Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To facilitate the adjustment of the centroid position of a driven rotation part and to reduce a drive load.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 2, a main support member 4 which supports the imaging unit 2 so that the position in the optical axis direction of the imaging unit 2 is adjustable, a lens support base 27 and a slide support member 28 which are connected to the imaging unit 2, a lens fixing member 29 which is slidable in the optical axis direction with respect to the slide support member 28, a lens holding member 102 which is connected to a lens unit 1 and fixed to the lens fixing member 29, a clamp which fixes the lens fixing member 29 to the slide support member 28, and a tilt rotation support member 6 which has a tilt drive device for tilt-rotating the main support member 4 and is configured so that the lens unit 1, the imaging unit 2, the lens support base 27, the slide support member 28 and the lens fixing member 29 fixed by the clamp, and the lens holding member 102 are integrally movable in the optical axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 consisting of 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 (hereinafter referred to as "pan-tilt rotation"). 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 to be 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 capable of pan-tilting and rotatably moving, the pan head having a load moment canceling mechanism that cancels 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 device having a movement mechanism that moves the imaging device to a predetermined position while maintaining a horizontal angle according to a mode set in the imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-229578 A [Patent Document 2] JP2007-25378A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, a screw-type operation member is inserted into an elongated hole in the base and screwed into the camera body, and after positioning, the operation member is rotated to tighten and fix the camera body to the base. Therefore, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction must be performed while supporting the camera unit, which increases the workload when the camera unit is heavy.

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 above makes it possible to adjust the position of the center of gravity of the driven part relative to the pan rotation axis, but it is not possible to adjust the position of the center of gravity of the driven part relative to the tilt axis, which can result in a large drive load during tilt rotation drive.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an imaging device that has a rotatable camera unit with a replaceable lens unit, which allows easy adjustment of the center of gravity position of the rotating driven part and enables driving with reduced drive load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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 that supports the imaging unit so that the position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction can be adjusted, a second support member connected to the imaging unit, a sliding member arranged to be slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the second support member, a connecting member that is connected to the lens unit attached to the imaging unit and fixed to the sliding member, a first fixing member that fixes the sliding member to the second 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 the imaging unit, the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, the connecting member, the second support member fixed by the first fixing member, and the sliding member are all movable together in the optical axis direction. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in an imaging device that rotatably mounts a camera unit with an interchangeable lens unit, the center of gravity position of the rotated driven part can be easily adjusted, and driving with a reduced drive load is possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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] 13 is a side view of a tilted driven portion in an imaging device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tilted drive portion of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a side view of a tilt driven portion in an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tilted drive portion of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart of an initial operation in an imaging device including the tilt driven unit of FIGS. 3 and 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The imaging device 100 has a camera unit support section that holds the camera unit 3 so that it can tilt rotate. The camera unit support section has a main support member 4, a tilt rotation support member 6, a lens support base 27, a sliding support member 28, a lens fixing member 29, and a lens holding member 102. The lens unit 1, the camera unit 3, and the camera unit support section constitute a rotationally driven section (hereinafter referred to as the "tilt driven section") that is rotationally driven around the tilt rotation axis T as the central axis.

[0016] The main support member 4 has a support base 41 that supports the imaging unit 2 so that the position in the optical axis direction can be adjusted. Two arms 42 extend from the end of the support base 41 in the tilt axis direction in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens unit 1 and the axial direction of the tilt rotation axis T.

[0017] A groove 41m extending in the optical axis direction is formed on the upper surface of the support base 41, and a protrusion 20a that engages with the groove 41m is provided on the lower surface (the surface facing the support base 41) of the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2. With the protrusion 20a engaged with the groove 41m, the imaging unit 2 is supported by the support base 41 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction.

[0018] The imaging unit 2 includes a clamp 25 for fixing the imaging unit 2 to the support base 41 of the main support member 4. The clamp 25 is exposed on the rear side of the imaging unit 2, and has a screw portion whose axial direction is the pan axis direction. By tightening the clamp 25, the bottom plate of the imaging unit 2 (housing 20) is pressed against the support base 41 of the main support member 4, and the imaging unit 2 (housing 20) is fixed to the support base 41.

[0019] The lens support base 27 is fixed to the imaging unit 2 with a screw (not shown). The sliding support member 28 is fixed to the lens support base 27 so that the axial direction of the sliding support member 28 is approximately parallel (substantially parallel) to the optical axis direction of the lens unit 1. The lens support base 27 and the sliding support member 28 constitute a lens support member. The method of fixing the sliding support member 28 to the lens support base 27 is not particularly limited. For example, the sliding support member 28 can be fixed to the lens support base 27 by press-fitting the sliding support member 28 into a hole provided in the lens support base 27. Also, a male screw portion may be formed at one end of the sliding support member 28 and a female screw portion may be provided in the lens support base 27, and the male screw portion and the female screw portion may be screwed together. Furthermore, the sliding support member 28 and the lens support base 27 may be integrally molded.

[0020] The lens fixing member 29 has two holes through which the two sliding support members 28 are inserted. The lens fixing member 29 is a sliding member that is inserted through the two sliding support members 28 in a state in which it can slide in the optical axis direction, which is the thrust axis direction of the sliding support members 28, until the optical axis direction position of the camera unit 3 is determined. The number of sliding support members 28 may be one or three or more, and the lens fixing member 29 may have holes in the number corresponding to the number of the sliding support members 28. Also, a cutout may be provided around the hole of the lens fixing member 29, and the sliding support member 28 may be fitted into a groove-shaped (C-shaped) space of the lens fixing member 29.

[0021] Lens holding member 102 is a connecting member that connects lens unit 1 and lens fixing member 29, and has a ring-shaped portion arranged to surround the outer periphery of lens unit 1, and an arm portion extending from the ring-shaped portion to lens fixing member 29. The ring-shaped portion of lens holding member 102 cannot move in the optical axis direction at a predetermined position of lens unit 1, but is held so as to be rotatable relative to lens unit 1 around the optical axis. In other words, lens unit 1 is rotatable relative to the ring-shaped portion of lens holding member 102. The arm portion of lens holding member 102 is fixed to lens fixing member 29 with a screw (not shown).

[0022] The replacement (attachment / detachment) of the lens unit 1 with respect to the imaging unit 2 and the positioning and fixing of the camera unit 3 in the optical axis direction can be performed, for example, as follows. That is, the lens unit 1 is bayonet-coupled to the imaging unit 2 with the protrusion 20a of the imaging unit 2 engaged with the groove 41m of the support base 41 and the lens fixing member 29 inserted into the sliding support member 28 so as to be slidable relative to the sliding support member 28. 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 portion of the lens holding member 102, there is no problem in attaching and detaching the lens unit 1.

[0023] When the lens unit 1 is attached to the imaging unit 2, the lens fixing member 29 is fixed to the sliding support member 28 by a clamp (not shown). This allows the camera unit (lens unit 1 and imaging unit 2), lens holding member 102, lens fixing member 29, sliding support member 28, and lens support base 27 to move integrally in the optical axis direction. A user can hold the imaging unit 2 and slide it in the optical axis direction to position it, and then fix the imaging unit 2 to the support base 41 with the clamp 25, thereby fixing the camera unit 3 at a predetermined position in the optical axis direction.

[0024] When removing the lens unit 1 from the imaging unit 2, the lens fixing member 29 is released from its fixation to the sliding support member 28 by a clamp (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.

[0025] As long as the lens unit 1 can be attached to and detached from the imaging unit 2, the connection structure, fixing method, sliding, and the like of the lens holding member 102, the lens fixing member 29, and the sliding support member 28 with respect to the lens unit 1 are not limited to the above configurations. For example, if the lens fixing member 29 connected to the lens holding member 102 can be inserted into the sliding support member 28 after the lens unit 1 is bayonet-connected to the imaging unit 2, the lens holding member 102 may not be rotatable with respect to the lens unit 1.

[0026] Tilt rotation shaft portion 42a is provided integrally with arm portion 42 of main support member 4, and tilt rotation shaft portion 42a is supported for tilt rotation by tilt rotation support member 6. Tilt rotation support member 6 is equipped with a tilt drive device (not shown), and by driving the tilt drive device, main support member 4 and camera unit 3 can be rotated integrally around the tilt rotation axis.

[0027] The imaging device 100 includes a pan rotation support member 7 that supports the tilt rotation support member 6 rotatably about a pan rotation axis P. The pan rotation support member 7 is equipped with a pan drive device (not shown), and by panning the tilt rotation support member 6, the camera unit 3 and the camera unit support part can be pan-rotated integrally with the tilt rotation support member 6. Generally, the pan rotation axis P and the optical axis of the lens unit 1 are on the same plane, which can reduce the load moment during pan rotation.

[0028] Meanwhile, the lens unit 1 and the imaging unit 2 are electrically connected by a mount section 22, and a control section (a control IC (not shown)) included in the imaging unit 2 can acquire information about the lens unit 1 and control the driving of the lens unit 1. The control section also has a memory, and information about the imaging unit 2 (information about each member (excluding the lens unit 1) connected to the imaging unit 2 and the position of the center of gravity and the weight of the imaging unit 2) is stored in the memory. Based on the information about the imaging unit 2 and the information acquired from the lens unit 1, the control section calculates the position in the optical axis direction of the camera unit 3 for bringing the position of the center of gravity of the tilt driven part closer to the tilt rotation axis T, and presents it to the user.

[0029] 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 support base 41 of the main support member 4 is engraved, printed, or attached to the support base 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.

[0030] As described above, in the imaging device 100, the position adjustment in the optical axis direction of the camera unit 3 in which the lens unit 1 is attached to the imaging unit 2, specifically, the task of moving the center of gravity position of the tilt driven part closer to the tilt rotation axis T, can be easily performed. Furthermore, after the positioning of the tilt driven part in the optical axis direction is completed, the state can be maintained by simply performing a fixing operation at one place of the clamp 25 provided on the imaging unit 2. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user regarding the positioning and fixing of the tilt driven part.

[0031] <Second embodiment> Regarding the units and members of the imaging devices according to the second and third embodiments, the same names and symbols are used for units and members equivalent to those of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. Also, in the second and third embodiments, the differences from the first embodiment are mainly described, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a side view of the tilted driving section 300 in the imaging device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tilted driving section 300.

[0033] The tilt driven part 300 includes an imaging unit 2A. The imaging unit 2A is the same as the imaging unit 2 described in the first embodiment, except that it does not include a clamp 25 and has a rack 26 on the bottom surface of the housing 20. The imaging unit 2A with the lens unit 1 attached thereto is referred to as a "camera unit 3A."

[0034] The tilt drive unit 300 has a main support member 4A. A recess 41b extending in the optical axis direction of the imaging unit 2A (direction perpendicular to the imaging surface of the imaging element 21) is provided in a support base 41a of the main support member 4A, and a motor unit 50 is fixed to the recess 41b. The motor unit 50 has a stepping motor 51 and a screw part 511 which is an output shaft of the stepping motor 51. The rack 26 of the imaging unit 2A is biased by a rack spring (not shown) in the optical axis direction of the imaging unit 2 and in the rotation direction of the screw part 511, and is engaged with the screw part 511 in a state where it is supported by the imaging unit 2. An FPC connected to a power supply source (not shown) is connected to the stepping motor 51, and the stepping motor 51 can be driven by energization from a power supply unit via the FPC.

[0035] When the stepping motor 51 is driven, the screw portion 511 rotates, and the rack 26 moves in the optical axis direction in accordance with the rotation of the screw portion 511, thereby moving the imaging unit 2A (camera unit 3A) in the optical axis direction. The position of the imaging unit 2A in the optical axis direction can be detected using a sensor such as a photointerrupter (not shown). For example, by controlling the number of drive pulses of the stepping motor 51 based on the output from the sensor, the imaging unit 2A can be moved to a desired position and stopped there. For example, an optical linear encoder or the like can be used instead of a photointerrupter to control the position of the imaging unit 2A in the optical axis direction.

[0036] As in the first embodiment, the lens unit 1 and the imaging unit 2A are electrically connected by the mount section 22, and the control section of the imaging device can obtain information about the lens unit 1 and control the driving of the lens unit 1. The control section also holds information about the center of gravity position and weight of the imaging unit 2A and each member (excluding the lens unit 1) connected to the imaging unit 2A. The control section calculates the center of gravity position and weight of the tilt driven section 300, and calculates the optical axis direction position of the tilt driven section 300 that can reduce the tilt driving load. The control section can drive the stepping motor 51 to automatically move the camera unit 3A to the derived position.

[0037] Here, the position in the optical axis direction of the tilted driven unit 300 that reduces the tilt drive load is calculated. This is based on the fact that an imaging device (whose overall configuration is similar to that of the imaging device 100) including the tilted driven unit 300 is often used in a state in which the pan rotation axis is substantially parallel to the vertical direction, such as when placed on a floor, and the influence of gravity is large in this situation. In contrast, when the pan rotation support member 7 of the imaging device is fixed to a wall or the like that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the pan rotation is significantly influenced by gravity, so it is desirable to calculate a position in the optical axis direction of the tilted driven unit 300 that reduces the pan drive load. In other words, it is desirable to determine the optical axis direction position of the tilted driven unit 300 according to the installation mode of the imaging device. In such a case, for example, a sensor that detects the direction of gravity is provided in the imaging device, and the control unit determines the installation mode of the imaging device based on the output from this sensor. Based on the determined installation mode, the control unit calculates a position in the optical axis direction of the tilted driven unit 300 that reduces either the tilt drive load or the pan drive load.

[0038] In this way, in the second embodiment, the camera unit 3A can be easily moved and positioned in the optical axis direction. In addition, by continuing to energize the stepping motor 51 after the camera unit 3A has been moved to a predetermined position in the optical axis direction, the position of the camera unit 3A in the optical axis direction can be maintained. Therefore, there is no need to perform a fixing operation using a clamp after positioning as in the first embodiment, which can save the user time and effort.

[0039] <Third embodiment> Fig. 5 is a side view of the tilt drive section 500 in the imaging device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt drive section 500.

[0040] The tilt driven section 500 includes an imaging unit 2B. The imaging unit 2B differs from the imaging unit 2 described in the first embodiment in the following two points. First, the imaging unit 2B does not include a clamp 25. Second, in the imaging unit 2B, a stepping motor 52 is provided in the housing 20, and a pinion gear 53 is press-fitted and held on the output shaft of the stepping motor 52. The imaging unit 2B with the lens unit 1 attached thereto is referred to as a "camera unit 3B."

[0041] The tilted driven part 500 has a main support member 4B. A groove 41m, which is the same as that of the main support member 4 in the first embodiment, is provided on a support base 41c of the main support member 4B, and a protrusion 20a provided on the housing 20 engages with the groove 41m. A rack gear 43 is disposed along the groove 41m at a position facing the pinion gear 53 on the support base 41c of the main support member 4B, and the pinion gear 53 meshes with the rack gear 43. Therefore, when the stepping motor 52 is driven to rotate the output shaft of the stepping motor 52, the pinion gear 53 rotates, and the imaging unit 2B (camera unit 3B) moves in the optical axis direction.

[0042] The position of the imaging unit 2B in the optical axis direction can be detected, for example, using an optical linear encoder (not shown). The scale of the optical linear encoder is provided on the main support member 4B, and the light projecting and receiving sensor is provided on the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2B. When the imaging unit 2B moves in the optical axis direction, the light projecting and receiving sensor reads the scale, thereby detecting the amount of movement of the imaging unit 2B relative to the main support member 4B and the position of the imaging unit 2B in the optical axis direction. In this way, the imaging unit 2 (camera unit 3) can be positioned in the optical axis direction.

[0043] The position detection in the optical axis direction of the imaging unit 2B is not limited to an optical linear encoder, but can also be performed using a photointerrupter. Similarly to the second embodiment, the control unit of the imaging unit 2B calculates the optical axis direction position of the camera unit 3B that can reduce the tilt drive load based on the information of the tilt drive unit 500, and automatically moves the camera unit 3A.

[0044] In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the movement and positioning of the camera unit 3B in the optical axis direction can be easily performed, and the optical axis direction position of the camera unit 3B can be maintained by continuing to energize the stepping motor 52. Also, since the drive device (motor) source is not disposed on the main support member 4B, it is possible to reduce the size of the tilt drive section 500.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the initial operation of the imaging device equipped with the tilt driven parts 300, 500. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the initial operation of the imaging device equipped with the tilt driven parts 300, 500. Each process (step) indicated by an S number in this flowchart is realized by a control part equipped in the imaging units 2A, 2B executing a predetermined program and comprehensively controlling the operation of each part of the imaging device.

[0046] When the power supply to the imaging apparatus is turned on, in S701 the control unit energizes the pan drive device and the tilt drive device, and applies a holding force to the pan drive device and the tilt drive device.

[0047] In S702, the control unit energizes the stepping motors 51 and 52 that drive the imaging units 2A and 2B (camera units 3A and 3B) in the optical axis direction, and applies a holding force to the imaging units 2A and 2B (camera units 3A and 3B).

[0048] In S703, the control unit performs an operation of setting the initial positions of various lenses inside the lens unit 1. For example, if the lens unit 1 is a zoom lens unit, the zoom lens is driven to a state in which the shooting angle of view becomes the initial value. Note that this operation may be performed after the following S704 or S705, or may be omitted.

[0049] In S704, the control unit performs an initial positioning operation in the optical axis direction of the camera units 3A and 3B. This is because a large load may be generated if panning or tilting is performed with the camera units 3A and 3B in the positions they were in when the previous drive of the imaging device ended. By returning the camera units 3A and 3B to their initial positions, which have been set in advance to reduce the load, and then performing panning and tilting, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of unexpected situations.

[0050] In S705, the control unit performs an initial positioning operation for pan / tilt drive, and then ends this processing.

[0051] In this way, in the initial operation, by first energizing the tilt drive device, pan drive device, and stepping motor to maintain their states, it is possible to prevent unintended driving of the imaging device. Also, by setting the initial position of the camera unit before setting the initial position of the pan / tilt drive, it is possible to reduce the drive load and also to avoid the occurrence of unexpected situations such as breakdowns caused by a large load generated during rotation drive.

[0052] 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 supporting the imaging unit so that the position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction can be adjusted; a second support member connected to the imaging unit; a sliding member arranged to be slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the second support member; a connecting member connected to a lens unit attached to the imaging unit and fixed to the sliding member; a first fixing member fixing the sliding member to the second 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 the imaging unit, the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, the connecting member, the second support member fixed by the first fixing member, and the sliding member are movable together in the optical axis direction. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the imaging unit has a second fixing member that fixes the imaging unit to the first support member. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging unit includes a storage means for storing information about the imaging unit, an acquisition means for acquiring information about the lens unit from the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, and a determination means for determining a position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction at which a drive load centered on the tilt rotation axis is small, based on the information about the imaging unit and the information about the lens unit. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to configuration 3, further comprising a display unit that displays the position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction determined by the determination unit. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to configuration 1, further comprising a drive device disposed on the first support member for driving the imaging unit in an optical axis direction relative to the first support member. (Configuration 6) The imaging device according to configuration 1, further comprising a drive device provided on the imaging unit for driving the imaging unit in an optical axis direction relative to the first support member. (Configuration 7) The imaging device described in Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that the imaging unit includes a memory means for storing information about the imaging unit, an acquisition means for acquiring information about the lens unit from the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, a determination means for determining a position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction where the drive load around the tilt rotation axis is small based on the information about the imaging unit and the information about the lens unit, and a control means for controlling the drive device to move the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination means. (Configuration 8) The imaging device described in Configuration 7, characterized in that after power is applied to the imaging device, the control means controls the tilt drive device to move the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination means before rotating the imaging unit around the tilt rotation axis. (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to configuration 8, wherein the control means applies a holding force to the tilt drive device before moving the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination means. (Configuration 10) The 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Lens unit 2, 2A, 2B Imaging unit 3,3A,3B Camera unit 4,4A,4B Main support member 6 Tilt rotation support member 7 Pan rotation support member 21 Image sensor 25 Clamp 27 Lens support base 28 Sliding support member 29 Lens fixing member 41,41a,41c Support stand 51 Stepping motor 100 Imaging device 102 Lens holding member

Claims

1. an imaging unit to which a lens unit can be attached and detached; a first support member that supports the imaging unit so as to adjust a position of the imaging unit in an optical axis direction; a second support member coupled to the imaging unit; a sliding member arranged to be slidable in the optical axis direction relative to the second support member; a connecting member that is connected to a lens unit attached to the imaging unit and fixed to the sliding member; a first fixing member that fixes the sliding member to the second 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 the imaging unit, the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, the connecting member, the second support member fixed by the first fixing member, and the sliding member are movable integrally in the optical axis direction.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a second fixing member that fixes the imaging unit to the first support member.

3. The imaging unit includes: A storage means for storing information about the imaging unit; an acquisition means for acquiring information about a lens unit from the lens unit attached to the imaging unit; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, further comprising: a determination unit that determines a position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction at which a drive load around the tilt rotation axis becomes small, based on information about the imaging unit and information about the lens unit.

4. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays the position of the imaging unit in the optical axis direction determined by the determination unit.

5. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive device disposed on the first support member for driving the imaging unit in the optical axis direction relative to the first support member.

6. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive device mounted on the imaging unit and configured to drive the imaging unit in an optical axis direction relative to the first support member.

7. The imaging unit includes: A storage means for storing information about the imaging unit; an acquisition means for acquiring information about a lens unit from the lens unit attached to the imaging unit; a determining means for determining a position of the imaging unit in which a driving load around the tilt rotation axis in the optical axis direction becomes small based on information of the imaging unit and information of the lens unit; 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the drive device to move the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination unit.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control means controls the tilt drive device to move the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination means before rotating the imaging unit around the tilt rotation axis after the imaging device is powered on.

9. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control means applies a holding force to the tilt drive device before moving the imaging unit to the position determined by the determination means.

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.

Images