Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To reduce a drive load according to an attached lens unit with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: In an imaging apparatus 100, a lens unit 1 is attachable to / detachable from an imaging unit 2 having an imaging element 21. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a main support member 4 which has a camera support part 41 for supporting the imaging unit 2, a lens support member 45 which supports the lens unit 1 and is fixed to the main support member 4, and a tilt rotation support member 5 which incorporates a tilt driving device for rotating the main support member 4 around a tilt rotation axis T. In a projection surface in the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis T, the camera support part 41 of the main support member 4 and the lens support member 45 are in positions generally opposite to each other across the tilt rotation axis T.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of changing an imaging direction by a rotational operation. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an imaging device that includes a camera unit that includes an imaging unit and a lens unit, that allows the lens unit to be replaced with respect to the imaging unit, and that allows the imaging direction to be changed by panning and tilting the camera unit. The weight and center of gravity of the camera unit change depending on the lens unit attached to the imaging unit. In other words, the weight and center of gravity of the camera unit with respect to the pan rotation axis and the tilt rotation axis change depending on the lens unit attached to the imaging unit. As a result, when the load on the drive unit that drives the camera unit increases, problems such as increased power consumption and inability to drive smoothly arise.

[0003] Technologies that are considered applicable to such problems are disclosed, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 describes a pan head on which a lens-interchangeable imaging device is mounted so as to be rotatable in pan and tilt directions, the pan head having a load moment offset mechanism that offsets a load moment generated in the direction of gravity due to the weight of the imaging device. Patent Document 2 also discloses a pan head on which a lens-interchangeable imaging device is mounted so as to be rotatable in pan and tilt directions, the pan head having a weight movably disposed at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction, thereby keeping the value of the moment around the rotation axis within a predetermined range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-229578 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-123407 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the techniques disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to suppress an increase in the drive load by suppressing an increase in the load moment. However, the techniques disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 and 2 have problems such as a complicated structure, increased weight, and increased size due to the provision of a load moment offsetting mechanism and a mechanism for moving the weight.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an imaging device that is rotatably equipped with a camera unit that allows the lens unit to be replaced, and that has a simple configuration and enables driving with a reduced driving load according to the attached lens unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging device of the present invention comprises an imaging unit to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, a first support member having a support portion that supports the imaging unit, a second support member that supports the lens unit attached to the imaging unit and is fixed to the first support member, and a first rotating support member equipped with a tilt drive device that rotates the first support member around a tilt rotation axis, and is characterized in that, within a projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis, the support portion of the first support member and the second support member are positioned approximately opposite each other across the tilt rotation axis. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an imaging device is provided that is rotatably equipped with a camera unit that allows the lens unit to be replaced, and it is possible to drive the device with a reduced drive load according to the attached lens unit with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side view of a camera unit support section and its vicinity in the imaging device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a front view of a filter switching unit included in the imaging device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filter switching unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a camera unit and a main support member of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a camera unit and a main support member of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a camera unit and a main support member of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 100.

[0012] The imaging device 100 includes a camera unit 3 that includes a lens unit 1 and an imaging unit 2. The lens unit 1 is detachable from the imaging unit 2, and various lens units 1 with different lens configurations can be attached to the imaging unit 2 according to needs. For example, the lens unit 1 includes a fixed lens, a zoom lens, and a focus lens. The fixed lens is fixed at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction, the zoom lens moves in the optical axis direction to perform a magnification change operation (zooming), and the focus lens moves in the optical axis direction to perform a focusing operation (focusing). The lens unit 1 also includes an electric zoom unit 101 that performs zooming and focusing by electrically driving the zoom lens and focus lens in the optical axis direction.

[0013] The imaging unit 2 includes a housing 20, a circuit board 24 disposed inside the housing 20, an imaging element 21 mounted on the circuit board 24, and a rear plate 23 that closes the rear of the housing 20. A mount section 22 for attaching and detaching the lens unit 1 is provided on the front of the housing 20. The mount section 22 has a so-called bayonet structure and includes three claws (not shown) that engage with claws (not shown) of the lens unit 1. A light beam that passes through the lens unit 1 attached to the imaging unit 2 forms an image on the imaging element 21, and the imaging element 21 converts the optical image into image data. The optical axis of the imaging element 21 passes through the center of the imaging surface and is perpendicular to the imaging surface. In addition, when the lens unit 1 is attached to the imaging unit 2, the optical axes of the imaging element 21 and the lens unit 1 coincide with each other. The imaging element 21 may be a known one, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] The imaging device 100 has a camera unit support portion that holds the camera unit 3 so that the camera unit 3 can be tilted and rotated. Fig. 3 is a diagram (side view) of the camera unit support portion and its vicinity as viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis T.

[0015] The camera unit support part has a main support member 4, a tilt rotation support member 5 (omitted in FIG. 3), a lens support member 45 (second support member), a lens fixing member 46, and a lens holding member 102. The camera unit 3 and the camera unit support part constitute a tilt driven part.

[0016] The two lens support members 45 are fixed to the main support member 4 so as to be approximately parallel (substantially parallel) to the optical axis direction of the lens unit 1 (camera unit 3). The method of fixing the lens support members 45 to the main support member 4 is not particularly limited. For example, the lens support members 45 can be fixed to the main support member 4 by press-fitting them into holes provided in the main support member 4. Alternatively, a male thread may be formed at one end of the lens support member 45 and a female thread may be provided in the main support member 4, and the male thread and the female thread may be screwed together. Furthermore, the lens support members 45 and the main support member 4 may be integrally molded.

[0017] The lens fixing member 46 has two holes through which the two lens support members 45 are inserted. The lens fixing member 46 is a sliding member that is inserted into the two lens support members 45 in a state in which it can slide in the optical axis direction, which is the thrust axis direction of the lens support member 45, until the optical axis direction position of the camera unit 3 is determined. The number of lens support members 45 may be one or three or more, and the lens fixing member 46 may have holes in the number corresponding to the number of the lens support members 45. Also, a cutout may be provided around the hole of the lens fixing member 46, and the lens support member 45 may be fitted into a groove-shaped (C-shaped) space of the lens fixing member 46.

[0018] The lens holding member 102 is a connecting member that connects the lens unit 1 and the lens fixing member 46, and has a ring-shaped portion that is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the lens unit 1, and an arm portion that extends from the ring-shaped portion to the lens fixing member 46. The arm portion of the lens holding member 102 is fixed to the lens fixing member 46 with a screw (not shown).

[0019] There are two modes for the attachment state of the ring-shaped portion of the lens holding member 102 to the lens unit 1. In the first mode, the ring-shaped portion cannot move in the optical axis direction at a predetermined position of the lens unit 1, but is held rotatably with respect to the lens unit 1 about the optical axis as the central axis. The first mode is used when it is necessary to attach and detach the lens unit 1 to and from the imaging unit 2 with the lens fixing member 46 inserted into the lens support member 45.

[0020] The second mode is a mode in which the ring-shaped portion is fixed at a predetermined position of the lens unit 1 (that is, movement in the optical axis direction and rotation about the optical axis are restricted). The second mode is adopted in the case where the lens unit 1 can be attached to and detached from the imaging unit 2 without inserting the lens fixing member 46 into the lens support member 45, and the lens fixing member 46 can be inserted into the lens support member 45 by moving the camera unit 3 in the optical axis direction. Note that in the second mode, the positional relationship between the protrusion 20a of the imaging unit 2 and the lens holding member 102 and the lens fixing member 46 in a state in which the lens unit 1 is attached to the imaging unit 2 must be strictly controlled. Note that the lens holding member 102 may be configured in the first mode, or may be configured in the second mode.

[0021] The main support member 4 has a camera support part 41 that supports the imaging unit 2 movably in the optical axis direction. A groove 41m (see FIG. 4) having a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the optical axis direction is provided on the lower surface side of the camera support part 41 so as to extend in the optical axis direction. Meanwhile, a protrusion 20a that engages with the groove 41m is provided on the upper surface of the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2. The imaging unit 2 is movable in the optical axis direction while suspended from the camera support part 41, and can be fixed to the camera support part 41 by a clamp member (not shown).

[0022] The length of the camera support part 41 in the direction parallel to the tilt rotation axis T (hereinafter also referred to as the "width direction") is shorter than the length of the imaging unit 2, and therefore a part of the width direction of the upper surface of the imaging unit 2 is exposed to the outside. This makes it possible to grasp the imaging unit 2 (camera unit 3) and easily move it in the optical axis direction when positioning the camera unit 3.

[0023] Replacement (attachment / detachment) of the lens unit 1 with respect to the imaging unit 2 and positioning and fixing of the camera unit 3 in the optical axis direction can be performed as follows, for example, when the lens holding member 102 is in the first mode described above. That is, when the lens holding member 102 is in the first mode described above, first, the protrusion 20a of the imaging unit 2 is engaged with the groove 41m of the camera support part 41, and the lens fixing member 46 is inserted into the lens support member 45 to be slidable relative to the lens support member 45. In this state, the lens unit 1 is bayonet-coupled to the imaging unit 2. In bayonet coupling, the lens unit 1 generally needs to be rotated by a certain angle relative to the imaging unit 2, but since the lens unit 1 is rotatable relative to the ring-shaped part of the lens holding member 102, there is no problem in attaching and detaching the lens unit 1.

[0024] When the lens unit 1 is attached to the imaging unit 2, the camera unit (lens unit 1 and imaging unit 2) is movable in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the user positions the camera unit in the optical axis direction and fixes the lens fixing member 46 to the lens support member 45 with a clamp member (not shown). Then, the user can fix the camera unit 3 to a predetermined position in the optical axis direction by fixing the imaging unit 2 to the camera support part 41 of the main support member 4 with a clamp (not shown) or the like.

[0025] When removing the lens unit 1 from the imaging unit 2, the lens fixing member 46 is released from the lens support member 45 by a clamp member (not shown), the bayonet connection between the lens unit 1 and the imaging unit 2 is released, and the lens unit 1 is pulled forward.

[0026] When the lens holding member 102 is in the above-mentioned second mode, the lens unit 1 is bayonet-coupled to the imaging unit 2 in a state in which the protrusion 20a of the imaging unit 2 engages with the groove 41m of the camera support part 41 and the lens fixing member 46 is not inserted into the lens support member 45. Next, the camera unit 3 is slid in the optical axis direction to insert the lens fixing member 46 into the lens support member 45, and the lens fixing member 46 is fixed to the lens support member 45 at a predetermined position, and the imaging unit 2 is fixed to the camera support part 41. The lens unit 1 can be removed from the imaging unit 2 by reversing the procedure.

[0027] The main support member 4 is provided with a tilt rotation shaft portion 42, and the main support member 4 is supported by the tilt rotation support member 5 at the tilt rotation shaft portion 42 so as to be rotatable about the tilt rotation axis T. The tilt rotation support member 5 is equipped with a tilt rotation drive device (first rotation drive device (not shown)) that rotates the main support member 4 about the tilt rotation shaft portion 42 (tilt rotation axis T), and tilting the main support member 4 causes the tilt driven portion to tilt rotate.

[0028] The imaging device 100 includes a pan rotation support member 6 that supports the tilt rotation support member 5 rotatably about a pan rotation axis P (second rotation axis). The pan rotation support member 6 is equipped with a pan rotation drive device (second rotation drive device (not shown)), and by panning the tilt rotation support member 5, the camera unit 3 and the camera unit support part can be pan-rotated integrally with the tilt rotation support member 5.

[0029] The imaging device 100 has the following advantages due to the above configuration. First, the camera unit 3 can be easily moved in the optical axis direction and fixed. Therefore, when the lens unit 1 is replaced with respect to the imaging unit 2, the position of the center of gravity of the tilt driven part relative to the tilt rotation axis T in the optical axis direction can be easily adjusted and fixed to a position where the driving load during tilt rotation driving is small (near the tilt rotation axis T). Second, the camera support part 41 that supports the imaging unit 2 in the main support member 4 and the lens support member 45 that supports the lens unit 1 are provided at positions that are substantially opposite each other across the tilt rotation axis T in the projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis T. This makes it possible to suppress the load moment around the tilt axis due to its own weight during tilt rotation, so that the tilt rotation driving can be performed under a small driving load. These advantages can be particularly noticeable when a lens unit to which a heavy device such as the electric zoom unit 101 is attached or a heavy lens unit such as a telephoto lens unit with a long focal length is attached.

[0030] The lens unit 1 and the imaging unit 2 are electrically connected by a mount section 22, and a control IC (not shown) provided in the imaging unit 2 can obtain information about the lens unit 1 and control the driving of the lens unit 1. The control IC also holds information about the center of gravity and weight of the imaging unit 2 and each member (excluding the lens unit 1) connected to the imaging unit 2. Based on the information about the imaging unit 2 and the information obtained from the lens unit 1, the control IC calculates the position in the optical axis direction of the camera unit 3 for bringing the center of gravity of the tilt driven part closer to the tilt rotation axis T, and presents it to the user.

[0031] The method of presenting to the user is not particularly limited. For example, a configuration can be used in which a scale along the groove 41m provided in the camera support part 41 of the main support member 4 is engraved or printed on the camera support part 41, and the position of the front or rear of the housing 20 is presented by the graduations of the scale. The presentation of the position of the camera unit 3 in the optical axis direction can be displayed on a monitor if the imaging device 100 has a monitor, or can be displayed on a predetermined application started on the user's smartphone if the imaging device 100 has a wireless communication function. It is also possible to calculate the position of the camera unit 3 in the optical axis direction by a predetermined application on the smartphone using model number information of the lens unit 1, the imaging unit 2, and the imaging device 100.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the filter switching unit 200 provided in the imaging unit 2. Inside the imaging unit 2, between the mount portion 22 and the imaging element 21, the filter switching unit 200 that enables an optical filter to be inserted and removed from the incident light path to the imaging element 21 inside the imaging unit 2 is disposed.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a front view of the filter switching unit 200, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the filter switching unit 200. The filter switching unit 200 has ND filters 201, 202 as an example of an optical filter. Fig. 4(a) shows a state in which the ND filters 201, 202 are retracted from the optical path of the imaging unit 2, and Fig. 4(b) shows a state in which the ND filters 201, 202 are inserted into the optical path of the imaging unit 2. Note that in order to clarify the insertion and removal directions of the ND filters 201, 202, the position of the camera support part 41 with respect to the filter switching unit 200 is indicated by a dashed line in Figs. 4(a) and (b).

[0034] The ND filters 201 and 202 are held by filter holders 203 and 204, respectively. The filter holder 203 is held by a guide member 205a fixed to a frame member 206, and is movable in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, which is the axial direction of the guide member 205a. Similarly, the filter holder 204 is held by a guide member 205b fixed to the frame member 206, and is movable in the axial direction of the guide member 205b.

[0035] Rack portions 207 and 208 are attached to the filter holders 203 and 204, respectively. Stepping motors 209 and 210 are fixed to the frame member 206 with screws (not shown) or the like as drive sources for inserting and removing the ND filters 201 and 202 into and from the optical path in the imaging unit 2. Gears 211 and 212 attached to the stepping motors 209 and 210, respectively, mesh with the rack portions 207 and 208.

[0036] The stepping motors 209 and 210 can be driven independently. Thus, by driving the stepping motor 209, the filter holder 203 is driven in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the ND filter 201 is inserted into or removed from the optical path in the imaging unit 2. Similarly, by driving the stepping motor 210, the filter holder 204 is driven in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and the ND filter 202 is inserted into or removed from the optical path in the imaging unit 2.

[0037] At this time, by setting the retraction direction of the ND filters 201, 202 to the opposite side of the camera support part 41 across the optical path of the imaging unit 2, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the imaging device 100. In this embodiment, the ND filters 201, 202 are taken up as optical filters that can be inserted and removed by the filter switching unit 200, but this is not limited thereto, and the insertable and removable member may be an infrared light cut filter, a polarizing filter, a light blocking member, or the like, depending on the shooting environment and the shooting purpose.

[0038] Note that the configuration of the imaging device 100 excluding the camera unit 3 can be defined as a "pan-tilt rotatable tripod head," and since the above-mentioned effects can be obtained by using the tripod head of this embodiment, the tripod head is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] <Second embodiment> Regarding the parts and members of the imaging devices according to the second to fourth embodiments, the same names and symbols are used for parts and members equivalent to those of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the second to fourth embodiments, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0040] 6 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 and the main support member 4a in the imaging device according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the camera support part 41 is provided substantially parallel to the optical axis of the lens unit 1 and opposed to the upper surface of the imaging unit 2, and supports the imaging unit 2 movably in the optical axis direction. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the camera support parts 41a of the main support member 4 are provided parallel to the optical axis of the lens unit 1 and opposed to both side surfaces of the imaging unit 2, and supports the imaging unit 2 movably in the optical axis direction.

[0041] The camera support part 41a has a groove formed therein similar to the groove 41m provided in the camera support part 41. Also, a protrusion (not shown) that engages with the groove provided in the camera support part 41a is provided on the side surface of the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2.

[0042] With this configuration, the entire upper surface of the imaging unit 2 and the side surface near the upper surface are exposed to the outside, so that the imaging unit 2 (camera unit 3) can be easily moved in the optical axis direction and its position adjusted. Therefore, when the lens unit 1 is replaced with respect to the imaging unit 2, the position of the center of gravity of the camera unit 3 relative to the tilt rotation axis T in the optical axis direction can be easily adjusted and fixed to a position where the driving load during tilt rotation driving is small. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the camera support part 41a that supports the imaging unit 2 in the main support member 4a and the lens support member 45 that supports the lens unit 1 are provided at positions that are substantially opposite to each other across the tilt rotation axis T in the axial projection plane of the tilt rotation axis T. This makes it possible to suppress the load moment around the tilt axis due to its own weight during tilt rotation, so that the tilt rotation driving can be performed under a small driving load.

[0043] <Third embodiment> 7 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 and main support member 4b in the imaging device according to the third embodiment. The main support member 4b has a camera support part 41b facing the upper surface of the imaging unit 2, and a long hole 41c extending in the optical axis direction is formed in the camera support part 41b. An operation part 44 is attached to the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2 by penetrating the long hole 41c. A user can easily move the imaging unit 2 (camera unit 3) to a desired position in the optical axis direction by holding the operation part 44 with his / her fingers.

[0044] The operation unit 44 may be configured to be screwed into the housing 20. In this case, by loosening the screwing of the operation unit 44 into the housing 20, the imaging unit 2 can be moved in the optical axis direction by pinching the operation unit 44. After the imaging unit 2 has been moved to a predetermined position, the operation unit 44 can be screwed into the housing 20, whereby the camera support part 41b is sandwiched between the operation unit 44 and the housing 20 to fix the imaging unit 2.

[0045] The other configurations are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0046] <Fourth embodiment> 8 is a perspective view of the camera unit 3 and main support member 4c in the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment. The main support member 4c has a camera support part 41d that faces the upper surface of the imaging unit 2. The camera support part 41d has a function of supporting the imaging unit 2 in a manner similar to the first embodiment, and also serves as an accessory mounting part that allows various accessories to be attached and detached.

[0047] 8 shows, as an example, a state in which the display device 7 is fixed to the camera support part 41d with a screw (not shown). Other examples of accessories that can be attached to and detached from the camera support part 41d include a sound pickup microphone and a lighting device. In this embodiment, it is possible to improve the expandability of the imaging device while obtaining the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0048] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit to which a lens unit can be attached and detached; a first support member having a support portion that supports the imaging unit; a second support member that supports the lens unit attached to the imaging unit and is fixed to the first support member; and a first rotating support member equipped with a tilt drive device that rotates the first support member around a tilt rotation axis, wherein, within a projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis, the support portion of the first support member and the second support member are positioned approximately opposite each other across the tilt rotation axis. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, further comprising: a sliding member arranged slidably relative to the second support member; a connecting member connecting the lens unit and the sliding member; and a fixing member fixing the sliding member to the second support member. (Configuration 3) The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2, wherein the support portion supports the imaging unit on a surface approximately parallel to the optical axis of an imaging element provided in the imaging unit and the tilt rotation axis so as to move the imaging unit in a direction parallel to the optical axis. (Configuration 4) The imaging device described in Configuration 3, characterized in that the support portion has a groove extending in the optical axis direction of the imaging element, the imaging unit has a protrusion portion that engages with the groove, and the imaging unit is suspended on the support portion with the protrusion portion engaged with the groove. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the length of the support portion in the axial direction of the tilt rotation shaft is shorter than the length of the imaging unit. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the first support member also serves as an accessory mounting section that allows an accessory to be attached and detached. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to configuration 3, wherein the support portion has a slot extending in the optical axis direction of the imaging element, and is provided with an operation portion that passes through the slot and is connected to the imaging unit. (Configuration 8) An imaging device described in any one of configurations 3 to 7, characterized in that the imaging unit has a filter switching unit that inserts and removes an optical filter into and from the incident light path to the imaging element, and the retraction direction of the optical filter is the opposite side of the support part across the incident light path. (Configuration 9) The imaging device described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the support portion supports the imaging unit on a surface that is approximately parallel to the optical axis of the imaging unit and approximately perpendicular to the tilt rotation axis, so as to move the imaging unit in a direction parallel to the optical axis. (Configuration 10) An imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a second rotating support member equipped with a pan drive device that rotates the imaging unit, the first support member, the second support member, and the first rotating support member integrally around a pan rotation axis. (Configuration 11) A tripod head comprising: a first support member having a support portion that supports an imaging unit having an image sensor; a second support member that supports a lens unit attached to the imaging unit and is fixed to the first support member; a sliding member arranged to be slidable relative to the second support member; a connecting member that connects the lens unit and the sliding member; a fixing member that fixes the sliding member to the second support member; and a rotating support member equipped with a tilt drive device that rotates the first support member around a tilt rotation axis, wherein, within a projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis, the support portion and the second support member are positioned approximately opposite each other across the tilt rotation axis.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned embodiments merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Lens unit 2 Imaging unit 3 Camera unit 4,4a,4b,4c Main support member 5 Tilt rotation support member 6 Pan rotation support member 7 Display device 20. Cabinet 21 Image sensor 41, 41a, 41b, 41d Camera support 44 Control section 45 Lens support member 46 Lens fixing member 100 Imaging device 102 Lens holding member 200 Filter Switching Unit

Claims

1. an imaging unit to which a lens unit can be attached and detached; a first support member having a support portion that supports the imaging unit; a second support member that supports a lens unit attached to the imaging unit and is fixed to the first support member; a first rotation support member equipped with a tilt drive device that rotates the first support member about a tilt rotation axis; an imaging device characterized in that, within a projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis, the support portion of the first support member and the second support member are positioned approximately opposite each other across the tilt rotation axis.

2. A sliding member slidably disposed relative to the second support member; a connecting member that connects the lens unit and the sliding member; The imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fixing member that fixes the sliding member to the second support member.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion supports the imaging unit on a surface substantially parallel to an optical axis of an imaging element included in the imaging unit and the tilt rotation axis so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

4. the support portion has a groove extending in a direction of an optical axis of the image sensor, the imaging unit has a protrusion that engages with the groove, 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the imaging unit is suspended and supported by the support portion with the protrusion engaged with the groove.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the length of the support portion in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the imaging unit.

6. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first support member also serves as an accessory mounting portion that allows an accessory to be attached and detached.

7. the support portion has a slot extending in a direction of an optical axis of the image sensor, The imaging device according to claim 3 , further comprising an operation section that passes through the slot and is connected to the imaging unit.

8. the imaging unit has a filter switching unit that inserts and removes an optical filter into and from an incident light path to the imaging element; 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the optical filter is retracted toward an opposite side of the incident light path from the support portion.

9. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion supports the imaging unit on a surface that is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the imaging unit and substantially perpendicular to the tilt rotation axis, so as to move the imaging unit in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

10. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a second rotating support member equipped with a pan drive device that rotates the imaging unit, the first support member, the second support member and the first rotating support member integrally around a pan rotation axis.

11. a first support member having a support portion for supporting an imaging unit having an imaging element; a second support member that supports a lens unit attached to the imaging unit and is fixed to the first support member; A sliding member slidably disposed relative to the second support member; a connecting member that connects the lens unit and the sliding member; a fixing member that fixes the sliding member to the second support member; a rotation support member equipped with a tilt drive device that rotates the first support member about a tilt rotation axis; A pan head characterized in that, within a projection plane when viewed from the axial direction of the tilt rotation shaft, the support portion and the second support member are positioned substantially opposite each other with the tilt rotation shaft in between.

Images