JP5499828B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device used as a digital camera, a digital video camera, or the like, and more particularly to an imaging device suitable for an in-vehicle camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus having an optical element such as an imaging lens and an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is widely applied to an in-vehicle camera, a digital camera, a digital video, and the like. Has been. In general, an imaging device is configured to be housed in a casing in a state where an imaging position of an optical element (lens) is positioned to be an imaging element (its light receiving surface).

  In such an image pickup device, the casing has a waterproof function and a dustproof function to protect the internal lens (optical element) and the image sensor (electrical components for driving the same) from water and dust. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image pickup apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a unit in which a lens and an image pickup element are positioned and fixed, a lens opening for exposing the lens at one end, and an insertion opening that can be opened and closed for unit insertion at the other end. It is set as the structure inserted and fixed to the housing | casing from the open insertion opening. In the image pickup apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the periphery of the lens exposed from the lens opening needs to be sealed, a unit that is positioned and fixed with an O-ring interposed between the lens opening and the lens is inserted from the insertion opening. In this state, the unit is fixed to the housing with a screw member extending in the direction of the optical axis of the photographing inside the housing, and is waterproofed (dust-proof) with an O-ring that presses between the housing and the lens. It is said that.

  However, in the image pickup apparatus of Patent Document 1, a unit in which the positioning and fixing of the lens and the image sensor are completed is attached to the housing, and the O-ring is brought into pressure contact with the housing and the lens in the photographing optical axis direction. In order to ensure the sealing performance of the unit, it is necessary to have a configuration in which the fixing operation (tightening operation) from the photographing optical axis direction to the screw member engaged with the engaging portion can be performed in the positioning and fixing unit. There is. Here, since the imaging device is required to be downsized, in the unit that is positioned and fixed, the engagement location is a position that protrudes beyond the substrate on which the imaging element is provided when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis. This is undesirable because it leads to an increase in size. For this reason, in the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a part of the substrate is cut out, so that the fixing operation from the photographing optical axis direction to the screw member engaged with the engaging portion of the positioning and fixing unit is enabled. . However, if a notch is provided in a part of the substrate, the mounting area of the substrate is reduced, which increases the number of substrates, and as a result, prevents the image pickup apparatus from being downsized. In addition, it is conceivable to reduce the engagement portion in the unit by reducing the screw member itself, but the pressure contact force between the housing and the lens is insufficient, and sufficient sealing performance is ensured by the O-ring. It becomes difficult.

  For this reason, in place of the configuration in which the sealing performance by the O-ring is secured by pressing the housing and the lens in the photographing optical axis direction, an optical element such as a lens is directly sealed in the housing. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). In the image pickup apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the sealing property around the optical element is ensured without pressing the casing and the optical element in the photographing optical axis direction, the unit is fixed to the casing. It is possible to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the engagement points.

  By the way, in the imaging device of patent document 2, it is set as the structure which hold | maintains a board | substrate with the housing | casing by screwing the board | substrate with which the image pick-up element was provided to the screw groove provided in the internal peripheral surface of the housing | casing, The said board | substrate The rotation around the photographic optical axis enables movement of the substrate in the direction of the photographic optical axis with respect to the optical element, and positioning (focus adjustment) between the optical element and the imaging element is possible. For this reason, in the imaging apparatus of Patent Document 2, the positional relationship of the imaging element with respect to the housing viewed in the direction around the imaging optical axis (direction around the imaging optical axis) according to the position of the imaging element in the imaging optical axis direction relative to the optical element. Therefore, in the state where the imaging position of the optical element is the imaging element (its light receiving surface), the rotational attitude of the imaging element with respect to the casing is determined. It is difficult to make it predetermined.

  Here, in the imaging apparatus, it is important from the viewpoint of product quality that the vertical and horizontal directions seen from the external shape of the housing match the vertical and horizontal directions in the acquired image. For example, when the housing is shaped like a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped, if the imaging device is arranged so that the bottom surface of the housing is on the lower side in the vertical direction, the vertical direction of the acquired image is the same as the vertical direction of the subject of the image. It is required to do it. For this reason, as in the imaging apparatus of Patent Document 2, when the rotational orientation of the imaging element with respect to the housing in the direction around the imaging optical axis changes according to the positioning result, the vertical and horizontal directions are different from the external shape. It is possible to make it impossible to recognize the vertical and horizontal shifts in the acquired image with respect to the external shape of the housing by using a housing with an unspecified shape (for example, cylindrical or spherical). The degree will be greatly limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and prevents the reduction in size while facilitating ensuring the sealing performance around the optical element without reducing the degree of freedom in designing the housing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus that can obtain appropriate optical performance without any problem.

The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, a lens barrel holding at least one or more optical elements, an imaging element for acquiring a subject image formed by the optical elements, a subject side in the lens barrel, A mounting wall that forms an outer surface that surrounds the one end portion in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis, and the imaging element to enable relative movement in the imaging optical axis direction with respect to the barrel In a state where the coupling member coupled to the lens barrel by screwing and the one end portion of the lens barrel are pressed against the mounting wall portion in the imaging optical axis direction, the fixing operation from the direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis is performed. In a state where the imaging device is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member, a first fixing means for fixing the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel from the direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis The coupling member is attached to the lens barrel by a fixing operation. Comprising a second fixing means for a constant, wherein the coupling member is characterized by that you have been fixed to the image pickup device.

  The imaging device according to claim 2 is the imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member has a cylindrical shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel, and A coupling member side thread groove is provided on the inner circumferential surface, and a lens barrel side thread groove that can be screwed with the coupling member side thread groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the other end of the barrel. It is characterized by that.

  The imaging device according to claim 3 is the imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the second fixing means has an annular shape capable of surrounding the other end portion of the barrel, and has an inner peripheral surface. The second nut-like member is provided with a second fixed screw groove that can be screwed into the lens barrel side screw groove.

The imaging device according to claim 4 is the imaging device according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the mounting wall portion has two concentric circular shapes when viewed from the subject side in the photographing optical axis direction. The lens barrel has a stepped external shape with a larger outer diameter dimension on the one end side than the other end side, and the first fixing means includes the mirror A first nut-like member having an annular shape capable of surrounding the other end of the tube and having a first fixed screw groove that can be screwed into the lens tube side screw groove on an inner peripheral surface; In a state where the tube is inserted from the other end side into the through hole of the mounting wall portion, the first threadedly engaged with the other end portion of the lens barrel on the side opposite to the outer surface of the mounting wall portion. One nut-like member is characterized in that the mounting wall portion is sandwiched between the one end portion of the lens barrel.

  The imaging device according to claim 5 is the imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the mounting wall portion is provided with an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the imaging optical axis at a stepped portion in the through hole. In the lens barrel, an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the imaging optical axis is provided at a stepped portion between the one end side and the other end side, and between the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel, both A sealing member is disposed between the orthogonal surfaces.

An imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the one end portion of the lens barrel is attached to the mounting wall portion in the photographing optical axis direction. In order to enable the first fixing means to be fixed from a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis in a state where the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel through the coupling member. The first space is provided.

An imaging device according to a seventh aspect is the imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the one end portion of the barrel is attached to the mounting wall portion in the photographing optical axis direction. To enable the second fixing means to be fixed from a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis in a state where the imaging element is coupled to the other end of the lens barrel through the coupling member while being pressed. The second space is provided.

An imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the one end of the barrel is photographed on an outer peripheral surface of the barrel. In a state where the mounting wall portion is pressed in the optical axis direction and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the barrel through the coupling member, the barrel from the direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis A flat surface portion for rotating operation around the photographing optical axis is provided.

The imaging device according to claim 9 is the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the one end portion of the lens barrel is photographed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel. In a state where the mounting wall portion is pressed in the optical axis direction and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the barrel through the coupling member, the barrel from the direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis A pin hole for a rotation operation around the photographing optical axis is provided.

The imaging device according to claim 10 is the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the mounting wall portion has a box-like shape that is open at one end on a side opposite to the outer surface. By joining the members, a housing for housing the lens barrel and the image sensor is formed in cooperation with the box-shaped member.

An on-vehicle camera according to an eleventh aspect uses the imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

  In the imaging device according to claim 1, in the state where one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member, the mounting wall By rotating the lens barrel around the photographic optical axis by fixing the unit and holding the coupling member so that it can move along the photographic optical axis while preventing rotation around the photographic optical axis, Since the position of the image sensor in the photographic optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrel can be changed without changing the rotational posture of the image sensor relative to the mounting wall portion in the direction, appropriate optical performance can be obtained.

  In addition, in the state where one end of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall in the direction of the photographic optical axis, the mounting wall and the lens barrel can be fixed by the first fixing means. By disposing the sealing member at the contact portion, it is possible to easily ensure a sufficient sealing performance between the mounting wall portion from the outer surface side of the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel.

  Further, the first fixing means can fix the attachment wall portion and the lens barrel by a fixing operation from a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis, and the second fixing means can be fixed from the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis. Since the coupling member can be fixed to the lens barrel by the fixing operation, it is not necessary to provide a notch on the substrate on which the image sensor is provided for fixing them, so that the sealing performance is not hindered by miniaturization. Can be secured.

  Next, the image pickup device can be coupled to the lens barrel in an appropriate state while the lens barrel can be easily fixed in a sealing manner to the mounting wall portion forming the outer surface. The top / bottom / left / right direction can be specified from the surface shape, and the casing can be specified by the top / bottom / left / right direction from the external shape.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the coupling member has a cylindrical shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel, and a coupling member side screw groove is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the coupling member. If an outer peripheral surface of the other end portion of the lens barrel is provided with a lens barrel side screw groove that can be screwed with the coupling member side screw groove, the imaging element and the lens barrel ( The imaging element and the lens barrel can be coupled by screwing so as to enable relative movement in the photographic optical axis direction with respect to the optical element held there.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the second fixing means has an annular shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel, and a second fixing that can be screwed onto the lens barrel-side thread groove on the inner peripheral surface. If it is the second nut-like member provided with the thread groove, the second fixing means can be configured with a simple configuration, and the lens barrel of the coupling member by the second fixing means (second nut-like member) It is possible to make the fixing to the strong.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the mounting wall portion has two stepped through-holes that are concentric when viewed from the subject side in the photographing optical axis direction, and the lens barrel has the other end The one end side has a stepped appearance shape with a larger outer diameter than the side, and the first fixing means has an annular shape that can surround the other end portion of the lens barrel and has an inner peripheral surface. A first nut-like member provided with a first fixing screw groove that can be screwed into the lens barrel side screw groove, and the lens barrel is inserted from the other end side into the through hole of the mounting wall portion; In the state, the mounting wall portion is formed between the first nut-like member screwed to the other end portion of the barrel on the side opposite to the outer surface of the mounting wall portion and the one end portion of the barrel. The first fixing means can be configured with a simple configuration, and the first fixing hand The fixing of the by mounting wall portion (first end portion of the nut-like member and the barrel) and the lens barrel can be made firm.

  In addition to the above configuration, in the mounting wall portion, an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided at a stepped portion in the through hole. In the lens barrel, the one end side and the other end side are provided. An orthogonal surface orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided at a stepped portion between, and a sealing member is disposed between the orthogonal surfaces between the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel. Then, since the sealing member can be compressed in the photographing optical axis direction which is the fixing direction by the first fixing means, the space between the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel from the outer surface side of the mounting wall portion is more appropriately It can be sealed.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, when the coupling member is fixed to the substrate on which the imaging element is provided by screwing with a fastening member, the substrate, that is, the imaging element is firmly fixed by the lens barrel. Can do.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, if the coupling member is fixed by adhesion to the substrate on which the imaging element is provided, the positional relationship between the coupling member and the substrate can be finely adjusted. Since the positional relationship of the imaging element with respect to the lens barrel attached via the coupling member, that is, the optical element held therein can be finely adjusted, more accurate image characteristics can be obtained.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, assuming that the coupling member is fixed to the image sensor, the number of members for coupling the lens barrel and the image sensor can be reduced. Since the influence of deformation due to the change can be reduced, more accurate image characteristics can be obtained.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member. In the state, when the first space for enabling the first fixing means to be fixed from the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided, the imaging element in the photographing optical axis direction with respect to the barrel In the state where the position adjustment is performed, the first fixing means can be fixed using the first space, so that the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel can be easily fixed.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member. If the second space for enabling the second fixing means to be fixed from the direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis is provided, the imaging element in the imaging optical axis direction with respect to the barrel In the state in which the position adjustment is performed, the second fixing means can be fixed using the second space, so that the fixing of the coupling member to the lens barrel can be facilitated.

  In addition to the configuration described above, on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the image sensor is connected to the lens barrel via the coupling member. In a state where it is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel, a flat surface portion is provided for a rotation operation around the imaging optical axis of the lens barrel from a direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis. Since the rotation operation around the photographing optical axis can be facilitated, the position adjustment of the image sensor in the photographing optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrel can be easily and accurately performed.

  In addition to the configuration described above, on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the image sensor is connected to the lens barrel via the coupling member. In a state where the lens barrel is coupled to the other end of the lens barrel, a pin hole is provided for a rotation operation around the imaging optical axis of the lens barrel from a direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis. Since the rotation operation around the photographing optical axis can be facilitated, the position adjustment of the image sensor in the photographing optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrel can be easily and accurately performed.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the mounting wall portion is connected to the box-shaped member having one end opened on the side opposite to the outer surface, so that the lens barrel and the image pickup device cooperate with the box-shaped member. If a housing that accommodates the element is formed, it is possible to have a high optical performance and a sealing performance in all directions in spite of a small configuration as a whole.

  The in-vehicle camera using the image pickup apparatus having the above-described configuration has a sufficient sealing performance between the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel from the outer surface side of the mounting wall portion in spite of a small configuration. In addition, since it can have an appropriate optical performance, it can be attached at an arbitrary position, and even in an environment where there is a lot of rain, moisture, or dust, it can be appropriately supported by the driver.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external shape of an imaging apparatus 10 according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which fractures | ruptures and shows the imaging device 10 of FIG. 1 in the surface containing the imaging | photography optical axis O. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the mounting wall portion 11. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a configuration of a lens barrel 30. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view seen from the rear end side (inner edge projection portion 39 side) in order to explain the configuration of the lens barrel 30; It is typical sectional drawing obtained along the II line | wire of FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a configuration of an imaging optical system 20. FIG. In order to explain the configuration of the imaging optical system 20, it is a schematic perspective view seen from the rear end side (inner edge protrusion 39 side) of the lens barrel 30. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a configuration of an electrical board part 50. FIG. In order to explain the configuration of the electrical board part 50, it is a schematic perspective view seen obliquely from the rear. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view disassembled and shown for each member in order to explain provisional assembly of the imaging device 10. It is typical sectional drawing which shows a mode that the imaging device 10 was provisionally assembled | attached. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a state of positioning and fixing of the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. It is a typical perspective view which fractures | ruptures and shows the imaging device 10 fixed by positioning partially. It is a typical side view which fractures | ruptures and shows the imaging device 10 positioned and fixed partially. It is a typical perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the lens-barrel 30 'of another example. It is a typical perspective view which shows the imaging device 10 using lens-barrel 30 '.

  Embodiments of an imaging device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  An imaging apparatus 10 as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging apparatus 10 exposes only the front end portion of the imaging optical system 20 (in FIG. 1, an objective lens (lens 41) described later and the retaining member 22 in FIG. 1). And the electrical board part 50 are attached.

  The mounting wall 11 is at least the periphery of the objective lens (in this example, the lens 41) of the imaging optical system 20 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis O (hereinafter also referred to as the radial direction) at one end of the lens barrel 30. The outer surface S that surrounds the image pickup device 10 is formed, and the image pickup apparatus 10 can be attached to a desired location. In this embodiment, the mounting wall portion 11 has a rectangular front shape when viewed from the direction of the photographing optical axis O and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and a front side (subject side) portion (front side housing portion) of the housing 12. ). For this reason, the attachment wall portion 11 can be attached to the rear case portion 13 constituting the rear side of the case 12. Although not shown in the drawing, the mounting wall portion 11 has the rear end surface 11 a attached to the front end surface 13 a of the rear housing portion 13 with a sealing member (for example, an O-ring or a flat packing) interposed therebetween. By being connected by screwing or the like, the housing 12 having a waterproof function and a dust-proof function (hereinafter referred to as sealing performance) at the connecting position is formed. The size of the mounting wall 11 viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis O is set according to the positional relationship with the screw groove 34 of the lens barrel 30 as will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting wall portion 11 is provided with a columnar insertion hole 11 b through which a later-described lens barrel 30 of the imaging optical system 20 can be inserted in the direction of the photographing optical axis O. In the insertion hole 11b, an annular inward protruding portion 11c that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral wall surface is provided on the rear side (rear housing portion 13 side) viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis O. . In the insertion hole 11b, the inward protruding portion 11c is provided, so that the front side (subject side) has a relatively large diameter dimension (inner diameter dimension based on the photographing optical axis O direction as viewed in the radial direction). 11d, and the rear side (rear housing part 13 side) is a hole 11e having a smaller diameter than the hole 11d. That is, the insertion hole 11b is provided with the inwardly projecting portion 11c, thereby forming a stepped through hole having two concentric circular shapes when viewed from the front side (subject side) in the mounting wall portion 11. Yes. The insertion hole 11b has a radial positioning portion described later by an inner wall surface 11f of the contracted hole portion 11e (inward protruding portion 11c), and a photographing optical axis direction described later by a front side surface 11g and a rear end surface 11h of the inner protruding portion 11c. The positioning portion is set to be formed on the mounting wall portion 11. The front side surface 11g and the rear end surface 11h are orthogonal surfaces orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear housing part 13 has a box shape with one end open, and in cooperation with the mounting wall part 11, the imaging optical system 20 and the electrical board part 50 (imaging element 52). Is formed. The rear housing portion 13 is mounted on the mounting wall 11 because the size of the mounting wall portion 11 viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis O is limited by the positional relationship with the thread groove 34 of the lens barrel 30 as will be described later. Behind the rear end surface 11 a of the wall 11, the size (depth dimension) is set such that the imaging optical system 20 and the electrical board part 50 coupled to the lens barrel 30 can be accommodated. The rear housing part 13 is provided with two attachment projections 13b on the rear end side for attaching the housing 12 including the imaging device 10 to a desired location. In the present embodiment, the both mounting projections 13b are bosses provided with screw holes, although not shown. Further, the rear housing unit 13 supplies power to an electrical board part 50 (described later, an electronic component 53), or image data acquired by an imaging element 52 (described later) mounted on the electrical board part 50. Or the like. The electric wire 14 can be connected to the electrical board part 50 in a state having sealing performance with the outside. As a structure having this sealing performance, a connection hole (not shown) is provided in the rear housing part 13 and the electric wire 14 is inserted therethrough and the periphery is filled with a waterproofing adhesive, or the electric wire 14 ( The covering member) is integrally formed with the rear casing 13. Note that the electric wire 14 is directly connected to the electrical board portion 50 when the rear housing portion 13 is not attached to the attachment wall portion 11. The imaging optical system 20 is attached to the attachment wall portion 11 that can be coupled to the rear housing portion 13.

  The imaging optical system 20 is configured by holding an optical element group 40 in a lens barrel 30. The lens barrel 30 has a cylindrical shape so as to hold the optical element group 40 inward, and as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the outer shape is relatively radial at one end side which is the front side (subject side). A diameter-reduced part 31 having a large diameter (outside diameter with respect to the photographing optical axis O viewed in the radial direction) and a diameter-reduced part 32 having a smaller diameter than the diameter-enlarged part 31 at the other end on the rear side. Has been. The enlarged diameter portion 31 has an outer diameter that allows the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11 to be inserted into the enlarged hole portion 11d and cannot be inserted into the reduced diameter portion 11e of the insertion hole 11b. ing. The reduced diameter portion 32 has an outer diameter dimension that allows the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11 to be inserted into the reduced hole portion 11e.

  In the lens barrel 30, a screw groove 33 on the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 31, a screw groove 34 as a lens barrel side screw groove on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32, and the enlarged diameter portion 31 and the reduced diameter portion 32. An orthogonal surface 35 perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis O of the photographing formed by the difference in outer diameter size, a positioning portion 36 positioned between the screw groove 34 and the orthogonal surface 35 on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32, and a reduced diameter A plurality of flat surface portions 37 extending along the photographing optical axis O direction on the outer peripheral surface of the portion 32 are provided.

  The screw groove 33 of the enlarged diameter portion 31 can be screwed into a screw groove 22a provided in the retaining member 22 described later. The screw groove 34 of the reduced diameter portion 32 can be screwed into a screw groove 23a of the front nut-like member 23, a screw groove 24a of the rear nut-like member 24, and a screw groove 54a of the coupling member 54 of the electrical board part 50, which will be described later. Has been. When the diameter-expanded portion 31 of the lens barrel 30 is positioned within the expanded portion 11d of the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11, the orthogonal surface 35 has a positional relationship that allows surface contact with the front side surface 11g of the insertion hole 11b. Has been.

  The positioning portion 36 has a surface shape that can be inscribed in the inner wall surface 11f of the reduced hole portion 11e when the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 is positioned in the reduced hole portion 11e of the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11. ing. That is, the positioning portion 36 can position the lens barrel 30 in the radial direction in the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11 in cooperation with the inner wall surface 11f. For this reason, the positioning portion 36 and the inner wall surface 11f of the mounting wall portion 11 function as a radial positioning portion that performs positioning in the radial direction of the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) with respect to the mounting wall portion 11. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the positioning portion 36 and the inner wall surface 11f are in contact with each other with a curved surface extending around the photographing optical axis O in the direction of the photographing optical axis O, the radial positioning portion The central axis of the mounting wall 11 (insertion hole 11b) and the central axis of the lens barrel 30 (holding hole 38) can be matched.

  The plurality of flat surface portions 37 are formed such that the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 is cut in a planar shape along the photographing optical axis O direction, and the screw groove 34 and positioning are viewed in the circumferential direction of the reduced diameter portion 32. The part 36 is provided so as to be divided. In the present embodiment, the flat surface portion 37 is provided at four locations at equal intervals when viewed in the circumferential direction of the reduced diameter portion 32, and can be easily held from the radial direction (the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O). Pairs are made in the radial direction as much as possible. For this reason, the thread groove 34 and the positioning part 36 are provided in four places by the same space | interval seeing in the circumferential direction of the diameter reducing part 32 in a present Example.

  In the lens barrel 30, a holding hole 38 that penetrates the center position along the photographing optical axis O direction is provided to hold the optical element group 40. The holding hole 38 has a large inner diameter portion 38a on the front side (subject side) in which a lens 41 as an optical element group 40 described later can be fitted, and an inner diameter smaller than the large inner diameter portion 38a adjacent thereto. An inner diameter portion 38b and a small inner diameter portion 38c having an inner diameter smaller than that of the middle inner diameter portion 38b are provided adjacent to the inner diameter portion 38b. In the large inner diameter portion 38a, an orthogonal surface 38d orthogonal to the direction of the photographic optical axis O is provided on the inner inner diameter portion 38b side, and the orthogonal inner surface 38d supports the rear surface of the lens 41 described later. An annular protrusion 38e having an annular shape having an inner diameter equal to 38b is provided. An inner edge projection 39 for preventing a lens 47 as a later-described optical element group 40 fitted on the rear side (an imaging element 52 side described later), that is, the rear end of the lens barrel 30, from falling out. Is provided. The optical element group 40 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is accommodated in the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the optical element group 40 forms an image at an arbitrary position for image acquisition, has at least one optical element, and includes the imaging device 10 (imaging optical system). 20) is appropriately configured according to the optical performance required. In this embodiment, the optical element group 40 includes a lens 41, a lens 42, a lens 43, a diaphragm 44, a lens 45, a lens 46, and a lens 47 in this order from the subject (object) side. The lens 41 has an outer diameter dimension that can be fitted into the large inner diameter portion 38 a of the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30. The lens 42, the lens 43, and the diaphragm 44 have outer diameter dimensions that can be fitted into the inner diameter portion 38 b of the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30. The lens 46 and the lens 47 have outer diameter dimensions that can be fitted into the small inner diameter portion 38 c of the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30. The optical element group 40 is inserted into the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30 in the order of the lens 47, the lens 46, the lens 45, the aperture 44, the lens 43, the lens 42, and the lens 41 from the opening on the large inner diameter portion 38a side. The Here, in this embodiment, when the lens 41 is inserted into the holding hole 38 next to the lens 42, first, the O-shaped projection 38 e is surrounded by the orthogonal surface 38 d of the large inner diameter portion 38 a of the holding hole 38. The ring 21 is disposed, and the lens 41 is inserted into the holding hole 38 so that the rear surface faces the orthogonal surface 38d while the rear surface is directed to the O-ring 21 and the annular protrusion 38e.

  The optical element group 40 inserted into the holding hole 38 is prevented from dropping from the opening on the large inner diameter portion 38 a side by the retaining member 22. The retaining member 22 has a cylindrical shape with a size that can surround the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 31 of the lens barrel 30, and the front end portion (the end portion on the subject side) is the peripheral edge of the front surface of the lens 41. It is set as the diameter dimension which can contact | abut to a part (outside position of an effective area) from the outside (front side). On the rear end side of the inner peripheral surface of the retaining member 22, a screw groove 22 a that can be screwed with the screw groove 33 provided in the diameter-expanded portion 31 of the lens barrel 30 is provided. In the state where the optical element group 40 is properly inserted into the holding hole 38, the retaining member 22 is configured such that the screw groove 22 a is screwed into the screw groove 33 so as to cover the enlarged diameter portion 31. The tube 30 is pressed toward the rear side (an image sensor 52 side described later). For this reason, the optical element group 40 is pressed toward the inner edge protrusion 39 in the holding hole 38 of the lens barrel 30, and the lens 47 is pressed against the inner edge protrusion 39, and the photographing optical axis in the holding hole 38. Positioned in the O direction. As a result, the optical element group 40 is aligned at an appropriate position on the photographing optical axis O in the lens barrel 30, and the imaging optical system 20 having desired optical performance is assembled. At this time, the O-ring 21 disposed between the rear surface of the lens 41 and the orthogonal surface 38d of the large inner diameter portion 38a of the holding hole 38 is appropriately compressed, that is, pressed against the rear surface of the lens 41 and orthogonal surface. 38d. For this reason, in the imaging optical system 20, water and dust from the periphery of the lens 41 to the inside of the lens barrel 30 (the inner diameter portion 38b and the small inner diameter portion 38c of the holding hole 38) are appropriately compressed by the O-ring 21. Etc. are prevented, and sufficient sealing performance is obtained. Thus, in the imaging optical system 20, the optical element group 40 (the lens 41 serving as the objective lens) is held in a sealed manner by the lens barrel 30, and has a desired optical performance. In this embodiment, the rotational symmetry axis (center position in the image acquired by the image sensor 52) of each of the lenses 41 to 47 (including the stop 44) that is the central axis position of the optical element group 40 (lens barrel 30). Is an imaging optical axis O of the imaging optical system 20. The electrical board part 50 is disposed at the imaging position of the optical element group 40 of the imaging optical system 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the electrical board part 50 is configured by mounting an imaging element 52 and an electronic component 53 on a board 51. The imaging device 52 is configured by a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, and an object signal imaged on the light receiving surface 52a through the imaging optical system 20 (optical element group 40) is converted into an electrical signal (image). Data) and output. The electronic component 53 controls the operation of the image sensor 52, generates a digital image corresponding to the subject image based on the electrical signal output from the image sensor 52, and the like.

  In the electrical board part 50, a coupling member 54 is provided on the surface of the board 51 on which the image sensor 52 is mounted. The coupling member 54 is configured so that the imaging position of the imaging optical system 20 (the optical element group 40) on the light receiving surface 52a of the imaging element 52 is the imaging element 52 in the direction of the photographing optical axis O with respect to the optical element group 40. In order to change the position of the light receiving surface 52a), the imaging element 52 or the substrate 51 on which it is mounted is coupled to the lens barrel 30 by screwing through a screw groove around the photographing optical axis O. It is. In this embodiment, the coupling member 54 has a cylindrical shape that allows insertion of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 inward and allows the imaging element 52 to be positioned inward. A thread groove 54a is provided as a coupling member side thread groove. The screw groove 54 a can be screwed with the screw groove 34 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30. The coupling member 54 is provided with a flange portion 54b serving as an attachment location to the substrate 51 at the base end portion on the substrate 51 side. The flange portion 54b has a rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed in the direction of the photographing optical axis O, and four of the eight peripheral surfaces that are not adjacent to each other substantially conform to the external shape of the substrate 51. ing. Thereby, in the coupling member 54, it is easy to pinch the flange portion 54b in the radial direction (a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O). In this embodiment, the coupling member 54 is fixed to the substrate 51 by screwing with a screw member (not shown) in a state where the rear end surface of the flange portion 54b is in contact with the substrate 51 so as to surround the imaging element 52. ing. Two nut-like members 23 and 24 are provided to fix the electrical board part 50 (the coupling member 54) to the lens barrel 30 (the reduced diameter part 32) and to fix the mounting wall part 11 and the lens barrel 30. (Refer to FIG. 2 etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the nut-like members 23 and 24 are parallel planes that are paired in the direction so that the outer peripheral surface can be easily held in the radial direction (direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O). Is an annular member that is provided with a plurality of screw grooves 23a and 24a that can be screwed with the screw grooves 34 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 on the inner peripheral surface. is there. The front nut-like member 23 disposed on the diameter-expanded portion 31 side in the diameter-reduced portion 32 fixes the attachment wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30. For this reason, the front nut-shaped member 23 functions as a first nut-shaped member, and the screw groove 23a functions as a first fixed screw groove. The rear nut-like member 24 disposed on the inner edge protrusion 39 side in the reduced diameter portion 32 fixes the electrical board portion 50 (coupling member 54) to the lens barrel 30 (reduced diameter portion 32). Therefore, the rear nut-like member 24 functions as a second nut-like member, and the screw groove 24a functions as a second fixed screw groove. Here, when viewed in the direction of the photographic optical axis O, the length dimension of the range in which the thread groove 33 is provided in the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 is at least the thickness dimension of the nut-like members 23 and 24, and the electrical equipment. The length of the range in which the screw groove 54a is provided in the coupling member 54 of the substrate portion 50 is added to the length of the lens barrel 30 (the reduced diameter portion 32) via the pair of flat surface portions 37 from the radial direction. It is possible to ensure a length dimension sufficient to enable pinching.

  The imaging device 10 is provisionally assembled as follows. As shown in FIG. 11, an O-ring 25 as an example of a sealing member is disposed on the front side surface 11 g of the mounting wall portion 11, and the inner edge protruding portion 39 side of the lens barrel 30 is set to the insertion tip direction. The imaging optical system 20 (assembled as described above) is inserted by inserting the lens barrel 30 from the enlarged hole portion 11d side of the mounting wall portion 11 into the insertion hole 11b so that the orthogonal surface 35 is directed to the O-ring 25. 7 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) is inserted through the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall 11 (see arrow A1). Thereafter, the front nut-like member 23 (its screw groove) is inserted into the screw groove 34 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 of the imaging optical system 20 inserted through the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall 11 from the inner edge protrusion 39 side. 23a) (see the arrow A2), the rear nut-like member 24 (the screw groove 24a) is screwed (see the arrow A3), and the coupling member 54 (the screw groove 54a) of the electrical board part 50 is screwed. By combining (see arrow A4), provisional assembly of the imaging device 10 is completed (see FIG. 12). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the front nut-like member 23 (the front end face 23b) does not contact the mounting wall 11 (rear end face 11h), and the rear nut-like member 24 (rear end face 24b). Is not brought into contact with the coupling member 54 (the front end surface 54c). This is because the lens barrel 30 can be rotated with respect to the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 can be rotated with respect to the coupling member 54. The positioning and fixing of the imaging device 10 assembled in this way will be described below.

  Here, the mounting wall portion 11 has a front nut shape screwed into the thread groove 34 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the barrel 30 of the imaging optical system 20 in a state where the imaging optical system 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 11b. The member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 and the flat surface portion 37 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 are contacted for holding in the radial direction and the held member is rotated around the photographing optical axis O. It can be moved. In other words, the mounting wall portion 11 is on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 of the imaging optical system 20 when viewed in the direction of the imaging optical axis O in a state where the imaging optical system 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 11b. Thus, the size does not reach the region in which the screw groove 34 extends, that is, the size does not interfere with the surface orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O direction while traversing the screw groove 34. For this reason, in the imaging device 10, in the provisional assembly state, there are no other components at the outer position when the front nut-like member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 are viewed in the radial direction. A part of the flat surface portion 37 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 is formed from at least one of the space between the front nut-shaped member 23 and the rear nut-shaped member 24 and between the rear nut-shaped member 24 and the coupling member 54. It is exposed. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in the provisional assembly state, the front nut-like member 23 is rotated about the photographing optical axis O to the outer position when the front nut-like member 23 is viewed in the radial direction. A first space P1 is formed. Further, in the imaging device 10 of the present embodiment, in the provisional assembly state, the rear nut-like member 24 is rotated around the photographing optical axis O in the outer position when the rear nut-like member 24 is viewed in the radial direction. A second space P2 is formed for movement. Furthermore, in the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, in the provisional assembly state, the third space P3 for sandwiching the coupling member 54 from the radial direction at the outer position when viewed in the radial direction is provided. Is formed. Since the first space P1, the second space P2, and the third space P3 are spaces for positioning and fixing the imaging device 10, it is not necessary to be secured after the positioning and fixing are completed. .

  First, for positioning, the image pickup apparatus 10 provisionally assembled as described above is held by the adjustment apparatus 60 as shown in FIG. The adjusting device 60 is provided around at least the photographing optical axis O while allowing the housing holding portion 61 that fixes and holds the mounting wall portion 11 and the coupling member 54 (imaging element 52) to move in the photographing optical axis O direction. An image sensor holding unit 62 that holds the lens so as to prevent rotation. In this embodiment, the image sensor holding portion 62 holds the coupling member 54 by holding the flange portion 54b of the coupling member 54. In the adjusting device 60 of the present embodiment, in addition to this, in the imaging device 10 held by the housing holding portion 61 and the imaging element holding portion 62, the imaging optical system 20 is attached to the mounting wall along the direction of the photographic optical axis O. A pressing portion 63 that presses against the portion 11 is provided. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 63 presses the retaining member 22 screwed into the enlarged diameter portion 31 of the lens barrel 30. In addition, this press part 63 may be what a worker presses by hand, and is not limited to a present Example.

  In the temporarily assembled imaging device 10, the mounting wall portion 11 is fixedly held by the housing holding portion 61 of the adjustment device 60, and the vertical and horizontal directions of the mounting wall portion 11 and the image acquired by the imaging device 52 are The coupling member 54 is held by the image sensor holding unit 62 of the adjustment device 60 so that the vertical and horizontal directions match. Further, the imaging optical system 20 (prevention member 22) is pressed against the mounting wall portion 11 along the imaging optical axis O direction by the pressing portion 63 of the adjusting device 60.

  A state in which power is supplied to the electrical board part 50 (its electronic component 53) of the imaging apparatus 10 held by the adjusting device 60 and an image from the electrical board part 50 (its imaging element 52) can be displayed on the monitor 70 And Then, an object (not shown) is arranged at a predetermined distance on the imaging optical axis O of the imaging apparatus 10 and is imaged by the imaging optical system 20, and an electric signal from the imaging element 52 that has received the object image. An image based on (image data) is displayed on the monitor 70.

  In the imaging device 10 in this state, the flat surface portion 37 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 is held by the lens barrel holding portion 64, and the lens barrel holding portion 64 is moved (rotated) around the photographing optical axis O. Thus, the lens barrel 30 can be rotated around the photographing optical axis O with respect to the mounting wall portion 11 and the coupling member 54 (imaging element 52). The lens barrel holding portion 64 may be a worker's hand, a tool used by the worker, or provided as a part of the adjusting device 60. In FIG. 13, the upper side of the lens barrel holding portion 64 shown as a pair in the vertical direction is directed to the screw groove 34 because of the cross-sectional position (see the line II in FIG. 5 as in FIG. 6). In practice, however, it is directed to a pair of flat surface portions 37 facing each other with the photographing optical axis O interposed therebetween.

  When the lens barrel 30 is rotated around the photographing optical axis O with respect to the mounting wall 11 and the coupling member 54 (imaging element 52), it is coupled with the thread groove 34 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 screwed together. The position of the coupling member 54, that is, the imaging element 52 with respect to the lens barrel 30 viewed in the direction of the photographic optical axis O can be adjusted by the action of the thread groove 54a on the inner peripheral surface of the member 54 (with a one-dot chain line and a two-dot chain line). (Refer to the electric board part 50 shown). At this time, the coupling member 54, that is, the imaging element 52 is prevented from rotating around the imaging optical axis O by the imaging element holding unit 62 and can be moved in the imaging optical axis O direction. So-called focus adjustment in which the imaging position of the imaging optical system 20 is on the light receiving surface 52a while moving in the direction of the photographic optical axis O while maintaining the state in which the vertical and horizontal directions coincide with the vertical and horizontal directions of the mounting wall portion 11. It can be performed. In this focus adjustment, the insertion hole of the attachment wall portion 11 is brought into contact with the inner wall surface 11f of the reduced diameter portion 11e of the insertion hole 11b of the attachment wall portion 11 and the positioning portion 36 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30. The lens barrel 30 is positioned in the radial direction in 11b, and the center axis of the mounting wall portion 11 (insertion hole 11b) is aligned with the center axis of the lens barrel 30 (holding hole 38). Regardless of the rotation (rotation posture) of the lens barrel 30 in the insertion hole 11b of the wall portion 11, the positional relationship of the photographic optical axis O with respect to the mounting wall portion 11 (its external shape) is constant.

  Focus adjustment is performed by rotating the lens barrel 30 about the photographing optical axis O with respect to the mounting wall 11 and the image sensor 52 (the coupling member 54 of the electrical board portion 50), and displaying an image (subject image) displayed on the monitor 70. ) Is in an appropriate state. This focus adjustment may be performed by an operator while visually confirming an image, or may be automatically performed by image analysis (installing those functions in the adjustment device 60). At this time, since the imaging optical system 20 is pressed against the mounting wall portion 11 along the photographing optical axis O direction by the pressing portion 63, the focus adjustment based on the position of the mounting wall portion 11 is more appropriately performed. It can be carried out.

  When the focus adjustment is completed, the front nut-like member 23 is moved to the first space P1 (see FIG. 12) while maintaining the holding by the housing holding unit 61 and the image sensor holding unit 62 and the pressing by the pressing unit 63. 14 by using the front nut holding member 65 and rotating it appropriately with respect to the lens barrel 30 to bring the front end face 23b of the front nut-like member 23 into pressure contact with the rear end face 11h of the mounting wall portion 11. As shown in FIG. 15, the front side surface 11 g of the enlarged hole portion 11 d of the mounting wall portion 11 can be brought into pressure contact with the orthogonal surface 35 of the lens barrel 30. Accordingly, the inward protruding portion 11c of the mounting wall portion 11 can be held between the front nut-like member 23 and the enlarged diameter portion 31 of the lens barrel 30, and the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 are fixed. be able to. For this reason, the front nut-like member 23 (the front end surface 23b), the enlarged diameter portion 31 (the orthogonal surface 35) of the lens barrel 30, and the inward projecting portion 11c of the mounting wall portion 11 (the front side surface 11g and the rear end surface 11h). And function as a photographic optical axis O direction positioning unit that positions the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) with respect to the mounting wall 11 in the photographic optical axis O direction. Further, the front nut-like member 23 (its front end face 23 b) and the enlarged diameter portion 31 (its orthogonal face 35) of the lens barrel 30 function as first fixing means for fixing the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30. The operation of rotating (tightening) the front nut-like member 23 with respect to the lens barrel 30 is a fixing operation.

  At this time, the O-ring 25 disposed between the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 is appropriately compressed by the front side surface 11g of the mounting wall portion 11 and the orthogonal surface 35 of the lens barrel 30, that is, the front side surface. 11 g and pressure contact with the orthogonal surface 35. Due to the appropriately compressed O-ring 25, the mounting wall 11 and the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) from the outer surface S side of the mounting wall 11 (the side where the lens 41 serving as the objective lens is exposed). Intrusion of water, dust, and the like between the two is prevented, and sufficient sealing performance is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear nut-like member 24 is moved to the second space P2 (FIG. 13) while maintaining the holding of the housing holding unit 61 and the image sensor holding unit 62 and the pressing by the pressing unit 63. 12), and the rear end surface 24b of the rear nut-like member 24 is brought into pressure contact with the front end surface 54c of the coupling member 54 by appropriately rotating with respect to the lens barrel 30. 14 and 15, in the state in which the vertical and horizontal directions in the acquired image coincide with the vertical and horizontal directions of the mounting wall 11 and the focus adjustment with the imaging optical system 20 has been performed, The coupling member 54, that is, the imaging element 52 and the lens barrel 30 can be fixed. Therefore, the rear nut-like member 24 (rear end surface 24b) is in the direction of the photographing optical axis O with respect to the lens barrel 30 of the imaging element 52 (the coupling member 54 of the electrical board part 50) coupled to the lens barrel 30 by screwing. It functions as a photographic optical axis direction positioning unit that performs positioning at. The rear nut-like member 24 (rear end surface 24 b) functions as a second fixing means for fixing the coupling member 54 (imaging element 52) to the lens barrel 30, and the rear nut-like member 24 is attached to the lens barrel 30. The operation of rotating (tightening) is a fixed operation.

  Thereby, positioning fixation is completed and the imaging device 10 is formed. In this imaging apparatus 10, the mounting wall 11 and the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) from the outer surface S side (the side on which the lens 41 serving as the objective lens is exposed) of the mounting wall 11 by the O-ring 25. Intrusion of water, dust, and the like between the two is prevented, and it has sufficient sealing performance and appropriate optical performance.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging device 10 positioned and fixed in this way is connected to the mounting wall portion 11 in a sealing manner with the rear housing portion 13 as shown in FIGS. The body 12 can provide a waterproof function and a dustproof function to the imaging optical system 20 and the electrical board part 50 from the outside on the back side of the mounting wall 11. For this reason, the imaging device 10 can be attached to a desired location via both attachment projections 13b of the rear housing part 13, and has high optical performance despite its small configuration as a whole. And it can have sealing performance with respect to all directions. For this reason, the imaging device 10 in which the rear casing 13 is coupled and surrounded by the casing 12 is suitable as, for example, an in-vehicle camera.

  As described above, in the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the vertical and horizontal directions in the acquired image coincide with the vertical and horizontal directions of the mounting wall 11 and the focus adjustment with the imaging optical system 20 is performed. The coupling member 54, that is, the imaging element 52 and the lens barrel 30 can be fixed. For this reason, since the shape which can identify an up-down and left-right direction from an external shape can be employ | adopted as the attachment wall part 11, the design freedom degree of the attachment wall part 11, ie, a housing | casing, can be improved greatly.

  Further, in the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 are sealed in a sealed manner by rotating the front nut-like member 23 around the photographing optical axis O with respect to the lens barrel 30. In addition, by rotating the rear nut-like member 24 around the photographing optical axis O with respect to the lens barrel 30, the mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 can be fixed in a sealing manner. For this reason, since it is not necessary to cut out a part of the substrate on which the image pickup element is provided so that the fixing device can be inserted in the direction of the photographing optical axis O as in the prior art, it is greatly reduced in size of the image pickup apparatus 10. Can contribute.

  Furthermore, in the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the mounting wall is temporarily attached to the mounting wall 11 with the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) and the coupling member 54 (the imaging device 52 of the electrical board 50). Since the focus adjustment can be performed while the vertical and horizontal directions of the unit 11 coincide with the vertical and horizontal directions in the acquired image, it is possible to eliminate the influence of tolerance in each member of the optical element group 40, and to obtain an appropriate optical performance. Can be obtained.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, in the provisional assembly state, the mirror is seen from at least one between the front nut-like member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 and between the rear nut-like member 24 and the coupling member 54. Since a part of the flat surface portion 37 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the tube 30 is exposed, the rotation operation of the lens barrel 30 around the photographing optical axis O, that is, the focus adjustment (positioning operation) can be facilitated. .

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, in the provisional assembly state, the inner wall surface 11f of the reduced hole portion 11e of the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11 and the positioning portion 36 of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30 are provided. By contact, the lens barrel 30 is positioned in the radial direction in the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11, and the center axis of the mounting wall portion 11 (insertion hole 11b) and the center of the lens barrel 30 (holding hole 38). Since the axis coincides with the axis, even if the lens barrel 30 is rotated in the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall 11 for focus adjustment, the position of the photographing optical axis O with respect to the mounting wall 11 (appearance shape). Since the relationship can be made constant, more appropriate focus adjustment can be performed, and more appropriate optical performance can be obtained.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, in the provisional assembly state, there is no other member at the outer position when the front nut-like member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 are viewed in the radial direction. Since the first space P1 and the second space P2 described above are provided, the mounting wall portion in a state where the imaging element 52 (the coupling member 54 of the electrical board portion 50) is positioned with respect to the mounting wall portion 11. 11 and the fixing operation of the lens barrel 30 and the fixing operation of the coupling member 54 (the image pickup element 52 of the electrical board part 50) to the lens barrel 30 can be facilitated.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the mounting wall 11 and the lens barrel 30 are fixed by tightening the front nut-like member 23 screwed into the screw groove 34, and the rear nut screwed into the screw groove 34. Since the coupling member 54 (the image pickup device 52 of the electrical board part 50) is fixed to the lens barrel 30 by tightening the shaped member 24, the fixing relationship can be further strengthened and the fixing can be performed according to the temperature change. Since the change in intensity can be suppressed, high-quality image characteristics can be obtained stably.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, since the O-ring 25 is compressed between the mounting wall portion 11 fixed by the front nut-like member 23 and the lens barrel 30, more reliable sealing performance can be obtained. it can.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, in the electrical board part 50, since the coupling member 54 is fixed to the board 51 by screwing with a screw member (not shown), the electrical board part 50, that is, the imaging element 52 is attached to the lens barrel. 30 can be firmly fixed. For this reason, for example, it is possible to withstand disturbances such as vibration in a state where the vehicle is mounted on a vehicle, and high-quality image characteristics can be stably obtained.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the electrical board part 50 (its coupling member 54) is directly fixed to the lens barrel 30 holding the optical element group 40, that is, the lens barrel 30 and the electrical board part 50 (its coupling member 54). Since no other member is interposed between the optical element group 40 and the image pickup element 52 (its light receiving surface 52a), the number of members for coupling can be reduced. The influence of deformation due to manufacturing errors and temperature changes in each member can be reduced, and more accurate image characteristics can be obtained.

  In the imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention, since the lens barrel 30 is provided with the flat surface portion 37, it can be easily held in the radial direction, and the rotation operation of the lens barrel 30 around the photographing optical axis O, that is, the focus adjustment is performed. It can be done easily.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the O-ring 25 that seals between the mounting wall 11 and the lens barrel 30 includes the orthogonal surface 35 of the lens barrel 30 orthogonal to the imaging optical axis O direction and the imaging optical axis O direction. This is a case where the lens barrel 30 is biased in any one of the radial directions in the insertion hole 11b of the mounting wall portion 11 because it is disposed between the front side surface 11g of the mounting wall portion 11 orthogonal to the mounting wall portion 11. However, since the O-ring 25 is appropriately compressed between the mounting wall 11 and the lens barrel 30 without being affected by the deviation, it is possible to appropriately obtain the sealing performance.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the rear casing 13 is sealingly coupled to the mounting wall 11 to thereby provide the lens barrel 30 (the optical element group 40 held therein) accommodated in the casing 12. ) And the image sensor 52 (electrical board part 50) can have waterproof performance and dustproof performance in all directions.

  In the imaging device 10 of the present invention, the optical element group 40 is held by the lens barrel 30 that is separate from the mounting wall 11, so that even when the external shape of the mounting wall or the housing is changed. In addition to making it easy to maintain high optical performance, the degree of freedom in designing the external shape can be increased. This is due to the following. In the optical element group 40, in order to obtain a predetermined optical performance, it is necessary to hold an optical element such as a lens while being positioned with extremely high accuracy. This is particularly important when a plurality of optical elements are used as in this embodiment. For this reason, for example, when the optical element is directly held by the casing as in the above-described prior art (Patent Document 2), and the casing is formed by resin molding, the external shape of the casing is changed. Every time, it is necessary to create a mold with extremely high accuracy in order to ensure high accuracy in a place where the optical element is held, and it is not easy to maintain high optical performance. In addition, if the optical element is held directly in the housing, for example, if the housing is resin-molded, the influence of various uneven thicknesses and uneven resin flow in the mold depending on the shape Since there is a change in the presence or absence (size), there is a restriction on the external shape of the housing itself in order to ensure the accuracy of the housing (location holding the optical element). On the other hand, in the imaging device 10 according to the present invention, the lens barrel 30 itself is not changed (the lens barrel 30 is made common), and only the components for fixing the lens barrel 30 on the mounting wall portion are provided. Since it is only necessary to use a common one, the change in the external shape of the mounting wall does not affect the holding state of the optical element group 40, that is, the optical performance. It does not affect the design change.

  In the imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention, the optical element group 40 is held by a lens barrel 30 that is separate from the mounting wall 11, and the electrical board part 50 (imaging element 52) is fixed to the lens barrel 30. Therefore, for example, even when the mounting wall portion 11 that forms the outer surface S is deformed by irradiation with the outside air temperature or sunlight, the optical element group 40 and the image pickup element 52 (the optical element group 40) are positioned optically. Since it is possible to prevent the positional relationship with the light receiving surface 52a) from being affected, it is possible to stably obtain high quality image characteristics.

  In the image pickup apparatus 10 of the present invention, the space between the lens barrel 30 and the substrate 51 is closed by the coupling member 54 surrounding the image sensor 52, so that the light receiving surface 52 a of the image sensor 52 from the outside of the lens barrel 30. Intrusion of foreign matter into the lens can be prevented, and light from the outside of the lens barrel 30 can be reliably prevented from entering the light receiving surface 52a of the image sensor 52, so that a clearer image can be obtained. be able to.

  In the imaging apparatus 10 of the present invention, the lens barrel 30 (imaging optical system 20) and the coupling member 54 (the imaging element 52 of the electrical board part 50) are positioned and fixed with respect to the mounting wall 11, and the lens barrel 30 ( Since the imaging optical system 20) is configured to be sealingly fixed to the mounting wall portion 11, the mounting wall portion 11 is configured as a desired portion, for example, a part of the wall surface of an electronic device or a building. By mounting in such a manner, it can be easily used as a surveillance camera having sealing performance at a desired place.

  Therefore, in the imaging device 10 of the present invention, it is easy to ensure the sealing performance around the optical element (optical element group 40) without reducing the degree of freedom in designing the housing, and prevent miniaturization. Appropriate optical performance can be obtained without this.

  In the above-described embodiments, the imaging apparatus 10 as an example of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention has been described. However, a barrel that holds at least one optical element and a subject image formed by the optical element An image pickup device for acquisition, a mounting wall portion that forms an outer surface that surrounds one end on the subject side of the lens barrel in a direction perpendicular to the imaging optical axis, and relative to the lens barrel in the imaging optical axis direction From a direction orthogonal to the imaging optical axis in a state where one end of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the imaging optical axis. The first fixing means for fixing the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel by the fixing operation, and the fixing from the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis in a state where the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member Secondly, the coupling member is fixed to the lens barrel by operation. It may be any imaging device having a constant section, and is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the imaging device 10 in a temporarily assembled state, there is no other member at the outer position when the front nut-like member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 are viewed in the radial direction. However, if the front nut-like member 23 and the rear nut-like member 24 can be rotated from the radial direction, for example, a part of the angle seen from the angle around the photographing optical axis O Only the region may be open, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, the first space and the second space do not need to be formed over the entire circumference when viewed around the photographing optical axis O.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the four flat surface portions 37 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 of the lens barrel 30. However, in the provisional assembled state of the imaging device 10, the lens barrel 30 is viewed from the radial direction. If it is easy to rotate the lens around the photographing optical axis O, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the pin hole 55 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 32 ′ of the lens barrel 30 ′. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The pin holes 55 are recesses in which rod-like members can be inserted from the radial direction. In the illustrated example, the pin holes 55 are provided at four locations at equal intervals when viewed in the circumferential direction of the reduced diameter portion 32. For this reason, by inserting two rod-like members into two pin holes 55 adjacent in the circumferential direction or two pin holes 55 opposed in the radial direction, the lens barrel 30 can be easily held from the radial direction to shoot light. It can be rotated around the axis O. Each pin hole 55 is opened in the holding hole 38 (in communication with the holding hole 38) so as not to damage the optical element group 40 held in the lens barrel 30 'by the inserted rod-like member. It is desirable not to have it. When the pin hole 55 is provided as in this example, the length in the photographing optical axis O direction that only allows the lens barrel 30 (the reduced diameter portion 32) to be held through the pin hole 55 from the radial direction. Since the size can be reduced, it can contribute to further miniaturization.

  In the above-described embodiment, the coupling member 54 is fixed to the substrate 51 by screwing with a screw member (not shown), but may be fixed by adhesion, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Absent. In this case, since the positional relationship between the coupling member 54 and the substrate 51 can be finely adjusted, the positional relationship of the imaging element 52 with respect to the lens barrel 30 attached via the coupling member 54, that is, the optical element group 40 held therein. (For example, the angle of the light receiving surface 52a with respect to the photographing optical axis O direction) can be finely adjusted. For this reason, more accurate image characteristics can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the front nut-like member 23 and the lens barrel 30 are expanded in diameter by rotating the front nut-like member 23 around the photographing optical axis O to press against the mounting wall 11. The mounting wall portion 11 and the lens barrel 30 are sealed in a fixed manner by sandwiching the inward protruding portion 11c of the mounting wall portion 11 with the portion 31, but the optical element is not hindered in miniaturization. From the viewpoint of facilitating the securing of the sealing performance from the image pickup device to the image pickup device, the fixing wall portion is fixed to the mounting wall portion in the provisional assembly state from the radial direction (the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis O). What is necessary is just to press and fix a lens-barrel in the imaging | photography optical axis O direction, and it is not limited to an above-described Example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rear nut-like member 24 is rotated about the photographing optical axis O with respect to the lens barrel 30 and is brought into pressure contact with the connecting member 54, so that the connecting member 54, that is, the image pickup device 52 and the lens barrel 30. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate optical performance, the radial direction (imaging light) with the positional relationship between the mounting wall and the coupling member (imaging device) maintained in the state where focus adjustment has been completed. What is necessary is just to fix a coupling member and a lens-barrel by the fixing operation | movement from the direction orthogonal to the axis | shaft O, and is not limited to an above-described Example.

  In the embodiment described above, the coupling member 54 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the imaging element 52. However, the imaging element (electrical board) is required to enable relative movement in the direction of the photographing optical axis O with respect to the lens barrel. As long as the portion (substrate) is coupled to the lens barrel by screwing, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the coupling member 54 is fixed to the substrate 51. However, the coupling member 54 may be fixed to the imaging device 52, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment. At this time, the coupling member 54 (the flange portion 54b) may be attached to the image sensor 52 using an area other than the effective area (effective light receiving surface) in the image sensor 52. In this configuration, since the number of members for coupling the lens barrel 30 (optical element group 40) and the image sensor 52 can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the influence of deformation due to manufacturing errors and temperature changes in each member. As a result, more accurate image characteristics can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the optical element group 40 is configured by the lens 41, the lens 42, the lens 43, the diaphragm 44, the lens 45, the lens 46, and the lens 47. However, an image is formed at an arbitrary position for image acquisition. As long as it has at least one optical element and is held by the lens barrel 30 having the above-described configuration, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although the imaging device of the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes, additions, and the like can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Permissible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device 11 Mounting wall part 11b Insertion hole 11g (as a through-hole of an attachment wall part) 11g Front side (As an orthogonal surface) 12 Case 13 Rear side case part 23 (As a box-shaped member) (1st nut) Front nut-like member 23a (as a first fixing screw groove) Screw groove 24 (As a second fixing screw groove) Rear nut-like member 24a (As a second fixing screw groove) Screw groove 25 (as a second fixing screw groove) O-rings 30 and 30 ′ as a sealing member 31 A barrel 31 (as one end side) diameter-expanded portion 32 (as the other end side) reduced-diameter portion 34 (as a barrel-side screw groove) screw groove 35 orthogonal plane 37 Flat surface portion 40 Optical element group 51 Substrate 52 Image sensor 54 Coupling member 54a Screw groove (as a screw groove on the coupling member side) 55 Pin hole O Imaging optical axis S Outer surface P1 First space P2 Second space

Japanese Patent No. 3833520 JP 2009-290527 A

Claims (11)

A lens barrel holding at least one or more optical elements;
An image sensor for obtaining a subject image formed by the optical element;
A mounting wall that forms an outer surface that surrounds one end on the subject side of the barrel in a direction perpendicular to the photographic optical axis;
A coupling member that couples the imaging element to the lens barrel by screwing so as to enable relative movement in the photographing optical axis direction with respect to the lens barrel;
In the state where the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, the mounting wall portion and the lens barrel are fixed by a fixing operation from a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis. 1 fixing means;
Second fixing means for fixing the coupling member to the barrel by a fixing operation from a direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis in a state where the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the barrel through the coupling member. and, with a,
The coupling member, the imaging apparatus characterized that you have been fixed to the image pickup device. The coupling member has a cylindrical shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel;
On the inner peripheral surface of the coupling member, a coupling member side thread groove is provided,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the other end portion of the lens barrel is provided with a lens barrel-side screw groove that can be screwed into the coupling member-side screw groove.   The second fixing means has an annular shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel, and a second fixing screw groove that can be screwed into the lens barrel side screw groove is provided on an inner peripheral surface. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is a two-nut member. The mounting wall portion has a stepped through-hole that exhibits two concentric circular shapes when viewed from the subject side in the photographing optical axis direction,
The lens barrel has a stepped appearance with a larger outer diameter dimension on the one end side than on the other end side,
The first fixing means has a ring shape that can surround the other end of the lens barrel, and is provided with a first fixing screw groove that can be screwed into the lens barrel side screw groove on an inner peripheral surface. A nut-like member, and in a state in which the lens barrel is inserted from the other end side into the through hole of the mounting wall portion, the other of the lens barrel is opposite to the outer surface of the mounting wall portion. The said 1st nut-shaped member screwed together by the edge part clamps the said attachment wall part between the said one end parts of the said lens-barrel, The Claim 2 or Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Imaging device. In the mounting wall portion, an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided at a stepped portion in the through hole,
In the lens barrel, an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided at a stepped portion between the one end side and the other end side,
The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein a sealing member is disposed between the attachment wall portion and the lens barrel between the orthogonal surfaces of both. In a state where the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member, the first fixing imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first space for enabling the operation of fixing the direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis is found provided for means apparatus. In the state where the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis and the imaging element is coupled to the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member, the second fixing imaging according to any one of claims 1 to claim 6, wherein the second space for enabling the operation of fixing the direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis is found provided for means apparatus. On the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the imaging element is placed on the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member. in bound state, we claim 1, wherein the flat surface portion for rotational operation of the photographing optical axis of the lens barrel from a direction perpendicular to the photographing optical axis is found provided according to claim 7 The imaging device according to any one of the above. On the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel, the one end portion of the lens barrel is pressed against the mounting wall portion in the direction of the photographing optical axis, and the imaging element is placed on the other end portion of the lens barrel via the coupling member. in bound state, claims 1, characterized in that the pin hole for pre-Symbol the lens barrel of the photographing optical axis of the rotating operation of the direction orthogonal to the photographing optical axis is provided according to claim 8 The imaging device according to any one of the above. The mounting wall portion has a box-shaped member that is open at one end on the side opposite to the outer surface, and cooperates with the box-shaped member to accommodate the lens barrel and the imaging device. claims 1, characterized that you form to the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 9. Vehicle camera, which comprises using an imaging device according to any one of 請 Motomeko 1 to claim 10.

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