JP2017181767A - Lens unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens unit capable of suppressing optical characteristics from decreasing as compared with a configuration having a gate part formed at a contact part coming into contact with a lens in a lens barrel.SOLUTION: A lens unit 30 has a lens 62, a lens barrel 32, and a gate part 39. The lens 62 has a circular outer peripheral surface 62C. The lens barrel 32 comprises a cylindrical side face 32A and an end face 32B perpendicular to the side face 32A, and accommodates the lens 62. Further, the lens barrel 32 has at least a part of an inner peripheral surface 42 formed into a plane forming respective sides of a polygonal shape facing an optical axis K, and the plane forms a contact part 44 with the lens 62. The gate part 39 is formed by injection molding of the lens barrel 32, and also formed on the end face 32B between circumferentially adjacent contact parts 44 when viewed from the optical axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens unit.

  Conventionally, a lens unit is assembled by press-fitting a lens into an injection-molded lens barrel. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a structure in which the inner periphery of a lens barrel is formed in a polygonal shape and a circular lens is press-fitted into the lens barrel.

JP 2006-201378 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-1688

  In the configuration in which the gate for resin injection in the lens barrel injection molding is arranged on the side surface side of the lens barrel, the portion corresponding to the contact portion between the lens barrel and the lens in the mold used for the lens barrel injection molding is from the gate. It is easy to wear under pressure by the injected resin. When the mold is worn, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion between the lens barrel and the lens is lowered, so that when the lens is in contact with the contact portion, the lens is inclined, and the optical characteristics of the lens unit may be lowered. .

  In the configuration where the resin injection gate in the lens barrel injection molding is formed on the line connecting the center of the optical axis and the contact portion of the lens of the lens barrel when viewed in the optical axis direction, the resin injected from the gate contacts Since it becomes easy to flow toward a part, the pressure which acts on the site | part of the metal mold | die corresponding to a contact part tends to become high. Further, when the resin is injected from the gate, the flow of the resin is blocked by the thin portions on both sides of the gate, so that the pressure acting near the gate of the mold tends to be high. When the pressure acting on the portion corresponding to the contact portion of the mold is increased, the mold is easily worn. When the mold is worn, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion between the lens barrel and the lens is lowered, so that when the lens is in contact with the contact portion, the lens is inclined, and the optical characteristics of the lens unit may be lowered. .

  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention provides a lens unit that can suppress a decrease in optical characteristics as compared with a configuration in which a gate portion is formed in a contact portion that contacts a lens of a lens barrel. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a lens unit according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a lens barrel that contains a lens having a circular outer peripheral surface, a cylindrical side surface, and an end surface perpendicular to the side surface. And at least a part of the inner peripheral surface is a plane that forms each side of the polygonal shape facing the optical axis, and the plane is formed by a lens barrel that forms a contact portion with the lens, and injection molding of the lens barrel A gate portion that is formed between contact portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the end surface of the barrel when viewed from the optical axis direction.

  According to the lens unit according to the first aspect, when the lens barrel is molded by injection molding, the portion corresponding to the contact portion in contact with the lens in the mold of the lens barrel is from the inlet of the resin injected from the gate. It is arranged at a shifted position. In addition, the thick part of the lens barrel has a larger space than the thin part, so the resin flows easily. However, in the lens barrel, both sides in the circumferential direction are thicker than the gate part. Resin easily diffuses, and the pressure acting on the mold tends to be uniform in the radial direction and circumferential direction of the lens barrel. Since the pressure acting on the mold tends to be uniform in the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the lens barrel, the wear of the part corresponding to the contact part in the mold is suppressed, so the contact of the lens barrel with the lens Reduction in dimensional accuracy is suppressed. By suppressing a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion of the lens barrel with the lens, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the optical characteristics of the lens unit compared to a configuration in which a gate portion is formed in the contact portion of the lens barrel. it can.

  The lens unit according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of gate portions, and when viewed from the optical axis direction, the plurality of gate portions are formed to face each other across the optical axis.

  According to the lens unit according to the second aspect, the amount of wear around the gates facing each other across the optical axis in the mold is approximately the same, so the dimensional accuracy of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel formed by the mold is It is about the same across the optical axis. Since the dimensional accuracy of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel is approximately the same across the optical axis, it is possible to suppress a positional shift that is asymmetric with respect to the optical axis of the lens press-fitted into the contact portion of the lens barrel.

  The gate portion of the lens unit according to the third aspect of the present invention is formed rotationally symmetric when viewed from the optical axis direction.

  According to the lens unit according to the third aspect, the resin pressure injected from the gate is likely to be uniform in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel, and wear of the mold portion corresponding to the contact portion is suppressed. The optical characteristics of the lens unit can be maintained compared to a configuration that is not formed rotationally symmetrical.

  The end surface of the lens barrel of the lens unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes an extending portion extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a gate portion is formed in the extending portion.

  According to the lens unit of the fourth aspect, in the injection molding of the lens barrel, the resin injected from the gate flows into a portion corresponding to the extending portion, not a portion corresponding to the cylindrical portion of the lens barrel in the mold. . A contact portion that comes into contact with the lens is formed in the tube portion of the lens barrel. That is, the resin injected from the gate does not flow into the part corresponding to the contact part of the lens barrel, but flows into the extending part away from the contact part, so that the resin pressure is concentrated on the part corresponding to the contact part in the mold. Is suppressed. By suppressing the concentration of the resin pressure, the wear of the portion corresponding to the contact portion in the mold is suppressed, so that the contact portion is compared with the configuration in which the gate portion is not formed in the extending portion of the lens barrel. Dimensional accuracy can be increased.

  The extending portion of the lens unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention projects radially inward with respect to the contact portion of the lens barrel, and the gate portion is formed on the radially inner portion of the extending portion. Yes.

  According to the lens unit of the fifth aspect, the position of the gate of the mold is separated from the position corresponding to the contact surface of the contact portion inward in the radial direction. Since the position of the gate is away from the position corresponding to the contact surface, the wear of the mold part corresponding to the contact portion is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion is on the contact portion side of the extending portion. The optical properties of the unit can be maintained.

  The extending portion of the lens unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention projects outward in the radial direction with respect to the contact portion of the lens barrel.

  According to the lens unit of the sixth aspect, the position of the gate of the mold is separated from the position corresponding to the contact surface of the contact portion to the outside in the radial direction. Since the position of the gate is away from the position corresponding to the contact surface, the wear of the mold part corresponding to the contact portion is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion is on the contact portion side of the extending portion. The optical properties of the unit can be maintained.

  The lens of the lens unit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a resin lens.

  According to the lens unit according to the seventh aspect, a decrease in dimensional accuracy of the contact portion between the lens barrel and the lens is suppressed. Even when the external temperature of the lens unit rises and the resin lens thermally expands, the dimensional accuracy of the contact part of the lens barrel can be maintained more easily than the configuration in which the gate part is formed at the contact part. Characteristics can be maintained.

  The polygonal shape of the lens unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is an octagonal or more polygonal shape.

  According to the lens unit according to the eighth aspect, the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel has a polygonal shape of eight or more corners, so that the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel is nearly circular when viewed in the optical axis direction. Resin injected from the gate because the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel has a nearly circular shape, so that the width in the radial direction around the gate portion of the lens barrel is wider than the polygonal configuration with fewer than eight octagons. Is easily diffused, wear of the mold is suppressed, and the optical characteristics of the lens unit can be maintained.

  The gate portion of the lens unit according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is formed at the center between contact portions adjacent in the circumferential direction when viewed from the optical axis direction.

  According to the lens unit according to the ninth aspect, since the distance from the gate portion to the contact portion adjacent in the circumferential direction is equal, each adjacent to the configuration in which the gate portion is offset to one contact portion. Resin can flow through the contact portion with good balance.

  The lens barrel of the lens unit according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is made of a resin containing an inorganic substance.

  The inorganic substance contained in the resin has a hardness higher than that of the resin, and wears the mold by contact with the inner surface of the mold in the injection molding. According to the lens unit of the tenth aspect, even when the resin contains an inorganic substance in order to improve the strength of the lens barrel, it corresponds to the contact portion of the mold as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion is formed in the contact portion. Since the wear of the part to be performed is suppressed, the optical characteristics of the lens unit can be maintained.

  The inorganic substance of the lens unit according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is an inorganic fiber.

  According to the lens unit of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, while the resin injected from the gate in the injection molding of the lens barrel flows to the mold portion corresponding to the contact portion of the lens barrel, the inorganic contained in the resin It becomes easy to align the direction of the fibers. By making the orientation of the inorganic fibers contained in the resin easier, the chance of contact between the inorganic fibers and the mold is reduced and the wear of the mold is suppressed compared to the configuration in which the gate portion is formed at the contact portion. Therefore, the optical characteristics of the lens unit can be maintained.

  A lens unit according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the lens unit according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and is a vehicle-mounted or monitoring lens unit.

  In the in-vehicle or monitoring lens unit according to the twelfth aspect, the lens unit may be exposed to a high temperature. In the lens unit, even if the lens unit is exposed to high temperature and the lens expands, and the force acts on the lens contact part, the dimensional accuracy of the contact part is improved, so the lens position shifts. The optical characteristics of the lens unit can be maintained.

  In the present invention, the gate portion means that a part of the trace of the introduction portion (gate) for introducing the resin material melted during the injection molding of the lens barrel into the molding die remains in the molded lens barrel. This includes not only the case but also the case where all the gate traces of the lens barrel are cut and removed so as not to leave traces.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the lens unit which can suppress the fall of an optical characteristic can be provided compared with the structure by which the gate part is formed in the contact part which contacts the lens of a lens barrel.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the lens unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and an imaging module. (A) It is a cross-sectional view (2A-2A cross section of FIG. 1) which shows a part of lens unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (B) It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows a part of lens-barrel and lens which concern on 1st Embodiment. (A), (B) It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which shape | molds the lens-barrel which concerns on 1st Embodiment using a shaping | molding apparatus. (A) It is a cross-sectional view which shows a part of lens unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (B) It is a cross-sectional view which shows the 1st modification of the lens unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a transverse cross section showing the 2nd modification of a lens unit concerning a 2nd embodiment. (A) It is a cross-sectional view which shows a part of lens unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. (B) It is a cross-sectional view which shows a part of lens unit which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a lens unit according to the present invention will be described. Note that the lens unit in the present embodiment relates to a lens unit that can be exposed to high temperatures such as a surveillance camera and an in-vehicle camera and that is used in an environment in which it is difficult to maintain imaging performance and can reduce performance deterioration. The monitoring lens unit is a lens unit that is provided in a building or the like to view surrounding objects. The in-vehicle lens unit is a lens unit that is provided in a vehicle (mainly in a vehicle interior) and allows an object outside the vehicle to be seen.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an imaging apparatus 10. The imaging apparatus 10 is an apparatus used for an in-vehicle camera as an example. The imaging device 10 includes an imaging module 20 and a lens unit 30. Further, the imaging apparatus 10 forms an image of the object 12 on the imaging module 20 via the lens unit 30.

  In the following description, the direction of the optical axis of light in the lens unit 30 and the direction of the center axis of a lens barrel 32 described later will be referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, among the radial directions of the lens group 34 (to be described later) of the lens unit 30 and one of the vertical directions (orthogonal directions) perpendicular to the Z direction, one direction is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction Called the X direction. In addition, the optical axis of light incident on the lens unit 30 from the object side is referred to as K, and is indicated by a dashed line or a mark representing a point. When the X direction and the Y direction are not distinguished and are simply referred to as the radial direction, they are referred to as the D direction. The D direction is a vertical direction perpendicular to the Z direction.

[Imaging module]
The imaging module 20 includes an imaging element 22 such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The imaging element 22 is disposed at an image forming point of an optical system of a lens unit 30 described later, and has an image surface 22A that faces the lens unit 30 in the X direction. The image plane 22A is a plane disposed along the XY plane. In the following description, the object side in the Z direction is referred to as + Z side, and the image plane side is referred to as -Z side.

  The imaging module 20 is supported by a holder (not shown) attached to the lens unit 30. Furthermore, the imaging module 20 converts the light that has reached through the lens unit 30 into an electrical signal. The converted electric signal is converted into analog data or digital data which is image data.

[Lens unit]
As an example, the lens unit 30 includes a lens barrel 32, a lens group 34, spacing rings 36, 38, and 40, and a sealing material 48. The lens group 34, the spacing rings 36, 38, 40 and the sealing material 48 are accommodated inside the lens barrel 32.

<Tube>
The lens barrel 32 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is arranged with the Z direction as the central axis (optical axis) direction. Specifically, the lens barrel 32 includes a cylindrical portion 35 that opens in the Z direction, and a flange-shaped extension that extends and extends inward in the D direction from the inner peripheral surface of the end portion on the −Z side of the cylindrical portion 35. And a standing portion 37. The cylindrical portion 35 has a side surface 32A that is circular when viewed in the Z direction and extends in a cylindrical shape in the Z direction. An end face 32 </ b> B is formed on the −Z side of the cylindrical portion 35 and the extending portion 37. The end surface 32 </ b> B includes the −Z side surface of the extending portion 37. Further, the end face 32B is disposed perpendicular to the side face 32A.

  A gate portion 39 that protrudes from the end surface 32B to the −Z side is formed at a portion of the end surface 32B that is outside the extending portion 37 in the D direction. Details of the gate unit 39 will be described later. The material which comprises the lens-barrel 32 is resin containing the inorganic fiber as an example of an inorganic substance.

  At the end on the + Z side of the cylindrical portion 35, a circular opening 32C as viewed in the Z direction is formed in a state after thermal crimping. An opening 32D that penetrates in the Z direction and has a smaller inner diameter than the opening 32C is formed in the extending portion 37 of the end surface 32B. In addition, a housing portion 33 that houses the lens group 34, the spacing ring 36, the spacing ring 38, the spacing ring 40, and the sealing material 48 is formed between the opening portion 32 </ b> C and the opening portion 32 </ b> D in the lens barrel 32.

  As an example, the accommodating portion 33 is formed in order from the + Z side to the −Z side inside the lens barrel 32, the first accommodating portion 33A, the second accommodating portion 33B, the third accommodating portion 33C, and the fourth accommodating portion. 33D, the 5th accommodating part 33E, the 6th accommodating part 33F, the 7th accommodating part 33G, and the 8th accommodating part 33H.

  A lens 52 and a sealing material 48 described later are accommodated in the first accommodating portion 33A. A spacing ring 36 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 33B. A lens 54 described later is accommodated in the third accommodating portion 33C. A spacing ring 38 is accommodated in the fourth accommodating portion 33D. A lens 56 to be described later is accommodated in the fifth accommodating portion 33E. A lens 58 described later is accommodated in the sixth accommodating portion 33F. A spacing ring 40 is accommodated in the seventh accommodating portion 33G. A lens 62 described later is accommodated in the eighth accommodating portion 33H.

  As an example, the inner wall of the first housing portion 33A, the inner wall of the second housing portion 33B, the inner wall of the fourth housing portion 33D, and the inner wall of the seventh housing portion 33G are formed in a circular shape when viewed in the Z direction. Although illustration is omitted, the inner diameter da of the second housing portion 33B, the inner diameter db of the fourth housing portion 33D, and the inner diameter dc of the seventh housing portion 33G are da> db> dc.

  As an example, the inner wall of the third housing portion 33C, the inner wall of the fifth housing portion 33E, the inner wall of the sixth housing portion 33F, and the inner wall of the eighth housing portion 33H (an inner peripheral surface 42 described later) are positive when viewed in the Z direction. It is formed in an octagon shape. In addition, the space inside the third housing portion 33C, the space inside the fifth housing portion 33E, the space inside the sixth housing portion 33F, and the space inside the eighth housing portion 33H are sequentially reduced, The space of the 8th accommodating part 33H is the smallest space.

  As an example, the peripheral edge portion of the opening 32C in the lens barrel 32 is a heat caulking portion 32E that is bent toward the optical axis K side by heat caulking.

  The inner peripheral surface 42 of the eighth housing portion 33H of the lens barrel 32 shown in FIG. 2A is formed in a regular octagonal shape centered on the optical axis K as an example of a polygonal shape when viewed in the Z direction. . Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 42 includes eight planes 42A that form regular octagonal sides and face the optical axis K when the lens barrel 32 is viewed in the Z direction, and eight curved surfaces 42B. . In addition, the polygonal shape in this specification includes not only a polygonal shape but also a shape in which a corner portion of the polygon is chamfered or rounded.

  The plane 42A is arranged as a tangent to a circle representing an outer peripheral surface 62C of the lens 62 described later when viewed in the Z direction. That is, each of the flat surfaces 42A is in point contact with a part of the outer peripheral surface 62C of the lens 62 as viewed in the Z direction. A portion where the flat surface 42 </ b> A contacts the outer peripheral surface 62 </ b> C of the lens 62 is referred to as a contact portion 44.

  The curved surface 42 </ b> B connects two adjacent flat surfaces 42 </ b> A in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 32. Each curved surface 42B is arranged on one virtual circle (not shown) when viewed in the Z direction. The diameter of the virtual circle in which the curved surface 42B is arranged is larger than the diameter of the lens 62 described later. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 32 is referred to as the R direction.

(Gate part)
The gate portion 39 is formed by injection molding of the lens barrel 32 in accordance with the position of a gate 72B (see FIG. 3A) of a molding apparatus 70 described later. The gate portion 39 is a part of the trace of the introduction portion (gate) that introduces the molten resin into the molding die during the injection molding of the lens barrel 32 and remains in the lens barrel 32 after molding. It is not limited to traces. When all the gate traces of the lens barrel 32 are cut and removed so as not to leave traces of molding, the portion corresponding to the gate trace of the lens barrel 32 becomes the gate portion 39.

  When the lens barrel 32 shown in FIG. 2A is viewed in the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape, and are arranged at intervals in the R direction on a virtual circle (not shown). Specifically, the four gate portions 39 are configured by forming a total of two pairs of two gate portions 39 facing each other with the optical axis K interposed therebetween. Further, as an example, the four gate portions 39 are positions where the other three gate portions 39 are shifted by 135 [°], 180 [°], and 315 [°] in the R direction with reference to one gate portion 39. Is arranged. In addition, the four gate portions 39 are formed between the contact portions 44 adjacent to each other in the R direction on the end surface 32B (see FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 32 when viewed from the Z direction.

  2B, when viewed in the Z direction, the imaginary line LA that connects the center of one contact portion 44 and the optical axis K, and the center and optical axis K of another adjacent contact portion 44. Is formed in the lens barrel 32 within a range between the virtual line LB connecting the two. Specifically, the distance between the gate portion 39 and the virtual line LA is substantially equal to the distance between the gate portion 39 and the virtual line LB. That is, the gate portion 39 is formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent in the R direction when viewed from the Z direction.

(Method of forming lens barrel)
3A shows a part of a molding apparatus 70 that molds the lens barrel 32 (see FIG. 1). The molding apparatus 70 includes a mold 72 that molds the extending portion 37 (see FIG. 1), a mold 74 that molds the extending portion 37 side from the center in the Z direction of the tubular portion 35 (see FIG. 1), and a cylinder. It has the metal mold | die 76 which shape | molds the heat crimping part 32E side rather than the Z direction center of the part 35. FIG.

  The mold 72 includes a runner 72A that supplies resin, and a gate 72B that is branched into four (two in the drawing) from one end of the runner 72A. One end of the gate 72B is opened on the end surface of the mold 72 on the cavity 78 side. The mold 72 and the mold 76 can be relatively moved in the Z direction. The mold 74 is movable in the Y direction between the mold 72 and the mold 76 in the Z direction.

  In the molding apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 3A, in a state where the mold 72, the mold 74, and the mold 76 are in contact with each other in the Z direction, the resin A (indicated by an arrow) is passed through the runner 72A and the gate 72B. It is injected (injected) into the cavity 78. Then, the resin A is solidified.

  In the molding apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 3 (B), after the resin A (see FIG. 3 (A)) is solidified, the mold 72 and the mold 74 are moved away from the mold 76, so that a molded product is obtained. A lens barrel 32 is formed. In the lens barrel 32, since the resin A is cut in the vicinity of the opening of the gate 72 </ b> B by the movement of the mold 72, the cut portion remains in the lens barrel 32 as the gate portion 39.

<Lens group>
As an example, the lens group 34 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a lens 52, a lens 54, a lens 56, a lens 58, and a lens 62 arranged in this order from the + Z side. The lens 52 is formed with a step 53 that is recessed toward the optical axis K, and is fitted with an annular seal material 48 as viewed in the Z direction. The lenses 52, 54, 56, 58, and 62 emit light incident from the + Z side to the −Z side.

  The lens 62 is made of resin, and includes, as an example, a lens portion 62A and an overhang portion 62B. The lens 62 is housed in the eighth housing portion 33H of the lens barrel 32. In the lens portion 62A, the central axis along the Z direction is the optical axis K. The lens portion 62A is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the Z direction. Furthermore, the lens portion 62A has optical surfaces (incident surface and outgoing surface) on the + Z side and the −Z side.

  The overhanging portion 62B extends in the D direction from the peripheral edge of the optical surface of the lens portion 62A when viewed in the Z direction. Moreover, the overhang | projection part 62B is formed in cyclic | annular form seeing to the Z direction as an example, and is made into the peripheral part which makes Z direction the thickness direction. That is, the lens 62 has a circular outer peripheral surface 62C as viewed in the Z direction. An end surface 62D that is a plane along the direction orthogonal to the Z direction is formed at the end portion on the −Z side of the overhang portion 62B. The end surface 62D is in contact with the + Z side surface of the extending portion 37.

<Interval ring>
The spacing rings 36, 38, 40 are annular members when viewed in the Z direction. The spacing ring 36 defines the spacing in the Z direction between the lens 52 and the lens 54. The spacing ring 38 defines the spacing in the Z direction between the lens 54 and the lens 56. The spacing ring 40 defines the spacing in the Z direction between the lens 58 and the lens 62.

<Seal material>
As an example, the sealing material 48 is an O-ring member made of rubber and formed in an annular shape when viewed in the Z direction. In addition, the sealing material 48 is sandwiched between the lens 52 and the inner wall of the first housing portion 33A when the lens 52 is housed in the first housing portion 33A while being attached to the lens 52, and the lens 52 and the lens barrel 32 is sealed.

<Assembly of lens unit>
When assembling the lens unit 30, the lens 62, the spacing ring 40, the lens 58, the lens 56, the spacing ring 38, the lens 54, the spacing ring 36, and the sealing material 48 are sequentially provided in the housing portion 33 of the lens barrel 32 from the end face 32 </ b> B side. Lens 52 is fitted and overlapped in the Z direction. And the clearance gap between the lens 52 and the inner wall of the lens-barrel 32 is sealed because the sealing material 48 is compressed.

  The heat caulking portion 32E of the lens barrel 32 is bent toward the optical axis K side by being caulked by a jig (not shown) after the lens 52 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 33A. Then, the lens 52 is pressed toward the −Z side by the heat caulking portion 32E. That is, the lens 52, the spacing ring 36, the lens 54, the spacing ring 38, the lens 56, the lens 58, the spacing ring 40, and the lens 62 are fixed in the housing portion 33 of the lens barrel 32 by the heat caulking portion 32 </ b> E. When the lens unit 30 is assembled, the optical axis K of the lens group 34 coincides with the central axis of the tube portion 35 of the lens barrel 32.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the lens unit 30 of the first embodiment will be described. For the configuration of the molding apparatus 70, refer to FIG.

  In the lens barrel 32 of the lens unit 30 shown in FIG. 2A, a gate portion 39 is formed between contact portions 44 adjacent in the R direction. In other words, when the lens barrel 32 is formed by injection molding using the molding apparatus 70, the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72 is shifted from the inlet of the resin injected from the gate 72B. Be placed. By disposing the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72 at a position shifted from the resin inlet, it is possible to suppress the pressure of the inflowing resin from directly acting on the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44. Therefore, wear of the part corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the mold 72 is suppressed.

  Further, since the space of the cavity 78 is larger in the thick part of the lens barrel 32 than in the thin part, the resin easily flows in the cavity 78. In the lens barrel 32, both sides in the R direction are thick contact portions 44 with respect to the thin gate portion 39, and the resin injected from the gate 72 </ b> B easily diffuses. The pressure of the resin to be applied tends to be uniform in the D direction and R direction of the lens barrel 32. Since the pressure of the resin acting on the mold 72 is likely to be equalized, wear of a portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the mold 72 is suppressed.

  Since the wear of the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the mold 72 is suppressed, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 is increased compared to the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is formed in the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 32. A decrease in the optical characteristics of the lens unit 30 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the lens unit 30, the gate portions 39 are formed to face each other with the optical axis K interposed therebetween, and the wear amount around the gate 72B facing the optical axis K in the mold 72 is approximately the same. . Since the wear amount around the gate 72B is approximately the same at four locations, the dimensional accuracy of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 32 is approximately the same across the optical axis K. Since the dimensional accuracy of the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 32 is approximately the same across the optical axis K, a position shift that is asymmetric with respect to the optical axis K of the lens 62 press-fitted into the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 32 is achieved. Can be suppressed.

  Further, in the lens unit 30, the lens 62 is a resin lens. Even when the external temperature of the lens unit 30 rises and the lens 62 thermally expands, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 32 is easily maintained as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is formed in the contact portion 44. Therefore, the optical characteristics of the lens unit 30 can be maintained.

  In addition, in the lens unit 30, the inner peripheral surface 42 of the lens barrel 32 has an octagonal polygonal shape. When the shape of the inner peripheral surface 42 of the lens barrel 32 is an octagonal shape, the inner peripheral surface 42 has a nearly circular shape when viewed in the Z direction. Since the inner peripheral surface 42 of the lens barrel 32 has a nearly circular shape, the width in the D direction around the gate portion 39 of the lens barrel 32 is wider than that of a polygonal structure having fewer than eight octagons. Since the width of the periphery of the gate portion 39 is widened, the resin injected from the gate 72B is easily diffused in the R direction, so that the wear of the mold 72 is suppressed and the optical characteristics of the lens unit 30 having the lens barrel 32 are reduced. Can be maintained.

  In the lens barrel 32, the gate portion 39 is formed at the center between the adjacent contact portions 44. The center between the adjacent contact portions 44 is a portion having the narrowest width in the D direction. Since the gate portion 39 is arranged at the center between the adjacent contact portions 44, the contact adjacent to the gate portion 39 in the R direction compared to the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is offset from the one contact portion 44. The distance to the portion 44 is the same. Since the distance from the gate part 39 to the contact part 44 becomes equal, the resin can flow through each contact part 44 with good balance.

  The lens barrel 32 is made of a resin containing an inorganic substance in order to improve the strength of the lens barrel 32. The inorganic substance contained in the resin has a higher hardness than the resin, and wears the mold 72 by contacting the inner surface of the mold 72 in the injection molding. However, in the lens barrel 32, since the gate portion 39 is disposed away from the contact portion 44, the gate 72 </ b> B of the mold 72 is away from the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44. That is, even if the gate 72B is worn by an inorganic substance, the wear of the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the mold 72 is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is formed in the contact portion 44. The dimensional accuracy of 44 is increased. Since the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 is increased, the inclination of the lens 62 that contacts the contact portion 44 is suppressed, so that the optical characteristics of the lens unit 30 can be maintained.

  The inorganic substance contained in the resin constituting the lens barrel 32 is an inorganic fiber. In the lens barrel 32, since the gate portion 39 is arranged away from the contact portion 44, the time until the resin injected from the gate 72 </ b> B of the mold 72 reaches a portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 is not long enough. Compared to the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is formed at 44, the length is longer. That is, while the resin injected from the gate 72B flows to the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 32 of the mold 72, the orientation of the inorganic fibers contained in the resin is easily aligned. By making the orientation of the inorganic fibers easy to align, the contact opportunity between the inorganic fibers and the mold 72 is reduced compared to the configuration in which the gate portion is formed in the contact portion, and the wear of the mold 72 is suppressed. The optical characteristics of the lens unit 30 having the lens barrel 32 formed by the mold 72 can be maintained.

  In the lens unit 30, as an example, the lens unit 30 may be exposed to a high temperature when used in an in-vehicle camera. However, in the lens unit 30, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 is increased. That is, even if the lens unit 30 is exposed to a high temperature and the lens 62 expands and a force is applied to the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 32 with the lens 62, the lens 62 is prevented from being displaced. 30 optical properties can be maintained.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the lens unit 80 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In addition, about the structure same as 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as 1st Embodiment is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  A lens unit 80 shown in FIG. 4A is configured by replacing the lens barrel 32 (see FIG. 1) with a lens barrel 82 in the lens unit 30 (see FIG. 1). The configuration other than the lens barrel 82 is the same as that of the lens unit 30. The lens barrel 82 is different from the lens barrel 32 (see FIG. 2A) in the arrangement of the four gate portions 39, but the other configuration is the same as that of the lens barrel 32. The lens barrel 82 is molded by the molding apparatus 70 (see FIG. 3A), but the arrangement of the gate 72B (see FIG. 3A) of the molding apparatus 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. Yes.

  When the lens barrel 82 is viewed in the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape, and are arranged at intervals in the R direction on a virtual circle (not shown). The four gate portions 39 are configured such that two pairs of two gate portions 39 facing each other across the optical axis K when viewed from the Z direction are formed. Further, the four gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. That is, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction. In addition, the four gate portions 39 are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent to each other in the R direction on the end surface 32B of the lens barrel 32 when viewed from the Z direction.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the lens unit 80 of the second embodiment will be described. For the configuration of the molding apparatus 70, refer to FIG.

  In the lens unit 80, since the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. Then, the four gates 72B of the mold 72 corresponding to the four gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. By arranging the four gates 72B at equal intervals, the pressure of the resin injected from the gate 72B (resin pressure) tends to be uniform in the R direction of the lens barrel 82. In other words, the resin pressure acting on the portion of the mold 72 corresponding to each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 82 is suppressed from being biased, and the wear of the mold 72 is suppressed. The dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 is increased. That is, in the lens unit 80, since the dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 82 is increased, the optical characteristics of the lens unit 80 are maintained as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is not formed rotationally symmetrically in the lens barrel 82. Can do.

  FIG. 4B shows a lens unit 90 as a first modification of the lens unit 80 (see FIG. 4A). The lens unit 90 is configured by replacing the lens barrel 82 (see FIG. 4A) with a lens barrel 92 in the lens unit 80. The configuration other than the lens barrel 92 is the same as that of the lens unit 80. Unlike the lens barrel 82 (see FIG. 4A), the lens barrel 92 is formed with eight gate portions 39, but the other configurations are the same as the lens barrel 82. The lens barrel 92 is molded by the molding apparatus 70 (see FIG. 3A), but the arrangement of the gates 72B (see FIG. 3A) of the molding apparatus 70 is different.

  When the lens barrel 92 is viewed in the Z direction, the eight gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape, and are arranged at intervals in the R direction on a virtual circle (not shown). Further, the eight gate portions 39 are formed to face each other with the optical axis K interposed therebetween when viewed from the Z direction. Further, the eight gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. That is, the eight gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction. In addition, the eight gate portions 39 are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent in the R direction on the end surface 32B of the lens barrel 32 when viewed from the Z direction.

  In the lens unit 90, since the eight gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction, the eight gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. Then, eight gates 72B (see FIG. 3A) of the mold 72 corresponding to the eight gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. By arranging the eight gates 72B at equal intervals, the pressure of the resin injected from the gate 72B (resin pressure) tends to be uniform in the R direction of the lens barrel 92. In other words, the occurrence of a bias in the resin pressure acting on the portion of the mold 72 corresponding to each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 92 is suppressed, and wear of the mold 72 is suppressed. The dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 is increased. That is, in the lens unit 90, since the dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 92 is improved, the optical characteristics of the lens unit 90 are maintained as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is not formed in the lens barrel 92 in a rotationally symmetrical manner. Can do.

  FIG. 5 shows a lens unit 100 as a second modification of the lens unit 80 (see FIG. 4A). The lens unit 100 is configured by replacing the lens barrel 82 (see FIG. 4A) with a lens barrel 102 in the lens unit 80. The configuration other than the lens barrel 102 is the same as that of the lens unit 80. Although the shape of the eighth accommodating portion 33 </ b> H is different from that of the lens barrel 82, the lens barrel 102 has the same configuration as that of the lens barrel 82.

  The inner peripheral surface 104 of the eighth housing portion 33H of the lens barrel 102 is formed in a regular dodecagonal shape centered on the optical axis K as an example of a polygonal shape when viewed in the Z direction. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 104 has 12 planes 104A that form each side of a regular dodecagon when the lens barrel 102 is viewed in the Z direction.

  The plane 104A is arranged as a tangent to a circle representing the outer peripheral surface 62C of the lens 62 when viewed in the Z direction. That is, the plane 104A is in point contact with a part of the outer peripheral surface 62C of the lens 62 as viewed in the Z direction. A portion where the flat surface 104 </ b> A contacts the outer peripheral surface 62 </ b> C of the lens 62 is a contact portion 44. The plane 104A faces the optical axis K.

  When the lens barrel 102 is viewed in the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape, and are arranged on the virtual circle (not shown) at intervals in the R direction. Further, the four gate portions 39 are formed to face each other with the optical axis K interposed therebetween when viewed from the Z direction. Further, the four gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. That is, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction. In addition, the four gate portions 39 are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent in the R direction on the end surface 32B of the lens barrel 102 when viewed from the Z direction.

  In the lens unit 100, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction, and are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent to each other in the R direction. That is, since the resin pressure is applied evenly in the R direction during molding, the dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 102 is increased, and the optical characteristics of the lens unit 100 can be maintained.

[Third embodiment]
Next, the lens unit 110 according to the third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure same as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the code | symbol same as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  A lens unit 110 shown in FIG. 6A is configured by replacing the lens barrel 32 (see FIG. 1) with a lens barrel 112 in the lens unit 30 (see FIG. 1). The configuration other than the lens barrel 112 is the same as that of the lens unit 30.

  The lens barrel 112 is different from the lens barrel 32 in the formation position of the four gate portions 39, but the other configuration is the same as that of the lens barrel 32. The lens barrel 112 has an extending portion 37 extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and four gate portions 39 are formed in the extending portion 37. The extending portion 37 protrudes inward in the D direction from the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 112.

  When the lens barrel 112 is viewed in the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape, and are arranged at intervals in the R direction on a virtual circle (not shown). Further, the four gate portions 39 are configured such that a total of two pairs of two gate portions 39 facing each other with the optical axis K interposed therebetween are formed when viewed from the Z direction. Further, the four gate portions 39 are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction. That is, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction.

  In addition, the four gate portions 39 are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent to each other in the R direction on the end surface 32B of the lens barrel 32 when viewed from the Z direction. Further, the four gate portions 39 are formed in the inner portion of the extending portion 37 from the center in the D direction. FIG. 6A shows a part of a virtual line RA that represents the center in the D direction in the extending portion 37. The center in the D direction in the extending portion 37 is, for example, the center in the D direction in the flat portion excluding the inclined portion of the extending portion 37 shown in FIG.

  The virtual line RA is circular when viewed in the Z direction. The virtual line RA is a virtual line connecting the centers in the D direction of the extending portions 37 at each corner of the regular octagon. The state in which the gate portion 39 is disposed in the inner portion of the extending portion 37 with respect to the center in the D direction refers to the center position (not shown) of the circular gate portion 39 when the lens barrel 112 is viewed in the Z direction. This means a state located on the inner side in the D direction.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the lens unit 110 of the third embodiment will be described. For the configuration of the molding apparatus 70, refer to FIG.

  In the injection molding of the lens barrel 112 in the lens unit 110, the resin injected from the gate 72 </ b> B is not a portion corresponding to the cylinder portion 35 (see FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 112 in the mold 72, but rather than the cylinder portion 35. It flows first into a portion corresponding to the extending portion 37 on the inner side in the direction. A contact portion 44 that contacts the lens 62 (see FIG. 1) is formed in the tube portion 35 of the lens barrel 112. That is, the resin injected from the gate 72 </ b> B does not flow into the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 112, but flows into the extending portion 37 away from the contact portion 44, and thus corresponds to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72. Concentration of the resin pressure at the site is suppressed. By suppressing the concentration of the resin pressure, the wear of the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72 is suppressed, so that the gate portion 39 is not formed in the extending portion 37 of the lens barrel 112. In comparison, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 can be increased.

  Further, in the lens unit 110, the gate portion 39 is formed on the inner side of the extending portion 37 from the center in the D direction, so the position of the gate 72 </ b> B of the mold 72 corresponds to the contact surface of the contact portion 44. Move away from the position inside D direction. While the position of the gate 72B is away from the position corresponding to the contact surface of the contact portion 44, the direction of the inorganic fibers contained in the resin while the resin flows to the portion of the mold 72 corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 112 Is easier to align. Since the orientation of the inorganic fibers is easily aligned, the wear of the portion of the mold 72 corresponding to the contact portion 44 is suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the gate portion 39 is outside the center of the extending portion 37. The dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 is increased. By increasing the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44, the optical characteristics of the lens unit 110 can be maintained.

  FIG. 6B shows a lens unit 120 as a modification of the lens unit 110 (see FIG. 6A). The lens unit 120 is configured by replacing the lens barrel 112 (see FIG. 6A) with a lens barrel 122 in the lens unit 110. The configuration other than the lens barrel 122 is the same as that of the lens unit 110.

  The lens barrel 122 is formed by extending an end surface 32B of the lens barrel 112 (see FIG. 6A) outward from the contact portion 44 (see FIG. 1) of the cylinder portion 35 in the D direction. have. The extending part 124 is formed in an annular shape centered on the optical axis K as viewed in the Z direction. Further, the lens barrel 122 is formed with an extending portion 37 extending inward in the D direction from the tube portion 35.

  When the lens barrel 122 is viewed in the Z direction, the four gate portions 39 are formed in the extending portion 124 and are not formed in the extending portion 37. Further, the four gate portions 39 are formed in a circular shape when viewed in the Z direction, and are arranged at equal intervals in the R direction on a virtual circle (not shown). Furthermore, the four gate portions 39 are configured such that a total of two pairs of two gate portions 39 facing each other with the optical axis K in between when viewed from the Z direction. That is, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction.

  Further, the four gate portions 39 are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent in the R direction on the end surface 32B of the lens barrel 122 when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, the four gate portions 39 are arranged on a virtual line (not shown) that connects one of the regular octagonal corners of the inner peripheral surface 42 and the optical axis K.

  In the lens unit 120, the four gate portions 39 are formed rotationally symmetrical when viewed from the Z direction, and are formed at the center between the contact portions 44 adjacent to each other in the R direction. That is, since the resin pressure is applied uniformly in the R direction during molding, the dimensional accuracy of each contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 122 is increased, and the optical characteristics of the lens unit 120 can be maintained.

  Further, in the lens unit 120, in the injection molding of the lens barrel 122, the resin injected from the gate 72B is not a portion corresponding to the cylinder portion 35 (see FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 122 in the mold 72, but outside the D direction. First, it flows into a portion corresponding to the extending portion 124. That is, the resin injected from the gate 72B does not flow into the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 of the lens barrel 122, but flows into the extending portion 124 away from the contact portion 44, and thus corresponds to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72. Concentration of the resin pressure at the site is suppressed. By suppressing the concentration of the resin pressure, the wear of the portion corresponding to the contact portion 44 in the mold 72 is suppressed, so that the gate portion 39 is not formed in the extending portion 124 of the lens barrel 122. In comparison, the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 44 can be increased.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  The lens units 30, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 may be provided with a diaphragm member or a light shielding plate in addition to the lens and the spacing ring.

  The lens units 30, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 may be used for the monitoring camera.

  The shape of the gate portion 39 is not limited to a circle when viewed in the Z direction, and may be a polygonal shape. Further, the number of gate portions 39 is not limited to four or eight, and may be formed of two or more in the R direction. Furthermore, the number of gate portions 39 may be the same as or different from the number of polygon corners on the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel.

  In the lens unit 110, the number of gate portions 39 may be one, two, three, or five or more. In the lens unit 110, the gate portion 39 may not be disposed opposite to the optical axis K. In the lens unit 110, the gate portion 39 may not be arranged rotationally symmetrically. In the lens unit 110, the extending portion 37 may not have the gate portion 39. In the lens unit 110, the gate portion 39 may be formed outside the center of the extending portion 37. In the lens unit 110, the lens 62 may be a glass lens.

  In the lens unit 110, the shape of the inner peripheral surface 42 of the lens barrel 112 may be less rectangular than octagons when viewed in the Z direction. In the lens unit 110, the gate portion 39 may be arranged so as to be shifted in the R direction from the center of the adjacent contact portion 44. The lens barrel 112 does not need to contain an inorganic substance (inorganic fiber as an example).

  As an example, the lens barrels 32, 82, 92, 102, 112, 122 or the spacing rings 36, 38, 40 may be made of polyphenylene sulfide containing glass fibers and an inorganic filler. The lens barrels 32, 82, 92, 102, 112, 122 or the spacing rings 36, 38, 40 are made of fiber reinforced plastic containing glass fibers or the like, so that the mechanical strength becomes higher. Examples of the resin used include polyamide, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, syndiotactic polystyrene, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyamideimide, and polyether. It is possible to use at least one selected from the group consisting of imide, polyether ether ketone, acrylonitrile budadiene styrene, polyolefin and each modified polymer, or a polymer alloy containing at least one selected from the group. As the fiber, glass fiber, carbon fiber, fiber reinforced plastic, inorganic filler, or the like can be used.

  Moreover, you may make glass resin, carbon fiber, an inorganic filler etc. contain in said resin materials, such as fiber reinforced plastics, as needed. By using a fiber reinforced plastic lens barrel or spacing ring containing glass fiber or the like, a lens barrel or spacing ring with higher mechanical strength can be obtained.

  The lens barrel is required to have high light shielding properties and light absorption properties. The resin used is preferably black, and the resin material preferably contains a black pigment or a black dye. By constituting the lens barrel with a resin material containing a black pigment or black dye, the inner wall surface of the lens barrel can be made black, and reflection of visible light on the inner wall surface of the lens barrel can be more effectively suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Imaging device, 12 Object, 20 Imaging module, 22 Imaging element, 22A Image surface, 30 Lens unit, 32 Lens barrel, 32A Side surface, 32B End surface, 32C Opening part, 32D Opening part, 32E Thermal caulking part, 33 Storage part, 33A accommodating portion, 33B accommodating portion, 33C accommodating portion, 33D accommodating portion, 33E accommodating portion, 33F accommodating portion, 33G accommodating portion, 33H accommodating portion, 34 lens group, 35 cylindrical portion, 36 spacing ring, 37 extending portion, 38 Space ring, 39 Gate portion, 40 Space ring, 42 Inner circumferential surface, 42A plane, 42B curved surface, 44 Contact portion, 48 Sealing material, 52 Lens, 53 Step, 54 Lens, 56 Lens, 58 Lens, 62 Lens, 62A Lens Part, 62B overhang part, 62C outer peripheral surface, 62D end face, 70 molding device, 72 mold, 72A runner 72B Gate, 74 mold, 76 mold, 78 cavity, 80 lens unit, 82 lens barrel, 90 lens unit, 92 lens barrel, 100 lens unit, 102 lens barrel, 104 inner peripheral surface, 104A plane, 110 lens unit , 112 lens barrel, 120 lens unit, 122 lens barrel, 124 flange portion, A resin, K optical axis, LA virtual line, LB virtual line, RA virtual line

Claims (12)

A lens having a circular outer peripheral surface;
A cylindrical side surface and a lens barrel containing the lens having an end surface perpendicular to the side surface, wherein at least a part of the inner peripheral surface forms polygonal sides facing the optical axis; A lens barrel in which the plane forms a contact portion with the lens;
A gate portion formed by injection molding of the lens barrel, the gate portion being formed between the contact portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the end surface of the lens barrel when viewed from the optical axis direction; ,
A lens unit.   The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the gate unit includes a plurality of gate units, and the plurality of gate units are formed to face each other across the optical axis when viewed from the optical axis direction.   The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the gate portion is formed rotationally symmetric when viewed from the optical axis direction.   4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the end surface of the lens barrel includes an extending portion extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the gate portion is formed in the extending portion. The lens unit according to claim 1. The extension portion projects radially inward with respect to the contact portion of the lens barrel,
The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the gate portion is formed in an inner portion of the extending portion in the radial direction.   The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the extending portion projects outward in the radial direction with respect to the contact portion of the lens barrel.   The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a resin lens.   The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the polygonal shape is an octagonal or more polygonal shape.   The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gate portion is formed at a center between the contact portions adjacent in the circumferential direction when viewed from the optical axis direction.   The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lens barrel is made of a resin containing an inorganic substance.   The lens unit according to claim 10, wherein the inorganic substance is an inorganic fiber.   It is a lens unit of any one of Claims 1-11, Comprising: The lens unit for vehicle-mounted or monitoring.

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