Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving the workability of photographing direction adjustment by a user in installation and suppressing the fluctuations of the photographing direction of a camera part caused by a vibration in use.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes a housing which is composed of a base part and a cover part, a camera part which is arranged in the base part in the housing, a camera cover which is arranged in the base part in the housing and comes into contact with the camera part, to cover the camera part, and an energizing member which is pressed by the cover part, to be deformed and energizes the camera cover, when the cover part is attached to the base part. An energizing force from the energizing member to the camera cover is increased by the deformation of the energizing member, so that a frictional force between the camera part and the camera cover is increased.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, network cameras are assumed to be installed in various environments. For example, when it is assumed to be installed in a vehicle, there is a possibility that strong vibrations and shocks are transmitted to the camera housing. On the other hand, when the camera housing is installed in the vehicle, it is necessary to manually adjust the orientation of the camera unit to match the desired shooting direction. In order to prevent the shooting direction from shifting due to strong vibrations or the like after adjusting the orientation, it is necessary to strengthen the holding torque that fixes the camera unit. However, when manually moving the camera unit to adjust the shooting direction, a strong holding torque leads to poor operability.

[0003] For this reason, in the past, a dedicated adjustment tool was used to allow the camera unit to be moved even when the holding torque was strong, or the camera unit was fixed with a screw or the like after the orientation was adjusted. However, if a dedicated adjustment tool is required, the number of parts included with the product increases, and the amount of work also increases. Furthermore, providing a screw fixing part inside the housing may result in the housing becoming larger. In general, it is preferable that the number of steps in camera installation work is small and that dedicated tools are not required. Furthermore, cameras need to be made compact so that they can be installed in inconspicuous or narrow places.

[0004] Therefore, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 1, a fixing member is disposed on the camera unit, and when the top cover is closed, the fixing member comes into contact with and is sandwiched between the dome cover, thereby fixing the camera unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-36599 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the imaging device described in Patent Document 1, the fixed member directly touches the camera unit, so there is a risk that the angle of view may shift when the top cover is closed. In particular, in the case of a high-magnification lens, even a small shift in the angle of view can result in a large shift in the shooting range.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that improves the ease with which a user can adjust the shooting direction and that can prevent the shooting direction of the camera unit from fluctuating due to vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The imaging device of the present invention includes a housing constituted by a base portion and a cover portion, a camera portion within the housing and disposed on the base portion, a camera cover within the housing and disposed on the base portion, the camera cover being in contact with and covering the camera portion, and a biasing member that is pressed by the cover portion and deforms when the cover portion is attached to the base portion, and biases the camera cover, and the deformation of the biasing member increases the biasing force from the biasing member to the camera cover, thereby increasing the frictional force between the camera portion and the camera cover. At the same time, the direction in which the cover portion presses the biasing member has a certain angle with respect to the perpendicular direction of the installation surface of the housing. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can improve the ease with which a user can adjust the shooting direction and can suppress fluctuations in the shooting direction of a camera unit due to vibrations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a top cover of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is removed. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing details of an operation of a pressing member according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the operation of a pressing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a pressing member according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing details of the operation of a pressing member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <First embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a network camera will be taken as an example of an imaging device. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with a top cover removed. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The network camera 100 includes a lens protection member 110, a top cover 120 (cover portion), a bottom cover 140 (base portion), and a base member 160 (holding member). The network camera 100 further includes a pressing member 170, an elastic member 180 (urging member), a cover member 190 (camera cover), and a camera unit 200 having a substantially spherical shape.

[0013] Lens protection member 110 is hemispherical and protects the components housed inside the housing from impacts and the like. Since an image is taken through lens protection member 110, lens protection member 110 is treated as an optical component, and transparency and dimensional accuracy are important. Lens protection member 110 is made of, for example, transparent polycarbonate. Lens protection member 110 is fixed to top cover 120 using screws or the like, and is fixed to bottom cover 140 while being fixed to top cover 120.

[0014] Top cover 120 and bottom cover 140 are fastened together with screws or the like to form a housing. Inside the housing, a base member 160, a pressing member 170, an elastic member 180, a cover member 190, and a camera unit 200 are arranged. Furthermore, a control board 300 is housed inside the housing. Control board 300 controls the entire network camera 100, including power supply, camera control, and connection to a network.

[0015] Top cover 120 and bottom cover 140 are each made of, for example, die-cast metal or polycarbonate resin. Bottom cover 140 has installation holes and is fixed to the ceiling, wall, etc. of the vehicle using screws or the like. Furthermore, bottom cover 140 has a waterproof portion, and fixing top cover 120 prevents water and dust from entering the inside of the housing.

[0016] The base member 160 holds the cover member 190 rotatably in the panning direction, and is fixed to the bottom cover 140 by a screw or the like. The base member 160 is provided with a circular opening in which the camera unit 200 is disposed, and at least a portion of the opening is disposed between the top cover 120 and the pressing member 170. The base member 160 is made of, for example, polycarbonate resin. The base member 160 is formed with a protrusion hole 162 through which the protrusion 172 of the pressing member 170 penetrates. A plurality of protrusion holes 162 are provided at intervals in a circular shape. As shown in FIG. 2, when the top cover 120 is removed, the protrusion 172 of the pressing member 170 penetrates the protrusion hole 162 of the base member 160 and is fixed in a protruding state.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the base member 160 has a first cylindrical holding portion 164 and a second cylindrical holding portion 166 that hold the cover member 190 so that it can rotate in a panning manner. The first cylindrical holding portion 164 regulates the panning rotation of the camera unit 200 and the cover member 190, and the second cylindrical holding portion 166 prevents the cover member 190 from falling over. A pan axis b, which is the center of rotation in the panning direction defined by the first cylindrical holding portion 164, forms a certain angle θ with respect to the vertical direction of the setting surface a of the bottom cover 140, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0018] The pressing member 170 is a member that presses the elastic member 180, has a substantially circular shape, and the camera unit 200 is disposed inside. The pressing member 170 is made of sheet metal such as stainless steel. At least a portion of the pressing member 170 is disposed between the base member 160 and the elastic member 180. The pressing member 170 further has a protrusion 172 that protrudes toward the top cover 120. The protrusions 172 extend along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of protrusions are provided at equal intervals. The protrusions 172 are disposed so as to penetrate the protrusion holes 162 of the base member 160 when the top cover 120 is removed. In addition, the tip of the protrusion 172 is chamfered to make it easier to pass through the protrusion holes 162. Note that a plurality of protrusions 172 are provided at equal intervals, but they do not have to be equally spaced, and there need not be a plurality of protrusions. Note that the pressing member 170 is not necessary. If the pressing member 170 is not provided, the elastic member 180 is directly pressed against the top cover 120 .

[0019] The elastic member 180 is a member that biases the cover member 190, has a substantially circular shape, and has the camera unit 200 disposed therein. The elastic member 180 is made of a wave washer. The elastic member 180 is disposed between the pressing member 170 and the cover member 190, and is compressed by being pressed by the pressing member 170. In other words, when the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140, the elastic member 180 is deformed by being pressed by the pressing member 170, and biases the cover member 190. In addition, the deformation of the elastic member 180 increases the biasing force from the elastic member 180 to the cover member 190, and the frictional force between the camera unit 200 and the cover member 190 increases. This will be described later.

[0020] The cover member 190 has an opening that is continuously open from the horizontal position to the vertical position, which is the shooting range. The cover member 190 is made of, for example, polycarbonate resin.

[0021] The cover member 190 has a flange portion 194 held by the first cylindrical holding portion 164. The flange portion 194 has a surface perpendicular to the pan axis direction. The elastic member 180 is disposed on the flange portion 194. Therefore, the direction in which the elastic member 180 is compressed is approximately parallel to the pan axis b. The vibration transmitted to the camera from a vehicle or the like basically has a large vibration component perpendicular to the installation surface a. On the other hand, the compression direction of the elastic member 180 is configured to have a certain inclination angle θ with respect to the perpendicular direction of the installation surface a, and the vibration direction and the compression direction of the elastic member 180 are changed. Therefore, the vibration component in the vertical direction is dispersed and reduced. As a result, the elastic member 180 expands and contracts due to strong vibration, preventing the angle of view from shifting due to a decrease in friction.

[0022] The camera unit 200 can be rotated in the pan direction, tilt direction, and rotation direction by a user gripping the camera unit 200 or the cover member 190 and manually rotating them. In the pan rotation operation, the cover member 190 and the camera unit 200 rotate together (integrally) with respect to the base member 160 by panning either the cover member 190 or the camera unit 200. On the other hand, in the tilt and rotation operations, the cover member 190 does not rotate, and only the camera unit 200 rotates with respect to the cover member 190. As shown in FIG. 2, a circular rib 212 is formed on the lens cover 210 of the camera unit 200, and the tilt rotation of the camera unit 200 is restricted by the cover member rib 212 coming into contact with the edge of the opening of the cover member 190.

[0023] Camera unit 200 is disposed in substantially spherical first receiving portion 146 of cover member bottom cover 140, and is held so as to be covered from above by cover member 190. Camera unit 200 also has lens 220, lens holder 230, imaging board 240 having an imaging element, and lens cover 210. Lens holder 230 and lens cover 210 are made of, for example, polycarbonate resin.

[0024] The lens 220 is screwed and held in the lens holder 230, and its position can be adjusted in the optical axis direction to adjust the focus. The imaging board 240 is fixed to the lens holder 230 by adhesive or the like. The lens holder 230 is gripped and fixed to the lens cover 210. An opening for exposing the lens 220 is formed in the front of the lens cover 210, and a hole for passing a wire 250 or the like is formed in the rear of the lens cover 210. The imaging board 240 is electrically connected to the control board 300 by the wire 250 or the like. As a result, the camera unit 200 converts light received through the lens protection member 110 and the lens 220 into an electrical signal in the imaging board 240, and records the image via the control board 300 or distributes it over a network.

[0025] Here, the frictional force that fixes the camera unit 200 will be described. The bottom cover 140 is formed with a first receiving portion 146 having a substantially spherical shape that holds the lower side of the lens cover 210. The cover member 190 is formed with a second receiving portion 192 having a substantially spherical shape that holds the upper side of the lens cover 210. The lens cover 210 is in contact with the first receiving portion 146 and the second receiving portion 192 through a substantially spherical surface, and the camera unit 200 is rotatable in the tilt and rotation directions around the spherical center of the lens cover 210. The base member 160 presses the elastic member 180 via the pressing member 170, thereby pressing the cover member 190 against the lens cover 210. This generates a frictional force between the lens cover 210 and the first receiving portion 146 and the second receiving portion 192. This frictional force generates a pan / tilt / rotation holding torque (holding force). Furthermore, the frictional force between the lens cover 210 and the second receiving portion 192 of the cover member 190 is greater after the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140 than before the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140. Similarly, the frictional force between the lens cover 210 and the first receiving portion 146 of the bottom cover 140 is greater after the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140 than before the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140.

[0026] In this manner, the lens cover 210 is always in contact with the first receiving portion 146 and the second receiving portion 192. However, the frictional force between the lens cover 210 and the first receiving portion 146 and the second receiving portion 192 before the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140 is different from that between the lens cover 210 and the first receiving portion 146 and the second receiving portion 192 after the top cover 120 is attached to the bottom cover 140.

[0027] Further, the pan / tilt / rotation holding torque (holding force) of the camera unit 200 will be described in detail. Figs. 4(a) to (d) are cross-sectional views showing the details of the operation of the pressing member 170. Figs. 4(a) and 4(c) show the position of the pressing member 170 when the top cover 120 is closed. The difference between Figs. 4(a) and 4(c) is the difference in the cross-sectional position. Fig. 4(a) shows a portion where the elastic member 180 and the cover member 190 are not in contact, and Fig. 4(c) shows a portion where the elastic member 180 and the cover member 190 are in contact. Since the elastic member 180 is a wave washer, depending on the cross-sectional position, there are some portions where there is no contact as in Fig. 4(a).

[0028] A guide portion 168 that restricts the movement of the pressing member 170 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion hole 162 of the base member 160. The outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the pressing member 170 is fitted into the guide portion 168, which allows the pressing member 170 to move in the pan axis direction. Meanwhile, there is a gap between the inner peripheral wall surface of the protrusion hole 162 and the inner peripheral surface of the pressing member 170, resulting in a structure that does not impede the movement of the pressing member 170 in the pan axis direction.

[0029] Top cover 120 has pressing surface 122 perpendicular to pan axis b, and when top cover 120 is closed, pressing surface 122 presses protrusion 172 of pressing member 170. This causes pressing member 170 to move in the pan axis direction in a direction that compresses elastic member 180. At this time, elastic member 180 is in the most compressed state within the elastic deformation range, and the holding torque (holding force) on camera unit 200 is also at its maximum. In this way, when the holding torque (holding force) is at its maximum, it is possible to suppress the camera unit 200 from shifting in the pan / tilt rotation direction even if vibration or impact is transmitted to network camera 100, and thus it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the shooting angle of view.

[0030] Figures 4(b) and (d) show the position of the pressing member 170 when the top cover 120 is open. The difference between Figures 4(b) and (d) is the difference in the cross-sectional position. Figure 4(b) shows a portion where the elastic member 180 and the cover member 190 are not in contact, and Figure 4(d) shows a portion where the elastic member 180 and the cover member 190 are in contact. Since the elastic member 180 is a wave washer, depending on the cross-sectional position, there are some portions where there is no contact as in Figure 4(b).

[0031] In this way, the user adjusts the shooting direction before the top cover 120 is attached. Before the top cover 120 is attached, the pressing member 170 moves toward the base member 160 in the pan axis direction due to the reaction force of the elastic member 180. At this time, the compression amount of the elastic member 180 becomes smaller than that in Figs. 4(a) and (c), and the pan / tilt / rotation holding torque for the camera unit 200 also decreases. However, during assembly, the elastic member 180 is disposed in a compressed state between the pressing member 170 and the cover member 190. Therefore, a holding torque is generated. This allows the user to adjust the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation while suppressing the camera unit 200 from moving due to its own weight or the like. In addition, the angle of view after the user adjusts the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any position can be maintained.

[0032] In this way, as shown in Figs. 4(b) and (d), in the state before the top cover 120 is attached, that is, when the network camera 100 is installed, the pan / tilt / rotation holding torque is small, so the user can adjust the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation. In addition, after the user adjusts the orientation of the camera unit 200, the holding torque for the camera unit 200 is also maximized by attaching the top cover 120 as shown in Figs. 4(a) and (c). Therefore, even if vibration or impact is transmitted to the network camera 100, the camera unit 200 can be prevented from shifting in the pan / tilt / rotation direction, and fluctuations in the shooting angle of view can be suppressed. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the camera unit 200 is directly biased by an elastic member, it is possible to suppress the angle of view from shifting when the top cover 120 is closed.

[0033] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a network camera 100 that can improve the ease with which a user can adjust the shooting direction and can prevent the shooting direction of the camera unit from fluctuating due to vibration.

[0034] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the elastic member. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the common components are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and will not be described. The elastic member 400 of the second embodiment is made of a coil spring. The elastic member 400 is a member that biases the cover member 190, and a plurality of elastic members 400 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The elastic member 400 is arranged between the pressing member 170 and the cover member 190, and is compressed by being pressed by the pressing member 170. The elastic member 400 may be fixed by providing a protrusion on the pressing member 170 or the cover member 190, but the fixing method is not particularly limited.

[0035] The details of how the camera unit 200 is held will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the operation of the pressing member 170. FIG. 5(a) shows the position of the pressing member 170 when the top cover 120 is closed. As in the first embodiment, when the top cover 120 is closed, the pressing surface 122 presses the protrusion 172 of the pressing member 170. As a result, the pressing member 170 moves in the pan axis direction in a direction that compresses the elastic member 400. At this time, the elastic member 400 is in the most compressed state within the elastic deformation range, and the holding torque for the camera unit 200 is also maximum. In the maximum holding torque state, even if vibration or impact is transmitted to the network camera 100, it is possible to suppress the camera unit 200 from shifting in the pan / tilt rotation direction, and to suppress fluctuations in the shooting angle of view.

[0036] FIG. 5(b) shows the position of the pressing member 170 when the top cover 120 is open. When the top cover 120 is open, the pressing member 170 moves toward the base member 160 in the pan axis direction due to the reaction force of the elastic member 400. At this time, the compression amount of the elastic member 400 becomes smaller than that in FIG. 5(a), and the holding torque for the camera unit 200 also decreases. However, since the elastic member 400 is fixed in a state in which it is compressed to some extent, the holding torque does not disappear. This allows the user to adjust the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation while suppressing the camera unit 200 from moving due to its own weight or the like. In addition, the angle of view after the user adjusts the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation can be maintained.

[0037] In this way, as shown in Fig. 5(b), before the top cover 120 is attached, that is, when the network camera 100 is installed, the pan / tilt / rotation holding torque is small, so the user can adjust the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation. Furthermore, after the user adjusts the orientation of the camera unit 200, the holding torque for the camera unit 200 also becomes maximum by attaching the top cover 120 as shown in Fig. 5(a). Therefore, even if vibration or impact is transmitted to the network camera 100, it is possible to prevent the camera unit 200 from shifting in the pan / tilt / rotation direction, and to suppress fluctuations in the shooting angle of view.

[0038] As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the ease of adjusting the shooting direction by the user during installation can be improved. Also, a network camera 100 can be provided that can suppress fluctuations in the shooting direction of the camera unit due to vibrations during use.

[0039] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a pressing member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the pressing member. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used for the common components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The pressing member 500 is a member that presses the elastic member 180, has a substantially circular shape, and has the camera unit 200 disposed inside. The pressing member 500 is made of resin. The pressing member 500 is disposed between the base member 160 and the elastic member 180. The pressing member 500 further has a protrusion 502 that faces the top cover 120. A plurality of protrusions 502 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 502 are disposed so as to pass through the protrusion holes 162 of the base member 160 when the top cover 120 is removed.

[0041] In the third embodiment of the present invention, as in the first and second embodiments, the ease with which a user can adjust the shooting direction can be improved. Also, a network camera 100 can be provided that can suppress fluctuations in the shooting direction of the camera unit due to vibrations.

[0042] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the biasing member, and does not use a pressing member. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the common components, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an imaging device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view seen from the installation surface direction.

[0043] The elastic member 680 of the fourth embodiment is made of a wave washer and has a plurality of peaks and valleys. The elastic member 680 is a member that biases the cover member 190, has a substantially circular shape, and has the camera unit 200 disposed inside. A pressing rib 672 is formed on the inside of the top cover 620. A protrusion hole 662 through which the pressing rib 672 penetrates is formed in the base member 660. The elastic member 680 is disposed between the base member 660 and the cover member 190, and is compressed by being pressed by the base member 660. When the top cover 620 is in a closed state, the pressing rib 672 directly presses the elastic member 680. This will be described later. The elastic member 680 is formed with a phase fixing portion 682. Meanwhile, the base member 660 has a cutout portion 664. The phase fixing portion 682 is disposed to correspond to the cutout portion 664, and the phases of the peaks and valleys of the elastic member 680 are uniformly determined. The pressing rib 672 is disposed at a position corresponding to the peak of the elastic member 680. If the phase fixing portion 682 were not present, the elastic member 680 could be disposed at any rotational phase relative to the base member 660. If the valley of the elastic member 680 were disposed below the pressing rib 672, the pressing rib 672 would not reach the elastic member 680, and there is a risk that the elastic member 680 would not be compressed sufficiently. Therefore, the phase fixing portion 682 is provided, and a configuration is adopted in which the peak of the elastic member 680 is reliably disposed below the pressing rib 672.

[0044] The details of the holding of the camera unit 200 will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the compression operation of the elastic member 680. FIG. 8(a) shows the compressed state of the elastic member 680 when the top cover 620 is closed. When the top cover 620 is closed, the pressing rib 672 penetrates the projection hole 662 and presses the peak of the elastic member 680. At this time, the elastic member 680 is in the most compressed state in the elastic deformation range, and the holding torque for the camera unit 200 is also maximum. The tip surface of the pressing rib 672 is approximately perpendicular to the pan axis b. As a result, the pressing direction of the elastic member 680 has a certain angle θ with respect to the perpendicular direction of the ground surface a. In the maximum holding torque state, even if vibration or impact is transmitted to the network camera 100, the camera unit 200 can be prevented from shifting in the pan / tilt rotation direction, and fluctuations in the shooting angle of view can be suppressed.

[0045] FIG. 8(b) shows the compressed state of the elastic member 680 when the top cover 620 is open. When the top cover 620 is open, the elastic member 680 is compressed only by the base member 660. At this time, the amount of compression of the elastic member 680 is smaller than that in FIG. 8(a), and the holding torque for the camera unit 200 is also reduced. However, since the elastic member 680 is fixed in a state compressed to some extent, the holding torque does not disappear. This allows the user to adjust the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation while suppressing the camera unit 200 from moving due to its own weight or the like. In addition, the angle of view after the user adjusts the orientation of the camera unit 200 to any orientation can be maintained.

[0046] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the ease of adjustment of the shooting direction by the user during installation can be improved. Also, a network camera 100 can be provided that can suppress fluctuations in the shooting direction of the camera unit due to vibrations during use.

[0047] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the housing is composed of two parts, but may be composed of three or more parts. Also, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the top cover 120 and the bottom cover 140 may be fixed to each other by a claw engagement or by adhesive.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the lens protection member 110 may be fixed using a different waterproof member, adhesive, or a different part. In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the control board 300 and the sensor board 240 may be electrically connected using a flexible board, a flat cable, a thin coaxial cable, or a relay board.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the imaging board 240 and the lens holder 230 may be fixed to each other using screws. In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 180 may be made of silicone rubber.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, lens cover 210 may be configured to use aluminum die casting or the like to transfer heat from the sensor board to bottom cover 140. In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the fitting between the guide portion of base member 160 and pressing member 170 may be performed using the inner wall surface.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, pressing member 170 may be made of a resin molded part or an aluminum die-cast part. In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a separate part for heat dissipation or friction adjustment may be provided between lens cover 210 and the first and second receiving parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100 Network camera (imaging device) 120 Top cover (cover part) 140 Bottom cover (base part) 160 Base member (holding member) 170 Pressing member 180 Elastic member (biasing member) 190 Cover material (camera cover) 200 Camera section 210 Lens cover 220 Lens 230 Lens holder 240 Imaging Board 250 Wire 300 Control Board

Claims

1. a housing formed by a base portion and a cover portion; A camera unit disposed in the housing and disposed on the base unit; a camera cover disposed in the housing and in contact with the camera unit to cover the camera unit; a biasing member that is pressed by the cover portion when the cover portion is attached to the base portion, and deforms to bias the camera cover, The deformation of the urging member increases the urging force from the urging member to the camera cover, thereby increasing the frictional force between the camera unit and the camera cover, 11. An imaging device, comprising: an imaging unit having a cover portion and a pressing member, the pressing member pressing the cover portion against the pressing member at a predetermined angle with respect to a perpendicular direction of an installation surface of the housing.

2. The camera unit is rotatable in at least one of a pan direction and a tilt direction, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the camera unit is rotatably supported by the base unit and the camera cover.

3. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a first receiving portion having a substantially spherical shape that holds the camera portion, and the camera cover has a second receiving portion having a substantially spherical shape that holds the camera portion.

4. 4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are in contact with the camera unit, which has a substantially spherical shape, at spherical surfaces.

5. The camera unit is rotatable in a pan direction around a pan axis, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the direction in which the biasing member is pressed by the cover portion is substantially parallel to the pan axis.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member having a first cylindrical holding portion that rotatably holds the camera cover and a second cylindrical holding portion that prevents the camera cover from tilting.

7. 7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the camera cover has a flange portion that is held by the first cylindrical holding portion.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the biasing member is disposed on the flange portion.

9. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the biasing member has a substantially circular shape.

10. 10. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a frictional force between the camera cover and the camera unit after the cover unit is attached to the base unit is greater than a frictional force between the camera cover and the camera unit before the cover unit is attached to the base unit.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover portion has a dome cover.

12. a pressing member that presses the biasing member and comes into contact with the cover portion, The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is pressed by the cover portion via the pressing member.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12 , wherein the pressing member has a protrusion that comes into contact with the cover portion.

14. A holding member for holding the pressing member, the holding member has a guide portion for movably holding the pressing member, 14. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein an outer surface of the pressing member is guided by the guide portion.

15. 15. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the camera unit is rotatable in a pan direction about a pan axis inclined with respect to a surface on which the imaging device is installed, and the direction in which the biasing member is pressed by the pressing member is approximately parallel to the pan axis.

16. 15. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the pressing member has a substantially circular shape.

17. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover portion has a pressing rib that presses the biasing member.

18. 18. The imaging device according to claim 17, wherein the biasing member has a phase fixing portion for determining a rotational phase at the time of attachment.

19. Further comprising a holding member for holding the pressing rib, 20. The imaging device according to claim 18, wherein the holding member has a notch portion corresponding to the phase locking portion.

20. 20. The imaging device according to claim 17, wherein the biasing member is formed of a wave washer and has peaks and valleys.

21. 21. The imaging device according to claim 20, wherein the pressing rib is disposed so as to press against a peak of the biasing member.

22. The imaging device according to claim 17, wherein a tip of the pressing rib is substantially perpendicular to a pan axis.

Images