Imaging device

Abstract

To suppress the decrease in heat dissipation capacity due to changes in the orientation of the imaging device. [Solution] The imaging device comprises an image sensor, a first heat dissipation unit thermally connected to the back surface of the image sensor, a fan for cooling the first heat dissipation unit, and a control board arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the image sensor. The exterior of the imaging device is provided with a second heat dissipation unit for dissipating heat from the control board, an intake port for the fan to draw air into the imaging device, and an exhaust port for the fan to exhaust air to the outside of the imaging device. The imaging device has a first orientation and a second orientation obtained by rotating the first orientation around the optical axis, and a sunshade covering the top surface of the imaging device can be attached. The intake port and the exhaust port are located diagonally opposite each other across the imaging device, and the imaging device is characterized in that the exhaust port and the second heat dissipation unit are covered by the sunshade in either the first or second orientation.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing functionality and performance of imaging devices, the amount of heat generated inside the imaging device has tended to increase. When the amount of heat generated inside the imaging device increases, the sensor temperature also rises, so there is a risk that the performance of the imaging device will deteriorate, such as a decrease in image quality due to an increase in dark current. Therefore, in order to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the imaging device, a mechanism for cooling the inside of the imaging device is necessary. Further, when the imaging device is installed outdoors for shooting, it may be affected by heat from the outside such as direct sunlight, and the inside of the imaging device may become hotter than when the imaging device is installed indoors. Therefore, measures such as attaching a sunshade to the imaging device are necessary to suppress the temperature rise of the imaging device.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a technique for cooling the inside of an imaging device is disclosed by arranging a fan between a housing and a sunshade that constitute an exterior portion of the imaging device. Specifically, a configuration is disclosed in which heat inside the imaging device is transmitted to a heat exchange member provided on the upper part of the housing via a heat transfer member. Further, a configuration is disclosed in which a wall member is provided between the upper part of the housing and the sunshade, and an air passage surrounded by the housing, the sunshade, and the wall member is formed. In Patent Document 1, the fan arranged between the housing and the sunshade sends air into this air passage, thereby efficiently cooling the heat exchange member.

[0004] By the way, when installing an imaging device, it may be installed in a direction different from the normal direction. For example, in order to utilize the imaging range in the long side direction of the sensor to shoot a long and narrow passage or between buildings, the imaging device may be installed and shot in a direction orthogonal to the normal direction (often called vertical shooting).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-122885 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, when switching the orientation of the imaging device from the normal orientation (horizontal) to the vertical orientation within the housing, there is a possibility that the heat dissipation capacity will decrease. This is because the contact surface between the imaging device and the heat transfer member changes, and the heat transfer path from the imaging device to the heat transfer member changes. Also, when switching the orientation of the entire housing from horizontal to vertical, the fan is positioned on the side of the housing, while the sunshade is always attached to the top. Therefore, in order to secure an airflow path between the housing and the sunshade, the sunshade needs to be extended to the side of the housing, which increases the size of the imaging device.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to suppress the decrease in heat dissipation capacity due to changes in the orientation of the imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, an imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image sensor, a first heat dissipation unit thermally connected to the back surface of the image sensor and dissipating heat from the image sensor, a fan for cooling the first heat dissipation unit, and a control board arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the image sensor, wherein the exterior of the imaging device is provided with a second heat dissipation unit thermally connected to the control board and dissipating heat from the control board, an intake port for the fan to draw air into the imaging device, and an exhaust port for the fan to exhaust air to the outside of the imaging device, the imaging device has a first posture which is the normal shooting posture and a second posture which is the first posture rotated around the optical axis of the image sensor, a sunshade that covers the top surface of the imaging device can be attached, the intake port and the exhaust port are located diagonally opposite each other across the imaging device, and the exhaust port and the second heat dissipation unit are provided so as to be covered by the sunshade regardless of whether the imaging device is in the first posture or the second posture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decrease in heat dissipation capacity due to changes in the orientation of the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the imaging device [Figure 2] Front view and AA cross-sectional perspective view of the imaging device [Figure 3] Cross-sectional perspective view of the sensor unit of the imaging device. [Figure 4] Bottom view of the sunshade of the imaging device. [Figure 5] Perspective view and rear cross-sectional view showing the removal of the sunshade in the first orientation of the imaging device. [Figure 6] Perspective view and rear cross-sectional view showing the removal of the sunshade in the second orientation of the imaging device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Parts not directly related to the present invention will be omitted and not shown.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> The configuration of the imaging device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 1 from above. As shown in Figure 1, the direction in front of the imaging device 1 is the positive Z-axis direction, the direction to the right when viewing the imaging device 1 from the front (subject side) is the positive X-axis direction, and the direction upward is the positive Y-axis direction.

[0013] Here, as shown in Figure 1, the imaging device according to this embodiment is a bullet-type imaging device and consists of a main body 100, a joint 200, and a fixing part 300. The main body 100 is held by the joint 200 so as to be rotatable around the Z-axis direction. The main body 100 is equipped with a sunshade 1000, which can be attached to the top surface of the main body 100 in two orientations, as will be described later with reference to Figure 5. The detailed structure of the joint 200 and the fixing part 300 is not directly related to the present invention and will therefore not be described.

[0014] Figure 2(a) is a front view of the imaging device according to this embodiment, and Figure 2(b) is a part of a cross-sectional perspective view of the AA section of the imaging device 1 in Figure 2(a). Note that Figure 2 is the first orientation (side view) described later with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 2(b), the interior of the main body 100 of the imaging device 1 according to this embodiment consists of a housing 10, a camera unit 110, and a forced air cooling unit 120.

[0015] The camera unit 110 consists of a front base 20, a lens unit 30, a control board 40, a heat conductive member 41, and a sensor unit 50 including an image sensor 54, which will be described later with reference to Figure 3. The lens unit 30 and the control board 40 are attached to the front base 20, and the sensor unit 50 is attached to the lens unit 30. The front base 20 is inserted into the housing 10 from the positive Z-axis direction and fixed in place.

[0016] The control board 40 is connected to the signal lines of the sensor board 55, the signal lines of the Peltier element 57, and the signal lines of the fan 70, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, and processes the signals from the imaging element 54, controls the output of the Peltier element 57, and controls the operation of the fan 70. The control board 40 is electrically connected to a power supply board (not shown) provided in the fixing portion 300 through signal lines. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the control board 40 is arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the imaging element 54 and is arranged above the lens unit 30.

[0017] The heat conduction member 41 is a member with high thermal conductivity such as a graphite sheet or a heat dissipation sheet, and is abutted against the control board 40 and the front base 20, and transfers the heat generated in the control board 40 to the front base 20. Note that the heat conduction member 41 may be abutted against the control board 40 and the housing 10. In particular, the heat conduction member 41 may be abutted against the control board 40 and the second heat dissipation portion 61 described later. That is, the control board 40 and the second heat dissipation portion 61 may be thermally connected as long as the heat generated in the control board 40 is configured to be transferred to the second heat dissipation portion 61.

[0018] The forced air cooling unit 120 includes a first heat dissipation portion 60 that efficiently dissipates the heat of the imaging element 54, a fan 70, a fan fixing member 71 to which the fan 70 is attached and fixed to the housing 10, and a first ventilation hole 80 and a second ventilation hole 81 for intake and exhaust of air by the fan 70. In the present embodiment, the first ventilation hole will be described as an intake port and the second ventilation hole will be described as an exhaust port, but the intake port and the exhaust port may be arranged in reverse.

[0019] The first heat dissipation portion 60 is a heat sink in which a plurality of plate-shaped fins protrude in the negative Z-axis direction, and the plate-shaped fins extend substantially parallel to the straight line connecting the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole. Note that the shape of the fins of the heat sink may be a pin shape.

[0020] The fan 70 has signal lines (not shown) for controlling the power supply and rotational speed of the fan 70 and is connected to the control board 40. The fan 70 is waterproof, preventing the intrusion of dust and protecting against water splashes. Note that the fan 70 may be an axial fan or a centrifugal fan. The first ventilation hole 80 is arranged on the side opposite to the sunshade 1000 with respect to the optical axis of the lens unit 30. The second ventilation hole 81 is arranged at a position covered by the sunshade 1000.

[0021] The housing 10 includes a second heat dissipation part 61 for efficiently dissipating the heat of the control board 40. The second heat dissipation part 61 includes ribs extending in the Z-axis direction. Note that the second heat dissipation part 61 may be integral with the housing 10 or may be configured as a separate component attached to the housing 10. The heat generated by the control board 40 is transferred to the front base 20 via the heat conduction member 41 and is transferred in the order of the front base 20, the housing 10, and the second heat dissipation part 61. The sunshade 1000 has a gap with the housing 10 at least in part and is arranged to cover the second ventilation hole 81.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sensor unit 50 of the imaging device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 50 houses a sensor board 55 on which an imaging element 54 is mounted, a cooling block 56, a Peltier element 57, etc. in a space sealed by a front cover 51, a rear cover 52, and a sensor cover 53. The imaging element 54 is an imaging element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and receives light from a subject imaged through the lens unit 30. The sensor board 55 converts the optical image of the subject received by the imaging element 54 into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion and is connected to the control board 40 via signal lines (not shown). The cooling block 56 is formed of a metal such as an aluminum alloy with high thermal conductivity and can efficiently transfer the heat of the imaging element 54 to the cooling surface of the Peltier element 57. The Peltier element 57 has signal lines (not shown) for supplying power to the Peltier element 57 and is connected to the control board 40.

[0023] When power is supplied to the Peltier element 57, it absorbs heat from the image sensor 54 via the cooling block 56 and dissipates the heat to the first heat dissipation unit 60 via the rear cover 52. The heat transferred to the first heat dissipation unit 60 is then discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1 by the aforementioned fan 70. More specifically, the fan 70 draws air into the imaging device 1 from the first ventilation hole (intake port) 80, and the drawn-in air cools the first heat dissipation unit 60. This cools the image sensor 54 and suppresses a decrease in image quality. The contact surfaces between the image sensor 54 and the cooling block 56, the cooling block 56 and the Peltier element 57, the Peltier element 57 and the rear cover 52, and the rear cover 52 and the first heat dissipation unit 60 may each be in contact via a heat dissipation material such as grease or a sheet with high thermal conductivity. In this way, the first heat dissipation unit 60 is thermally connected to the back surface of the image sensor 54, dissipates heat from the image sensor 54, and is cooled by the fan 70.

[0024] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the sunshade 1000 of the imaging device 1. As shown in Figure 4, the sunshade 1000 is equipped with ribs 1001 for rectifying the airflow from the fan 70. The ribs 1001 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line of the sunshade 1000 in the X-axis direction. Note that the ribs 1001 may be provided on the housing 10 instead of the sunshade 1000. Also, when the sunshade 1000 is attached to the imaging device, the ribs 1001 are positioned on the rear side (-Z axis direction) of the second ventilation hole (exhaust port) 81. These ribs 1001 rectify the air exhausted from the second ventilation hole 81 in the Z-axis direction and guide it to the second heat dissipation section.

[0025] Next, we will explain the airflow from the fan 70 of the imaging device 1, again referring to Figure 2(b).

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(b), the airflow path from the first ventilation opening (intake port) 80 to the second ventilation opening (exhaust port) 81 is represented as the first airflow path (dashed arrow 90). The airflow path from the second ventilation opening 81 to the second heat dissipation section 61 is represented as the second airflow path (dashed arrow 91). When the fan 70 rotates, air from outside the imaging device 1 is drawn in through the first ventilation opening (intake port) 80 and blown onto the first heat dissipation section 60 through the fan 70. By blowing air from outside the imaging device 1 onto the first heat dissipation section 60, the image sensor 54 can be cooled. The air heated by the first heat dissipation section 60 passes through the second ventilation opening (exhaust port) 81 and is rectified towards the second heat dissipation section 61 by the ribs 1001 provided on the sunshade 1000. The air heated by passing through the first heat dissipation section 60 is blown onto the second heat dissipation section 61, thereby cooling the control board 40. Therefore, it is assumed that the air that has flowed through the first flow path 90 is at a lower temperature than the air that has flowed through the second heat dissipation section 61. If it is desired to cool the control board 40 preferentially over the image sensor 54, the direction of the fan 70 may be switched so that the air flows from the second flow path 91 to the first flow path 90. In that case, it is assumed that the air that has flowed through the second flow path 91 is at a lower temperature than the air that has flowed through the first heat dissipation section 60, and the first ventilation hole 80 becomes the exhaust port and the second ventilation hole 81 becomes the intake port.

[0027] In this embodiment, the fan 70 is an axial fan and is positioned to direct airflow in the positive Z-axis direction. In this case, the fan 70 is positioned closer to the first ventilation opening (intake port) 80 than to the optical axis of the lens unit 30. In other words, the fan 70 is positioned closer to the intake port than to the exhaust port. This increases the area over which the air flowing from the fan 70 passes through the first heat dissipation section 60, making it possible to cool the image sensor 54 more efficiently. Furthermore, the ribs 1001 allow the air exhausted from the second ventilation opening 81 to pass efficiently through the second heat dissipation section 61, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the control board 40. Moreover, the second heat dissipation section 61 has ribs extending in the Z-axis direction, increasing its surface area and enabling it to cool the control board 40 more efficiently.

[0028] Next, referring to Figures 5 and 6, we will explain how to switch the orientation of the imaging device 1.

[0029] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views showing the removal of the sunshade 1000 when the imaging device 1 is in its first orientation, and Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view from the rear of the imaging device 1 cut at the position of the fan 70. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views showing the removal of the sunshade 1000 when the imaging device 1 is in its second orientation, and Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional view from the rear of the imaging device 1 cut at the position of the fan 70. When installing the imaging device, in addition to the first orientation (horizontal orientation), which is the normal shooting orientation, it may be installed in a second orientation, which is rotated around the optical axis of the image sensor 54 from the first orientation, depending on the shooting environment. More specifically, it may be installed in a second orientation (vertical orientation), which is rotated approximately 90° around the optical axis. In this embodiment, the state in Figure 5 is the first orientation (horizontal orientation), and the state in Figure 6, in which the main body 100 excluding the sunshade 1000 is rotated approximately -90° around the Z-axis direction relative to the first orientation, is the second orientation (vertical orientation). In other words, the first orientation is the normal orientation, where the longer side of the sensor is approximately parallel to the ground, and the second orientation is the orientation for vertical shooting, where the shorter side of the sensor is approximately parallel to the ground.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sunshade 1000 is fixed so that it is on the top surface of the housing 10 in both the first and second orientations. In addition, the second ventilation hole (exhaust port) 81 is covered by the sunshade 1000 in both orientations. In this embodiment, the first ventilation hole 80 and the second ventilation hole 81 are positioned diagonally opposite each other with respect to the Y-axis (horizontal plane) at an angle of approximately 45°. In other words, the first ventilation hole (intake port) 80 and the second ventilation hole (exhaust port) 81 are located opposite each other with respect to the imaging device 1. As a result, in both orientations, the first ventilation hole 80 and the second ventilation hole 81 are positioned at an angle of approximately ±45° with respect to the Y-axis (horizontal plane). Therefore, the heat dissipation path is symmetrical with respect to the Y-axis (horizontal plane) between the first and second orientations, and the heat dissipation capacity does not change depending on the orientation. Furthermore, the amount of rainwater and debris entering through the first ventilation opening 80 remains unchanged in any orientation. In addition, the sunshade 1000 is the smallest size that can cover the second ventilation opening 81 in any orientation, and the sunshade 1000 itself does not become larger.

[0031] With the above configuration, even if the orientation of the imaging device 1 is changed, the heat dissipation path does not change, and the heat dissipation capacity remains the same. Furthermore, even if the orientation of the imaging device 1 is changed, the second ventilation hole 81 can be covered without increasing the size of the sunshade 1000. Moreover, even if the orientation of the imaging device 1 is changed, the amount of rainwater and debris entering through the first ventilation hole 80 does not increase. In this embodiment, the first ventilation hole was described as an intake port and the second ventilation hole as an exhaust port, but the same effect can be obtained even if they are reversed, in that the heat dissipation path does not change depending on the orientation.

[0032] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1. Imaging device 10 cabinets 20 Front Base 30 Lens Units 40 Control board 41 Heat conductive material 50 Sensor Units 51 Front Cover 52 Rear Cover 53 Sensor cover 54 Image sensor 55 Sensor board 56 Cooling Block 57 Peltier element 60 First heat dissipation section 61 Second heat dissipation section 70 Fans 71 Fan fixing component 80 First ventilation opening 81 Second ventilation opening 90 First channel 91 Second channel 100 Main body 110 Camera Section 120 Forced air cooling section 200 Joint section 300 Fixed part 1000 Sunshades 1001 Rib

Claims

1. Image sensor and A first heat dissipation unit is thermally connected to the back surface of the image sensor and dissipates heat from the image sensor, A fan for cooling the first heat dissipation section, A control board arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the image sensor, An imaging device having, The exterior of the aforementioned imaging device includes: A second heat dissipation unit is thermally connected to the control board and dissipates heat from the control board, The fan has an air intake port for drawing air into the imaging device, The fan has an exhaust port for exhausting air to the outside of the imaging device, A system is in place, The imaging device has a first posture, which is the normal shooting posture, and a second posture, which is obtained by rotating the first posture around the optical axis of the image sensor. A sunshade can be attached to cover the top surface of the imaging device. The intake port and the exhaust port are located diagonally opposite each other, with the imaging device in between. The imaging device is characterized in that the exhaust port and the second heat dissipation section are provided so as to be covered by the sunshade regardless of whether the imaging device is in the first or second position.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the air exhausted from the exhaust port is guided to the second heat dissipation section by the sunshade, thereby cooling the second heat dissipation section.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sunshade is provided with ribs for straightening the air exhausted from the exhaust port to the second heat dissipation section.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the ribs are positioned on the rear side of the imaging device more than the exhaust port when the sunshade is attached to the imaging device.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fan is positioned on the intake side of the exhaust port.

6. Image sensor and A first heat dissipation unit is thermally connected to the back surface of the image sensor and dissipates heat from the image sensor, A fan for cooling the first heat dissipation section, A control board arranged substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of the image sensor, An imaging device having, The exterior of the aforementioned imaging device includes: A second heat dissipation unit is thermally connected to the control board and dissipates heat from the control board, The fan has an air intake port for drawing air into the imaging device, The fan has an exhaust port for exhausting air to the outside of the imaging device, A system is in place, The imaging device has a first posture, which is the normal shooting posture, and a second posture, which is obtained by rotating the first posture around the optical axis of the image sensor. A sunshade can be attached to cover the top surface of the imaging device. The intake port and the exhaust port are located diagonally opposite each other, with the imaging device in between. The imaging device is characterized in that the air intake and the second heat dissipation section are provided so as to be covered by the sunshade regardless of whether the imaging device is in the first or second position.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the air drawn in from the intake port is guided to the second heat dissipation section by the sunshade, thereby cooling the second heat dissipation section.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the sunshade is provided with ribs that straighten the air drawn in from the air intake to the second heat dissipation section.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that the ribs are positioned on the rear side of the imaging device than the air intake when the sunshade is attached to the imaging device.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fan is positioned on the exhaust port side of the intake port.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the second heat dissipation section comprises ribs provided along the optical axis direction of the imaging apparatus.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the second posture is a posture rotated approximately 90° around the optical axis with respect to the first posture.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the exhaust port and the intake port are arranged diagonally at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the horizontal plane.

Images