Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a method to release heat while keeping size reduction of an imaging apparatus, in the imaging apparatus in travel.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus, which is fitted to a mobile unit and captures an image while travelling along the travel direction of the mobile unit, comprises: a sensor including a sensor substrate equipped with an image pickup device; a main unit including a main substrate equipped with a processing unit for processing an output signal from the sensor substrate; and a heat releasing fin for releasing heat generated by the sensor or / and the main unit, the heat releasing fin provided in a direction generally parallel to the travel direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly to an imaging device that dissipates heat using heat dissipation fins. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for detecting the state of an object using an image captured by an imaging device. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting an abnormality on a railway track using an image captured by a camera attached to a moving train. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-84955 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in order to accurately detect the condition of objects such as railway tracks, it is necessary to capture images at a high frame rate. However, continuing to capture images at a high frame rate can cause the camera itself to become hot, which can have a negative impact on detection accuracy.

[0005] Conventional heat dissipation measures for imaging devices include the use of fans, ducts, Peltier elements, heat pipes, and the like. However, the devices used for heat dissipation may need to be replaced due to their lifespan or malfunction, which impairs the maintainability of the entire device. Furthermore, these methods may result in the device becoming larger, making it difficult to install in limited spaces.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an imaging device that is small and does not impair maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention is an imaging device comprising a sensor section having a sensor board on which an imaging element is mounted, a main section having a main board on which a processing unit for processing an output signal from the sensor board is mounted, an arm section connecting the sensor section to the main section, a connecting wire for electrically connecting the sensor section to the main section, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins for dissipating heat generated in the sensor section, wherein the connecting wire is configured to pass through the inside of the arm section and electrically connect the sensor section to the main section, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins are arranged to extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the sensor board so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing of the imaging device at a position where at least a portion of the fins overlap with the sensor board when viewed from the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that efficiently dissipates heat using heat dissipation fins. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a rail inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a line inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external perspective view of a camera according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an exploded perspective view of a main part of the camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a camera is attached to a train in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining exemplary other shapes of the heat dissipation fins in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the sensor substrate and the main substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of the camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of a camera according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of a camera according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of a camera according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a track inspection system according to this embodiment. The track inspection system 1000 is a device for inspecting whether or not an abnormality exists in a track R. Although the present embodiment describes a track inspection system, the present invention is not limited to track inspection systems. For example, the present invention can be applied to systems that use cameras attached to moving objects to capture images, such as systems that use cameras attached to the top of trains to inspect pantograph damage and wear, systems that check the condition of railway bridges and tunnels, and systems that use cameras attached to automobiles to capture images of highway conditions.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the track inspection system 1000 includes multiple cameras 1, multiple lighting units 3, an inspection unit 2, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) unit 4. The multiple cameras 1 are capable of high-speed imaging with a frame rate of 120 fps or more and are attached to the underside of the train 5 so as to capture images of the track R from multiple directions, with the left rail, right rail, and center sleeper included in the field of view. The train 5 is, for example, a railway vehicle traveling at a maximum speed of approximately 80 to 120 km / h. In the track inspection system 1000 of this embodiment, the image quality of the images captured by the multiple cameras 1 is stable while the train is traveling. The multiple lighting units 3 illuminate the subject image with high brightness during high-speed imaging. The inspection unit 2 is installed inside the body of the train 5 and includes an information processing unit 200 that detects abnormalities in the track R based on the multiple images captured by the multiple cameras 1. The GNSS unit 4 is a unit that receives navigation signals transmitted from artificial satellites and measures the position of the device on the earth.

[0013] The multiple cameras 1, the multiple lighting units 3, and the GNSS unit 4 are electrically connected to the inspection unit 2, and as will be described later, the multiple cameras 1 output the captured images as video signals to the inspection unit 2. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which there are two cameras 1, in this embodiment the number of cameras 1 may be one or three or more. The camera 1 captures an image of the rails of the track R, and the capturing direction is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the train 5.

[0014] Next, the configuration of the track inspection system will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the track inspection system according to this embodiment. The track inspection system 1000 includes a camera unit 100, which is an internal system of the camera 1, an information processing unit 200, which is an internal system of the inspection unit 2, an illumination unit 3, and a GNSS unit 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 100 includes a lens 101, an image sensor 102, an image sensor 103, an image processing unit 104, and an image output unit 105. Subject light transmitted through the lens 101 is focused on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102, and the focused optical image is input to the image sensor 103. The image sensor 103 performs photoelectric conversion on the input optical image to generate an analog video signal. The image sensor 103 then converts the analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the image processing unit 104. The image processing unit 104 converts the input digital signal into an image file for output to the information processing unit 200. The image output unit 105 includes an external interface such as USB or HDMI (registered trademark), and outputs the image file generated by the image processing unit 104 to the information processing unit 200.

[0015] The information processing unit 200 is composed of an image acquisition unit 201, a system control unit 202, a memory unit 203, an image database 204 in the memory unit 203, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, and a position acquisition unit 207. The image acquisition unit 201 has an external interface such as USB or HDMI, and acquires multiple images output from multiple cameras 1. The system control unit 202 controls the operation of each unit of the information processing unit 200 by executing processing in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 203 based on the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 201. The position acquisition unit 207 acquires position information from the GNSS unit 4. The memory unit 203 stores the image data acquired from the image acquisition unit 201 and the position information acquired from the position acquisition unit 207 together. In addition, the image database 204 stores a database for reading and searching image data and position information. The display unit 205 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and displays images. The operation unit 206 is configured with a touch panel, push buttons, slide switches, etc., and accepts input operations from the user.

[0016] While viewing the image data with the acquired location information on the display unit 205, the user operates the operation unit 206 to read past image data with the same location information from the memory unit 203 and display it on the display unit 205 from the data stored in the image database 204. Both sets of image data are compared to check for any changes in the condition of the track R. Changes in the condition of the track R include, for example, whether there are cracks on the track R, whether there is any deformation at the end or middle of the rail, and whether there is any deterioration in the electrical conductors that electrically connect adjacent rails. If an abnormality is discovered by comparing the images, the maintenance location is identified based on the location information of the image, and maintenance work is carried out.

[0017] Alternatively, a detection unit (not shown) may be provided in the rail inspection system 1000, and the detection unit reads out from the storage unit 203 past image data with the same position information from the data stored in the image database 204. The detection unit automatically compares the images of the predetermined data read out from the image database 204 with the output signal of the image output unit to check for any change in the state of the detection object. The detection object here is the rail R described above.

[0018] Next, the camera 1 of the rail inspection system 1000 will be described.

[0019] 3 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the camera according to this embodiment. In the following description, the lens unit 11 side of the camera 1 is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, three-dimensional coordinates are set based on camera 1, with the X, Y, and Z axes in the figure corresponding to the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions, respectively. The left-to-right and up-to-down directions refer to the left-to-right and up-to-down directions when viewing camera 1 from the front. Specifically, in the direction of the optical axis of the optical system of lens unit 11 of camera 1, the direction from camera 1 toward the subject is defined as the positive X-axis direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative X-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and toward the right side when viewing camera 1 from the front is defined as the positive Y-axis direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis and pointing upward when viewing camera 1 from the front is the positive Z-axis direction, and the opposite side is the negative Z-axis direction. With respect to camera 1, the surface in the positive X-axis direction is the front, the surface in the negative X-axis direction is the back, the positive Y-axis direction is the right side, the negative Y-axis direction is the left side, the positive Z-axis direction is the top, and the negative Z-axis direction is the bottom.

[0021] 3, the camera 1 mainly comprises a lens unit 11, a sensor unit 12, a main unit 13, and an interface unit 14. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the essential parts of the camera according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a lens unit 11 composed of a lens 101 of an optical system and a protective cover 111. The lens 101 is a lens in the camera 1 attached to the underside of the train 5, and has a focal length that allows it to focus on the track R. The protective cover 111 is a cover that covers the sides and front of the lens 101 and protects the lens from external dust and water droplets. The lens 101 and the protective cover 111 form lens mounts at their rear, and are each fixed to a mount 121a provided in the sensor unit 12 by a mounting method such as a screw-in method.

[0023] FIG. 4 also shows the sensor unit 12. The sensor unit 12 is composed of screws 120, a front cover 121, a low-pass filter 122, a sensor mask 123, an imaging element 124, a sensor plate 125, a sensor substrate 126, a thermally conductive member 127, a heat sink cover 128, and connecting wires 129. The connecting wires 129 include connecting wires 129a and 129b. The front cover 121 and the heat sink cover 128 are exterior components molded from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum die-cast. FIG. 4 shows that several components of the sensor unit 12 are arranged inside the front cover 121 and the heat sink cover 128. The front cover 121 and the heat sink cover 128 are sealed at the front and back using screws 120.

[0024] The image sensor 124 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor, and generates heat as it focuses light incident through the lens 101. The low-pass filter 122 is an optical element that reduces moiré and false colors. The sensor mask 123 is a masking member that seals the space between the image sensor 124 and the low-pass filter 122 and blocks light other than that incident through the lens 101, allowing only effective light beams to enter the image sensor 124. The image sensor 124 is electrically connected to and mounted on the sensor board 126, and an A / D conversion circuit that converts analog signals output from the image sensor 124 into digital signals is also mounted on the sensor board 126, and these electrical components generate heat. The sensor plate 125 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. It is positioned between the front cover 121 and the sensor board 126 and transfers heat generated by the image sensor 124 and the sensor board 126 to the front cover 121. The heat conduction member 127 is a heat-conductive material such as heat-dissipating rubber, and is sandwiched in a compressed state between the back surface of the sensor substrate 126 and the heat sink cover 128, thereby providing a thermally conductive connection. The connection wires 129a and 129b are flexible and electrically connect the sensor substrate 126 to a main substrate 132 provided in the main unit 13. The method for connecting the connection wires 129a and 129b will be described later. On the surface of the front cover 121 facing the lens 101 (the surface facing the positive direction of the X-axis), heat dissipation fins 121b are exposed to the outside of the housing and protrude in a direction perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126 on both sides of the mount unit 121a. In addition, on the surface of the heat sink cover 128 opposite the lens 101 (the surface facing the negative direction of the X-axis), heat dissipation fin 128c is exposed to the outside of the housing and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126. The heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c are multiple, substantially rectangular fins that protrude at equal intervals. The heat dissipation fins 121b diffuse heat transferred from the sensor plate 125 to the front cover 121, and the heat dissipation fins 128c diffuse heat transferred from the sensor substrate 126 via the thermal conductive member 127, and dissipate the heat to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. Furthermore, circular fins 121c are formed around the mount portion 121a of the front cover 121, and transfer heat to the air around the imaging element 124, dissipating the heat to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. Note that the heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c are not limited to those that are integrally molded with the front cover 121 and the heat sink cover 128, and separate heat dissipation fins may be attached to the outer cover.

[0025] 4 further shows the main unit 13, which is composed of a heat insulating plate 130, a heat insulating material 131, a main board 132 on which electronic components 132a are mounted, heat conductive members 133 and 134, a right cover 135, a left cover 136, and screws 137 to 139. The heat insulating plate 130, located at the interface between the sensor board 126 and the main board 132, is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, and is configured to connect the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 13 with screws 139 while preventing heat transfer between them. Holes 130a and 130b are formed in the heat insulating plate 130, and connecting wires 129a and 129b, described below, are inserted through the holes 130a and 130b. The heat insulating material 131 is made of glass wool, urethane foam, or the like, and is attached to the heat insulating plate 130 with adhesive tape or the like to insulate the main unit 13 from the sensor unit 12. The main board 132 is electrically connected to the sensor board 126 via connection wires 129a and 129b, and performs image processing using the mounted electronic component 132a to convert signals output from the sensor board 126 into image files. The electronic component 132a generates heat during this processing. The heat-conducting member 133 is a thermally conductive material such as heat-dissipating rubber, and is sandwiched in a compressed state between the electronic component 132a and the right cover 135 to transfer heat generated by the electronic component 132a to the right cover 135. The heat-conducting member 134, like the heat-conducting member 133, is also a thermally conductive material such as heat-dissipating rubber, and is sandwiched in a compressed state between the surface of the main board 132 facing the negative direction of the Y axis and the left cover 136. As a result, the heat-conducting member 134 transfers heat from the main board 132, which has been diffused by the heat from the electronic component 132a, to the left cover 136. The right cover 135 and the left cover 136 are exterior members molded from a material with high thermal conductivity such as die-cast aluminum, and are disposed opposite the main board 132 and sealed in the left-right direction using screws 136. On the surface on the exterior side (positive direction of the Y axis) of the right cover 135, heat dissipation fins 135a are provided so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132 and be exposed to the outside of the housing. On the surface on the exterior side (negative direction of the Y axis) of the left cover 136, heat dissipation fins 136a are provided so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132 and be exposed to the outside of the housing.The heat dissipation fins 135a, 136a are multiple, generally rectangular fins that protrude at equal intervals. The heat dissipation fins 135a diffuse heat transferred from the electronic components 132a via the heat conduction member 133 and dissipate the heat to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. The heat dissipation fins 136a diffuse heat transferred from the main board 132 via the heat conduction member 134 and dissipate the heat to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. Note that the heat dissipation fins 135a, 136a are not limited to those that are integrally molded with the right cover 135 and the left cover 136, and separate heat dissipation fins may also be attached to the exterior covers.

[0026] 4 also shows the interface unit 14, which is composed of a rear cover 140, an interface board 141, a power connector 142, and screws 143. The rear cover 140 has openings through which external interfaces such as a USB connector, a BNC connector, and a power connector 142 mounted on the interface board 141 are inserted, and is fixed to the right cover 135 and the left cover 136 of the main unit 13 by screws 143. The interface board 141 and the power connector 142 are electrically connected to the main board 132 by connection wires 141a and 142a.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a camera according to this embodiment is attached to a train.

[0028] Fig. 5(a) is an enlarged view of the mounting portion of the camera 1 in Fig. 1, and is a front view seen from the front of the train 5. Fig. 5(b) is a side view seen from the left side (negative Y-axis direction) of Fig. 5(a). FIG. 5 shows a support pole 50, a screw 51, and a connection plate 144 fixed to the train 5. The camera 1 has the connection plate 144 attached to the interface unit 14, and the connection plate 144 is fixed to the support pole 50 with the screw 51. The connection plate 144 may be a plate extending from the rear cover 140. In this embodiment, the part fixed to the train 5 is the connection plate 144 attached to the interface unit 14. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the part fixed to the train 5 may be a plate extending from the front cover 121 of the sensor unit 12 and fixed to the support pole 50. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the camera 1 is attached with its top surface (positive direction of the Z axis) facing the direction of movement D. While the train 5 is traveling, wind F due to the relative motion between the train 5 and the air flows from the top side (positive direction of the Z axis) of the camera 1 to the bottom side (negative direction of the Z axis). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(a), there is nothing blocking the flow of wind F on the Z-axis projection of each of the heat dissipation fins 121b, 121c, 128c, 135a, and 136a. By attaching the camera 1 to the train 5 in this manner, wind F flows between adjacent fins of each of the heat dissipation fins 121b, 121c, 128c, 135a, and 136a while the train 5 is traveling, enabling efficient heat dissipation. Furthermore, by providing the interface unit 14 on the rear side of the camera 1, the flow of wind F is not blocked. By arranging the heat dissipation fins to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the train 5, the flow of wind F is not blocked. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c are formed substantially perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126, and the heat dissipation fins 135a and 136a are formed substantially perpendicular to the main substrate 132, but the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, although each heat dissipation fin is substantially rectangular, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another exemplary shape of the heat dissipation fins in this embodiment. As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the heat dissipation fins may be formed at an angle to the sensor substrate 126 or the main substrate 132, or may be formed in an S-shape. Also, as shown in Figures 6(c) and (d), the shape of each fin in the heat dissipation section used for heat dissipation is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be pin-shaped or ribbed fins arranged at equal intervals. It is sufficient that the fins are formed so that the air F can flow smoothly between them.

[0030] Next, connection wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect sensor board 126 and main board 132 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the sensor board and the main board in this embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is a top view of the camera 1, and FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of essential parts showing the connection state of the connection wires 129a and 129b. In FIG. 7(a), the dotted lines indicate the connection wires 129a and 129b, and the two-dot chain lines indicate the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the connection wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a mounted on the back surface of the sensor board 126 (the surface facing the negative direction of the X axis), passes through an arm 128a of the heat sink cover 128, passes through a hole 130a in the heat insulating plate 130, and is connected to a connector 132c mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, connecting wire 129b is connected to connector 126b mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm 128b of heat sink cover 128, and is inserted through hole 130b of heat insulating plate 130 to connect to connector 132b mounted on main board 132. Arms 128a and 128b are provided on the external side of heat dissipation fin 128c in the positive and negative Y-axis directions and are positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of wind F into heat dissipation fin 128c. In this way, by providing arms 128a and 128b and passing connecting wires 129a and 129b through them, sensor board 126 and main board 132 can be connected without interfering with heat dissipation from sensor unit 12 by wind F. Furthermore, by fixing arms 128a and 128b to main unit 13, sensor unit 12 and main unit 13 can be firmly fixed together.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, while the train 5 is traveling, air flows between adjacent fins of the heat dissipation fins provided on the camera 1, thereby enabling efficient heat dissipation without using a forced cooling device such as a fan or Peltier element. The heat dissipation fins can dissipate heat generated in at least one of the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 13. This allows imaging without degrading image quality. This allows for a compact camera without compromising maintainability. Furthermore, by connecting the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 13 with the arms 128a, 128b and the heat insulating plate 130, the sensors can be efficiently cooled without transferring heat to each other.

[0033] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the sensor unit 12, main unit 330, and interface unit 340.

[0034] 8 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of the camera 300 according to this embodiment. Description of the same parts in FIG. 8 as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0035] 8 shows a main section 330, a front cover 331, a rear cover 332, an interface section 340, and a heat insulating plate 341. As in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the camera 300 is mounted with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction, nearer to the page) facing the direction D of movement of the train 5. While the train 5 is traveling, wind F flows from the top side (positive Z-axis direction, nearer to the page) of the camera 300 to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, farther from the page).

[0036] Main unit 330 has main board 132 (indicated by two-dot chain lines) and heat conduction members 133 and 134 (not shown) inside, and front cover 331 and rear cover 332 are sealed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) with screws (not shown). Heat dissipation fin 135a is provided on the lens-side surface of front cover 331 (the surface facing the positive X-axis) and is exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to main board 132. Heat dissipation fin 136a is provided on the surface of rear cover 332 opposite the lens (the surface facing the negative X-axis) and is exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to main board 132. Arms 332a and 332b are provided on the exterior side of heat dissipation fin 136a of rear cover 332 in the positive and negative Y-axis directions, and are positioned so as not to obstruct the flow of air F flowing into heat dissipation fin 136a. The sensor unit 12 and the main unit 330 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, and the arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 and the arms 332a and 332b of the main unit 330 are fixed to the interface unit 340 with screws (not shown) via a heat insulating plate 341. The heat insulating plate 341 prevents heat from being transferred between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 330.

[0037] Next, the connection wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described. In FIG. 8, the dotted lines indicate the connection wires 129a and 129b, and the two-dot chain lines indicate the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in FIG. 8, the connection wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the back surface of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm 128a of the heat sink cover 128, and enters the interface unit 340 by inserting through the hole 341a of the heat insulating plate 341. Furthermore, the connection wire 129a passes from the interface unit 340 through the hole 341c of the heat insulating plate 341 and through the arm 332a of the rear cover 332, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, connection wire 129b is connected to connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm 128b of heat sink cover 128, and enters interface unit 340 by inserting through hole 341b of heat insulating plate 341. Furthermore, connection wire 129b passes from interface unit 340 through hole 341c of heat insulating plate 341 and through arm 332a of rear cover 332, and is connected to connector 132b (not shown) mounted on main board 132. Note that the external interface provided in interface unit 340 is electrically connected to main board 132 by passing a connection wire through arm 332b of rear cover 332.

[0038] As described above, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that can capture images without compromising maintainability and without degrading image quality with a small camera. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) can be made even smaller than in the first embodiment, which is effective in cases where the distance between a moving object such as a train 5 and an image capture target is short and there is not enough space.

[0039] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the arrangement of the sensor unit 12, main unit 430, and interface unit 440.

[0040] 9 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of the camera 400 according to this embodiment. Description of the same parts in FIG. 9 as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0041] 9, an interface unit 440 is disposed between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 430. FIG. 9 shows a front cover 431 of the main unit 430 and a rear cover 432 of the main unit 430. The front cover 431 and the rear cover 432 are sealed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) with screws (not shown). FIG. 9 also shows a front heat insulating plate 441 and a rear heat insulating plate 442. As in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the camera 400 is attached with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction, the front side of the page) facing the direction D of movement of the train 5. While the train 5 is traveling, wind F flows from the top side of the camera 400 (positive Z-axis direction, the front side of the page) to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, the back side of the page) of the camera 400. On the lens-side surface (the surface facing the positive direction of the X-axis) of the front cover 431, a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. On the surface (the surface facing the negative direction of the X-axis) of the rear cover 432 opposite the lens, a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. The arms 431a and 431b are provided on the exterior side of the heat dissipation fin 135a of the front cover 431 in the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis, and are arranged so as not to interfere with the flow of air F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 135a. The arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 and the interface unit 440 are fixed to each other via a front heat insulating plate 441 with screws (not shown). The arms 431a and 431b of the front cover 431 are fixed to the interface unit 440 via a rear heat insulating plate 442 with screws (not shown). By placing the interface section 440 between the sensor section 12 and the main section 430, with the front insulating plate 441 and the rear insulating plate 442 in between, the sensor section 12 and the main section 430 are configured to prevent heat from being transferred between them.

[0042] Next, connection wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, dotted lines indicate the connection wires 129a and 129b, and chain double-dashed lines indicate the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in FIG. 9, the connection wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the sensor board 126, passes through an arm 128a of the heat sink cover 128, and enters an interface unit 440 by inserting through a hole 441a in a front heat insulating plate 441. Furthermore, the connection wire 129a passes from the interface unit 440 through a hole 442a in a rear heat insulating plate 442, passes through an arm 431a of the front cover 431, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, connection wire 129b is connected to connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm portion 128b of heat sink cover 128, and enters interface unit 440 through hole 441b of front heat insulating plate 441. Furthermore, connection wire 129b passes from interface unit 440 through hole 442b of rear heat insulating plate 442, passes through arm portion 431b of front cover 431, and is connected to connector 132b (not shown) mounted on main board 132. Note that the external interface provided in interface unit 440 is electrically connected to main board 132 by passing a connection wire through arms 431a and 431b of front cover 431.

[0043] As described above, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that is small and capable of capturing images without compromising maintainability and without degrading image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by arranging the sensor unit 12, the main unit 430, and the interface unit 440 as described above, it is possible to arrange the external interface on the side of the camera 400 (in the Y-axis direction). This arrangement allows the camera 400 to be installed without the need for complicated routing of the connection cable for the external interface when, for example, attaching the camera 400 to the side of the train 5, compared to the first embodiment.

[0044] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the fourth embodiment differs from the first, second, and third embodiments in the arrangement of the sensor unit 12, main unit 530, and interface unit 540.

[0045] 10 is a diagram illustrating the top surface of the camera 500 according to this embodiment. Description of the same parts in FIG. 10 as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows the main unit 530 and the interface unit 540 arranged orthogonally on the rear side (negative X-axis direction) of the sensor unit 12. FIG. 10 also shows a right cover 531 and a left cover 532 of the main unit 530. The right cover 531 and the left cover 532 are sealed in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) with screws (not shown). FIG. 10 also shows an insulating plate 520. As in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the camera 500 is attached with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction, nearer to the paper) facing the direction D of movement of the train 5. While the train 5 is traveling, wind F flows from the top side (positive Z-axis direction, nearer to the paper) of the camera 500 to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, farther from the paper). On the right surface (the surface in the positive direction of the Y-axis) of the right cover 531, a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. On the left surface (the surface in the negative direction of the Y-axis) of the left cover 532, a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. The arms 531a and 531b are provided on the exterior side of the heat dissipation fin 135a of the right cover 531 in the positive and negative directions of the X-axis, and are positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of air F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 135a. The arms 531a and 531b are fixed to the interface unit 540 with screws (not shown), and an external interface provided in the interface unit 540 is electrically connected to the main board 132 by passing a connection wire (not shown) through the arm 531b of the right cover 531.

[0047] Arms 128a and 128b of sensor unit 12 are fixed to heat insulating plate 520 with screws (not shown). Heat insulating plate 520 is connected to right cover 531 of main unit 530 and interface unit 540, and fixed with screws (not shown). Right cover 531, which connects to heat insulating plate 520, has hole 532a formed therein, through which connecting wire 129a (described later) is inserted. Similarly, interface unit 540, which connects to heat insulating plate 520, has hole 540a formed therein, through which connecting wire 129b is inserted. Connecting sensor unit 12 and main unit 530 via heat insulating plate 520 prevents heat from being transferred between sensor unit 12 and main unit 530.

[0048] Next, connection wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect sensor board 126 and main board 132 will be described with reference to Figure 10. In Figure 10, dotted lines indicate connection wires 129a and 129b, and chain double-dashed lines indicate sensor board 126 and main board 132. As shown in Figure 10, connection wire 129a is connected to connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm portion 128a of heat sink cover 128, and is inserted through hole 520a in heat insulating plate 520. Furthermore, connection wire 129a is inserted through hole 532a in right cover 531 and is connected to connector 132c (not shown) mounted on main board 132. Similarly, connection wire 129b is connected to connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm portion 128b of heat sink cover 128, and is inserted into hole portion 520b of heat insulating plate 520. Furthermore, connection wire 129b is inserted into hole portion 540a of interface portion 540, passes through arm portion 531a of right cover 531, and is connected to connector 132b (not shown) mounted on main board 132.

[0049] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that does not impair maintainability and is capable of capturing images with a small camera without degrading image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by arranging the sensor unit 12, the main unit 530, and the interface unit 540 as described above, it is possible to arrange the external interface on the side of the camera 500 (in the Y-axis direction). This arrangement makes it possible to install the camera 500 without complicated routing of the connection cable for the external interface when, for example, attaching the camera 500 to the side of the train 5, compared to the first embodiment.

[0050] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the fifth embodiment differs from the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments in the arrangement of the sensor unit 12, main unit 630, and interface unit 640.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of a camera 600 in this embodiment. Fig. 11(a) is a top view of the camera 600, and Fig. 11(b) is a right side view of the camera 600. Descriptions of parts in Fig. 11 that are the same as those in Fig. 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 11, the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 630 are arranged side by side vertically (in the Z-axis direction), and the interface unit 640 is arranged on the rear side (negative X-axis direction). Fig. 11 shows the heat insulating plate 620, the rear cover 631 of the main unit 630, and the front cover 632 of the main unit 630. In the main unit 630, the front cover 632 and the rear cover 631 are sealed in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) with screws (not shown). The sensor unit 12 and the main unit 630 are fixed to the interface unit 640 via the heat insulating plate 620.

[0053] As in Figures 5(a) and (b), the camera 600 is mounted with the top surface (positive Z-axis side) of the camera 600 facing the direction of movement D of the train 5, and while the train 5 is moving, wind F flows from the top surface (positive Z-axis side) of the camera 600 to the bottom surface (negative Z-axis side). On the lens-side surface (the surface facing the positive direction of the X-axis) of the front cover 632, a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. On the surface of the rear cover 631 opposite the lens (the surface facing the negative direction of the X-axis), a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing, protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. The arms 631a and 631b are provided on the exterior side of the heat dissipation fin 135a of the rear cover 631 in the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis, and are positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of air F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 135a. The arms 631a and 631b are fixed to the interface unit 640 via the heat insulating plate 620 with screws (not shown). The external interface provided in the interface unit 640 is electrically connected to the main board 132 by passing a connection wire (not shown) through the arm 631b of the rear cover 631.

[0054] The arm portions 128a and 128b of the sensor portion 12 and the interface portion 640 are fixed with screws (not shown) via the heat insulating plate 620. The sensor portion 12 and the main portion 630 are arranged via the heat insulating plate 620 and the interface portion 640, so that the heat of the sensor portion 12 and the main portion 630 is not transferred to each other.

[0055] Next, connection wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), dotted lines indicate the connection wires 129a and 129b, and two-dot chain lines indicate the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the connection wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the sensor board 126, passes through an arm 128a of the heat sink cover 128, and is inserted into a hole 620a in the heat insulating plate 620. Furthermore, the connection wire 129a passes through an interface unit 640, passes through a hole 620c (not shown) in the heat insulating plate 620, passes through an arm 631a of the rear cover 631, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, connection wire 129b is connected to connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back surface of sensor board 126, passes through arm portion 128b of heat sink cover 128, and is inserted into hole portion 620b of heat insulating plate 620. Furthermore, connection wire 129b passes through interface portion 640, is inserted into hole portion 620d of heat insulating plate 620, passes through arm portion 631b of rear cover 631, and is connected to connector 132b (not shown) mounted on main board 132.

[0056] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that can capture images without compromising maintainability and without degrading image quality with a small camera. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) can be further shortened compared to the first embodiment, which is effective in cases where the distance between a moving body such as a train 5 and an image capture target is short and there is not enough space.

[0057] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 camera 2. Inspection Department 3. Lighting section 4 GNSS units 5 Trains 11 Lens unit 12 Sensor section 13 Main Section 14 Interface section 1000 Track Inspection System 100 copies of camera 200 Information Processing Department 101 Lens 111 Protective cover 102 Image sensor 103 Imaging unit 104 Image processing section 105 Image output unit 201 Image acquisition unit 202 System Control Unit 203 Storage section 204 Image Database Department 205 Display section 206 Operation section 207 Position acquisition part 120 screws 121a Mounting part 121 Front cover 121b Heat dissipation fin 121c circular fin 122 Low-pass filter 123 Sensor Mask 124 image sensor 125 sensor plate 126 Sensor board 126a, 126b connectors 127 Heat Conduction Materials 128 Heatsink cover 128a, 128b arm 128c Heat dissipation fin 129a, 129b connecting wires 130 Insulation Plate 130a, 130b hole 132 Main board 132a Electronic Components 132b, 132c connectors 133, 134 Heat conductive member 135 Right side cover 135a, 136a Heat dissipation fins 136 Left cover 140 rear cover 141 Interface board 141a, 142a Connecting wires 142 power connector 143 Screw 144 Connecting Plate 50 pillars 51 Screw

Claims

1. An imaging device, a sensor unit including a sensor board on which an imaging element is mounted; a main unit including a main board on which a processing unit for processing an output signal from the sensor board is mounted; an arm portion connecting the sensor portion and the main portion; a connecting wire for electrically connecting the sensor unit and the main unit; a plurality of heat dissipation fins for dissipating heat generated in the sensor unit; and the connecting wire is configured to pass through the inside of the arm portion and electrically connect the sensor unit and the main unit, An imaging device characterized in that the multiple heat dissipation fins are arranged in a position that overlaps at least partially with the sensor substrate when viewed from the optical axis direction, and extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the sensor substrate so as to be exposed outside the housing of the imaging device.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device does not have a fan for heat dissipation.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an interface unit having an external interface.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided in contact with the sensor portion.

5. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided apart from the main portion.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a heat insulating plate is provided on the side of the main section facing the sensor section.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided at substantially equal intervals.

8. 8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are pin-shaped or rib-shaped.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects the state of an object to be detected using an output signal from the sensor unit.

10. A storage unit is provided in which predetermined data is stored in advance, 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the detection section detects the state of the detection target by comparing the predetermined data stored in the storage section with the output signal of the sensor section.

11. 11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is attached to a moving body and captures images while moving along the moving direction of the moving body.

12. 12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the moving object is a vehicle that moves along a track, and the imaging device captures an image of the track.

13. 13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the moving body is a railway vehicle, and the imaging device captures an image of a rail provided on a track on which the railway vehicle runs.

14. 14. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the imaging direction of the imaging element is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement.

15. 15. The imaging device according to claim 11, further comprising an optical system, the optical axis direction of which is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction.

16. 16. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

17. 17. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided so that outside air flows in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

Images