JP4178538B2 - Solid-state image sensor unit holding device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a solid-state image sensor unit holding device, and more particularly to a solid-state image sensor unit holding device in which a solid-state image sensor unit is fitted in a frame formed in a lens barrel body or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Portable electronic still cameras in which an optical subject image is converted into an electrical imaging signal by a solid-state imaging device and image data obtained by digital conversion are stored in a memory are widely used.
[0003]
In recent years, with the increase in the number of pixels of an electronic still camera, it has become a problem that a slight misalignment of a solid-state image sensor greatly affects optical performance. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the solid-state imaging device into the lens barrel without shifting with respect to the optical axis of the optical system.
[0004]
The applicant of the present application has proposed an electronic still camera in which a solid-state imaging device unit is incorporated in a base end portion of a barrel main body according to Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-48321. In this electronic still camera, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the solid-state imaging device unit 1 is fitted in a frame body portion 2 formed in a lens barrel body. The frame body 2 is provided with a reference surface 2a for positioning the solid-state image sensor unit 1 in the optical axis direction. On the reference surface 2a, pressing pieces 3, 3 and 3 having spring properties protrude. Is formed. The solid-state imaging element unit 1 is pressed and held by each pressing piece 3 by being fitted into the frame body portion 2 against the spring property of each pressing piece 3, and is fixed without rattling.
[0005]
By the way, with the downsizing of the lens barrel main body, there is a demand for reducing the thickness t of the frame body portion 2. Further, as the size of the lens barrel main body is reduced, there is a demand for improving the strength of the lens barrel main body by changing the lens barrel main body to a harder material.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the frame body portion 2 is made shallow and the pressing piece 3 becomes shorter, or if the lens barrel body is changed to a harder material and the pressing piece 3 becomes harder, the spring property of the pressing piece 3 cannot be sufficiently obtained. This causes a malfunction. In that case, the solid-state image sensor unit 1 fitted in the frame body part 2 is damaged by the pressing piece 3, or the frame body part 2 and the pressing piece 3 are scraped or damaged by the solid-state image sensor unit 1 on the contrary. The broken powder and debris may adhere to the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor unit 1, or the solid-state image sensor unit 1 may float without being fixed with respect to the lens barrel. As shown in FIG. 17, when the elastic deformation of the pressing piece 3 is small, a force that pushes the solid-state imaging device unit 1 outward from the frame body portion 2 works, and the solid-state imaging device unit 1 is lifted from the reference plane 2a. As a result, the optical performance may be deteriorated.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can reliably hold the solid-state imaging device unit even if the lens barrel body is changed to a harder material or the frame portion of the lens barrel body is thinned. An object of the present invention is to provide a solid-state image pickup device unit holding device capable of performing the above-mentioned.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For the present invention to achieve the above object, in the solid-state imaging device unit holding device for holding the solid-state imaging device unit inside the frame, forming a side wall serving as a holding reference section in at least one inner wall of said frame, said side walls A pressing piece that presses and urges the solid-state imaging device unit on the side wall is formed integrally with the frame along a side opposite to a reference side of the solid-state imaging device unit that is in contact with the frame. An optical axis direction reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis is formed, and at least one of a part in contact with the pressing piece of the solid-state imaging device or a part of the pressing piece in contact with the solid-state imaging device unit, An optical axis direction reference surface and a tapered surface inclined with respect to the side wall are formed, and the pressing piece presses and urges the solid-state imaging device unit to the optical axis direction reference surface and the side wall through the tapered surface. In Ri, is characterized in that positions and holds the solid-state imaging device unit.
[0009]
According to the present invention, since the pressing piece that presses and biases the solid-state image sensor unit is formed along the side opposite to the reference side of the solid-state image sensor unit, the solid-state image sensor regardless of the thickness of the frame body. The space of the pressing piece can be ensured by the length in the side direction of the unit. Therefore, the pressing piece can be formed long, and the spring property of the pressing piece can be sufficiently obtained, so that the solid-state imaging device unit can be reliably held.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic still camera 101 to which a solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention is applied. A camera body 101A of the electronic still camera 101 is formed in a rectangular box shape. A lens device 102, a finder window 103, a stroboscopic light control sensor 104, and a self-timer lamp 105 are disposed at predetermined positions on the front surface of the main body 101A. Further, a pop-up strobe 106 and a release switch 107 are disposed on the upper surface of the main body 101A, and a viewfinder eyepiece, a liquid crystal display panel, operation keys, and the like (not shown) are arranged at predetermined positions on the rear surface of the main body 101A. It is installed. The lens apparatus 102 is of a retractable / retractable type, and the first lens cylinder 16 and the movable cylinder 22 (see FIG. 2) are extended forward (subject direction) from the front surface of the main body 101A only when in use.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 2, the lens device 102 mainly includes a first lens 12, a second lens 14, a third lens 16, a first lens cylinder 18, a second lens cylinder 20, a movable cylinder 22, a fixed cylinder (lens barrel main body). 24), a rotary cylinder 26 and an aperture shutter unit 28. A gear portion 26a is formed on the outer periphery of the rotary cylinder 26, and the driving of a zoom motor (not shown) is transmitted to the gear portion 26a. The rotating cylinder 26 is rotated while being in contact with the outer periphery of the fixed cylinder 24 by the driving of the zoom motor being transmitted.
[0013]
The lens apparatus 102 is changed from the retracted position to the tele position by rotating the rotary cylinder 26 in the “storage rotation range” from the “initial position” to the “intermediate position”. Further, the rotating cylinder 26 is rotated in the “magnifying rotation range” from the “intermediate position” to the “end position”, so that the tele position is changed to the wide position.
[0014]
On the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 26, a cam groove 26b for moving the second lens cylinder 20 in the direction of the optical axis 30, and a guide groove 26c for guiding the moving cylinder 22 straightly in the direction of the optical axis 30 are provided. Is formed. The guide groove 26 c acts to give the movable barrel 22 rotational drive of the rotary barrel 26 and allow the movable barrel 22 to advance and retreat in the direction of the optical axis 30.
[0015]
The fixed cylinder 24 is formed with an opening 24 a for guiding the second lens cylinder 20 straightly in the direction of the optical axis 30 and a cam groove 24 b for moving the movable cylinder 22 in the direction of the optical axis 30. ing.
[0016]
A cam follower 32 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 22. The cam follower 32 is engaged with the cam groove 24b and the guide groove 26c. The moving cylinder 22 moves in the direction of the optical axis 30 with respect to the fixed cylinder 24 while rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating cylinder 26. A cam groove 22 a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the movable cylinder 22. Note that the cam groove 24 a, the guide groove 26 c, and the cam follower 32 are provided at three divided positions around the optical axis 30.
[0017]
The first lens 12 is held inside the first lens cylinder 18. In addition, a guide groove 34 for linearly guiding the second lens cylinder 20 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first lens cylinder 18, and a cam follower that engages with the cam groove 22a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first lens cylinder 18. 36 is provided. The first lens cylinder 18 moves straight in the direction of the optical axis 30 with respect to the moving cylinder 22 by the action of the rectilinear guide by the second lens cylinder 20 and the action of the cam groove 22a of the moving cylinder 22 as the moving cylinder 22 rotates. Move on. Note that the cam follower 36 and the cam groove 22a are provided in three divided positions around the optical axis 30, respectively.
[0018]
A second lens 14 is held inside the second lens cylinder 20. A cam follower 38 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second lens cylinder 20. The cam follower 38 engages with the cam groove 26b and the opening 24a. The second lens cylinder 20 moves straight in the direction of the optical axis 30 with respect to the fixed cylinder 24 by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 26. Note that the cam follower 38, the cam 26 b, and the opening 24 a are provided at three divided positions around the optical axis 30.
[0019]
The third lens 16 is held by the third lens frame 40. The third lens frame 40 is supported by the second lens cylinder 20 via a feed screw 42 and a guide bar 44 so as to be movable in the direction of the optical axis 30. The third lens frame 40 is moved in the direction of the optical axis 30 according to the lead of the feed screw 42 that is rotated by driving the focusing motor 46.
[0020]
At the front end of the second lens barrel 20, narrow arm portions 50, 50 are formed in a shape extending to the subject side. A guide protrusion 52 is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the tip of each arm portion 50, and the guide protrusion 52 is engaged with the guide groove 34. Note that the guide groove 34, the arm portion 50, and the guide protrusion 52 may be provided in three divided positions around the optical axis 30.
[0021]
A solid-state image sensor unit 54 is disposed at the imaging position of the lens device 102. The solid-state image pickup device unit 54 is thinly formed in a rectangular shape, and is fitted into a frame body portion 56 formed at the base end portion of the fixed cylinder 24. The frame 56 is provided with an optical axis direction reference surface 56a orthogonal to the optical axis 30, and the solid-state image sensor unit 54 is brought into contact with the optical axis direction reference surface 56a. Is positioned in the direction of the optical axis 30.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 3, the frame body portion 56 is formed with holding reference portions on the inner walls 56 b and 56 d, where the reference sides 54 b and 54 d of the solid-state imaging element unit 54 abut. The solid-state image sensor unit 54 is positioned on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis 30 (see FIG. 2) by bringing the reference sides 54b and 54d into contact with the inner walls 56b and 56d.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 are provided inside the frame body portion 56. Each pressing piece 60, 62, 64 is formed integrally with the fixed cylinder 24 (see FIG. 2) by plastic or the like.
[0024]
The pressing piece 60 extends from the side wall 56b and is formed along the side wall 56c (that is, along the side 54c opposite to the reference side 54d of the solid-state imaging element unit 54). The front end portion 60 a of the pressing piece 60 swells inside the frame body portion 56. The pressing piece 60 is elastically deformed using a base end portion with the side wall 56b as a fulcrum.
[0025]
The pressing piece 62 extends from the side wall 56c and is formed along the side wall 56e (that is, along the side 54e opposite to the reference side 54b of the solid-state image sensor unit 54). The distal end portion 62 a of the pressing piece 62 swells inside the frame body portion 56. The pressing piece 62 is elastically deformed with a base end portion with the side wall 56c as a fulcrum.
[0026]
The pressing piece 64 extends from the side wall 56d and is formed along the side wall 56e (that is, along the side 54e opposite to the reference side 54b of the solid-state image sensor unit 54). The distal end portion 64 a of the pressing piece 64 swells inside the frame body portion 56. The pressing piece 64 is elastically deformed with a base end portion with the side wall 56d as a fulcrum.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 are elastically deformed outward by inserting the solid-state imaging element unit 54 into the frame body portion 56. Thereby, the solid-state image sensor unit 54 is pressed and held toward the side wall 56b or the side wall 56d by the tip portions 60a, 62a, 64a of the pressing pieces 60, 62, 64.
[0028]
Each of the side walls 56b to 56e is formed with a taper 56f so that the solid-state image sensor unit 54 can be easily inserted. Tapers 60b, 62b, and 64b for improving the insertability of the solid-state imaging device unit 54 are also formed on the pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64, respectively.
[0029]
A seat 58 is formed at the edge of the opening 57 of the frame body portion 56, and a mask or a low-pass filter (not shown) is engaged with the seat 58.
[0030]
Next, the operation of the image sensor holding structure configured as described above will be described.
[0031]
The pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are formed longer than the pressing piece 3 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and have sufficient springiness. That is, since the pressing piece 3 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is formed in the thickness direction of the solid-state image sensor unit 1, it can be formed longer than the thickness of the solid-state image sensor unit 1. 5 are formed along the sides 54c and 54e opposite to the reference sides 54b and 54d of the solid-state image sensor unit 54, so that the width of the solid-state image sensor unit 54 is fully filled. It can be formed long using. Since the long pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 have sufficient springiness, they can be elastically deformed flexibly. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 from being sufficiently elastically deformed when the solid-state imaging element unit 54 is inserted, and the solid-state imaging element unit 54, the frame body portion 56, and the pressing pieces 60, 62, and 64 to be scraped. Further, it is possible to prevent the solid-state imaging element unit 54 from being inserted up to the optical axis direction reference plane 56a of the frame body portion 56 and floating from the optical axis direction reference plane 56a.
[0032]
Further, since the spring properties of the pressing pieces 60, 62, 64 are improved, as a result, the material of the pressing pieces 60, 62, 64, that is, the material of the fixed cylinder 24 can be changed to a harder material. Thereby, the fixed cylinder 24 can be reduced in size while maintaining the strength of the fixed cylinder 24.
[0033]
Moreover, since the spring property of the pressing pieces 60, 62, 64 can be obtained regardless of the thickness of the frame body portion 56, the frame body portion 56 can be made thin. Thereby, the frame part 56 can be made small and the fixed cylinder 24 can be reduced in size.
[0034]
Next, a second embodiment of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention will be described.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 6, a taper 66a is formed in the solid-state image sensor unit 66 of the second embodiment. The solid-state image sensor unit 66 is fitted into a frame body portion 68 shown in FIGS. The frame body portion 68 includes side walls 68b and 68d serving as holding reference portions, and an optical direction reference surface 68a. The pressing piece 70 extends from the side wall 68d and is formed along the side wall 68e. The pressing piece 70 is formed such that the tip thereof presses the taper 66 a of the solid-state image sensor unit 66. The taper 66a is formed so as to be inclined with respect to all of the optical direction reference surface 68a, the side wall 68b, and the side wall 68d. Therefore, when the pressing piece 70 presses the taper 66a, the solid-state imaging device 66 is pressed and held on the optical axis direction reference surface 56a, the side wall 56b, and the side wall 56d side.
[0036]
As described above, the solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the second embodiment can position the solid-state image sensor unit 66 in the optical axis direction and in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis by one pressing piece 70.
[0037]
In the second embodiment, the taper 66a is formed at the apex portion of the solid-state image sensor unit 66, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a taper 74 a may be formed at an intermediate position in the thickness direction of the solid-state image sensor unit 74. When the taper 74a formed in this way is pressed by the pressing piece 70, the solid-state imaging device unit 74 is pressed at a position closer to the optical axis direction reference surface 68a, and thus is stable.
[0038]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a taper 76 a may be formed at an intermediate position in the width direction of the solid-state image sensor unit 76. When the taper 76a formed in this way is pressed by the pressing piece 70, the solid-state imaging device unit 76 is pressed at a position closer to the side wall 68d, and thus is stable.
[0039]
In the case of the solid-state imaging element unit 76 described above, the pressing piece 78 may protrude from the side wall 68c, as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the taper 76a can be formed on the side wall 68d side while ensuring the length of the pressing piece 78.
[0040]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, tapers 81 a and 81 b may be formed by forming a V-shaped groove 81 in the solid-state imaging device unit 80. The V-shaped groove 81 is provided at an intermediate position in the width direction of the solid-state image sensor unit 80, and is formed so as to gradually increase toward the side wall 68e. On the other hand, the pressing piece 78 is formed so as to press the central portion of the groove 81, that is, press the taper 81a and the taper 81b simultaneously. When the pressing piece 78 presses the groove 81 in this way, the solid-state image sensor unit 80 is pressed against the optical direction reference plane (not shown) and simultaneously pressed in three directions toward the side walls 68b, 68c, 68d. Is done. Thereby, the solid-state image sensor unit 80 is pressed and held against the side wall 68b while being positioned in a direction parallel to the side wall 68b.
[0041]
Next, a third embodiment of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention will be described.
[0042]
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the frame body portion 82 of the third embodiment includes side walls 82b and 82d serving as holding reference portions and an optical direction reference surface 82a, and a pressing piece is provided on the side wall 82d. 84 protrudes. The pressing piece 84 is formed along the side wall 82e, and a taper 84a is formed at the tip thereof. The taper 84a is formed so as to be inclined on all of the optical axis direction reference surface 82a, the side wall 82b, and the side wall 82d, and presses the apex of the solid-state image sensor unit 54. As a result, the solid-state image sensor unit 54 is pressed and biased toward the optical axis direction reference surface 82a, the side wall 82b, and the side wall 82d.
[0043]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to position the solid-state imaging device unit 54 in the direction of the optical axis 30 (see FIG. 2) and in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis 30 by one pressing piece 84. Further, according to the third embodiment, it is not necessary to form a taper on the solid-state image sensor unit 54.
[0044]
Note that the number of the tapers 84a of the pressing piece 84 that presses and biases the solid-state imaging element unit 54 may be plural. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, two tapers 86a and 88a may be provided. The taper 86a is provided at the tip of the pressing piece 86 and presses the solid-state image sensor unit 54 toward the optical axis direction reference surface 82a, the side wall 82b, and the side wall 82d. The taper 88a is formed at the tip of the pressing piece 88 and presses toward the optical axis direction reference surface 82a, the side wall 82b, and the side wall 82c. The pressing piece 86 and the pressing piece 88 extend from the center position of the side wall 82e and are formed along the side wall 82e. The solid-state image sensor unit 54 is pressed and held by the side wall 86b while being positioned in a direction parallel to the side wall 86b by being pressed by the two tapers 86a and 88a.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention, the pressing piece for pressing and urging the solid-state image sensor unit is formed along the side opposite to the reference side of the solid-state image sensor unit. By forming the pressing piece long, the spring property of the pressing piece can be sufficiently obtained, and the solid-state imaging device unit can be securely held.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic still camera to which a solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a lens device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device from which the solid-state image sensor unit is removed. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a solid-state image sensor unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a solid-state image sensor unit holding device according to the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device along the line. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the solid-state image sensor unit holding device provided with a taper at a position different from FIG. Solid-state image sensor unit FIG. 11 is a front view of a solid-state image sensor unit holding device provided with a pressing piece on a side wall different from that in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a front view of a solid-state image sensor unit holding device provided with a taper having a shape different from that in FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the solid-state image sensor unit shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view showing the solid-state image sensor unit holding device of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front sectional view showing a solid-state image sensor unit holding device different from FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing a conventional solid-state image sensor unit holding device. 18] Front view showing a conventional solid-state image sensor unit holding device [Explanation of symbols]
24 ... fixed cylinder, 54, 66, 74, 76, 80 ... solid-state imaging device unit, 56, 68, 82 ... frame body part, 56a, 68a, 82a ... optical direction reference plane, 56b to 56e, 68b to 68e, 82b -82e ... sidewall, 60, 62, 64, 70, 78, 84, 86, 88 ... pressing piece, 66a, 74a, 76a, 81a, 81b, 84a, 86a, 88a ... taper, 101 ... electronic still camera, 102 ... Lens device

Claims (1)

In the solid-state image sensor unit holding device that holds the solid-state image sensor unit in the frame,
Forming a side wall serving as a holding reference portion on at least one inner wall of the frame;
Along the reference edge and the opposite edge abutting the solid-state imaging device unit to the side walls, wherein a pressing piece which presses and biases the solid-state image pickup device unit, integrally formed with the frame body to said side wall,
An optical axis direction reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis is formed on the frame,
A taper that is inclined with respect to the reference plane in the optical axis direction and the side wall on at least one of the portion of the solid-state image sensor that contacts the pressing piece and the portion of the pressing piece that contacts the solid-state imaging device unit. Forming a surface,
The solid-state image pickup device is characterized in that the solid-state image pickup device unit is positioned and held by the pressing piece pressing and urging the solid-state image pickup device unit to the optical axis direction reference plane and the side wall through the tapered surface. Unit holding device.

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