Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To prevent the generation of dew condensation on front window glass, while avoiding an increase in the size of an imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus has: an image pick-up device; a Peltier element that is arranged to allow cooling of the image pick-up device; a housing that includes the image pick-up device and the Peltier element and comprises an opening; a light-transmissive front window member that is arranged on an optical axis of the image pick-up device, and that closes the opening to hermetically seal the housing; at least one driving unit that drives to insert or withdraw an optical filter on the optical axis of the image pick-up device; and a heat transfer member that thermally connects the driving unit and the front window member to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that the image sensor of a general image sensor generates dark current and increases noise as the temperature rises. The noise caused by dark current reduces the quality of the captured image, especially when the image sensor is used for nighttime surveillance or in a dark place. In order to prevent the temperature rise of the image sensor, some image sensors use a cooling means such as a Peltier element to cool the image sensor before capturing an image.

[0003] However, when the image sensor is cooled, the temperature of the front window glass located in front of the image sensor drops, causing condensation to form on the image sensor side and on the subject side of the front window glass. Condensation on the front window glass can impair the quality of the captured image, so it is necessary to prevent condensation on the front window glass.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that prevents moisture from entering the sealed space by housing the imaging element in the sealed space, and prevents condensation on the imaging element side of the front windshield. It also discloses a technology that improves the heat insulating performance by making the front windshield a double-pane structure, prevents a drop in the temperature on the subject side of the front windshield, and prevents condensation on the subject side.

[0005] Some imaging devices can obtain a desired image according to the shooting environment by inserting and removing various optical filters, such as an IR (Infrared Right) cut filter or an ND (Neutral Density) filter, onto the optical axis. To insert and remove the optical filter, a filter insertion and removal mechanism must be placed between the imaging element and the lens mount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2007-274288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a front window glass and a space for a gap in front of the imaging element, so if the size of the imaging device is to be maintained, it is not possible to arrange a filter insertion / removal mechanism, or there is a risk that the number of types of optical filters that can be inserted and removed will decrease.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress the formation of condensation on the front windshield while avoiding an increase in the size of the imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention has an imaging element, a Peltier element arranged to cool the imaging element, a housing that contains the imaging element and the Peltier element and has an opening, a front window member that seals the opening, a fixing member that fixes the front window member to the housing, at least one driving unit that drives to insert or remove an optical filter onto the optical axis of the imaging element, and a heat transfer member that thermally connects the driving unit and the front window member. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image pickup device from becoming large in size and to suppress the formation of condensation on the front windshield. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] External view of the imaging device [Diagram 2] An exploded view showing the schematic configuration of the imaging device. [Diagram 3] External view of the sensor Peltier unit in the imaging device [Figure 4] Exploded view of the sensor Peltier unit in the imaging device [Diagram 5]Front view of the sensor Peltier unit and filter unit [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the sensor Peltier unit and filter unit [Figure 7] A partial exploded view of a filter unit in an imaging device. [Figure 8] External view of the sensor Peltier unit [Figure 9] Partially exploded view of the sensor Peltier unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <First embodiment> The schematic configuration of the imaging device will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external view of the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment, and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The imaging device 1 is composed of a mount unit 100 , a sensor Peltier unit 200 , a filter unit 300 , a duct unit 400 , a rear unit 500 , and an exterior panel 600 .

[0014] The mount unit 100 is composed of a mount structure to which a commonly known interchangeable lens (not shown) can be attached, and a metal base member. The user can attach and detach various interchangeable lenses according to the subject and shooting environment. Note that the mount structure for interchangeable lenses is well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0015] The sensor Peltier unit 200 includes an image sensor 240 therein, and is fixed to the mount unit 100. Light incident on the interchangeable lens and mount unit 100 along the optical axis shown in Fig. 1 is guided to the image sensor 240. Light received by the image sensor 240 is converted into electronic data, and image processed by the rear unit 500, which will be described later. The internal configuration of the sensor Peltier unit 200 will be described later.

[0016] The filter unit 300 is fixed between the mount on the mount unit 100 and the sensor Peltier unit 200. The filter unit 300 includes a plurality of optical filters therein and at least one filter drive motor 320 that drives the optical filters to be inserted or removed onto the optical axis of the image sensor 240. By driving the filter drive motor 320, a desired optical filter can be switched and positioned on the optical axis shown in Fig. 1. The configuration of the filter unit 300 will be described later.

[0017] The duct unit 400 is composed of at least one fan (not shown) and a structural material that supports the fan, and is configured to be able to take in and exhaust outside air from openings provided in an exterior panel 600 and a rear unit 500, which will be described later. An air path is configured so that the sensor Peltier unit 200 is cooled by the air flowing inside the imaging device 1 when it is taken in and exhausted.

[0018] The rear unit 500 includes a metal base part, at least one or more control boards, cable connectors, and switches. The image engine on the control board processes the electronic data acquired by the image sensor 240. By connecting to an external device via a cable connector, it becomes possible to view and save the captured data. In addition, the main body of the imaging device 1 can be controlled using the external device and switch connected via the cable connector. Here, the base part is made of aluminum die casting or the like so as to have sufficient strength to support and fix the switch and cable connector.

[0019] The exterior panel 600 is made of flat sheet metal or metal members, and is detachably attached to the mount unit 100 and the rear unit 500. The exterior panel 600 has an intake opening, and by connecting to the duct unit 400, it is possible to draw outside air into the inside of the imaging device body. On the other hand, the rear unit 500 has an exhaust opening, and by connecting to the duct unit 400, it is possible to exhaust air inside the imaging device 1 to the outside. The exterior panel 600 covers the exposed part inside the imaging device 1 between the mount unit 100 and the rear unit 500.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the sensor Peltier unit 200 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Figs. 3 and 4 are an external view and an exploded view, respectively, of the sensor Peltier unit 200 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view of the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter unit 300. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter unit 300 taken along dashed line B in Fig. 5.

[0021] The sensor Peltier unit 200 is a hollow, sealed housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It is composed of a top cover 250, which is a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped with two opposing open planes, and a metallic bottom cover 210 which serves as one lid of the top cover 250. A sealed space is further formed by a front window glass 252 which functions as the other lid of the top cover 250. The sensor Peltier unit 200 includes an image sensor 240, which will be described later, and a Peltier element 231 which cools the image sensor 240.

[0022] The bottom cover 210 is a flat plate-shaped part, and has a Peltier element mounting part 2101, which is a flat part for mounting a heat dissipation surface of a Peltier element 231 described later, at approximately the center of one side surface. The bottom cover 210 has a heat dissipation fin 220 on the opposite side of the Peltier element mounting part 2101, and the heat dissipation fin 220 is exposed in the air passage of the duct unit 400 described above. As a result, heat transferred from the Peltier element 231 to the bottom cover 210 and the heat dissipation fin 220 is discharged to the outside by the air in the air passage. The side of the Peltier element mounting part 2101 on the bottom cover 210 has an insertion hole (not shown), so that the signal lines of the Peltier element 231 and the image pickup element 240 described later can be drawn out to the outside. At this time, the gap between the signal line and the bottom cover 210 is sealed with an elastic member such as rubber or an adhesive, so that the signal line can be drawn out to the outside while maintaining the airtightness of the sensor Peltier unit 200.

[0023] Here, it is desirable that the material of the bottom cover 210 is a metal such as an aluminum alloy that has high airtightness and high thermal conductivity. Also, it is desirable that the Peltier element attachment portion 2101 has a surface with high flatness and low surface roughness in order to efficiently transfer the heat of the Peltier element 231 to the bottom cover 210.

[0024] The Peltier element 231 is disposed so that the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 231 contacts the Peltier element attachment portion 2101 on the bottom cover 210. A signal line for supplying power to the Peltier element 231 is connected to the control board through the aforementioned insertion hole.

[0025] The cooling block 233 is a solid, roughly rectangular parallelepiped component that is slightly larger than the Peltier element 231. The cooling block 233 is fastened to the bottom cover 210 by a plurality of fastening members 234 arranged around the Peltier element 231, with one side surface of the cooling block 233 being in contact with the cooling surface side of the Peltier element 231. In other words, the Peltier element 231 is sandwiched between the cooling block 233 and the bottom cover 210.

[0026] The imaging element 240 is fixed to the surface of the cooling block 233 opposite to the surface in contact with the Peltier element 231. When power is supplied to the Peltier element 231, heat moves from the cooling surface to the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 231. This allows the heat of the imaging element 240 to be transferred to the Peltier element 231 through the cooling block 233, thereby cooling the imaging element 240. In this manner, the Peltier element 231 is disposed so as to be able to cool the imaging element 240.

[0027] Here, the cooling block 233 is made of an aluminum alloy or the like with high thermal conductivity so as to efficiently transfer heat from the imaging element 240 to the cooling surface of the Peltier element 231. Also, in order to prevent heat from the bottom cover 210 from being transferred to the cooling block 233 via the fastening member 234, it is preferable that at least a portion of the fastening member 234 is made of a heat insulating material such as resin. More preferably, a heat insulating member made of resin or urethane is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the cooling block 233. This makes it possible to prevent heat from the bottom cover 210 from being transferred to the cooling block 233 through the air inside the sealed space.

[0028] The sensor cushion 241, which is substantially rectangular and has an opening, is disposed around the imaging element 240 so as to fill the gap between the substrate of the imaging element 240 and the top cover 250 described later. This prevents heat from the bottom cover 210 from being transferred to the imaging element 240 via the air inside the sealed space, and also prevents dust present inside the sealed space of the sensor Peltier unit 200 from adhering to the imaging surface of the imaging element 240.

[0029] The top cover 250 is a hollow, roughly rectangular parallelepiped part with openings on two opposing planes, and is fixed to the bottom cover 210 in a manner that compresses and holds the base packing 242, thereby forming a part of the sealed housing. The top cover 250 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy that has high sealing properties and high thermal conductivity. A rectangular groove is formed around the opening on the top cover 250 facing the mount unit 100, and a glass packing 251 of roughly the same shape as the groove is disposed therein.

[0030] Furthermore, a rectangular front window glass 252 is disposed as a front window member on the side of the glass packing 251 opposite to the top cover 250. The front window glass 252 is made of a material such as light-transmitting glass so that light incident from the mount unit 100 passes through to the imaging element 240. Here, the base packing 242 and the glass packing 251 are preferably made of an elastic body such as rubber. More preferably, butyl rubber or fluororubber, which are less permeable to moisture and have high sealing properties, are used.

[0031] The pressing part 260 as a fixing member is a sheet metal part, and is composed of a base part 2601 as a first part attached and fixed to the top cover 250, and a pressing part 2602 as a second part three-dimensionally formed therefrom. The pressing part 2602 has a pressing part opening 2603 which is a substantially rectangular opening. When the base part 2601 is fixed to the top cover 250, the pressing part 2602 presses and fixes the front window glass 252 and the glass packing 251 to the top cover 250. In other words, the glass packing 251 and the front window glass 252 are compressed and sandwiched by the top cover 250 and the pressing part 2602 of the pressing part 260. The glass packing 251 and the front window glass 252 close the opening of the top cover 250 on the mount unit 100 side, thereby sealing the sensor Peltier unit 200 (housing). The holding part opening 2603 is provided so as to substantially coincide with the optical axis so that the light incident from the mount unit 100 is transmitted to the imaging element 240. Here, the material of the holding part 260 is preferably aluminum or stainless steel sheet metal having sufficient strength for clamping the front window glass 252 and the glass packing 251.

[0032] A heat dissipation sheet 270 serving as a heat transfer member having thermal conductivity is disposed on the mount unit 100 side of the base portion 2601 of the pressing part 260 in a position facing the filter drive motor 320 described later, which will be described in more detail later.

[0033] Next, the configuration of filter unit 300 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 7 is a partial exploded view of filter unit 300 in this embodiment.

[0034] The filter unit 300 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped unit in which multiple optical filters (not shown) are movably arranged inside a filter case 310, and the desired optical filter can be switched and positioned on the optical axis by a filter drive motor 320 described below.

[0035] Filter case 310, which serves as a case member, is a hollow component having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has openings on two opposing planes so as to substantially coincide with the optical axis. Transparent, rectangular plate-shaped filter front window member 311 is attached and fixed to filter case 310 so as to cover the openings, and can prevent dust from entering filter unit 300. A plurality of optical filters (not shown) and a filter holding part (not shown) that holds the filters are movably housed in the internal space of filter case 310.

[0036] The filter drive motor 320 is composed of a motor 321 as a drive unit, a lead screw 322 corresponding to the output shaft of the motor 321, and a motor holding metal plate 323 that holds the motor 321 and the lead screw 322 so that they can be driven. The filter drive motor 320 is fixed to the filter unit 300 by attaching the motor holding metal plate 323 to the sensor Peltier unit 200 side on the filter case 310. At this time, when the filter drive motor 320 is driven, a driving force is transmitted by a transmission system (not shown), and the multiple optical filters can be moved. Note that the mechanism that transmits the driving force of the filter drive motor 320 and the configuration that switches and arranges the optical filters on the optical axis are known, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] As a result of the above, light incident from the mount unit 100 passes through the filter front window member 311, passes through the optical filter arranged on the optical axis, and then reaches the imaging element 240 of the sensor Peltier unit 200.

[0038] Hereinafter, a mechanism for preventing condensation from occurring on the subject side of the front window glass 252 without increasing the size of the space in front of the image sensor 240 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 will be described.

[0039] As described above, the heat dissipation sheet 270 is disposed on the holding part 260 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 at a position facing the filter drive motor 320 of the filter unit 300. When the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter unit 300 are respectively assembled to the mount unit 100, a certain gap is formed between the two units, and the heat dissipation sheet 270 is disposed so as to fill the gap. In other words, the heat dissipation sheet 270 is compressed and sandwiched by the holding part 260 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter drive motor 320 of the filter unit 300. As a result, heat generated when the filter drive motor 320 is driven is transferred in the following order: motor 321, motor holding metal plate 323, heat dissipation sheet 270, base part 2601 of the holding part 260, holding part 2602, and front window glass 252. In other words, the heat dissipation sheet (heat transfer member) 270 thermally connects the filter drive motor (drive unit) 320 and the front window glass (front window member) 252. This allows the front window glass 252 to be warmed by heat generated when the filter drive motor 320 is driven, and makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation on the front window glass 252. At this time, since it is not necessary to give the front window glass 252 a double window structure or to provide a gap between the double windows in order to prevent condensation from occurring on the front window glass 252 on the sensor Peltier unit 200 side, the sensor Peltier unit 200 does not become large in size.

[0040] The order in which heat from filter drive motor 320 is transmitted is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that the heat generated when filter drive motor 320 is driven is transmitted in the following order: motor 321, heat dissipation sheet 270, pressing part 260, and front window glass 252. For example, if motor 321 can be directly placed against heat dissipation sheet 270, it is not necessary to use motor holding metal plate 323. Similarly, heat dissipation sheet 270 may be disposed on pressing part 2602 of pressing part 260.

[0041] Filter drive motor 320 is fixed to filter case 310. The material of filter case 310 is preferably a material with high thermal insulation properties, such as resin. This allows heat from filter drive motor 320 to be transferred to heat dissipation sheet 270 without being diffused into filter case 310. Similarly, the material of retainer part 260 is preferably a metal such as an aluminum alloy with high thermal conductivity, so that heat transferred from heat dissipation sheet 270 is efficiently transferred to front window glass 252. This allows front window glass 252 to heat up more easily, and the occurrence of condensation can be further suppressed.

[0042] Condensation is most likely to occur in the front window glass 252 at a position near the center that coincides with the optical axis. Therefore, when the filter drive motor 320 is disposed on the long side of the imaging element 240, the path along which the heat of the filter drive motor 320 is transmitted to the center of the front window glass 252 is shortened, and condensation can be effectively prevented. In addition, when there are two or more filter drive motors 320, the front window glass 252 can be uniformly heated by disposing at least one pair of filter drive motors 320 line-symmetrically with respect to the optical axis.

[0043] As described above, the pressing part 260 is more preferably configured to press the front window glass 252 with the base part 2601 as the first part where the heat dissipation sheet 270 is arranged, and the pressing part 2602 as the second part three-dimensionally formed inside the base part 2601 and in the optical axis direction. In other words, it is desirable to arrange the second part at a position outside the first part with respect to the optical axis and closer to the imaging element. This allows the front window glass 252 and the filter drive motor 320 to be arranged alternately at the same position in the optical axis direction, and the thickness (distance) in the optical axis direction of the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter unit 300 can be reduced.

[0044] The filter drive motor 320 can increase the amount of heat generated by the motor 321 by increasing the power applied to the motor 321. Here, the more the power of the Peltier element 231 is increased, the lower the temperature of the image sensor 240 becomes, and the lower the temperature of the front window glass 252 becomes, so that condensation is more likely to occur. In other words, the control board (control unit) of the motor 321 adjusts the output of the motor 321 according to the output of the Peltier element 231. Therefore, by increasing or decreasing the power of the motor 321 according to the power of the Peltier element 231, the front window glass 252 can be heated more efficiently. More specifically, when the Peltier element 231 is not driven, the power of the motor 321 can be suppressed to a level at which the position of the optical filter can be maintained. On the other hand, when the output of the Peltier element 231 is increased, the power of the motor 321 can be increased to a level at which condensation does not occur on the front window glass 252, thereby suppressing power consumption and efficiently preventing condensation. In other words, the control board of the motor 321 controls the motor 321 so that the output of the motor 321 increases as the output of the Peltier element 231 increases. When filter drive motor 320 is a stepping motor or a servo motor, increasing or decreasing the power applied to motor 321 increases or decreases the holding torque, but the position of the optical filter does not change.

[0045] Second Embodiment The general configuration of the main body of the imaging device 1, which is composed of the mount unit 100, the sensor Peltier unit 200, the filter unit 300, the duct unit 400, the rear unit 500, and the exterior panel 600, is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the configuration for dissipating heat from the Peltier element 231 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 to the outside air from the heat dissipation fins 220 and the configuration for cooling the imaging element 240 by the Peltier element 231 are also the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Similarly, the configuration for switching and arranging the multiple optical filters in the filter unit 300 by the filter drive motor 320 is also the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] The configuration around the pressing part 260 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is an external view of a sensor Peltier unit 200 in the second embodiment, and Figure 9 is a partial exploded view of the sensor Peltier unit in the second embodiment.

[0047] Graphite sheet 280 shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is a heat transfer member made of graphite, which has a high thermal conductivity. It is composed of a hollow rectangular portion 2801 and arm portions 2802 extending from the rectangular portion in the circumferential direction, and is disposed on the subject side of front window glass 252 so that the hollow portion is approximately aligned with the optical axis. Holding part 260 is composed of base portion 2601 as a first portion attached and fixed to top cover 250, and holding portion 2602 as a second portion formed three-dimensionally from the base portion and holding front window glass 252. Furthermore, base portion 2601 has insertion portion 2604, which is a notched opening, through which arm portion 2802 of graphite sheet 280 described above can pass. Holding portion 2602 has holding part opening 2603, so that light incident from mount unit 100 can be delivered to image sensor 240 without being blocked. As described above, holding part 260 is fixed to top cover 250 with arm portion 2802 of graphite sheet 280 passing through insertion portion 2604. As a result, glass packing 251, front window glass 252, and graphite sheet 280 are compressed and sandwiched between top cover 250 and holding part 260. Graphite sheet cushion 283, which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped cushioning material, is attached and fixed to the subject side of base portion 2601 of holding part 260 at a position facing filter drive motor 320. Arm portion 2802 of graphite sheet 280 exposed on the subject side of holding part 260 through insertion portion 2604 is attached and fixed to the subject side of graphite sheet cushion 283, completing sensor Peltier unit 200.

[0048] Hereinafter, a mechanism for preventing condensation from occurring on the subject side of the front window glass 252 without increasing the size of the space in front of the image sensor 240 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 will be described.

[0049] As described above, the graphite sheet cushion 283 and the arm portion 2802 of the graphite sheet 280 are disposed on the pressing part 260 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 at a position facing the filter drive motor 320 of the filter unit 300. Here, the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter unit 300 are respectively assembled to the mount unit 100. There is a certain gap between the two units, and the graphite sheet cushion 283 and the arm portion 2802 of the graphite sheet 280 are disposed so as to fill the gap. In other words, the graphite sheet cushion 283 and the arm portion 2802 of the graphite sheet 280 are compressed and sandwiched by the pressing part 260 of the sensor Peltier unit 200 and the filter drive motor 320 of the filter unit 300. As a result, heat generated when filter drive motor 320 is driven is transferred in the following order: motor 321, motor holding metal plate 323, arm portion 2802 of graphite sheet 280, rectangular portion 2801, and front window glass 252. That is, the front window glass 252 can be warmed by the heat generated when filter drive motor 320 is driven. At this time, since it is not necessary to make front window glass 252 have a double window structure or to provide a gap between the double windows, it is possible to prevent condensation on front window glass 252 while ensuring space for filter unit 300.

[0050] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0051] The front window glass 252 is made of a transparent glass material, but may be made of a resin part such as transparent polycarbonate as long as moisture does not penetrate into the sealed space inside the sensor Peltier unit 200. Also, if necessary, a translucent member having optical properties such as a low-pass filter or a high-pass filter may be used. The base packing 242 and the glass packing 251 are made of butyl rubber or fluororubber, but may be made of other elastic materials such as silicone rubber as long as the sealed property of the sensor Peltier unit 200 is maintained. Also, various packings may be omitted as long as the sealed property of the sensor Peltier unit 200 is maintained. Sheets or grease for increasing thermal conductivity may be applied to the contact surfaces between components that transfer heat, such as between the Peltier element 231 and the bottom cover 210, and between the cooling block 233 and the imaging element 240. Conversely, if sufficient heat is transferred between the components, the heat dissipation sheets and grease may be omitted.

[0052] The material of pressing part 260 may be a cut part made of metal such as aluminum, so long as it has sufficient strength to hold front window glass 252 and glass packing 251 and has high thermal conductivity. Graphite sheet 280 is a sheet material based on graphite, but it may be a metal plate such as a copper plate, so long as it has high thermal conductivity.

[0053] If the drive source generates heat and the optical filter can be switched and positioned by a transmission mechanism, filter drive motor 320 of filter unit 300 may be a drive mechanism such as a gear or a rack and pinion. Also, if motor 321 can be fixed to filter case 310 so as to enable the position of the optical filter to be switched, motor holding metal plate 323 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Imaging device 100 Mounting Units 200 Sensor Peltier Unit 210 Bottom cover 2101 Peltier element mounting part 220 Heat dissipation fin 231 Peltier element 233 Cooling Block 234 Fastening members 240 Image sensor 241 Sensor Cushion 242 Base packing 250 Top cover 251 Glass packing 252 Front window glass 260 Clamping parts 2601 Base 2602 Clamp 2603 Pressing part opening 2604 Insertion part 270 Heat dissipation sheet 280 Graphite Sheet 2801 Rectangular part 2802 Arm 283 Graphite Seat Cushion 300 Filter Unit 310 Filter Case 311 Filter front window member 320 Filter drive motor 321 Motor 322 Lead screw 323 Motor holding plate 400 Duct unit 500 Rear unit 600 Exterior Panel

Claims

1. An imaging element; A Peltier element arranged to be able to cool the imaging element; a housing containing the imaging element and the Peltier element and having an opening; a light-transmitting front window member disposed on an optical axis of the image sensor, the front window member sealingly sealing the housing by covering the opening; At least one driving unit that drives an optical filter to insert or remove it onto or from an optical axis of the image sensor; a heat transfer member that thermally connects the drive unit and the front window member; An imaging device comprising:

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer member is a heat dissipation sheet.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is a graphite sheet.

4. The front window member may further include a fixing member that fixes the front window member to the opening. the fixing member thermally connects the heat transfer member and the front window member, 4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein heat from the drive unit is transferred in the order of the heat transfer member, the fixing member, and the front window member.

5. a case member for holding the drive unit, The case member is made of resin, 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the fixing member is made of a metal having thermal conductivity.

6. the fixing member has a first portion facing the drive unit and a second portion fixing the front window member, The imaging device according to claim 4 , wherein the first portion is disposed on an outer side of the second portion and on the imaging element side with respect to the optical axis.

7. two driving units that drive the optical filter to insert or remove the optical filter onto or from an optical axis of the image sensor; 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the two drive sections are arranged in line symmetry with respect to an optical axis of the imaging element.

8. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one driving section is disposed on a long side of the imaging element.

9. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls an output of the at least one driving unit in response to an output of the Peltier element.

10. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the at least one driving unit so that the output of the at least one driving unit increases as the output of the Peltier element increases.

Images