JP7615819B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an imaging device.

In some cases, an inspection device uses an imaging device that captures an image of an object to inspect it. The imaging device has, for example, a camera equipped with optical components such as a lens.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-282039 discloses a device for supporting a telephoto lens. This patent document discloses a camera support device that includes a fixed base that is attached to the head of a tripod, and a movable base that can move back and forth relative to the fixed base. A first lens support section and a second support section that support the telephoto lens at front and rear positions, and a camera support bracket that supports the camera are connected to the movable base.

JP 2010-282039 A

When the inspection device is installed in equipment such as a production line, vibrations or shocks may be applied to the imaging device while the equipment is operating, causing the lens to loosen from the camera body and the lens to shift axially or radially. If the lens shifts out of position, the image quality may deteriorate, resulting in a decrease in inspection accuracy. There is also a risk that the lens may fall off due to a loss of force attaching the lens to the camera body.

When the outer peripheral surface of the telephoto lens is supported by the first lens support section and the second lens support section, as in the conventional technology, the force pressing the telephoto lens toward the camera body is weak. This means there is a risk that the telephoto lens may become misaligned or fall off.

The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that suppresses misalignment and falling off of optical components in an imaging device.

In order to solve the above problems, the imaging device includes an imaging unit having an imaging axis, an optical component attached to one side of the imaging unit in the axial direction of the imaging axis, and a support that contacts a first surface of the optical component facing the one axial side and presses the first surface toward the other axial side.The imaging device further includes a fixing device that fixes the support to a second surface of the imaging unit, the fixing device having a screw, the imaging unit having a screw hole, and the support having a long hole extending in the axial direction, which is a hole through which the screw is inserted.

The support can press the optical components against the imaging unit. This can prevent the optical components from shifting out of position or falling off.

1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the support shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a view showing one axial side of the support shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 11 is a front view of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view of an imaging device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a plan view of an imaging device according to a seventh embodiment. 10 is a front view showing one axial side of the support shown in FIG. 9 . FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those components alone. In the drawings, the dimensions and numbers of each part may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

1. First embodiment
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a support 30 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view showing one axial side of the support 30 shown in Fig. 1.

The imaging device 1 is a device that captures an image of an object to be inspected. The imaging device 1 includes an imaging unit 10, an optical component 20, and a support 30.

The imaging unit 10 has an imaging axis Q1. The imaging axis Q1 is a virtual straight line that bisects the angle of view of the imaging unit 10. In the following description, the direction parallel to the imaging axis Q1 of the imaging unit 10 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the imaging axis Q1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction along the arc centered on the imaging axis Q1 is referred to as the "circumferential direction". In addition, within the radial direction, the direction approaching the imaging axis Q1 is referred to as the "radial inward direction", and the direction away from the imaging axis Q1 is referred to as the "radial outward direction". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as the "width direction", and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the width direction is referred to as the "height direction". The imaging unit 10 has an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS.

The optical component 20 is attached to one axial side of the imaging axis Q1. The optical component 20 has, for example, a lens 21 and an optical filter 23. The housing of the lens 21 is attached to the end of the imaging unit 10 on one axial side. The optical filter 23 is attached to the end of the housing of the lens 21 on one axial side. The optical filter 23 is located at the end of the optical component 20 on one axial side. The connection between the lens 21 and the imaging unit 10, and the connection between the optical filter 23 and the lens 21 are each realized, for example, by a screw mount. The optical component 20 has a first surface 20S facing one axial side. In the case of the imaging device 1, the first surface 20S is the outer surface of the optical filter 23.

The support 30 contacts the first surface 20S of the optical component 20. The support 30 also presses the first surface 20S toward the other axial direction. The first surface 20S is specifically an end surface of a housing that houses the filter body of the optical filter 23, and has an annular shape.

The support 30 is made of, for example, a steel plate. In this case, the support 30 is produced by punching and bending a single steel plate. By making the support 30 out of a steel plate, sufficient rigidity can be ensured even if the support 30 is made thin. The support 30 may also be made of carbon fiber or a resin material.

The support 30 has a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The second portion 32 is bent at a portion between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32, so that the second portion 32 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the first portion 31. The first portion 31 is a plate extending parallel to the axial direction. The second portion 32 has a base end portion 321 connected to the first portion 31. The second portion 32 is a plate extending in a width direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The surface of the second portion 32 facing the other axial direction contacts the first surface 20S of the optical filter 23 of the optical component 20, and presses the first surface 20S toward the other axial direction.

The first portion 31 of the support 30 has a first body portion 311 and a second body portion 312. The first body portion 311 and the second body portion 312 are both plate-shaped. The second body portion 312 is connected to an end portion on one axial side of the first body portion 311. The height direction width of the second body portion 312 is smaller than the height direction width of the first body portion 311. The second portion 32 extends from an end portion on one axial side of the second body portion 312 toward one width direction side. The base end portion 321 of the second portion 32 is connected to an end portion on one axial side of the second body portion 312.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the second portion 32 of the support 30 is bifurcated. More specifically, the second portion 32 has a first claw portion 51 and a second claw portion 52. The first claw portion 51 extends from the base end portion 321 to one side in the circumferential direction centered on the imaging axis Q1. The second claw portion 52 extends from the base end portion 321 to the other side in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52 have an arc shape that follows the edge of the housing of the optical filter 23.

The imaging device 1 further includes a fixing screw 41. The imaging unit 10 has a second surface 10S that faces the other side in the width direction and extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The fixing screw 41 is an example of a fixing device that fixes the support 30 to the second surface 10S of the imaging unit 10.

The imaging unit 10 has a screw hole 13 (FIG. 2) in the second surface 10S into which the fixing screw 41 engages. The support 30 has two long holes 31H. The long holes 31H are through holes through which the fixing screws 41 are inserted and extend parallel to the axial direction. The two long holes 31H are spaced apart in the height direction perpendicular to the axial direction and width direction. The fixing screws 41 are inserted into the long holes 31H of the support 30, and the fixing screws 41 engage with the screw holes 13, thereby fixing the support 30 to the imaging unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52 have a V-shape that protrudes toward the other axial side. More specifically, the first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52 each have a first inclined portion 531 that extends toward the other axial side from the base end portion 321 toward one width direction side, and a second inclined portion 532 (inclined portion) that extends toward one axial side from the end portion on one width direction side of the first inclined portion 531 toward one width direction side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first inclined portion 531 in the second portion 32 forms an acute angle with the first portion 31. The angle θ between the first inclined portion 531 in the second portion 32 and the first portion 31 is less than 90°, more preferably 88° or less, more preferably 86° or less, and more preferably 84° or less. In addition, the angle θ is preferably 80° or more, more preferably 82° or more, and more preferably 84° or more.

By having the first inclined portion 531 of the second part 32 inclined toward the other axial side, it becomes easier to bring the second part 32 into contact with the first surface 20S of the optical component 20. In addition, by arranging the first part 31 parallel to the axial direction, the second part 32 can be brought into point contact or line contact with the first surface 20S of the optical component 20.

The tip (second inclined portion 532) of the second portion 32 of the support 30 is inclined to one side in the axial direction. This prevents the tip of the second portion 32 from coming into contact with the optical filter 23 of the optical component 20 when the support 30 is attached to the imaging unit 10, thereby preventing the optical filter 23 from being damaged.

The first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52 each have a bent portion 533 that is the boundary between the first inclined portion 531 and the second inclined portion 532, and press the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 at the bent portion 533. The bent portion 533 of the first claw portion 51 and the bent portion 533 of the second claw portion 52 are arranged on a virtual straight line perpendicular to the imaging axis Q1. Therefore, the first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52 of the second part 32 press two contact points TP of the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 that are located on a straight line LN perpendicular to the imaging axis Q1.

The second portion 32 of the support 30 presses the first surface 20S of the optical filter 23 toward the imaging unit 10. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the mounting force (fastening force) of the lens 21 to the imaging unit 10 and the mounting force of the optical filter 23 to the lens 21. This makes it possible to suppress the optical component 20 from shifting in the axial or radial direction relative to the imaging unit 10. Furthermore, even if the mounting force of the lens 21 and the optical filter 23 is lost, the support provided by the support 30 makes it possible to suppress the lens 21 and the optical filter 23 from falling off.

In addition, the second portion 32 presses the two contact points TP on the first surface 20S, so that the optical component 20 can be pressed in a balanced manner in the circumferential direction. This prevents the mounting force of the lens 21 and the optical filter 23 from decreasing due to an unbalanced force being applied to the optical component 20. This prevents the optical component 20 from being displaced in the axial direction or from falling off.

The long hole 31H through which the fixing screw 41 is inserted extends in the axial direction. Therefore, the axial position of the support 30 fixed to the imaging unit 10 can be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the support 30, the force with which the second part 32 of the support 30 presses the optical component 20 can be adjusted. Furthermore, because the position of the support 30 in the axial direction can be adjusted, even when multiple types of optical components 20 with different axial dimensions are attached to the imaging unit 10, multiple types of optical components 20 can be supported by the same support 30.

The support 30 is bent at the connecting portion between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. Therefore, when the second portion 32 is pressed against the optical filter 23 of the optical component 20, the elastic force of the connecting portion can adequately press the optical filter 23 of the optical component 20.

In addition, in the first portion 31, the second body portion 312 is thinner than the first body portion 311, so that the second body portion 312 is easily elastically deformed. By pressing the optical component with the second portion 32 connected to such a second body portion 312, the optical component 20 can be pressed with an appropriate force.

<2. Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, elements having the same functions as elements already described will be given the same reference numerals or reference numerals with an additional alphabetical character, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Figure 4 is a front view of the imaging device 1A according to the second embodiment. Note that Figure 4 shows one axial side of the support 30A provided in the imaging device 1A. As shown in Figure 4, the support 30A has a second portion 32A. The second portion 32A is annular and has a through hole 34H centered on the imaging axis Q1.

The second part 32A has a base end 321 and a circular annular part 34. The annular part 34 is connected to the base end 321. The annular part 34 is connected to one axial side of the base end 321. The inner dimension (inner diameter) of the through hole 34H of the annular part 34 of the second part 32A is large enough that the annular part 34 does not enter the imaging area of the imaging unit 10. This prevents the annular part 34 from narrowing the imaging area of the imaging unit 10.

The annular portion 34 of the second portion 32A has a V-shape in which the middle portion in the width direction protrudes toward the other axial direction. More specifically, the annular portion 34 has a first inclined portion 531A and a second inclined portion 532A. The first inclined portion 531A is a U-shaped (e.g., semicircular) portion connected to one end of the base end portion 321 in the width direction. The first inclined portion 531A is inclined toward the other axial direction toward one side in the width direction. The second inclined portion 532A is a U-shaped (e.g., semicircular) portion connected to two ends on one side of the first inclined portion 531A in the width direction, and is inclined toward one axial direction toward one side in the width direction. The two connecting portions connecting the first inclined portion 531A and the second inclined portion 532A contact the first surface 20S of the optical component 20. In this way, like the second part 32, the second part 32A presses two contact points TP located on the straight line LN perpendicular to the imaging axis Q1 on the first surface 20S of the optical filter 23, which is the optical component 20.

By making the second part 32A annular, it is possible to prevent the optical component 20 from falling off while ensuring the imaging field of view. In addition, the annular portion 34 of the second part 32A overlaps with the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 in the axial direction over the entire circumferential area. This makes it possible to prevent the optical component 20 from falling off over the entire circumferential area. In particular, when the optical component 20 is disposed vertically below the imaging unit 10, even if the optical component 20 comes off the imaging unit 10, the support 30A can prevent the optical component 20 from falling off.

<3. Third embodiment>
5 is a plan view of an imaging device 1B according to the third embodiment. The imaging device 1B includes a support 30B. The support 30B has a first portion 31, a second portion 32, and a third portion 33. The third portion 33 is located on the other axial side of the imaging unit 10. The third portion 33 is plate-shaped and extends in the width direction. The third portion 33 is connected to the first portion 31. More specifically, an end portion on the other axial side of the third portion 33 is connected to an end portion on the other axial side of the first portion 31.

The first part 31 and the third part 33 may be connected at a bent portion. The first part 31 and the third part 33 may also be separate bodies. In this case, the first part 31 and the third part 33 may be connected by welding or a connector. The first part 31 of the support 30B is fixed to the imaging unit 10 by two fixing screws 41, similar to the first part 31 of the support 30 shown in FIG. 1.

The support 30B has an adjustment screw 43. The third part 33 has a through-hole screw hole 35H that engages with the adjustment screw 43. The through-hole screw hole 35H passes through the third part 33 in the axial direction. The tip of the adjustment screw 43 abuts against the other axial side surface of the imaging unit 10. In this embodiment, the third part 33 has a nut 35, and the nut 35 has a through-hole screw hole 35H. The nut 35 is not essential and can be omitted. For example, the through-hole screw hole 35H may be provided in the plate-shaped part of the third part 33.

The adjustment screw 43 presses the imaging unit 10, for example, at a position on one side of the imaging axis Q1 in the width direction. However, the position at which the adjustment screw 43 presses the imaging unit 10 can be set arbitrarily.

The adjustment screw 43 can adjust the distance between the third part 33 of the support 30 and the imaging unit 10. This allows the force with which the second part 32 of the support 30 presses the optical component to be adjusted. That is, when the adjustment screw 43 is turned in the tightening direction while in contact with the imaging unit 10, the tip of the adjustment screw 43 presses the imaging unit 10. This biases the support 30 toward the other axial side, so that the force with which the second part 32 of the support 30 presses the optical component 20 can be strengthened. Also, when the adjustment screw 43 is turned in the loosening direction while pressing the imaging unit 10, the pressing force of the adjustment screw 43 decreases. This allows the force with which the second part 32 of the support 30 presses the optical component 20 to be weakened.

<4. Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an imaging device 1C according to the fourth embodiment. The imaging device 1C includes a support 30C. In this embodiment, the first part 31 and the second part 32 are separate members. The support 30C includes a connecting portion 60. The connecting portion 60 connects the second part 32B to the first part 31A in a state in which the position of the second part 32 in the width direction is adjustable. Specifically, the connecting portion 60 includes a support plate 61 and a fixing member 63. The support plate 61 is connected to an end portion on one axial side of the second main body portion 312 in the first part 31. The support plate 61 has a plate shape extending from the second main body portion 312 to the other width direction side. The fixing member 63 is a member for fixing the base end portion 321 of the second part 32 to the support plate 61. The fixing member 63 is, for example, composed of a bolt and a nut. Furthermore, the support plate 61 may be formed with a long hole extending in the width direction, through which the bolt of the fixing device 63 can be inserted.

The connecting portion 60 allows the widthwise position of the second portion 32 relative to the first portion 31 to be adjusted. Therefore, even when multiple types of optical components 20 are attached to the imaging unit 10, the multiple types of optical components 20 can be pressed against and supported by the same support 30C against the imaging unit 10.

<5. Fifth embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an imaging device 1D according to the fifth embodiment. The imaging device 1D has a support 30D. The basic configuration of the support 30D is the same as that of the support 30. However, the support 30D has a bead-shaped rib 70 that forms periodic unevenness in the height direction. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the rib 70 is disposed on the first main body portion 311 of the first portion 31. In addition, the rib 70 extends parallel to the axial direction. By providing the rib 70 on the support 30, the bending strength of the support 30D can be improved. In particular, by providing the rib 70 extending in the axial direction, the strength of the first portion 31 against bending in the width direction can be increased. Note that the rib 70 may extend in a direction different from the axial direction.

<6. Sixth embodiment>
8 is a diagram of an imaging device 1E according to a sixth embodiment. In the first embodiment, the second part 32 of the support 30 is located on one axial side of the optical component 20, and the first surface 20S is a surface located at an end of the optical component 20 on one axial side. However, the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 pressed by the second part 32 does not necessarily have to be located at an end of the optical component 20 on one axial side. The first surface 20S of the optical component 20 may be set at a middle position in the axial direction of the optical component 20.

As shown in FIG. 8, the imaging device 1E has a support 30E. The support 30E has a second portion 32B. Furthermore, the lens 21 of the optical component 20 has an annular protruding portion 211 that protrudes radially outward beyond the optical filter 23. The protruding portion 211 has a first surface 20S that faces one axial side. The second portion 32B of the support 30E presses against the first surface 20S.

The second part 32B is bifurcated, having a first claw portion 51 and a second claw portion 52, similar to the second part 32 shown in FIG. 3. However, the second part 32B presses the first surface 20S of the lens 21 when the optical filter 23 is disposed between the first claw portion 51 and the second claw portion 52. Even when the support 30E presses the first surface 20S of the lens 21 of the optical component 20, it is possible to suppress the lens 21, which is the optical component 20, from shifting in position and falling off.

<7. Seventh embodiment>
In the second parts 32 and 32A according to the first to sixth embodiments, only the end part on the other width direction side (base end part 321) is connected to the imaging unit 10 via the first part 31. However, the end part on one width direction side of the second parts 32 and 32A may also be connected to the imaging unit 10.

Figure 9 is a plan view of an imaging device 1F according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 10 is a front view of the support 30F shown in Figure 9. The support 30F of the imaging device 1F has a first portion 31, a first portion 31B, and a second portion 32C.

The first part 31B has the same configuration as the first part 31. However, the first part 31B is arranged in the same posture as when the first part 31 is rotated 180 degrees around the imaging axis Q1. In other words, the first parts 31 and 31B are plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane that passes through the imaging axis Q1 and is parallel to the height direction. One end of the first part 31B in the axial direction is connected to the second part 32C. The first part 31B is connected to a side surface 12S on one width direction side of the imaging unit 10 via a fixing screw 41.

The second part 32C has a base end 321 and an annular part 34, similar to the second part 32A. However, the second part 32C has a base end 321A at one end in the width direction of the annular part 34. The base end 321A is connected to one end in the axial direction of the second main body part 312 in the first part 31B.

In the support 30F, both sides of the second part 32C are fixed to the imaging unit 10 via the first parts 31 and 31B. In this case, the support 30F is less likely to fall off from the imaging unit 10 than when only one side of the second part 31B is fixed to the imaging unit 10. Therefore, the positional shift and falling off of the optical component 20 can be further suppressed.

8. Modifications
Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above and various modifications are possible.

For example, the support 30 is fixed to the imaging unit 10 via a fixing screw 41. However, the support 30 may be fixed to a member disposed around the imaging device 1. For example, the support 30 may be fixed to a frame that supports the imaging device 1 by suspending it.

The support 30 is configured to press the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 at two locations. However, the support 30 may be configured to press the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 at one location or three or more locations. When the support 30 presses at multiple locations, the multiple locations may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. This allows the first surface 20S of the optical component 20 to be pressed in a balanced manner in the circumferential direction.

Although this invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all respects and does not limit the invention. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be imagined without departing from the scope of this invention. The configurations described in the above embodiments and variations can be combined or omitted as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

The present invention can be used in imaging devices.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Imaging device 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F Imaging device 10 Imaging section 10S Second surface 13 Screw hole 20 Optical component 20S First surface 21 Lens 23 Optical filter 30, 30A, 30B Support 30C, 30D, 30E Support 31, 31A, 31B First portion 31H Long hole 32, 32A Second portion 32B, 32C Second portion 33 Third portion 34 Annular portion 34H Through hole 35 Nut 35H Screw through hole 41 Fixing screw 43 Adjustment screw 51 First claw portion 52 Second claw portion 311 First main body portion 312 Second main body portion 321, 321A Base end portion 531, 531A First inclined portion 532, 532A Second inclined portion 60 Connection portion 70 Rib Q1 Imaging axis

Claims (12)

1. An imaging device, comprising:
An imaging unit having an imaging axis;
an optical component attached to one side of the imaging unit in the axial direction of the imaging axis;
a support that comes into contact with a first surface of the optical component facing the one axial direction side and presses the first surface toward the other axial direction side;
Equipped with
a fixing device that fixes the support device to the second surface of the imaging unit;
Further equipped with
The fastener has a screw,
the imaging unit has a screw hole into which the screw engages,
The support has a hole through which the screw is inserted and has a long hole extending in the axial direction.
Imaging device. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1 ,
The support includes:
a first portion extending in the axial direction;
a second portion having a base end connected to the first portion and extending in a width direction intersecting the axial direction;
Part and
having
The second portion presses against the first surface of the optical component. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2 ,
The second portion is annular having a through hole centered on the imaging axis. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2 ,
The second portion is
a first claw portion extending from the base end portion to one side in a circumferential direction centered on the imaging axis;
A second claw portion extending from the base end portion to the other side in the circumferential direction;
having
The imaging device, wherein the first claw portion and the second claw portion press the first surface of the optical component. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
The second portion forms an acute angle with the first portion. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 ,
The second portion has an inclined portion that inclines toward one side in the axial direction toward a tip side. 7. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the first portion comprises:
A first body portion;
a second body portion connected to an end portion on one axial side of the first body portion and having a width smaller than that of the first body portion;
having
The proximal end of the second portion is coupled to the second body portion. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 ,
The support includes:
a third portion located on the other axial side of the imaging unit, intersecting the axial direction, and connected to the first portion;
an adjustment screw that engages with a through-screw hole of the third portion and has a tip that abuts against a surface of the imaging unit on the other axial side;
The imaging device further comprises: The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 ,
The support includes:
a connecting portion that connects the second portion to the first portion in a state in which a position of the second portion in a width direction intersecting the axial direction can be adjusted;
The imaging device further comprises: 10. The imaging device according to claim 1,
the optical component has an optical filter located at one end in the axial direction,
An imaging device, wherein the first surface is located at an end portion on one side in the axial direction of the optical filter. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
The imaging device, wherein the support is made of a steel plate. The imaging device according to claim 11 ,
The imaging device, wherein the support has a bead-shaped rib.

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