Patent ID: 7517161
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: F16M,G03B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An imaging device for imaging an area of a table on which an imaging-object is to be mounted, comprising: a camera holding arm that holds the camera head imaging from above the table; an arm support module that rotatably supports the camera holding arm about the axis of rotation relative to the table so that the degree of incline relative to the table is variable; an assist member between the camera holding arm and the table that assists the arm rotation of the camera holding arm in such a way that, when the camera holding arm rotates so as to incline toward the side of the table, the assist member builds up assisting force that is exerted on the side where the camera holding arm rotates so that the incline relative to the table expands, and when the camera holding arm rotates so that the incline relative to the table expands, the assist member allows the built up assisting force to be exerted on the camera holding arm about the axis of rotation; and a frictional force adjustment module that generates frictional force when the camera holding arm rotates about the axis of rotation, holds the camera holding arm in a position inclined relative to the table by means of the frictional force, and adjusts the frictional force so that it is greater than the assisting force built up by the assist member; wherein the arm support module axially supports the camera holding arm rotatably about the axis of rotation relative to a frame which the table has for supporting the camera holding arm; the camera holding arm compartmentalizes the housing in such a way that the assist member can be mounted in the housing from the side of the frame; the frictional force adjustment module is frictional force-adjustably formed on the side of the frame; and the assist member, which is composed of a coil spring, is engaged at one end of the coil spring with the camera holding arm, and at the other end of the spring with the frame, while housed in the housing.