Imaging device

Abstract

Lens changes can be made easily. [Solution] The rotating part 35 of the camera mount part 32 has a gripping part 39 and a camera mount engaging part 38, and is rotatable relative to the imaging unit body 2a. The gripping part 39 rotates in the R direction, moving from the sub-arm part 14 toward the main arm part 13, and the camera mount engaging part 38 engages with the lens mount engaging part 31, thereby mounting the lens 1 to the camera 2. The rotation of the tilt rotation part 3 is restricted by the rotation of the swivel receiving part 27 with the groove part 11, and the main arm part 13 has higher rigidity or strength than the sub-arm part 14.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an imaging device that can perform panning and tilting and has an interchangeable lens that can be used according to the shooting environment. In such an imaging device, a bayonet system is adopted for a mount portion that holds the lens in an interchangeable manner. In the imaging device of Patent Document 1, the lens and the mount can be attached and detached by rotating the lens.

[0003] When the bayonet system is adopted, the lens is fixed to the camera unit by engaging an engaging claw of a mount portion (hereinafter, referred to as a camera mount portion) provided in the camera unit of the imaging device with an engaging claw of a mount portion of the lens (hereinafter, referred to as a lens mount portion). Generally, in order to engage the engaging claws with each other, it is necessary to rotate the lens in a predetermined direction with the lens mount portion inserted into the camera mount portion.

[0004] A plurality of accessories are assumed to be attached to the lens. Therefore, in order for the lens to rotate smoothly, it is necessary to provide a space in which the lens can rotate without interfering with other parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in a configuration where the camera unit is held rotatably by a retaining member, the camera mount portion into which the lens is inserted is generally positioned between the retaining members. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the rotational trajectory of the lens, including accessories, does not interfere with the retaining members. To achieve this, for example, it becomes necessary to temporarily move the camera unit away from the retaining members, which is cumbersome. There was room for improvement in terms of making it easier to attach and detach the lens.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an imaging device that allows for easy lens replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an imaging device comprising: an imaging unit including an imaging unit body and a mount unit; a swivel member for holding the imaging unit; and a holding member including a first holding unit and a second holding unit, which swivels between the first and second holding units for holding the swivel unit. The mount unit includes a gripping unit and an engaging unit, and has a rotatable unit that rotates relative to the imaging unit body. The rotatable unit rotates in a direction in which the gripping unit moves from the second holding unit toward the first holding unit, causing the engaging unit and the lens to engage, thereby mounting the lens to the imaging unit. The first holding unit has higher rigidity or strength than the second holding unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, lens replacement can be performed easily. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the imaging device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the tilt and swivel mechanism. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the pan rotation section with the tilt rotation section in place. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of the inside of the main arm, seen from the +X side. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view of the main arm. [Figure 6] This is a magnified perspective view of the main arm. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lens and camera. [Figure 8] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lens and camera. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the imaging unit and camera mount. [Figure 10] This is a view of the imaging device from the +Z side when the tilt rotation and pan rotation amounts are zero. [Figure 11] This is a view of the imaging device from the +Z side when the tilt rotation and pan rotation amounts are zero. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This imaging device 100 is, for example, a pan-tilt camera. The imaging device 100 mainly consists of a camera 2 (imaging unit), a lens 1, a tilt rotation unit 3 (rotating member), a pan rotation unit 4 (holding member), and a base unit 5.

[0013] Lens 1 is an interchangeable lens that is interchangeably attached to camera 2. Camera 2 is held by tilt swivel unit 3 together with lens 1. Tilt swivel unit 3 is supported in a two-sided manner by pan swivel unit 4. Pan swivel unit 4 incorporates a tilt drive unit (not shown). When this tilt drive unit operates, tilt swivel unit 3 can swivel in the tilt direction about tilt axis T0 (swivel axis) with respect to pan swivel unit 4. Pan swivel unit 4 is supported by pedestal unit 5. Pedestal unit 5 incorporates a pan drive unit (not shown). When this pan drive unit operates, pan swivel unit 4 can swivel in the pan direction about pan axis P0 with respect to pedestal unit 5. Note that since a known drive mechanism may be used for the drive mechanism for rotating lens 1 and camera 2 in the pan direction and tilt direction with respect to pedestal unit 5, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0014] Hereinafter, directions are named with reference to pedestal unit 5. The thickness direction of pedestal unit 5 is defined as the Y direction. The Y direction is parallel to the axial direction of pan axis P0. In particular, the side where pan swivel unit 4 is disposed with respect to pedestal unit 5 (the upper side in Fig. 1(a)) is taken as the +Y side. The directions orthogonal to the Y direction are defined as the X direction and the Z direction. The side with the convex surface of pedestal unit 5 in the Z direction is taken as the +Z side. Among the X directions, the left side when pedestal unit 5 installed on the floor surface or the like is viewed from the +Z side is taken as the +X side.

[0015] In Fig. 1, regarding the pan position and the tilt position, the optical axis C0 of lens 1 attached to camera 2 is parallel to the Z direction, and the subject side is the +Z side. This state is defined as the state where the tilt rotation amount and the pan rotation amount are zero. Hereinafter, when explaining using the X, Y, Z coordinate system, unless otherwise specified, imaging device 100 is assumed to be in the pan position and tilt position shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tilt swivel unit 3. The tilt swivel unit 3 includes a swivel body unit 6, a rod unit 7, a lens fixing unit 8, a main shaft unit 9, and a sub shaft unit 10. The lens fixing unit 8 that supports the lens 1 is supported by two rod units 7. The rod unit 7 is supported by the swivel body unit 6 in a cantilever manner. The swivel body unit 6 has two standing wall portions 6b and 6c on the mounting surface 6a. The two standing wall portions 6b and 6c each include a cylindrical main shaft unit 9 and a sub shaft unit 10 that protrude outward in the X direction. The main shaft unit 9 has a groove portion 11 that engages with a swivel receiving portion 27 (Figs. 5 and 6) described later. By the main shaft unit 9 and the sub shaft unit 10 being supported by the pan swivel unit 4, the tilt swivel unit 3 is supported by the pan swivel unit 4 so as to be tilt-rotatable.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pan swivel unit 4 holding the tilt swivel unit 3. The pan swivel unit 4 has a bottom portion 12, a main arm portion 13 (first holding portion), and a sub arm portion 14 (second holding portion). Also, the pan swivel unit 4 has a U-shaped shape that opens in a direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the optical axis C0 of the lens 1 in a state where the tilt rotation amount and the pan rotation amount are zero. The opening direction of the U-shaped shape of the pan swivel unit 4 is also a direction orthogonal to the tilt axis T0 and is the +Y direction. With such a U-shaped shape, it becomes easier for the user to grip a gripping portion 39 (Fig. 7) described later, and it becomes possible to smoothly perform the attachment / detachment operation of the lens 1.

[0018] The bottom portion 12 of the pan swivel unit 4 is attached to the pedestal portion 5 so as to be rotatable about the pan axis P0. Also, the main arm portion 13 and the sub arm portion 14 extend in the +Y direction from both end portions of the bottom portion 12. The pan swivel unit 4 holds the tilt swivel unit 3 so as to be rotatable between the main arm portion 13 and the sub arm portion 14.

[0019] The sub arm portion 14 has the tilt drive portion described above and a sub support member 15 that supports the sub shaft unit 10. The sub support member 15 may support the sub shaft unit 10 via a bearing component. By the sub shaft unit 10 being connected to the tilt drive portion, the tilt swivel unit 3 becomes rotatable.

[0020] The main shaft portion 9 of the tilt rotation portion 3 is supported by the main arm portion 13. The main arm portion 13 is formed so that its height in the opening direction (+Y direction) of the U-shape described above is lower than that of the sub-arm portion 14. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the gripping portion 39 (Figure 7), which will be described later, and enables smooth attachment and detachment of the lens 1, which will be described later.

[0021] The pan rotation section 4 has a bevel at the end of the surface facing the camera 2. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the main arm section 13 has a bevel S13 on the side facing the camera 2 (-X side). As shown in Figure 1, the main shaft section 9 has a bevel S14 on the side facing the camera 2 (+X side). These bevel shapes make it easier for the user to grasp the gripping section 39 (Figure 7), which will be described later, and enable smooth attachment and detachment of the lens 1, which will be described later.

[0022] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the inside of the main arm 13 as seen from the +X side. The main arm 13 has a main support member 16 for supporting the main shaft 9. The main arm 13 also has an opening 17 (Figure 3) for exposing the knob portion 26 of the lock lever 24.

[0023] Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of the main arm 13. The main support member 16 includes a main shaft support 18, an insertion pin 19, a tilt limiting member 20, and a spring 22. The main shaft support 18 is attached to the inner wall surface 21 inside the main arm 13 and supports the main shaft 9. The main shaft support 18 may also support the main shaft 9 via a bearing component (not shown).

[0024] The main shaft support 18 supports the insertion pin 19 by holding it from both sides. The insertion pin 19 rotatably supports the tilt limiting member 20. The axis of the insertion pin 19 is parallel to the Y direction. A spring 22 is installed between the tilt limiting member 20 and the inner wall surface 21. The tilt limiting member 20 is biased by the spring 22 in the rotational direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side) around the axis of the insertion pin 19.

[0025] Furthermore, the tilt limiting member 20 has a lever receiving portion 23. The lever receiving portion 23 is positioned so as to be able to contact the lock lever 24. The lock lever 24 is positioned along the inner surface 25 on the +Z side of the main arm portion 13 and is configured to slide in the same direction as the insertion direction (Y direction) of the insertion pin 19. The lock lever 24 also has a knob portion 26. The knob portion 26 is exposed to the outside through the opening 17 (Figure 3). In addition, the tilt limiting member 20 has a swivel receiving portion 27 that can contact the main shaft portion 9.

[0026] When the user grasps the knob portion 26 and slides the lock lever 24 in the +Y direction, the lock lever 24 comes into contact with the lever receiving portion 23 of the tilt limiting member 20. Conversely, when the user grasps the knob portion 26 and slides the lock lever 24 in the -Y direction, the lock lever 24 moves away from the lever receiving portion 23.

[0027] To facilitate lens replacement, it is necessary to restrict the rotation of the tilt swivel section 3. The restriction of rotation of the tilt swivel section 3 during the attachment and detachment of lens 1 will be explained in detail below.

[0028] Figure 5 shows the state in which the rotation of the tilt swivel section 3 is not restricted by the tilt limiting member 20, and Figure 6 shows the state in which the rotation of the tilt swivel section 3 is restricted by the tilt limiting member 20.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the lock lever 24 moves to a position where it contacts the lever receiving portion 23. When the inclined surface on the lock lever 24 contacts the lever receiving portion 23, the lever receiving portion 23 rotates clockwise when viewed from the +Y side against the biasing force of the spring 22. At this time, since the swivel receiving portion 27 is not engaged with the groove portion 11 of the main shaft portion 9, the tilt swivel portion 3, including the main shaft portion 9, becomes capable of tilting and swiveling.

[0030] From this state, the user can slide the lock lever 24 away from the lever receiving portion 23 (-Y direction). When the lock lever 24 moves away from the lever receiving portion 23, the tilt limiting member 20 rotates counterclockwise around the insertion pin 19 when viewed from the +Y side, due to the biasing force of the spring 22.

[0031] As a result of this rotation, the pivot support portion 27 moves toward the groove portion 11 of the main shaft portion 9. As a result, the tilt limiting member 20 assumes the position shown in Figure 6, and the pivot support portion 27 engages with the groove portion 11. This engagement allows the main support member 16, which has the tilt limiting member 20, to restrict the rotation of the tilt pivot portion 3, including the main shaft portion 9. In the state shown in Figure 6, the tilt pivot portion 3 is held in a position where the optical axis C0 of the lens 1 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0032] The number of grooves 11 may be two or more. For example, if multiple grooves 11 are provided around the tilt axis T0, the tilt rotation position that is restricted is determined by the grooves 11 with which the pivot support 27 engages.

[0033] Thus, the swivel support portion 27 is an example of a restricting means that restricts the tilt rotation of the tilt rotation portion 3 by engaging (fitting) with the groove portion 11. The lock lever 24 is an example of a switching unit that allows the user to switch between a state in which the swivel support portion 27 is engaged with the groove portion 11 and a state in which it is not engaged. The user can select between rotation restriction and rotation permission. The swivel support portion 27 is a fitting portion, and the groove portion 11 is an example of a fitting corresponding portion into which the swivel support portion 27 is fitted. However, the configuration of the restricting means that can be adopted is not limited to these examples.

[0034] Next, we will explain the mount configuration for attaching and detaching lens 1 to camera 2.

[0035] Figures 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of lens 1 and camera 2. Lens 1 has a lens barrel 28 and a lens support member 29. The lens barrel 28 is supported by the lens fixing part 8 (Figure 2) via the lens support member 29. The lens barrel 28 has a lens mount part 30 on the side facing camera 2 in the optical axis direction. The lens support member 29 is attached to the lens barrel 28.

[0036] The lens mount portion 30 is equipped with an electrical contact portion (not shown) for the camera 2. The lens mount portion 30 also has multiple claw-shaped lens mount engagement portions 31 (Figure 8). The lens 1 is attached to the camera 2 when the lens mount engagement portions 31 engage with the camera mount engagement portion 38 of the camera 2 (Figure 9), which will be described later.

[0037] Camera 2 comprises an imaging unit body 2a, a camera mount portion 32, and a rotating end portion 33. The camera mount portion 32 is positioned on the surface of the imaging unit body 2a facing the lens 1. The rotating end portion 33 is positioned on the outer circumference of the lens mount portion 30, on the rotational trajectory of the gripping portion 39.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the camera mount section 32 and the method for attaching and detaching the lens 1 to the camera 2 will be explained.

[0039] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging unit body 2a and the camera mount unit 32.

[0040] The camera mount section 32 includes a rotation detection section 34, a rotating section 35, a camera contact member 36, and a camera contact section 37. The camera contact section 37 is attached to the camera contact member 36, sandwiching the rotating section 35. The camera contact member 36 is attached to the imaging unit body 2a, sandwiching the rotating section 35 and the rotation detection section 34. The rotating section 35 is held rotatably with respect to the camera contact member 36. Therefore, the rotating section 35 is rotatable relative to the imaging unit body 2a. The rotation center of the rotating section 35 is the same as the optical axis C0 of the lens 1 mounted on the camera 2.

[0041] The rotating part 35 has a structure in which two annular members of different diameters are connected at multiple points. The rotating part 35 has a gripping part 39 that can be grasped by the user and a claw-shaped camera mount engaging part 38 that can engage with the lens mount engaging part 31 (Figure 8). The gripping part 39 is located on the outer circumference of the rotating part 35, and multiple camera mount engaging parts 38 are located on the inner circumference of the rotating part 35. The rotation detection unit 34 is located on the projection of the rotating part 35 and detects the rotational position of the rotating part 35.

[0042] Figures 10 and 11 show the imaging device 100 as viewed from the +Z side when the tilt rotation and pan rotation amounts are zero. Figure 10 shows the state where lens 1 is not attached to camera 2, and Figure 11 shows the state where lens 1 is attached to camera 2.

[0043] The gripping portion 39 is positioned on the opening side (+Y side) of the pan rotation portion 4 with respect to the tilt axis T0 when the tilt rotation amount and pan rotation amount are zero. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to grip the gripping portion 39, enabling smooth attachment and detachment of the lens 1.

[0044] The gripping portion 39 rotates integrally with the rotating portion 35. The rotating portion 35 and the gripping portion 39 are rotatable between the non-mounted position shown in Figure 10 and the mounted position shown in Figure 11. The R direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z side) shown in Figure 10 is the direction in which the gripping portion 39 moves from the sub-arm portion 14 towards the main arm portion 13. The lens 1 is mounted on the camera 2 by the rotation of the rotating portion 35 in the R direction, causing the camera mount engaging portion 38 to engage with the lens mount engaging portion 31. The camera mount engaging portion 38 and the lens mount engaging portion 31 are bayonet-coupled. As the rotating portion 35 rotates in the R direction, the gripping portion 39 comes into contact with the rotating end portion 33, which acts as a contact portion, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotating portion 35 until it reaches the mounted position shown in Figure 11.

[0045] When rotating the rotating part 35, the user grips the gripping part 39. Here, the rotating end 33 is positioned on the rotational trajectory of the gripping part 39 and is located in the R direction when viewed from the gripping part 39 in the non-mounted position. This arrangement makes it easy for the user to grip the rotating end 33 when gripping the gripping part 39 and rotating the rotating part 35 while mounting the lens 1.

[0046] To facilitate lens replacement, the user first operates the lock lever 24 so that the lock lever 24 separates from the lever receiver 23 and the swivel receiver 27 engages with the groove 11 of the main shaft 9 (Figure 6). Consequently, the swivel of the tilt swivel unit 3 is restricted by the swivel receiver 27.

[0047] When the gripping part 39 is operated in the R direction while the rotation is restricted, the rotating part 35 rotates in a direction that brings the gripping part 39 closer to the main arm part 13. Eventually, the gripping part 39 comes into contact with the rotating end part 33. The gripping part 39 presses against the rotating end part 33, generating a rotational moment around the rotation center (optical axis C0) of the rotating part 35. This rotational moment becomes a load and acts mainly on the main shaft part 9 through the tilt rotation part 3.

[0048] However, because the swivel support portion 27 and the groove portion 11 are engaged, the swivel support portion 27 can receive the load, and the tilt swivel portion 3 (main shaft portion 9) does not tilt or swivel. In other words, when the gripping portion 39 is rotated toward the main arm portion 13 where the swivel support portion 27 is located, no deformation or damage occurs, making lens mounting work easy.

[0049] In this embodiment, a bayonet mount is employed to enable easy lens replacement. Since only the rotating part 35 needs to be rotated during the lens attachment and detachment process, lens replacement is possible without rotating the lens itself, as in conventional designs. In particular, interference between the lens 1 and the tilt / swivel part 3, pan / swivel part 4, and base part 5 can be avoided without having to temporarily move the camera 2 away from the tilt / swivel part 3, etc. Therefore, lens attachment is not complicated. Furthermore, the rotation support part 27 receives the load generated when the gripping part 39 is rotated in the R direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the tilt / swivel part 3 and eliminating the difficulty of the operation.

[0050] Here, the main arm 13 needs high rigidity or strength to withstand the load generated when the rotating part 35 rotates in the direction that the gripping part 39 moves from the sub-arm part 14 towards the main arm part 13. The configuration in which the swivel support part 27 receives the above load ensures that the main arm 13 has high rigidity or strength. From this perspective, it can be said that the main arm 13 has higher rigidity or strength than the sub-arm part 14 when the lens 1 is attached.

[0051] The bayonet coupling and electrical connection work as follows: When lens 1 is attached, the lens mount portion 30 is inserted into the camera mount portion 32. As the grip portion 39 rotates, the camera mount engaging portion 38 rotates in the same direction as the rotating portion 35 (grip portion 39). Eventually, the camera mount engaging portion 38 engages with the lens mount engaging portion 31, and lens 1 is attached and fixed to camera 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the rotation detection unit 34 detects the rotation phase of the rotating unit 35 after it has rotated. After this detection, power is supplied to the lens 1 via the camera contact unit 37. The camera contact unit 37 of the camera mount engagement unit 38 acts as a switch that switches whether or not power is supplied to the lens 1 according to the rotation of the rotating unit 35. Power is supplied automatically when the lens 1 is attached, making attachment easy, including electrical connection. In this way, the lens 1 can be easily fixed to the camera 2 without directly rotating the lens 1.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the lens 1 can be attached and detached while avoiding interference by rotating the rotating part 35 without rotating the lens 1 itself. Furthermore, the rotation of the tilt rotation part 3 is restricted because the rotation receiving part 27 receives the load generated when the gripping part 39 comes into contact with the rotating end part 33, and the main arm part 13 has higher rigidity or strength than the sub-arm part 14, making lens attachment easier. Thus, lens replacement can be done easily.

[0054] Furthermore, the configuration in which the main arm 13 has higher rigidity or strength than the sub-arm 14 may be one that takes into account the differences in material and shape between the sub-arm 14 and the main arm 13, or it may be one that primarily depends on the differences in material and shape.

[0055] 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.

[0056] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An imaging unit including the main body of the imaging unit and the mount unit, A rotating member that holds the imaging unit, The device includes a first holding portion and a second holding portion, and the holding portion holds the swivel member so that it can rotatably be held between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. The mounting portion includes a gripping portion and an engaging portion, and has a rotating portion that rotates relative to the imaging unit body. The gripping portion rotates in a direction that moves it toward the first holding portion from the second holding portion, and the engaging portion and the lens engage, thereby mounting the lens to the imaging portion. An imaging apparatus characterized in that the first holding portion has higher rigidity or strength than the second holding portion. (Configuration 2) The first holding part is provided with a restricting means for restricting the rotation of the swivel member, The imaging unit body is provided with a contact portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating portion by contacting the gripping portion during the rotation of the rotating portion in the direction in which the gripping portion approaches the first holding portion from the second holding portion. The imaging apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the regulating means receives the load generated when the gripping portion comes into contact with the contact portion. (Configuration 3) The imaging device according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the user can grip the contact portion when the user grips the gripping portion and rotates the rotating portion. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to Configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the contact portion is arranged on the rotational trajectory of the gripping portion. (Configuration 5) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that the restricting means includes a fitting portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating member by being fitted into a fitting corresponding portion provided on the rotating member. (Configuration 6) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 5, wherein the first holding portion has a switching portion that allows the user to switch between a state in which the fitting portion is fitted to the fitting corresponding portion and a state in which the fitting portion is not fitted to the fitting corresponding portion. (Configuration 7) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the engaging portion and the lens are connected by a bayonet coupling. (Configuration 8) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding member has a U-shape that opens in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the pivot member. (Configuration 9) The imaging device according to Configuration 8, characterized in that the gripping portion is positioned on the opening side of the holding member with respect to the pivot axis. (Configuration 10) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the first holding portion and the second holding portion have an inclined surface on the side facing the imaging portion. (Configuration 11) The imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the mount portion has a switch portion that switches whether or not power is supplied to the lens in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 2 cameras 2a Imaging unit 3. Tilt and Swivel Section 4. Pan rotation section 13 Main Arm 14 Sub-arm 32 Camera mount section 35 Rotating part 38 Camera mount engagement part 39 Gripping part

Claims

1. The imaging unit includes the main body of the imaging unit and the mounting unit, A rotating member that holds the imaging unit, The swivel member includes a first holding portion and a second holding portion, and the swivel member is held so as to be rotatable between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. The mounting portion includes a gripping portion and an engaging portion, and has a rotating portion that rotates relative to the imaging unit body. The gripping portion rotates in a direction that moves it toward the first holding portion from the second holding portion, and the engaging portion and the lens engage, thereby mounting the lens to the imaging portion. An imaging apparatus characterized in that the first holding portion has higher rigidity or strength than the second holding portion.

2. The first holding portion is provided with a restricting means for restricting the rotation of the swivel member, The imaging unit body is provided with a contact portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating portion by contacting the gripping portion during the rotation of the rotating portion in a stroke in which the gripping portion approaches the first holding portion from the second holding portion. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the regulating means receives the load generated when the gripping portion comes into contact with the contact portion.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the user can grip the contact portion when the user grips the gripping portion and rotates the rotating portion.

4. The imaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact portion is arranged on the rotational trajectory of the gripping portion.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the restricting means includes a fitting portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating member by being fitted into a fitting corresponding portion provided on the rotating member.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first holding portion has a switching portion that allows the user to switch between a state in which the fitting portion is fitted to the corresponding fitting portion and a state in which the fitting portion is not fitted to the corresponding fitting portion.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the engaging portion and the lens are bayonet-coupled.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding member has a U-shape that opens in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the pivot member.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that the gripping portion is positioned on the opening side of the holding member with respect to the pivot axis.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holding portion and the second holding portion have an inclined surface on the side facing the imaging portion.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting portion has a switch portion that switches whether or not power is supplied to the lens in accordance with the rotation of the rotating portion.

Images