Imaging device

Abstract

In imaging devices that are in transit, there is a need for a method of dissipating heat while maintaining the device's miniaturization. [Solution] The imaging device is attached to a moving body and takes images while moving along the direction of movement of the moving body, and comprises a sensor unit having a sensor substrate on which an image sensor is mounted, a main unit having a main board on which a processing unit for processing the output signal of the sensor substrate is mounted, and heat dissipation fins for releasing heat generated in at least one of the sensor unit and the main unit, the heat dissipation fins being provided in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A technique for detecting the state of an object using an image captured by an imaging device is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a line abnormality using an image captured by a camera attached to a moving train.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to accurately detect the state of an object such as a railway line, it is necessary to capture images at a high frame rate. However, if image capture continues at a high frame rate, the camera itself may become hot, which may have an adverse effect on the detection accuracy.

[0005] Conventionally, as heat countermeasures for an imaging device, for example, there are methods using a fan, a duct, a Peltier element, a heat pipe, etc. However, there are cases where it is necessary to replace the device used for heat dissipation due to lifespan or failure, which impairs the maintainability of the entire device. In addition, the device may become larger, and there is also a problem that it cannot be installed in a limited space. [[ID= forty]]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an imaging device that is small and does not impair maintainability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging device comprising: a sensor unit having a sensor substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; a main unit having a main substrate on which a processing unit for processing the output signal of the sensor substrate is mounted; an arm unit connecting the sensor unit and the main unit; a connecting wire for electrically connecting the sensor unit and the main unit; and a plurality of heat dissipation fins for dissipating heat generated in the main unit, wherein the connecting wire is configured to pass through the inside of the arm unit and electrically connect the sensor unit and the main unit. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates the schematic of a track inspection system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a track inspection system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an external perspective view of the camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an exploded perspective view of the main components of the camera in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the state in which the camera in the first embodiment is attached to the train. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an exemplary alternative shape of the heat dissipation fin in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the connection between the sensor board and the main board in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the camera in the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic of the track inspection system in this embodiment. The track inspection system 1000 is a device for inspecting whether or not there is an abnormality in the track R. Although this embodiment describes a track inspection system, the present invention is not limited to a track inspection system. For example, it can be applied to systems that attach a camera to a moving object to take images, such as a system that attaches a camera to the top of a train to inspect for damage or wear to a pantograph, a system that checks the condition of railway bridges and tunnels, or a system that attaches a camera to an automobile to capture images of the conditions on a highway.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the track inspection system 1000 comprises multiple cameras 1, multiple lighting units 3, an inspection unit 2, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) unit 4. The multiple cameras 1 are high-speed imaging cameras with a frame rate of 120 fps or higher, and are mounted on the bottom of the train 5 so as to be able to image the track R from multiple directions, and are configured so that, for example, the left rail, right rail, and central sleeper are included in the field of view. The train 5 is a railway vehicle that travels at a maximum speed of approximately 80 km to 120 km / h. In this embodiment, the track inspection system 1000 ensures that the image quality of the images captured by the multiple cameras 1 remains stable during operation. The multiple lighting units 3 illuminate the subject image with high brightness during high-speed imaging. The inspection unit 2 is installed inside the body of the train 5 and has an information processing unit 200 that detects abnormalities in the track R based on multiple images captured by the multiple cameras 1. GNSS unit 4 is a unit that receives navigation signals transmitted from artificial satellites and measures the position of its own device on Earth.

[0013] Multiple cameras 1, multiple lighting units 3, and a GNSS unit 4 are electrically connected to the inspection unit 2. As will be described later, the multiple cameras 1 output multiple captured images as video signals to the inspection unit 2. Although Figure 1 illustrates two cameras 1, in this embodiment, the number of cameras 1 may be one or three or more. Camera 1 captures images of the track R, which is the rail of the railway, and the imaging direction is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the train 5.

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

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

[0016] The user operates the operation unit 206 while viewing the acquired image data with the attached position information on the display unit 205, reads out the past image data with the same position information from the data stored in the image database 204 from the storage unit 203, and displays it on the display unit 205. Compare both pieces of image data to check for any changes in the state of the track R. The change in the state of the track R means, for example, whether there are cracks on the track R, whether there is deformation at the rail ends or intermediate parts, whether there is deterioration in the electrical conductors that electrically connect adjacent rails, etc. When an abnormality is detected by comparing the images, identify the maintenance location based on the position information of the image and perform maintenance work.

[0017] Alternatively, a detection unit (not shown) is provided in the track inspection system 1000, and the detection unit reads out the past image data with the same position information from the data stored in the image database 204 from the storage unit 203. The detection unit automatically compares the predetermined data read from the image database 204 with the output signal of the image output unit to check for any changes in the state of the detection target. Here, the detection target is the aforementioned track R.

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

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the external perspective view of the camera in the present embodiment. In the following description, the lens unit 11 side of the camera 1 is taken as the front side, and the opposite side is taken as the rear side.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a three-dimensional coordinate system is set with camera 1 as the reference point, and the X, Y, and Z axis directions in the figure correspond to the front / back, left / right, and up / down directions, respectively. The left / right and up / down directions refer to the left / right and up / down directions when camera 1 is viewed from the front. Specifically, in the optical axis direction of the optical system of the lens unit 11 of camera 1, the direction from camera 1 toward the subject is defined as the positive X-axis, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative X-axis. Also, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and toward the right when camera 1 is viewed from the front is defined as the positive Y-axis, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative Y-axis. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes and toward the upward when camera 1 is viewed from the front is defined as the positive Z-axis, and the opposite direction is defined as the negative Z-axis. In camera 1, the face in the positive X-axis direction is the front, the face in the negative X-axis direction is the back, the positive Y-axis direction is the right side, the negative Y-axis direction is the left side, the positive Z-axis direction is the top, and the negative Z-axis direction is the bottom.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, camera 1 mainly consists of a lens unit 11, a sensor unit 12, a main unit 13, and an interface unit 14. The details of each component will be described below.

[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of the main components of the camera in this embodiment. In Figure 4, a lens unit 11 consisting of an optical system lens 101 and a protective cover 111 is shown. The lens 101 is a lens with a focal length that can focus on the track R in the camera 1 mounted on the bottom surface of the train 5. The protective cover 111 is a cover that covers the sides and front of the lens 101 and protects the lens from dust and water droplets from the outside. The lens 101 and the protective cover 111 have a lens mount portion at the rear and are fixed to the mount portion 121a provided on the sensor portion 12 by a mounting method such as a screw-in type.

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

[0024] The image sensor 124 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor, and it generates heat when light incident from the lens 101 is imaged. The low-pass filter 122 is an optical component that reduces moiré and false colors. The sensor mask 123 is a mask component that seals the space between the image sensor 124 and the low-pass filter 122 and blocks light other than the incident light from the lens 101, so that only the effective light beam enters the image sensor 124. The image sensor 124 is electrically connected to and mounted on the sensor substrate 126, and A / D conversion circuits and the like that convert the analog signal output from the image sensor 124 into a digital signal are mounted on it, and the electrical components that perform these functions generate heat. The sensor plate 125 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum, and is placed between the front cover 121 and the sensor substrate 126 to transfer the heat generated by the image sensor 124 and the sensor substrate 126 to the front cover 121. The heat conductive member 127 is made of a heat conductive material such as heat dissipation rubber and is connected in a heat conductive manner by being compressed and sandwiched between the back surface of the sensor substrate 126 and the heat sink cover 128. The connecting wires 129a and 129b are flexible and electrically connect the sensor substrate 126 and the main substrate 132 provided on the main section 13. The method of connecting the connecting wires 129a and 129b will be described later. On the surface of the front cover 121 facing the lens 101 (the surface in the positive X-axis direction), heat dissipation fins 121b are provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding on both sides of the mounting section 121a in a direction perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126. Also, on the central part of the surface of the heat sink cover 128 opposite to the lens 101 (the surface in the negative X-axis direction), heat dissipation fins 128c are provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126. The heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c consist of multiple roughly rectangular fins protruding at equal intervals. The heat dissipation fin 121b dissipates heat transferred from the sensor plate 125 to the front cover 121, and the heat dissipation fin 128c dissipates heat transferred from the sensor substrate 126 via the heat conductive member 127, releasing the heat into the outside air through natural heat dissipation. Furthermore, circular fins 121c are formed around the mounting portion 121a of the front cover 121, transferring heat to the air around the image sensor 124 and releasing the heat into the outside air through natural heat dissipation.Furthermore, the heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c are not limited to those integrally molded with the front cover 121 and heat sink cover 128, but may also be separate heat dissipation fins attached to the outer cover.

[0025] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows the main section 13, which consists of an insulating plate 130, insulating material 131, a main circuit board 132 on which electronic components 132a are mounted, heat conductive members 133 and 134, a right-side cover 135, a left-side cover 136, and screws 137 to 139. The insulating plate 130, located at the contact surface between the sensor circuit board 126 and the main circuit board 132, is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, and is configured to prevent heat transfer between the sensor section 12 and the main section 13 while connecting them with screws 139. Holes 130a and 130b are formed in the insulating plate 130, and connecting wires 129a and 129b, which will be described later, are inserted through the holes 130a and 130b. The insulating material 131 is an insulating material made of glass wool or urethane foam, and is attached to the insulating plate 130 with adhesive tape or the like to insulate the main section 13 and the sensor section 12. The main board 132 is electrically connected to the sensor board 126 by connecting wires 129a and 129b, and the mounted electronic component 132a performs image processing to convert the signal output from the sensor board 126 into an image file. The electronic component 132a generates heat when performing the above processing. The heat conductive member 133 is a heat conductive material such as heat dissipation rubber and is compressed and sandwiched between the electronic component 132a and the right side cover 135, thereby transferring the heat generated by the electronic component 132a to the right side cover 135. The heat conductive member 134 is also a heat conductive material such as heat dissipation rubber, similar to the heat conductive member 133, and is compressed and sandwiched between the Y-axis negative plane of the main board 132 and the left side cover 136. As a result, the heat conductive member 134 transfers the heat from the main board 132, from which the heat from the electronic component 132a has been diffused, to the left side cover 136. The right cover 135 and the left cover 136 are exterior components molded from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum die-cast, and are positioned opposite the main circuit board 132. They are sealed in the left-right direction using screws 136. On the exterior side (positive Y-axis direction) of the right cover 135, a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main circuit board 132. On the exterior side (negative Y-axis direction) of the left cover 136, a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main circuit board 132.The heat dissipation fins 135a and 136a consist of multiple roughly rectangular fins protruding at equal intervals. The heat dissipation fin 135a diffuses heat transferred from the electronic component 132a via the heat conductive member 133 and dissipates it to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. The heat dissipation fin 136a diffuses heat transferred from the main substrate 132 via the heat conductive member 134 and dissipates it to the outside air by natural heat dissipation. Note that the heat dissipation fins 135a and 136a are not limited to being integrally molded with the right cover 135 and the left cover 136, but separate heat dissipation fins may also be attached to the outer cover.

[0026] Figure 4 also shows the interface section 14, which consists of a rear cover 140, an interface board 141, a power connector 142, and screws 143. The rear cover 140 has an opening for inserting external interfaces such as a USB connector, a BNC connector, and a power connector 142, which are mounted on the interface board 141, and is fixed to the right cover 135 and left cover 136 of the main section 13 by screws 143. The interface board 141 and the power connector 142 are electrically connected to the main board 132 by connecting wires 141a and 142a.

[0027] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the camera in this embodiment is attached to the train.

[0028] Figure 5(a) is an enlarged view of the camera 1 mounting section in Figure 1, and is a front view as seen from the front of the train 5. Figure 5(b) is a side view as seen from the left side (negative Y-axis direction) of Figure 5(a). Figure 5 shows a support column 50, a screw 51, and a connecting plate 144 fixed to the train 5. The camera 1 has the connecting plate 144 attached to the interface section 14, and the connecting plate 144 is fixed to the support column 50 by the screw 51. The connecting plate 144 may be a plate shape extending from the rear cover 140. In this embodiment, the fixing part to the train 5 is a connecting plate 144 attached to the interface section 14, but it is not limited to this, and for example, a plate shape extending from the front cover 121 of the sensor section 12 may be fixed to the support column 50. As shown in Figure 5(b), camera 1 is mounted with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction) facing the direction of movement D. While train 5 is in motion, wind F due to the relative motion between train 5 and the air flows from the top side (positive Z-axis direction) to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction) of camera 1. In this case, as shown in Figure 5(a), there is nothing obstructing the flow of wind F in the Z-axis projection of each heat dissipation fin 121b, 121c, 128c, 135a, 136a. By mounting camera 1 to train 5 in this manner, while train 5 is in motion, wind F flows between multiple adjacent fins of each heat dissipation fin 121b, 121c, 128c, 135a, 136a, enabling efficient heat dissipation. Furthermore, by providing the interface section 14 on the back side of camera 1, it does not obstruct the flow of wind F. By extending the heat dissipation fins in a direction approximately parallel to the direction of movement of train 5, the flow of wind F is not obstructed. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fins 121b and 128c are formed approximately perpendicular to the sensor substrate 126, and the heat dissipation fins 135a and 136a are formed approximately perpendicular to the main substrate 132, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Also, although the individual heat dissipation fins are approximately rectangular in shape, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of another shape of the heat dissipation fin in this embodiment. As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the heat dissipation fin may be formed at an angle to the sensor substrate 126 or the main substrate 132, or it may be formed in an S-shape. Also, as shown in Figures 6(c) and (d), the heat dissipation part used for heat dissipation is not limited to the shape of each individual fin, but may be pin-shaped or rib-shaped fins arranged at equal intervals. It is sufficient that the fins are formed so that the airflow F flows smoothly between them.

[0030] Next, using Figure 7, we will explain the connecting wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132.

[0031] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the sensor board and the main board in this embodiment. Figure 7(a) is a top view of the camera 1, and Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the main parts showing the connection state of the connecting wires 129a and 129b. In Figure 7(a), the dotted lines represent the connecting wires 129a and 129b, and the dashed lines represent the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the connecting wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a mounted on the back surface (negative X-axis direction) of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128a of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole portion 130a of the heat insulation plate 130, and is connected to a connector 132c mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, the connecting wire 129b is connected to the connector 126b mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128b of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole 130b of the heat insulation plate 130, and connects to the connector 132b mounted on the main board 132. The arms 128a and 128b are provided on the outer side of the heat dissipation fin 128c in the positive and negative Y-axis directions, and are positioned so as not to obstruct the airflow F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 128c. In this way, by providing the arms 128a and 128b and passing the connecting wire 129a and 129b through them, it is possible to connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 without obstructing the heat dissipation of the sensor portion 12 by the airflow F. In addition, by fixing the arms 128a and 128b to the main portion 13, the sensor portion 12 and the main portion 13 can be firmly fixed together.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, while the train 5 is in motion, air flows between adjacent fins of the heat dissipation fins provided on the camera 1, allowing for efficient heat dissipation without the use of forced cooling devices such as fans or Peltier elements. The heat dissipation fins can release heat generated by at least one of the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 13. Therefore, imaging is possible without causing a deterioration in image quality. As a result, a compact camera can be provided without compromising maintainability. Furthermore, by connecting the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 13 with the arm units 128a and 128b and the heat insulating plate 130, the sensors can be efficiently cooled without heat transfer between them.

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

[0034] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera 300 in this embodiment. A description of the same part in Figure 8 as in Figure 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0035] Figure 8 shows the main section 330, front cover 331, rear cover 332, interface section 340, and heat insulation plate 341. The camera 300 is mounted with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) facing the direction of movement D of the train 5, as in Figures 5(a) and (b). While the train 5 is running, the wind F flows from the top side of the camera 300 (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, towards the viewer).

[0036] The main section 330 contains a main circuit board 132 (indicated by the dashed line) and heat conductive members 133 and 134 (not shown), and the front cover 331 and rear cover 332 are sealed in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) by screws (not shown). On the lens-side surface of the front cover 331 (positive X-axis direction surface), a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main circuit board 132. On the rear cover 332 opposite the lens-side surface (negative X-axis direction surface), a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main circuit board 132. The arm sections 332a and 332b are provided on the Y-axis positive and negative side of the heat dissipation fin 136a of the rear cover 332, and are arranged so as not to obstruct the airflow F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 136a. The sensor unit 12 and the main unit 330 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, and the arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 and the arms 332a and 332b of the main unit 330 are fixed to the interface unit 340 by screws (not shown) via an insulating plate 341. The insulating plate 341 prevents heat from being transferred between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 330.

[0037] Next, the connecting wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described. In Figure 8, the dotted lines represent the connecting wires 129a and 129b, and the dashed lines represent the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in Figure 8, the connecting wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128a of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole portion 341a of the heat insulation plate 341, and enters the interface portion 340. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129a passes from the interface portion 340 through the hole portion 341c of the heat insulation plate 341, through the arm portion 332a of the rear cover 332, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, the connecting wire 129b is connected to a connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128b of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole 341b of the heat insulation plate 341, and enters the interface portion 340. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129b passes from the interface portion 340 through the hole 341c of the heat insulation plate 341, through the arm portion 332a of the rear cover 332, and is connected to a connector 132b (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. The external interface provided in the interface portion 340 is electrically connected to the main board 132 by passing the connecting wire through the arm portion 332b of the rear cover 332.

[0038] As described above, the second embodiment provides a camera that, like the first embodiment, does not impair maintainability and is compact, enabling imaging without degradation of image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) can be further reduced compared to the first embodiment, making it effective when the distance between a moving object such as a train 5 and the object to be imaged is short and space is limited.

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

[0040] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera 400 in this embodiment. A description of parts in Figure 9 that are similar to those in Figure 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0041] In Figure 9, the interface unit 440 is positioned between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 430. Figure 9 shows the front cover 431 and the rear cover 432 of the main unit 430. The front cover 431 and the rear cover 432 are sealed in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) by screws (not shown). Also in Figure 9, the front insulation plate 441 and the rear insulation plate 442 are shown. The camera 400 is mounted in the same manner as in Figures 5(a) and (b), with the top surface of the camera 400 (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) facing the direction of movement D of the train 5. While the train 5 is running, wind F flows from the top side of the camera 400 (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, towards the viewer). On the lens-side surface of the front cover 431 (the surface in the positive X-axis direction), a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. On the rear cover 432 opposite the lens-side surface (the surface in the negative X-axis direction), a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. The arms 431a and 431b are provided on the side of the front cover 431 that is visible to the heat dissipation fin 135a in the positive and negative Y-axis directions, and are positioned so as not to obstruct the airflow F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 135a. The arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 and the interface unit 440 are fixed to the front insulation plate 441 by screws (not shown). The arms 431a and 431b of the front cover 431 are fixed to the interface unit 440 by screws (not shown) via the rear insulation plate 442. The front insulation plate 441 and the rear insulation plate 442 are used as intermediaries, and the interface unit 440 is positioned between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 430, thereby preventing heat transfer between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 430.

[0042] Next, using Figure 9, the connecting wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described. In Figure 9, the dotted lines represent the connecting wires 129a and 129b, and the dashed lines represent the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128a of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole portion 441a of the front insulation plate 441, and enters the interface portion 440. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129a passes from the interface portion 440 through the hole portion 442a of the rear insulation plate 442, through the arm portion 431a of the front cover 431, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, the connecting wire 129b is connected to a connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128b of the heat sink cover 128, is inserted through the hole 441b of the front insulation plate 441, and enters the interface portion 440. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129b passes from the interface portion 440 through the hole 442b of the rear insulation plate 442, through the arm portion 431b of the front cover 431, and connects to a connector 132b (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. The external interface provided in the interface section 440 is electrically connected to the main board 132 by passing the connecting wire through the arms 431a and 431b of the front cover 431.

[0043] As described above, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that does not impair maintainability and can capture images with a small camera without causing degradation of image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by arranging the sensor unit 12, the main unit 430, and the interface unit 440 as described above, the external interface can be placed on the side of the camera 400 (in the Y-axis direction). With this arrangement, compared to the first embodiment, when attaching the camera 400 to the side of the train 5, the routing of the connection cable for the external interface can be made less complicated during installation.

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

[0045] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the top view of the camera 500 in this embodiment. A description of parts in Figure 10 that are similar to those in Figure 4 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 10 shows the main unit 530 and interface unit 540 arranged orthogonally on the rear side (negative X-axis direction) of the sensor unit 12. Figure 10 also shows the right cover 531 and the left cover 532 of the main unit 530. The right cover 531 and the left cover 532 are sealed in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) by screws (not shown). Figure 10 also shows the heat insulating plate 520. The camera 500 is mounted with its top surface (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) facing the direction of movement D of the train 5, as in Figures 5(a) and (b). While the train 5 is running, wind F flows from the top side (positive Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction, towards the viewer) of the camera 500. On the right side of the right cover 531 (the side in the positive Y-axis direction), a heat dissipation fin 135a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. On the left side of the left cover 532 (the side in the negative Y-axis direction), a heat dissipation fin 136a is provided, exposed to the outside of the housing and protruding in a direction perpendicular to the main board 132. The arms 531a and 531b are provided on the side of the right cover 531 that faces the heat dissipation fin 135a in the positive and negative X-axis directions, and are positioned so as not to obstruct the airflow F flowing into the heat dissipation fin 135a. The arms 531a and 531b are fixed to the interface section 540 by screws (not shown), and the external interface provided in the interface section 540 is electrically connected to the main board 132 by passing a connecting wire (not shown) through the arm 531b of the right cover 531.

[0047] The arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 are fixed to the heat insulating plate 520 by screws (not shown). The heat insulating plate 520 is connected to the right cover 531 and interface unit 540 of the main unit 530 and fixed by screws (not shown). A hole 532a is formed in the right cover 531 that connects to the heat insulating plate 520, through which a connecting wire 129a, described later, is inserted. Similarly, a hole 540a is formed in the interface unit 540 that connects to the heat insulating plate 520, through which a connecting wire 129b is inserted. By connecting the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 530 via the heat insulating plate 520, the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 530 are configured not to transfer heat to each other.

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

[0049] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera that does not impair maintainability and can capture images with a small camera without causing degradation of image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by arranging the sensor unit 12, the main unit 530, and the interface unit 540 as described above, the external interface can be placed on the side of the camera 500 (in the Y-axis direction). With this arrangement, compared to the first embodiment, when attaching the camera 500 to the side of the train 5, the routing of the connection cable for the external interface can be made less complicated during installation.

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

[0051] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the external appearance of the camera 600 in this embodiment. Figure 11(a) is a top view of the camera 600, and Figure 11(b) is a right side view of the camera 600. Explanations of parts in Figure 11 that are similar to those in Figure 4 of the first embodiment are omitted.

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

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

[0054] The arms 128a and 128b of the sensor unit 12 and the interface unit 640 are fixed to each other by screws (not shown) via an insulating plate 620. The sensor unit 12 and the main unit 630 are positioned via the insulating plate 620 and the interface unit 640, so that heat is not transferred between the sensor unit 12 and the main unit 630.

[0055] Next, using Figure 11, the connecting wires 129a and 129b that electrically connect the sensor board 126 and the main board 132 will be described. In Figures 11(a) and (b), the dotted lines represent the connecting wires 129a and 129b, and the dashed lines represent the sensor board 126 and the main board 132. As shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the connecting wire 129a is connected to a connector 126a (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128a of the heat sink cover 128, and is inserted through the hole portion 620a of the heat insulation plate 620. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129a passes through the interface portion 640, is inserted through the hole portion 620c (not shown) of the heat insulation plate 620, passes through the arm portion 631a of the rear cover 631, and is connected to a connector 132c (not shown) mounted on the main board 132. Similarly, the connecting wire 129b is connected to a connector 126b (not shown) mounted on the back of the sensor board 126, passes through the arm portion 128b of the heat sink cover 128, and is inserted through the hole 620b of the heat insulation plate 620. Furthermore, the connecting wire 129b passes through the interface portion 640, is inserted through the hole 620d of the heat insulation plate 620, passes through the arm portion 631b of the rear cover 631, and is connected to a connector 132b (not shown) mounted on the main board 132.

[0056] As described above, the fifth embodiment, like the first embodiment, provides a camera that does not impair maintainability and can capture images with a small camera without causing degradation of image quality. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) can be further reduced compared to the first embodiment, making it effective when the distance between a moving object such as a train 5 and the object to be captured is short and there is limited space.

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

[0058] 1 Camera 2. Inspection Department 3. Lighting section 4 GNSS units 5 trains 11 Lens Unit 12 Sensor section 13 Main section 14 Interface section 1000 Track Inspection System 100 copies Camera 200 Information Processing Unit 101 Lens 111 Protective Cover 102 Image sensor 103 Imaging Unit 104 Image Processing Unit 105 Image output section 201 Image Acquisition Unit 202 System Control Unit 203 Storage section 204 Image Database Department 205 Display section 206 Operation section 207 Position acquisition part 120 screw 121a Mounting section 121 Front Cover 121b Heat dissipation fins 121c Circular Fin 122 Low-pass filter 123 Sensor Mask 124 image sensors 125 Sensor Plate 126 Sensor board 126a, 126b connectors 127 Heat Conducting Material 128 Heatsink Cover 128a, 128b arm 128°C heat sink fins 129a, 129b connecting wires 130 Insulation Plate 130a, 130b hole 132 Main board 132a Electronic components 132b, 132c connectors 133, 134 Heat conductive material 135 Right side cover 135a, 136a heat sink fins 136 Left side cover 140 Rear Cover 141 Interface board 141a, 142a connecting wires 142 Power Connector 143 screws 144 Connection Plate 50 pillars 51 screws

Claims

1. An imaging device, A sensor unit equipped with a sensor board on which an image sensor is mounted, The main unit includes a main board equipped with a processing unit that processes the output signal of the sensor board, An arm portion connecting the sensor portion and the main portion, A connecting wire for electrically connecting the sensor unit and the main unit, Multiple heat dissipation fins for dissipating the heat generated in the main section, It has, The imaging device is characterized in that the connecting wire is configured to pass through the inside of the arm portion and electrically connect the sensor portion and the main portion.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it does not have a fan for heat dissipation.

3. Furthermore, the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized by having an interface section equipped with an external interface.

4. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided in contact with the main portion.

5. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided separately from the sensor portion.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an insulating plate is provided on the side of the main part facing the sensor part.

7. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided at substantially equal intervals.

8. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are pin-shaped or rib-shaped.

9. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a detection unit that detects the state of a target to be detected using the output signal of the sensor unit.

10. It has a storage unit in which predetermined data is stored in advance, The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection unit detects the state of the object to be detected by comparing the predetermined data stored in the storage unit with the output signal of the sensor unit.

11. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is attached to a moving body and takes images while moving along the direction of movement of the moving body.

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

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the moving body is a railway vehicle, and the device images the rails provided on the track on which the railway vehicle travels.

14. The imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the imaging direction by the image sensor is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction.

15. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising an optical system, wherein the optical axis direction of the optical system is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement.

16. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

17. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the plurality of heat dissipation fins are arranged so that outside air flows in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

Images