Imaging device

Abstract

The present invention provides an imaging device that can be miniaturized and that can return the image sensor to the correct flange back position after tilting. [Solution] The imaging device 100 includes an imaging unit 120 having an image sensor 121, three lead screws 402a to 402c that engage with the imaging unit 120, and drive motors 150 to 152 that individually rotate the lead screws 402a to 402c. As the lead screws 402a to 402c rotate, the engagement portion of the imaging unit 120 with the lead screws 402a to 402c moves in the optical axis direction of the image sensor 121, thereby enabling adjustment of the flange back and tilt drive of the image sensor 121.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, and particularly to a configuration for performing panning photography by tilting a imaging element.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for performing panning photography by tilting (tilting) a imaging element have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a uniaxial rotation axis is provided on a imaging element holder and the imaging element is tilted around the rotation axis. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a tilt mechanism for tilting a imaging element around a single axis by a linear actuator is rotationally driven by a rotational actuator by 90 degrees to enable tilting drive in two axes. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which panning adjustment of a imaging element is performed by a plurality of spiral cams.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent documents 1 and 2 mentioned above do not disclose specific configurations for adjusting the flange back of the image sensor. As a result, there is a problem that the flange back of the image sensor may shift from the correct position when tilting is repeatedly performed, leading to a decrease in the image quality of the captured images. Furthermore, adding a flange back adjustment mechanism to the tilt mechanism would increase the size of the imaging device. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 3 requires a separate tool for adjusting the tilt of the image sensor, which is inconvenient.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an imaging device that allows tilting of the image sensor by operating the imaging device body, is miniaturized, and can return the image sensor to the correct flange back position after tilting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The imaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises an imaging unit having an image sensor, three lead screws that engage with the imaging unit, and a driving means for individually rotating the three lead screws, wherein the engagement portion of the imaging unit with the three lead screws moves in the optical axis direction of the image sensor in accordance with the rotation of the three lead screws, thereby adjusting the flange back and tilting the image sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an imaging device capable of tilting the image sensor can be miniaturized, and the image sensor can be returned to the correct flange back position after tilting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of the imaging device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the imaging system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging device. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the imaging unit in an upward tilt state and a downward tilt state. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the imaging unit in the rightward tilt position and the leftward tilt position. [Figure 7] These are enlarged perspective views and exploded perspective views of the follower and its vicinity. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view illustrating the relationship between tilt drive and follower pin movement. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the follower layout and tilt drive control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the imaging device 100 according to an embodiment. In Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b), the direction in which the imaging device 100 is represented is different, as shown by the coordinate axes in the figures.

[0010] The imaging device 100 includes a grip section 101, a release button 102, a lens mount section 103, a mount contact 105, a lens lock release button 106, a power switch 107, a main electronic dial 108, a sub electronic dial 119, and a mode switching dial 109. The imaging device 100 also includes a SET button 110, a rear monitor 111, an electronic viewfinder 112, a multifunction button 113, a display panel 114, an accessory shoe 115, and a media slot cover 173.

[0011] Regarding the coordinate axes shown in Figure 1, when the image sensor 121 (see Figure 2) is in its base position (when the image sensor 121 is not tilted and the flange back is adjusted to the appropriate position), the Z-axis is perpendicular to the imaging plane of the image sensor 121 (see Figure 2). When the Z-axis is parallel to the horizontal direction, the X-axis is parallel to the horizontal direction and perpendicular to the Z-axis, and the Y-axis is perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the X-axis. The Z-axis direction is defined as the front-to-back direction of the imaging device 100, and the direction toward an unillustrated subject is defined as the positive direction (+Z direction). The +Z side of the imaging device 100 is referred to as the front, and the opposite side (-Z side) as the back. The X-axis direction is defined as the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the imaging device 100, and the direction from right to left when viewed from the -Z side is defined as the positive direction (+X direction). The Y-axis direction is defined as the up-and-down direction (height direction) of the imaging device 100, and the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface is defined as the positive direction (+Y direction).

[0012] The grip portion 101 is a part that allows the photographer to stably hold the imaging device 100, and is located on the right side (-X side) of the imaging device 100. The release button 102 is a switch for starting imaging, and is located on the top of the grip portion 101 so that the photographer can operate it while holding the grip portion 101.

[0013] The lens mount section 103 is the part used for attaching and detaching the imaging lens unit 104 (see Figure 2), and is located on the front of the imaging device 100. The Z-axis coincides with the imaging optical axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the "optical axis") of the imaging lens unit 104. An opening 190 is provided inside the lens mount section 103 so that light passing through the imaging lens unit 104 reaches the image sensor 121 (see Figure 2). The mount contact 105 is located in the opening 190 and electrically connects the imaging device 100 and the imaging lens unit 104, enabling signal communication related to lens control and lens data, as well as power supply from the imaging device 100 to the imaging lens unit 104. The lens lock release button 106 is a component operated when removing the imaging lens unit 104 from the imaging device 100. By pressing the lens lock release button, the lock is released and the lens can be removed.

[0014] The power switch 107 is an operating member for switching on / off the power supply of the imaging device 100, and is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the imaging device 100. The main electronic dial 108 and the sub electronic dial 119 are operating members that can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. The photographer can change various setting values such as the shutter speed by performing a rotation operation. The mode switch dial 109 is an operating member for switching the shooting mode. The shooting modes include, for example, the shutter speed priority mode, the aperture priority mode, the video shooting mode, and the like. The SET button 110 is a push-type operating member mainly for determining the selected item and the like. The rear monitor 111 displays a screen (menu screen) for performing various settings of the imaging device 100, a captured image, a live view image, and the like.

[0015] The electronic viewfinder 112 is a display means for the photographer to look through and confirm the display content, and displays a menu screen, a captured image, a live view image, and the like. The multi-function button 113 is a push-type operating member that the photographer can arbitrarily assign and use for switching various settings related to shooting. The display panel 114 displays shooting parameters such as the shooting mode and the ISO sensitivity. Note that the display panel 114 can display predetermined shooting parameters and the like even when the power supply of the imaging device 100 is off.

[0016] The accessory shoe 115 has accessory contacts 116 and is a part that enables the attachment and detachment of various accessories (external devices) such as a strobe device and a microphone. The media slot cover 173 is a member for protecting a media slot (not shown), and by opening it, an external storage medium 148 (see FIG. 2) such as an SD card can be inserted into and removed from the media slot.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the imaging system. The imaging system is configured by mounting a photographing lens unit 104 on the imaging device 100.

[0018] The imaging device 100 includes a mount contact 105, an accessory contact 116, a main electronic dial 108, a mode selection dial 109, a power switch 107, a SET button 110, and a multifunction button 113. The imaging device 100 also includes a rear monitor 111, an electronic viewfinder 112, and a display panel 114. These have already been explained with reference to Figure 1, and therefore will not be explained here.

[0019] The photographic lens unit 104 includes a lens group 141, an AF drive unit 139, an electromagnetic drive diaphragm 142, an diaphragm drive unit 140, and a lens control unit 138.

[0020] The imaging device 100 includes a system control unit 130, a focal plane shutter 149, a shutter drive unit 132, a time measurement unit 131, a switch sense unit 133, a video signal processing unit 136, a display control unit 144, an imaging unit 120, and a piezoelectric element drive unit 145. The imaging device 100 also includes an FB tilt drive unit 160, an FB tilt drive control unit 137, an FB memory 161, a memory controller 146, an external storage medium 148, an accessory communication control unit 118, a power supply unit 134, a battery check unit 135, and a battery 143.

[0021] The lens group 141 consists of multiple lenses, including at least a focusing lens, which forms an image on the image sensor 121 by focusing the incident light. Note that in Figure 2, the lens group 141 is simplified and represented as a single lens. The AF drive unit 139 performs focusing on the subject by moving the focusing lens constituting the lens group 141 in the optical axis direction using an actuator such as a stepping motor. The electromagnetically driven aperture 142 consists of multiple aperture blades that form the aperture opening. The aperture drive unit 140 adjusts the amount of light reaching the image sensor 121 by driving the aperture blades of the electromagnetically driven aperture 142 with an actuator such as a stepping motor to adjust the aperture opening diameter. The lens control unit 138 controls the driving of the AF drive unit 139 and the aperture drive unit 140 according to commands from the system control unit 130.

[0022] The system control unit 130 is a microcomputer (MPU) composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is a control means that performs overall control of the imaging system by having the CPU load a predetermined program stored in ROM into RAM. For example, the system control unit 130 communicates with the lens control unit 138 via the mount contact 105 to control the operation of the AF drive unit 139 and the aperture drive unit to perform AF and AE.

[0023] The focal-plane shutter 149 is a mechanical shutter having a front curtain and a rear curtain. The shutter drive unit 132 moves the front and rear curtains of the focal-plane shutter 149 according to the drive signal from the system control unit 130. This controls the exposure time on the image sensor 121. The focal-plane shutter 149 is kept in a closed position with the front curtain when the power to the imaging device 100 is turned off. This prevents dust from entering the inside of the imaging device 100 through the opening 190.

[0024] The time measurement unit 131 measures the time when various processes are performed. The obtained time information is stored in a storage means such as an EEPROM provided by the system control unit 130. The switch sense unit 133 transmits input signals to the system control unit 130 according to the operating state of various buttons and switches. The release button 102 has a first switch (SW1) that turns on when half-pressed and a second switch that turns on when fully pressed. When the system control unit 130 receives the ON signal of SW1 via the switch sense unit 133, it prepares for shooting such as AE and AF, and when it receives the ON signal of SW2, it performs the actual shooting operation.

[0025] The video signal processing unit 136 performs various image processing, such as filtering and data compression, on the electrical signals obtained from the image sensor 121. For example, the image data for monitor display generated by the video signal processing unit 136 is displayed on the rear monitor 111 and the electronic viewfinder 112 via the display control unit 144. The video signal processing unit 136 also saves image data to the buffer memory 147 via the memory controller 146 according to commands from the system control unit 130. The video signal processing unit 136 can also perform image data compression processing such as JPEG. During continuous shooting, the image data can be stored in the buffer memory 147, and the unprocessed image data can be sequentially read out via the memory controller 146, allowing the video signal processing unit 136 to perform image processing and compression sequentially regardless of the image data input speed.

[0026] The buffer memory 147 temporarily stores various image data. The display control unit 144 uses the display image data acquired from the video signal processing unit 136 to control the display on the rear monitor 111, the electronic viewfinder 112, and the display panel 114. The memory controller 146 is a control means for storing image data in an external storage medium 148 and, conversely, reading image data stored in the external storage medium 148. The external storage medium 148 can be an SD card or CF card that is removable from the imaging device 100, but is not limited to these.

[0027] The imaging unit 120 includes an optical low-pass filter 122, an optical low-pass filter holding member 123, a piezoelectric element 124, and an image sensor 121. The image sensor 121 is, for example, a CMOS sensor, but is not limited to that. Although not shown, the image sensor 121 is configured in a rectangular shape with a pair of sides parallel to the X direction (right side on the -X side, left side on the +X side) and a pair of sides parallel to the Y direction (top side on the +Y side, bottom side on the -Y side).

[0028] The optical low-pass filter 122 is a single rectangular birefringent plate made of quartz and is positioned in front of the image sensor 121. The piezoelectric element 124 is attached to the optical low-pass filter 122 and vibrates in response to a drive signal. The piezoelectric element drive unit 145 vibrates the piezoelectric element 124 according to a command from the system control unit 130, thereby vibrating the optical low-pass filter 122 and shaking off dust adhering to the optical low-pass filter 122.

[0029] The accessory communication control unit 118 controls the mutual communication between the control unit of an accessory (not shown) mounted on the accessory shoe 115 and the system control unit 130 via the accessory contact 116. The power supply unit 134 obtains, distributes, and supplies the necessary power to the various electrical and electronic components constituting the imaging device 100 from the battery 143. The battery check unit 135 notifies the system control unit 130 of the remaining battery level information of the battery 143. The battery 143 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this. The system control unit 130 and other electronic components such as ICs, the drive unit, and the slot for housing the external storage medium 148 are mounted on the main board 180.

[0030] The FB tilt drive unit 160 has a first drive motor 150, a second drive motor 151, and a third drive motor 152. In the following description, the first drive motor 150, the second drive motor 151, and the third drive motor 152 will be referred to as "drive motors 150-152" when they are not distinguished from each other.

[0031] The FB tilt drive unit 160 adjusts the flange back of the imaging unit 120 and performs tilt driving of the imaging unit 120 by driving the drive motors 150 to 152. Note that tilt driving of the imaging unit 120 refers to a driving method that tilts the imaging surface of the image sensor 121 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0032] As will be described in detail later, the drive motors 150-152 are actuators (driving means) for individually driving the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c. For example, stepping motors are used for the drive motors 150-152. The FB tilt drive control unit 137 drives the drive motors 150-152 according to commands from the system control unit 130. The FB memory 161 stores the position data (hereinafter referred to as "adjustment position data") when the flange back of the imaging unit 120 is adjusted by the FB tilt drive unit 160. Details of the configuration of the FB tilt drive unit 160 will be described later.

[0033] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging device 100 with the outer cover removed. Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the imaging device 100 with the main circuit board 180 shown in Figure 3(a) omitted.

[0034] In the imaging device 100, the main structure to which the exterior cover and lens mount section 103 are attached and which holds various components will be hereinafter referred to as the "main body 201". The FB tilt drive unit 160 is attached to the main body 201 by main body fixing screws 203a, 203b, and 203c.

[0035] The main board 180 is attached to the main body 201 at the rear (rear side (-Z side)) of the FB tilt drive unit 160. The main board 180 is equipped with various electronic and electrical components, including an MPU that functions with the system control unit 130, and connectors to which FPCs (flexible printed circuit boards) are connected. The first drive motor 150, second drive motor 151, and third drive motor 152, which constitute the FB tilt drive unit 160, are electrically connected to the main board 180 by the first FPC 206, second FPC 207, and third FPC 208, respectively.

[0036] The imaging unit 120 has an imaging substrate 220 on which an image sensor 121 is mounted. Various electrical and electronic components for converting analog signals output from the image sensor 121 into digital signals are mounted on the imaging substrate 220. The outer periphery of the back of the imaging substrate 220 is bonded and fixed to a metal imaging substrate plate 301.

[0037] The imaging board 220 and the main board 180 are electrically connected by image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b. In this configuration, image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b connect a connector mounted on the back of the imaging board 220 to a connector mounted on the front of the main board 180. Image sensor FPC 202a mainly transmits differential signals, while image sensor FPC 202b mainly transmits power.

[0038] The image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b are connected near the optical axis of the imaging substrate 220, which minimizes the amount of movement of the image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b when the imaging unit 120 is tilted. This makes it possible to miniaturize the image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b (by shortening their excess length). In addition, the repulsive force generated by the deformation of the image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b between the imaging substrate 220 and the main substrate 180 can be reduced, and as a result, the drive power of the drive motors 150 to 152 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by using two image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b instead of one FPC, the image sensor FPCs 202a and 202b have small widths in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Therefore, compared to using one FPC with a large width, it is possible to reduce and disperse the repulsive force caused by the deformation of the FPC when the imaging unit 120 is tilted.

[0039] Next, we will explain the adjustment of the flange back in the imaging device 100 by the FB tilt drive unit 160 and the tilt drive of the imaging unit 120.

[0040] Figure 4(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the FB tilt drive unit 160 removed from the main body 201 of the imaging device 100. Figure 4(b) is a rear perspective view of the FB tilt drive unit 160 and the imaging unit 120.

[0041] The FB tilt drive unit 160 has a base plate 210. The base plate 210 is fixed to the main body 201 by passing the main body fixing screws 203a, 203b, and 203c through screw holes provided in the base plate 210 and fixing it to the main body 201. The drive motors ~ 152 are fixed to the base plate 210 using fixing members 401a, 401b, and 401c, respectively.

[0042] The FB tilt drive unit 160 has three lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c. The front (+Z side) shaft of lead screw 402a is inserted into an engagement recess 201a provided in the main body 201 and is rotatably supported by the main body 201. The rear (-Z side) shaft of lead screw 402a is inserted into a through hole provided in the base plate 210 and engages with a worm wheel 403a located on the back surface of the base plate 210 at the portion that protrudes rearward from the base plate 210. Meanwhile, a worm gear 501a is press-fitted and fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 150, and the worm gear 501a meshes with the worm wheel 403a. Therefore, when the drive motor 150 is driven, the worm gear 501a rotates the worm wheel 403a, thereby rotating the lead screw 402a.

[0043] The lead screws 402b and 402c are held rotatably in the same configuration as the lead screw 402a. Specifically, the front shaft portion of the lead screw 402b is rotatably inserted into an engagement recess 201b provided in the main body 201. The rear shaft portion of the lead screw 402b is inserted into a through hole provided in the base plate 210, and the portion protruding rearward from the base plate 210 engages with the worm wheel 403b located on the back surface of the base plate 210. On the other hand, a worm gear 501b is press-fitted and fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 151, and the worm gear 501b meshes with the worm wheel 403b. Therefore, when the drive motor 151 is driven, the worm gear 501b rotates the worm wheel 403b, thereby rotating the lead screw 402b.

[0044] Furthermore, the front shaft portion of the lead screw 402c is rotatably inserted into an engagement recess 201c provided in the main body 201. The rear shaft portion of the lead screw 402c is inserted into a through hole provided in the base plate 210, and the portion protruding rearward from the base plate 210 engages with the worm wheel 403c located on the back surface of the base plate 210. On the other hand, a worm gear 501c is press-fitted and fixed to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 152, and the worm gear 501c meshes with the worm wheel 403c. Therefore, when the drive motor 152 is driven, the worm gear 501c rotates the worm wheel 403c, thereby rotating the lead screw 402c.

[0045] The imaging substrate plate 301 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the optical axis direction, and through holes are provided near three of its four corners through which the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c are inserted. On the back surface of the imaging substrate plate 301, followers 404a, 404b, and 404c are fixed near the through holes through which the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c are inserted, respectively. The three followers 404a, 404b, and 404c each engage with the screw portion (spiral portion) of the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c. Thus, engagement points between the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c and the followers 404a, 404b, and 404c are provided near the three corners of the imaging substrate plate 301.

[0046] When the FB tilt drive unit 160 is viewed from the rear side (-Z side), rotating the worm gear 501a counterclockwise (CCW) moves the follower 404a, which is engaged with the screw portion of the lead screw 402a, in the +Z direction. Conversely, rotating the worm gear 501a clockwise (CW) moves the follower 404a in the -Z direction. The movement of followers 404b and 404c in the Z direction can be performed in the same way as the movement of follower 404a in the Z direction.

[0047] In this way, by rotating all or part of the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c, the front-to-back position of the imaging unit 120 (flange back adjustment) and the tilt of the imaging surface of the image sensor 121 (tilt drive) can be adjusted. The position data of the drive motors 150 to 152 when the flange back adjustment is performed is stored in the FB memory 161 as adjustment position data. Therefore, after tilt drive, the imaging unit 120 can be returned to the position after flange back adjustment, which is the state before tilt drive, using the adjustment position data stored in the FB memory 161. In order to determine the tilt of the imaging substrate plate 301 with respect to the optical axis, it is sufficient to determine the positions of three points on the imaging substrate plate 301. Three lead screws are used to determine these three points.

[0048] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view showing the imaging unit 120 in an upward tilt state, and Figure 5(b) is a perspective view showing the imaging unit 120 in a downward tilt state. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view showing the imaging unit 120 in a rightward tilt state, and Figure 6(b) is a perspective view showing the imaging unit 120 in a leftward tilt state.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5(a), in upward tilt drive, the worm wheels 403a and 403b are rotated in the CW direction by drive motors 150 and 151, and the followers 404a and 404b engaged with the lead screws 402a and 402b move in the -Z direction. In addition, the worm wheel 403c is rotated in the CCW direction by drive motor 152, and the follower 404c engaged with the lead screw 402c moves in the +Z direction. As a result, the lower edge of the image sensor 121 is tilted to a position in front of the imaging device 100 relative to its upper edge, resulting in an upward (upward, +Y side) tilt state.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(b), in downward tilt drive, the worm wheels 403a and 403b are rotated in the CCW direction by the drive motors 150 and 151, and the followers 404a and 404b engaged with the lead screws 402a and 402b move in the +Z direction. In addition, the worm wheel 403c is rotated in the CW direction by the drive motor 152, and the follower 404c engaged with the lead screw 402c moves in the -Z direction. As a result, the upper edge of the image sensor 121 is tilted so that it is positioned in front of the imaging device 100 relative to its lower edge, resulting in a downward (downward, -Y side) tilt state.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6(a), in rightward tilt drive, the worm wheel 403a is rotated in the CCW direction by the drive motor 150, and the follower 404a engaged with the lead screw 402a moves in the +Z direction. Also, the worm wheels 403b and 403c are rotated in the CW direction by the drive motors 151 and 152, and the followers 404b and 404c engaged with the lead screws 402b and 402c move in the -Z direction. As a result, the left edge of the image sensor 121 is tilted to a position in front of the imaging device 100, relative to the right edge, resulting in a rightward (to the right, -X side) tilt state.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6(b), in leftward tilt drive, the worm wheel 403a is rotated in the CW direction by the drive motor 150, and the follower 404a engaged with the lead screw 402a moves in the -Z direction. Also, the worm wheels 403b and 403c are rotated in the CCW direction by the drive motors 151 and 152, and the followers 404b and 404c engaged with the lead screws 402b and 402c move in the +Z direction. As a result, the right edge of the image sensor 121 is tilted to a position in front of the imaging device 100 than the left edge, resulting in a leftward (leftward, +X direction) tilt state. Although tilt drives in the up, down, left, and right directions have been described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, it is also possible to perform tilt drives that combine, for example, tilt drives in two directions, upward and right.

[0053] Next, we will explain the configuration of follower 404a in detail. Note that the configurations of followers 404b and 404c are the same as those of follower 404a, so we will omit the explanation of their configurations.

[0054] Figure 7(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the follower 404a and its vicinity, and Figure 7(b) is an exploded perspective view of the follower 404a. The follower 404a has a follower pin 601, a follower spring 603, and a follower holder 602. The follower pin 601 has a tip portion 601a and a shaft portion 601b, and the follower holder 602 has a follower spring housing portion 603a formed therein.

[0055] The follower pin 601 is made of metal, and its tip 601a is formed in a hemispherical shape. The thrust direction of the follower pin 601 and the thrust direction of the lead screw 402a are approximately perpendicular, and the tip 601a of the follower pin 601 engages with the screw groove 405 of the lead screw 402a.

[0056] The follower holder 602 is fixed to the imaging substrate plate 301. The follower spring 603 is a metal coil spring and is housed in the follower spring housing 603a. The shaft portion 601b of the follower pin 601 is inserted into the follower spring 603, and in this state, the follower spring 603 is compressed. Therefore, the tip portion 601a of the follower pin 601 is always biased toward the axial center of the lead screw 402a by the follower spring 603.

[0057] Next, the relationship between the tilt drive and the movement of the follower pin 601 will be explained. By tilting the imaging unit 120, the distance between the follower holder 602 and the lead screw 402a changes. At this time, the follower spring 603 expands and contracts in the thrust direction in accordance with the movement of the imaging unit 120, thereby maintaining the engagement between the tip portion 601a and the screw groove 405.

[0058] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the relationship between the tilt drive of the imaging unit 120 and the movement of the follower pin 601. Figure 8(a) shows the imaging unit 120 in its base position, that is, the imaging plane of the image sensor 121 is perpendicular to the imaging optical axis, and the flange back of the imaging unit 120 is adjusted. In the base position, the follower pin 601 is biased toward the central axis of the lead screw 402a and engaged with the screw groove 405.

[0059] In Figure 8(b), the imaging unit 120 is tilted upward, and the imaging substrate plate 301 is inclined upward, so the follower holder 602 moves away from the lead screw 402a. At this time, the biasing force of the follower spring 603 causes the follower pin 601 to protrude from the follower holder 602 in the direction of arrow ar1, thereby maintaining the engagement between the tip 601a and the lead screw 402a.

[0060] In Figure 8(c), the imaging unit 120 is tilted downward, and the imaging substrate plate 301 is inclined downward, so the follower holder 602 approaches the lead screw 402a. At this time, the follower spring 603 compresses, causing the follower pin 601 to retract from the follower holder 602 in the direction of arrow ar2, thereby maintaining the engagement between the tip 601a and the lead screw 402a.

[0061] Furthermore, in the leftward and rightward tilt states, the follower pin 601 moves forward and backward, maintaining engagement with the lead screw 402a, similar to the upward and downward tilt states described above. In addition, although the movement of follower 404a has been explained, the other followers 404b and 404c also move in the same way as follower 404a, maintaining engagement with the lead screws 402b and 402c.

[0062] Next, we will explain the relationship between the layout of the followers 404a, 404b, and 404c and the tilt drive control. Figure 9(a) is a rear view of the imaging unit 120, and Figure 9(b) is a side view (viewed from the -X side) showing the movement of the follower 404a when the imaging unit 120 is tilted upward by an angle θ.

[0063] As shown in Figure 9(a), follower 404a is positioned on a straight line SL connecting the lead screw 402a (central axis) and the optical axis center O, and the direction of movement of the follower pin 601 coincides with the extension direction of the straight line SL. Similarly, follower 404b is positioned on a straight line connecting the lead screw 402b and the optical axis center O and moves in the extension direction of that line, and follower 404c is positioned on a straight line connecting the lead screw 402c and the optical axis center O and moves in the extension direction of that line. This minimizes the misalignment between the axis centers of the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c and the axis centers of the follower pins 601 of the followers 404a, 404b, and 404c when adjusting the focus or tilting the imaging unit 120. As a result, the follower pins 601 of followers 404a, 404b, and 404c can maintain their engagement with the lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c without disengaging.

[0064] Here, with the optical axis center O as the origin, the XY coordinates of lead screws 402a, 402b, and 402c are (X(a),Y(a)), (X(b),Y(b)), and (X(c),Y(c)), respectively. Lead screw 402a is located in the first quadrant, lead screw 402b in the second quadrant, and lead screw 402c in the third quadrant.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the image sensor 121 is tilted upward by an angle θ with respect to an axis passing through its center and parallel to the X-axis, for example, the follower 404a moves from point B1 to point B2. If the amount of movement (drive) of the follower 404a in the Z direction is 'D(a)', then the amount of movement D(a) is calculated by 'D(a) = Y(a) × sinθ'. Although not shown, the amount of movement D(a) when tilted to the right by an angle θ is calculated by 'D(a) = X(a) × sinθ'. If the amounts of movement in the Z direction of the followers 404b and 404c are D(b) and D(c), respectively, then the amounts of movement D(b) and D(c) can be determined in the same way as the amount of movement D(a).

[0066] That is, for upward tilt drive, the following relationships hold: D(a)=-Y(a)×sinθ, D(b)=-Y(b)×sinθ, D(c)=-Y(c)×sinθ. For downward tilt drive, the following relationships hold: D(a)=Y(a)×sinθ, D(b)=Y(b)×sinθ, D(c)=Y(c)×sinθ. For rightward tilt drive, the following relationships hold: D(a)=X(a)×sinθ, D(b)=X(b)×sinθ, D(c)=X(c)×sinθ. For leftward tilt drive, the following relationships hold: D(a)=-X(a)×sinθ, D(b)=-X(b)×sinθ, D(c)=-X(c)×sinθ.

[0067] Here, since Y(a), Y(b) > 0 and Y(c) < 0, the amount of movement when tilting upwards takes the values ​​D(a), D(b) > 0 and D(c) < 0, and the amount of movement when tilting downwards takes the values ​​D(a), D(b) < 0 and D(c) > 0. Also, since X(a) > 0 and X(b), X(c) < 0, the amount of movement when tilting to the right takes the values ​​D(a) > 0 and D(b), D(c) < 0, and the amount of movement when tilting to the left takes the values ​​D(a) < 0 and D(b), D(c) > 0.

[0068] Therefore, when tilting in the vertical direction, the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c)=Y(a):Y(b):Y(c) holds true, and when tilting in the horizontal direction, the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c)=X(a):X(b):X(c) holds true. By driving the FB tilt drive unit 160 with the drive amount thus given, it becomes possible to tilt the image sensor 121 of the imaging unit 120 with a rotation center that passes through the center of the image sensor 121 and is parallel to the X and Y axes, respectively.

[0069] As described above, in the imaging device according to the present invention, the flange back can be correctly adjusted by the FB tilt drive unit, which tilts the image sensor to perform tilt-shift photography. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the device compared to a configuration that separately provides a tilt drive mechanism and a flange back adjustment mechanism. Furthermore, compared to conventional configurations that achieve two-way (up, down, left, and right) tilt drive by rotating the one-way tilt mechanism of the image sensor by 90°, it is possible to miniaturize the imaging device because there is no need to rotate the tilt mechanism. Moreover, by storing drive data related to the motor that performs tilt drive and flange back adjustment, the image sensor can be returned to the position with the correct flange back after tilt drive, thereby obtaining high-quality images without uneven blurring. Needless to say, no additional tools are required for tilt drive.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. For example, stepping motors are used as drive motors 150 to 152 to rotate the lead screws 402a to 402c, and the position data of the drive motors 150 to 152 when flange back adjustment is performed is stored in the FB memory 161. However, motors equipped with encoders may be used as drive motors 150 to 152, and the encoder values ​​when flange back adjustment is performed may be stored as position data in the FB memory 161. In this case as well, after tilt drive, the image sensor 121 can be returned to the flange back adjustment position using the adjustment position data stored in the FB memory 161.

[0071] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging unit having an image sensor, three lead screws that engage with the imaging unit, and a driving means for individually rotating the three lead screws, wherein the engagement portion of the imaging unit with the three lead screws moves in the optical axis direction of the image sensor in accordance with the rotation of the three lead screws, thereby adjusting the flange back and tilting the image sensor. (Configuration 2) The imaging device according to Configuration 1, wherein the imaging unit comprises a holding member that holds the image sensor and has three through holes through which the three lead screws are each inserted, and three followers attached to the holding member that engage with each of the three lead screws, and the engagement with the lead screws is maintained by each of the three followers moving back and forth in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thrust direction of the lead screws in accordance with the movement of the imaging unit. (Configuration 3) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 2, characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, each of the three followers moves forward and backward in the direction of extension of the straight line connecting the lead screw and the optical axis of the image sensor. (Configuration 4) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the holding member has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the optical axis direction, and the three through holes are provided near three of the four corners of the holding member. (Configuration 5) An imaging device comprising any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the driving means is a motor equipped with a stepping motor or an encoder. (Configuration 6) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized by comprising a storage means for storing control position data of the driving means when the flange back of the image sensor is adjusted. (Configuration 7) An imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the coordinates of the three lead screws, with the center of the image sensor as the origin when viewed from the optical axis direction of the image sensor, are (X(a), Y(a)), (X(b), Y(b)), and (X(c), Y(c)), respectively, and the amount of drive of the three lead screws in the optical axis direction for tilting the image sensor is D(a), D(b), and D(c), respectively, and the control means for controlling the drive means such that when the image sensor is tilted upward or downward when viewed from the optical axis direction, the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c)=Y(a):Y(b):Y(c) holds, and when the image sensor is tilted to the right or to the left when viewed from the optical axis direction, the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c)=X(a):X(b):X(c) holds. (Configuration 8) An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit having an image sensor; a tilt driving means for tilting the image sensor; and a control means for controlling the driving of the tilt driving means, wherein the tilt driving means comprises three lead screws that engage with the imaging unit; and a driving means for individually rotating the three lead screws; and the control means adjusts the flange back of the image sensor and tilts it by individually rotating the three lead screws using the driving means. (Configuration 9) An imaging device comprising an image sensor, three lead screws that move the image sensor forward and backward in the optical axis direction of the image sensor and tilt the imaging surface of the image sensor with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a driving means for individually driving the three lead screws. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 100 Imaging device 120 Imaging Units 121 Image sensor 130 System Control Unit 150, 151, 152 drive motors 160 FB Tilt Drive Unit 161 FB memory 201 Main Unit 210 Base Plate 301 Imaging substrate plate 402a, 402b, 402c Lead Screw 404a, 404b, 404c Followers

Claims

1. An imaging unit having an image sensor, Three lead screws that engage with the imaging unit, The system includes a drive means for individually rotating the three lead screws, An imaging apparatus characterized in that, in accordance with the rotation of the three lead screws, the engagement portion of the imaging unit with the three lead screws moves in the optical axis direction of the image sensor, thereby adjusting the flange back and tilting the image sensor.

2. The imaging unit is A holding member that holds the image sensor and has three through holes through which the three lead screws are each inserted, It comprises three followers attached to the retaining member and engaging with each of the three lead screws, The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the three followers moves back and forth in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thrust direction of the lead screw in accordance with the movement of the imaging unit, thereby maintaining engagement with the lead screw.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, each of the three followers moves forward and backward in the direction of extension of the straight line connecting the lead screw and the optical axis of the image sensor.

4. The holding member has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the optical axis direction, The imaging device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the three through holes are provided near three of the four corners of the holding member.

5. The imaging apparatus according to 1 or 2, characterized in that the driving means is a motor equipped with a stepping motor or an encoder.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a storage means for storing position data of the driving means when the flange back of the image sensor is adjusted.

7. Let the coordinates of the three lead screws be (X(a), Y(a)), (X(b), Y(b)), and (X(c), Y(c)), respectively, with the center of the image sensor as the origin when viewed from the optical axis direction of the image sensor, and let the drive amounts of the three lead screws in the optical axis direction for tilting the image sensor be D(a), D(b), and D(c), respectively. When the image sensor is tilted upward or downward when viewed from the optical axis direction, the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c) = Y(a):Y(b):Y(c) holds true. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising control means for controlling the driving means such that the relationship D(a):D(b):D(c) = X(a):X(b):X(c) holds when the image sensor is tilted to the right or to the left when viewed from the optical axis direction.

8. An imaging unit having an image sensor, A tilt drive means for performing tilt drive of the image sensor, An imaging apparatus comprising control means for controlling the driving of the tilt drive means, The tilt drive means is Three lead screws that engage with the imaging unit, The system includes a drive means for individually rotating the three lead screws, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control means performs adjustment of the flange back and tilt drive of the image sensor by individually rotating the three lead screws using the drive means.

9. Image sensor and Three lead screws move the image sensor forward and backward in the optical axis direction of the image sensor, and tilt the imaging surface of the image sensor with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction, An imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a driving means for individually driving the three lead screws.

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