensor holder in the optical axis direction and is pressed toward the sensor holder by an elastic member;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by a first screw in a direction resisting the pressing force of the elastic member.

(Configuration 2)
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by four first screws provided opposite to each other in a long side direction and a short side direction of the imaging element.

(Configuration 3)
At least one of the sensor substrate and a fixing member fixed integrally to the sensor substrate has a tapered surface extending in a long side direction and a short side direction of the image sensor, respectively, and inclined toward a center of an optical axis in a pressing direction by the elastic member,
3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor board is fixed to the sensor holder by second screws each having a head that abuts against the tapered surface.

(Configuration 4)
a stopper member fixed integrally to the lens unit to limit a range of movement of the support member in a pressing direction by the elastic member;
4. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the support member is configured to be fixed by the stopper member and a third screw.

(Configuration 5)
The imaging device described in configuration 4, characterized in that the third screw is configured to be fastened from the side opposite to the subject side in the optical axis direction with the sensor holder and the sensor board attached to the lens unit.

10...Lens module, 100...Lens unit, 101...Lens, 102...Support part, 103...Adjustment screw hole, 110...Focus adjustment part, 111...Concave part, 112...Fixing screw hole, 120...Elastic member, 130...Focus stopper, 131...Screw, 140...Fixing screw, 200...Sensor holder, 201...Convex part, 202...Adjustment hole, 203...Tool insertion hole, 210...Imaging element, 211...Sensor board, 212...Tool insertion hole, 220...Eccentricity adjustment part, 221...Tapered part, 230...Adjustment screw, 240...Adjustment taper screw

Claims (5)

a lens unit that holds an imaging optical system;
a sensor substrate including an image sensor for converting an object image passing through the image capturing optical system into an electrical signal;
a sensor holder that integrally holds the sensor substrate;
a support member supported on the lens unit so as to be movable in the optical axis direction,
one of the sensor holder and the support member has a spherical convex portion centered on a center of a light receiving surface of the image sensor, and the other has a spherical concave portion centered on the center of the light receiving surface of the image sensor, the concave portion being in slidable contact with the convex portion,
the support member is disposed on a subject side with respect to the sensor holder in the optical axis direction and is pressed toward the sensor holder by an elastic member;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by a first screw in a direction against the pressing force of the elastic member. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor holder is fixed to the lens unit by four first screws arranged opposite each other in the long side direction and short side direction of the imaging element. At least one of the sensor substrate and a fixing member fixed integrally to the sensor substrate has a tapered surface extending in a long side direction and a short side direction of the image sensor, respectively, and inclined toward a center of an optical axis in a pressing direction by the elastic member,
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor board is fixed to the sensor holder by second screws having heads that come into contact with the tapered surfaces. a stopper member fixed integrally to the lens unit to limit a range of movement of the support member in a pressing direction by the elastic member;
2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured to be fixed by the stopper member and a third screw. The imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the third screw is configured to be fastened from the side opposite the subject side in the optical axis direction with the sensor holder and the sensor board attached to the lens unit.

Images