JP2020042140A - Lens barrel module and lens tray - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lens tray that can be correctly set in an assembly device.SOLUTION: A lens tray 200 comprises: a tray body 210; a plurality of lens support sections 220 that support optical lenses 40 and are disposed along a plane; a direction recognition part 230 that is provided in a side portion of the tray body 210 and determines a directional position of the lens tray 200; a recognition part 240 that is provided in a side portion opposite to the direction recognition part 230; a storage unit 250 that stores rotational angles of optical lenses 40; and sliding prevention members 260 that prevent rotations of the optical lenses 40 around optical axes thereof. Each optical lens 40 has its specific rotational angle around its optical axis. While the rotational angles are being kept, the lens tray 200 is set in an assembly device, which allows the optical lenses 40 to be assembled in a correct arrangement in a lens barrel 50 in a rotatable manner around an optical axis A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a lens barrel module and a lens tray.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of cost reduction and the like, it has been proposed to mold a lens used for a camera or the like with resin instead of glass. Patent Literature 1 discloses a lens (injection molded product) formed by a sequential method in which a resin injected from a first gate into a cavity is detected by a sensor and the resin is injected from a second gate. In this lens, a sensor mark is formed on the back surface of the lens at a position overlapping the gate mark formed by each gate in the surface direction. Since the sensor mark overlaps the gate mark, the sensor mark is not observed from the outside, thereby preventing the appearance from being deteriorated.

JP 2015-47858 A

  Such a resin lens is generally molded using a mold, but molding accuracy often varies from mold to mold, and improving the accuracy of the lens is an important issue. In particular, when using a module in which a plurality of lenses are combined, the accuracy of this module greatly depends on not only the accuracy of each lens but also its characteristics and positioning accuracy.

  Further, the prior art discloses that a resin lens is molded by using a mold, but generally, a plurality of molded optical lenses are once placed on a lens tray and then finally placed. Assembled as a camera. In order to achieve accurate assembly, it is desirable to control the orientation of the optical lenses arranged on the lens tray, that is, the rotation angle.

  The present disclosure relates to a technique for improving the quality of a lens barrel module having a resin lens. Further, the present disclosure relates to a technique relating to a lens tray to which an optical lens can be accurately attached.

  A lens barrel module of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical lens barrel, a first lens disposed inside the lens barrel, and a second lens disposed inside the lens barrel so as to overlap the first lens. A lens barrel module that includes at least an imaging element that captures an image based on light transmitted through the first lens and the second lens and that can be arranged so as to overlap the first lens and the second lens. The two lenses are disposed between the first lens and the imaging element, are made of a resin having light transmissivity, are substantially circular in plan view, and the second lens has a mark at a circular edge. The mark is arranged in an area of the second lens other than an area through which the light is transmitted.

  A lens barrel module of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical lens barrel, a first lens disposed inside the lens barrel, and a second lens disposed inside the lens barrel so as to overlap the first lens. A lens barrel module including at least the first lens and the second lens, and an imaging element configured to capture an image based on light transmitted through the first lens and the second lens; The two lenses are disposed between the first lens and the imaging element, are made of a resin having light transmissivity, are substantially circular in plan view, and the second lens has a mark at a circular edge. The mark is arranged in an area of the second lens other than an area through which the light is transmitted.

  A lens tray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a lens tray that can support at least a first, a second, a third, and a fourth optical lens, and includes a direction identification unit and a first lens that can support at least the first optical lens. A lens support, a second lens support that can support the second optical lens, a third lens support that can support the third optical lens, and a fourth lens support that can support the fourth optical lens. The first lens support, the second lens support, the third lens support, and the fourth lens support are disposed along one plane, and the first lens support is provided. Has a non-slip member capable of suppressing rotation about at least the optical axis of the first optical lens, and the direction identification unit indicates a predetermined direction on the plane.

  In the lens barrel module of the present disclosure, at least a lens formed of a specific resin among a plurality of lenses has a mark, and by positioning the lens based on the mark, the positioning accuracy of the lens is improved. This makes it possible to provide a high quality lens barrel module and camera at low cost.

  According to the present disclosure, a plurality of optical lenses can be arranged at a predetermined position of a camera, and a reference optical lens maintains a predetermined rotation angle, thereby enabling automatic assembly at an accurate optical system position. In addition, the identification unit enables the assembling apparatus to be installed at an accurate directional position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle in which a lens barrel module according to the present disclosure is used, (a) a side view and (b) a rear view. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a camera provided in the vehicle in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a mold for manufacturing a lens of the lens barrel module according to the embodiment. (A)-(d) is a top view of the lens manufactured by the metal mold of FIG. (A)-(c) is a top view of the modification of a lens. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a mounting table on which a lens before mounting on a lens barrel is mounted. It is a top view of another modification of a lens, (a) the example which laminated | stacked the ink, (b) the example which laminated | stacked the UV reflection film, and (c) the example which provided RFID. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a camera provided in the vehicle in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an example of a first embodiment of a lens tray of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the lens tray of the present disclosure.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) that specifically discloses a lens barrel module and a lens tray according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, an unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of a well-known item or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to prevent the following description from being unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a side view of a vehicle 1 having the lens barrel module of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the vehicle 1. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis shown in FIG. 1 are schematic figures that unify the directions and directions in each drawing. In FIG. 1A, an arrow on the X axis indicates a direction from negative to positive in a direction along the X axis, and an arrow on the Z axis similarly indicates a direction from negative to positive in a direction along the Z axis. The arrow of each axis is the same in each of the following drawings.

  In FIG. 1A, a circle on the Y-axis and a cross (x) in the circle indicate that the Y-axis is directed from the near side of the paper to the back of the paper along the direction perpendicular to the paper. In this case, the Y axis is negative on the front side of the paper and positive on the back side of the paper. The circles on each axis and the crosses (x) in the circles are the same in the following drawings.

  In addition, positive / negative in each axis does not have technical significance only by this. This is a concept used simply to unify the orientation. This is the same in the following drawings.

  The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, wheels 3 disposed on the vehicle body 2 along a predetermined direction (X direction in the drawing), a bottom surface 4 capable of facing the ground, and a roof 5 located at a position facing the bottom surface 4. Side mirrors 6 are mounted on both sides of the vehicle body 2, and license plates 7 are mounted on front and rear sides of the vehicle body 2. The vehicle 1 is an automobile based on the section of the Road Transport Vehicle Law, and in the embodiment, a passenger car is an example. Here, the X direction corresponding to the predetermined one direction may be regarded as the positive direction of the X axis (direction from negative to positive).

  As shown in FIG. 1B, in the embodiment, a camera 11 is arranged on the side of the license plate 7. The camera 11 has a predetermined angle of view and acquires an image in a predetermined one direction X. In this example, in particular, in the present example, the direction is opposite to the arrow of the X axis in FIG. The image in the negative direction, that is, the image behind the vehicle 1 is acquired. The acquired video is displayed on, for example, a monitor (not shown) provided in the cabin of the vehicle 1, and the occupant can refer to the video behind.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the camera 11 and is a diagram for describing a lens barrel module of the present disclosure particularly used for the camera 11. In this example, the camera 11 is attached to the vehicle body 2 after being assembled into one module. The camera 11 includes a lens barrel module 20 having a main function of forming and imaging light, and a connection unit 30 for securing mechanical and electrical connection to the vehicle body 2.

  The lens barrel module 20 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 50 and a plurality of lenses arranged inside the lens barrel 50. Here, the camera 11 is provided with an image pickup device 60 that picks up an image based on light transmitted through a plurality of lenses coming from the outside (the lower part in FIG. 2). The lens barrel module 20A shown in FIG. 2 is defined as a module that does not include the imaging element 60. On the other hand, the lens barrel module 20B is defined as a module including the image sensor 60. That is, the lens barrel module 20 means both a module including the image sensor 60 and a module not including the image sensor 60.

  The plurality of lenses in the lens barrel module 20 of the present embodiment include a first lens 41, a second lens 42, and a third lens that are arranged so as to overlap each other along the axial direction (optical axis direction) of the lens barrel 50. 43 and a fourth lens 44. These lenses are arranged coaxially from the outside of the camera 11 in the order of the third lens 43, the first lens 41, the second lens 42, and the fourth lens 44, and inside the hollow cylindrical lens barrel 50. It is fixed to. It is preferable that the optical axis A of the incident light passes through each lens and the center of the image sensor 60. Each lens is used for imaging an object existing at a different distance from each other, and an accurate image is formed on the image sensor 60 by the cooperation of the lenses, so that the image sensor 60 captures an excellent image. Can be.

  The third lens 43 arranged at a position opposite to the second lens 42 with respect to the first lens 41 is arranged at the outermost side in the present embodiment. Light that has entered the third lens 43 from the outside passes through the third lens 43 and enters the first lens 41. The light transmitted through the first lens 41 is incident on a second lens 42 disposed at the back. The light transmitted through the second lens 42 is incident on a fourth lens 44 disposed between the second lens 42 and the image sensor 60. The light transmitted through the fourth lens 44 is incident on the image sensor 60, and the image sensor 60 generates an image by capturing light. The image sensor 60 is configured by a device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), but the type is not particularly limited.

  A cylindrical lens barrel 50 that forms the outer shape of the lens barrel module 20 is fixed to a pedestal 53. The lens barrel 50 and the pedestal 53 are formed of, for example, resin, ceramic, or the like, but the type of the material is not particularly limited. The imaging element 60 is fixed to a surface of the flat base 53 to which the lens barrel 50 is fixed, and the connection portion 30 is arranged on the opposite surface. The connection unit 30 includes a board 31 and a cable 32, and power and signals are exchanged between the board 31 and the vehicle body 2 via the cable 32. The video signal generated by the image sensor 60 is sent to the vehicle body 2 via the board 31 and the cable 32, and is processed by a predetermined processor or the like. Note that the cable 32 can be replaced with a flexible substrate.

  The third lens 43 is fixed to the lens barrel 50 by sandwiching a flange 43a formed at an edge thereof by a rib 50a formed to protrude from the inside (inner wall) of the lens barrel 50. A spacer 51 is fixed to a region inside the lens barrel 50 and between the rib 50a and the flange 41a at the edge of the first lens 41, and cooperates with the side wall 42a at the edge of the second lens 42. Thus, the first lens 41 is fixed by sandwiching the flange 41 a of the first lens 41. Similarly, a spacer 52 is fixed inside the lens barrel 50 and in a region between the side wall 42 a of the second lens 42 and the pedestal 53. The fourth lens 44 is fixed inside the spacer 52 with an adhesive or the like.

  The third lens 43 is a convex lens, and the flange 43 a formed to protrude outward at the edge as described above is fitted into the rib 50 a of the lens barrel 50. The first lens 41 is also a convex lens, and a flange 41 a formed so as to protrude at an edge is sandwiched and fixed between the spacer 51 and the side wall 42 a of the second lens 42. The second lens 42 is a concave lens, and a side wall 42 a extending in the thickness direction of the lens is formed at an edge portion, and the side wall 42 a is in close contact with the inside (inner wall) of the lens barrel 50. The fourth lens 44 is a convex lens, and the edge is fixed to the spacer 52. The four lenses have a substantially circular shape in plan view as viewed from the X-axis direction.

  Each of the four lenses is formed with a predetermined processing accuracy, and an excellent image can be captured by cooperation of the four lenses. For this reason, it is important that not only each lens has excellent processing accuracy, but also that the characteristics of the lens that can occur in the manufacturing process are grasped and arranged at a relatively accurate position. That is, in improving the performance of the camera 11, the selection of the lens and the positioning of the lens in the manufacturing process are important factors.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least one of the four lenses has a predetermined mark on a substantially circular edge in plan view. This mark is located on the edge of the lens and in a region other than the region through which light is transmitted, and does not hinder the transmission of light. In FIG. 2, an outer edge of light that reaches the image sensor 60 from the third lens 43 through the first lens 41, the second lens 42, and the fourth lens 44 is schematically indicated by a broken line. If the lens has such a mark, it is possible to assemble the lens barrel 50 in a state where the lens can be selected and accurately positioned after grasping the characteristics of the individual lens that may occur in the manufacturing process, and therefore, high quality is achieved. The lens barrel module 20 and the camera 11 can be manufactured.

  In the present embodiment, such a mark for positioning is formed on the second lens 42 made of a resin having optical transparency. The mark is formed on, for example, a side wall that is an edge of the second lens 42. The side wall is a region other than a region through which light is transmitted. An example of the resin having light transmittance is an acrylic resin, but the type is not particularly limited.

  In the case where a plurality of lenses are used, it is preferable to provide such a mark to a lens arranged closer to the center among lenses arranged in the traveling direction of light from the viewpoint of improving accuracy. In the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide the mark on the first lens 41 or the second lens 42, but it is preferable to provide the mark on the second lens 42 close to the image sensor 60. In a case where only two lenses are arranged to overlap each other, such as the first lens 41 and the second lens 42, a mark is provided on at least the second lens 42 close to the image sensor 60.

  Since at least one lens disposed near the center along the light traveling direction has such a positioning mark, at least the positioning of the lens can be performed with high accuracy, so that the accuracy of the lens barrel module 20 and the camera 11 can be improved. Improvement can be expected. Of course, marks may be formed on two or more or all lenses. In this case, since all the lenses can be positioned with high accuracy, further improvement in accuracy can be expected.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mold 100 for manufacturing a resin lens of the lens barrel module 20 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lens 40 formed by the mold 100. The lens 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes the shapes of the first lens 41, the second lens 42, the third lens 43, and the fourth lens 44 in FIG. Is omitted. Of course, a flange or a side wall may be present at the edge. When the second lens 42 has a mark as in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second lens 42 is formed by injection molding using the mold 100. 42 ".

  The mold 100 has a central path 101 into which the molten resin flows from the upstream, a branch path 102 for flowing the resin from the central path 101 in the direction of the arrow, and four cavities 103a, 103b, 103c into which the resin flows from the branch path 102. , 103d. Each of the cavities 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d has a substantially circular shape in plan view, and has ribs 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d so as to cut out a circular space forming a space in a chord shape.

  4A is a lens 40a molded by the cavity 103a, FIG. 4B is a lens 40b molded by the cavity 103b, FIG. 4C is a lens 40c molded by the cavity 103c, and FIG. Denotes a lens 40d formed by the cavity 103d. The mark M1 is a mark of a gate mark formed by the gate where the branch path 102 faces each cavity.

  The mark M2 is a chord mark formed by the ribs 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d, and is notch-shaped in a circular shape but not a gate mark of injection molding. In each of the cavities 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d, the ribs 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d have different positions relative to the gate of the branch path 102. Therefore, in each of the formed lenses 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, the mark M2 has a different relative position to the mark M1. This means that the mark M2 has information at a position relative to the mark M1. The two marks have two bits of information, and the two bits of information are information indicating which cavity was formed in the mold 100 for injection molding the lens 40.

  In this example, 2-bit information is given by a combination of a mark M1 which is a gate mark of injection molding and a mark M2 which is not a gate mark of injection molding. When a plurality of cavities for molding the same member (lens) are provided in the mold 100, obtaining members having completely the same characteristics from all the cavities is limited to the improvement of the accuracy of the mold, the position of each cavity, and the resin. Difficult from the viewpoint of characteristics. However, the presence of the mark makes it possible to know in advance that each of the lenses 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d has been molded in any of the cavities 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d. That is, after grasping in advance the characteristics (shape, components, and the like) of each lens that can occur in the manufacturing process, it is possible to evaluate the performance of the lens barrel module 20 assembled by a preliminary manufacturing test or the like, and to select an appropriate lens. It becomes possible. As a result, even if the system shifts to a mass production system, high-quality lens barrel modules and cameras can be manufactured.

  On the basis of the information given by the mark, for example, an assembling apparatus (positioning apparatus) that assembles the lens into the lens barrel 50 can accurately position the lens, and manufactures a high-quality lens barrel module and camera. be able to.

  FIG. 5 shows another modification of the lens 40. In the example of FIG. 5A, two marks M3 and M4 are provided. The lens 40 has a first surface on the front side of the paper surface and a second surface (not shown) opposite to the first surface. In a configuration in which light passes through the first surface and the second surface, the mark M3, the mark M4 Is constituted by at least a concave portion provided on the first surface. Such a concave portion can be formed by providing a convex portion in a cavity of a mold.

  In the example of FIG. 5A, the mark is formed by at least two concave portions provided on the first surface of the lens 40, and provides at least 2 bits of useful information as in the example of FIG. In the mold 100 having two cavities, it is possible to distinguish in which cavity the lens is molded and to perform positioning based on the characteristics of each cavity, so that a high-quality lens barrel module and camera can be manufactured. It will contribute. The marks M3 and M4 are not injection molding gate marks.

  In the example of FIG. 5B, two marks M2 and M3 (M4) are provided. The mark M2 is the same chord as shown in FIG. 4, and the mark M3 (M4) is the same recess as shown in FIG. This example also provides useful at least 2-bit information as in the example of FIG. 4, and contributes to the manufacture of a high-quality lens barrel module and camera. The marks M2 and M3 (M4) are not injection molding gate marks.

  In the example of FIG. 5C, two marks M3 (M4) and a mark M5 are provided. The mark M3 (M4) is the same recess as that shown in FIG. As shown in the cross-sectional view, the mark M3 (M4) is a concave portion having a bottom surface and does not penetrate to the second surface. On the other hand, the mark M5 is a concave portion without a bottom penetrating from the first surface to the second surface, and can be formed by providing a convex portion in the cavity similarly to the mark M3 (M4). This example also provides useful at least 2-bit information as in the example of FIG. 4, and contributes to the manufacture of a high-quality lens barrel module and camera. The marks M3 and M5 are not injection molding gate marks.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the mounting table 110 on which the lens 40 before mounting on the lens barrel is mounted. In this example, the lens 40 shown in FIG. 5B is mounted in a concave portion 111 formed in the mounting table 110. In order for the two marks M2 and M3 to provide useful at least 2-bit information, the assembling apparatus picks up the lens 40 whose characteristics have been grasped in advance from the mounting table 110, and accurately assembles the lens 40 to the lens barrel 50. Can be.

  When at least two lenses, the first lens 41 and the second lens 42, are provided, a mark is provided around the optical axis A (FIG. 2) passing through the first lens 41, the second lens 42, and the image sensor 60. It is preferable that the formed second lens 42 be configured to be rotatable around the optical axis. For example, the second lens 42 is preferably configured to be relatively rotatable about the optical axis A with reference to the first lens 41. In particular, the second lens 42 is rotated about the optical axis A when the lens barrel module 20 is assembled. By such rotation of the second lens 42, the position of the second lens 42 can be finely corrected, and more accurate positioning becomes possible. Of course, a lens other than the second lens 42 may be configured to be positionable by rotational adjustment.

  FIG. 7 shows still another modification of the lens 40. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the mark is provided by modifying the shape of the lens itself, but in the example of FIG. 7, another member is provided to the lens. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the ink M10 is stacked as a mark. For example, by laminating the ink M10 on the second lens 42 with a stamp or the like, the assembling apparatus can image the ink M10 to grasp the characteristics and position of the lens, and the same effect as the mark described above can be obtained. .

  FIG. 7B shows an example in which a UV (ultraviolet) reflection film M11 is laminated as a mark. The UV reflection film M11 reflects the irradiated ultraviolet rays at a predetermined ratio or more. Therefore, for example, by laminating the UV reflection film M11 on the second lens 42, the assembling apparatus that has irradiated the ultraviolet ray can detect the UV reflection film M11 and grasp the characteristics and position of the lens. The effect of can be obtained.

  FIG. 7C shows an example in which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) M12 is provided as a mark. For example, by providing the second lens 42 with the RFIDM 12 such as a wireless tag having a wireless communication function, the assembling apparatus can receive the radio wave from the RFIDM 12 and grasp the characteristics and the position of the lens. The effect of can be obtained. Note that the type of mark is not necessarily limited to the example as long as the above-described function can be added to the lens.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the number of lenses is four, but the number of lenses may be two, three, five or more. The shape of each lens is also arbitrary, and a spherical lens, an aspherical lens, a free-form surface lens, or the like may be used in addition to the convex lens and the concave lens in FIG.

  As described above, in the lens barrel module according to the present disclosure, in a configuration in which at least two lenses are provided, the second lens provided closer to the imaging element than the first lens has light transmittance. It is made of resin and has a mark on the edge. Therefore, as for at least the second lens, an appropriate lens is selected in consideration of the characteristics generated by the manufacturing process, and the positioning accuracy is also improved. As a result, a high-quality lens barrel module and camera are provided at a low level. It becomes possible. In addition, since the lens is made of inexpensive resin and the mark can be easily provided, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The “first lens” and the “second lens” here do not mean the first lens 41 and the second lens 42 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 but are relative to the image sensor when two lenses are provided. It means a lens specified from a positional relationship.

  In particular, with respect to an on-vehicle camera mounted on the vehicle 1 such as the camera 11, higher image quality and higher position information recognition accuracy are required for object position recognition and object recognition. High quality is becoming essential. The lens barrel module of the present disclosure can meet such a demand.

  FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a modified example of the camera 11 shown in FIG. 2, and is a view for explaining another embodiment of the lens barrel module used in the camera 11 in particular. In this example, the camera 11 is attached to the vehicle body 2 after being assembled into one module. The camera 11 includes a lens barrel module 20 having a main function of forming and imaging light, and a connection unit 30 for securing mechanical and electrical connection to the vehicle body 2.

  The lens barrel module 20 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 50 and a plurality of optical lenses (lenses) 40 arranged inside the lens barrel 50. Here, the camera 11 is provided with an image pickup device 60 that picks up an image based on the light transmitted from the outside (the lower part in FIG. 8) and transmitted through the plurality of optical lenses 40. The lens barrel module 20A shown in FIG. 8 is defined as a module that does not include the imaging element 60. On the other hand, the lens barrel module 20B is defined as a module including the image sensor 60. That is, the lens barrel module 20 means both a module including the image sensor 60 and a module not including the image sensor 60.

  The plurality of optical lenses 40 in the embodiment of the lens barrel module 20 include a first optical lens (first lens) 41 and a second optical lens (first lens) 41 which are arranged so as to overlap each other along the axial direction (optical axis direction) of the lens barrel 50. An optical lens (second lens) 42, a third optical lens (third lens) 43, a fourth optical lens (fourth lens) 44, and a fifth optical lens (fifth lens) 45 are included. These optical lenses 40 are arranged coaxially from the outside of the camera 11 in the order of the third optical lens 43, the first optical lens 41, the fourth optical lens 44, the second optical lens 42, and the fifth optical lens 45. And is fixed inside a hollow cylindrical lens barrel 50. That is, the first optical lens 41 is the second optical lens 40 from one end of the lens barrel 50, and the second optical lens 42 is the fourth optical lens 40 from one end of the lens barrel 50.

  It is preferable that the optical axis A of the incident light passes through the center of each optical lens 40 and the image sensor 60. Each of the optical lenses 40 is used to form an image of an object existing at a different distance from each other, and an accurate image is formed on the image sensor 60 by the cooperation of the optical lenses 40. Can be imaged.

  The third optical lens 43 disposed at a position opposite to the fourth optical lens 44 with respect to the first optical lens 41 is disposed at the outermost side in the present embodiment. Light that has entered the third optical lens 43 from the outside passes through the third optical lens 43 and enters the first optical lens 41. The light transmitted through the first optical lens 41 is incident on a fourth optical lens 44 disposed at the back. The light transmitted through the fourth optical lens 44 enters the second optical lens 42 arranged next. The light transmitted through the second optical lens enters a fifth optical lens 45 disposed between the second optical lens 42 and the image sensor 60. The light transmitted through the fifth optical lens 45 is incident on the image sensor 60, and the image sensor 60 generates an image by capturing the light. The image sensor 60 is configured by a device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), but the type is not particularly limited.

  A cylindrical lens barrel 50 that forms the outer shape of the lens barrel module 20 is fixed to a pedestal 53. The lens barrel 50 and the pedestal 53 are formed of, for example, resin, ceramic, or the like, but the type of the material is not particularly limited. The imaging element 60 is fixed to a surface of the flat base 53 to which the lens barrel 50 is fixed, and the connection portion 30 is arranged on the opposite surface. The connection unit 30 includes a board 31 and a cable 32, and power and signals are exchanged between the board 31 and the vehicle body 2 via the cable 32. The video signal generated by the image sensor 60 is sent to the vehicle body 2 via the board 31 and the cable 32, and is processed by a predetermined processor or the like. Note that the cable 32 can be replaced with a flexible substrate.

  The third optical lens 43 is fixed to the lens barrel 50 by sandwiching a flange 43a formed at an edge thereof by a rib 50a formed to protrude from the inside (inner wall) of the lens barrel 50. . A spacer 51 is fixed to a region inside the lens barrel 50 and between the rib 50 a and the flange 41 a at the edge of the first optical lens 41, and cooperates with a side wall 44 a at the edge of the fourth optical lens 44. By acting, the flange 41a of the first optical lens 41 is sandwiched, and the first optical lens 41 is fixed. The tip of the side wall 42 a at the edge of the second optical lens 42 abuts against the back surface of the side wall 44 a of the fourth optical lens 44 to fix the fourth optical lens 44. Similarly, a spacer 52 is fixed inside the lens barrel 50 and in a region between the side wall 42 a of the second optical lens 42 and the pedestal 53. A fifth optical lens 45 is fixed inside the spacer 52 with an adhesive or the like.

  The third optical lens 43 is a biconvex lens, and the flange 43 a formed to protrude outward at the edge as described above is fitted into the rib 50 a of the lens barrel 50. The first optical lens 41 is also a biconvex lens, and a flange 41 a formed so as to protrude at an edge is sandwiched and fixed between the spacer 51 and the side wall 44 a of the fourth optical lens 44. The fourth optical lens 44 is a concave meniscus lens, and a side wall 44 a extending in the thickness direction of the fourth optical lens 44 is formed at an edge portion, and the side wall 44 a is in close contact with the inside (inner wall) of the lens barrel 50. The second optical lens 42 is a biconvex lens, and a side wall 42 a extending in the thickness direction of the second optical lens 42 is formed at an edge portion, and the side wall 42 a is in close contact with the inside (inner wall) of the lens barrel 50. The fifth optical lens 45 is a biconvex lens, and the edge is fixed to the spacer 52. The five optical lenses 40 have a substantially circular shape in plan view as viewed from the X-axis direction.

  The shape of each optical lens 40 is selected by aberration correction, optimal imaging, and the like, and is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the curvature of each optical lens 40 is determined by a target image. For example, a spherical optical lens or an aspheric optical lens that is rotationally symmetric with respect to each optical axis may be used. One may be formed by a free-form surface that is not rotationally symmetric with respect to the optical axis.

  Each of the five optical lenses 40 is formed with a predetermined processing accuracy. By cooperating with the five optical lenses 40, it is possible to capture an excellent aberration-corrected image. For this reason, it is important that each optical lens 40 not only has excellent processing accuracy, but also grasps the characteristics of the optical lens 40 that may occur in the manufacturing process, and is disposed at a relatively accurate position. That is, in improving the performance of the camera 11, the selection of the optical lens 40 and the positioning of the optical lens 40 in the manufacturing process are important factors.

  Hereinafter, the marks of the optical lens 40 will be described in detail again.

  In the embodiment of the camera 11, at least one of the five optical lenses 40 has a predetermined mark on a substantially circular edge in a plan view. This mark is located on the edge of the optical lens 40 in a region other than the region through which light is transmitted, and does not hinder the transmission of light. In FIG. 8, the outer edge of light that passes through the first optical lens 41, the fourth optical lens 44, the second optical lens 42, and the fifth optical lens 45 from the third optical lens 43 and reaches the image sensor 60 is represented by: This is schematically shown by a broken line. If the optical lens 40 has such a mark, it is possible to assemble the lens barrel 50 in a state where the optical lens 40 can be selected based on the characteristics of the individual optical lens 40 that may occur in the manufacturing process and is accurately positioned. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the lens barrel module 20 and the camera 11 with high quality.

  Such a mark for positioning is formed on the fourth optical lens 44 made of a resin having optical transparency. The mark is formed on, for example, a side wall that is an edge of the fourth optical lens 44. The side wall is a region other than a region through which light is transmitted. An example of the resin having light transmittance is an acrylic resin, but the type is not particularly limited.

  In the case where a plurality of optical lenses 40 are used, among the optical lenses 40 arranged along the traveling direction of light, providing such a mark to the optical lens 40 arranged closer to the center is a viewpoint of improving accuracy. Is preferred. In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the mark on the first optical lens 41 or the fourth optical lens 44, but it is preferable to provide the mark on the fourth optical lens 44 near the image sensor 60. In a case where only two optical lenses 40 are arranged to overlap each other, as in the case of the first optical lens 41 and the fourth optical lens 44, a mark is provided on at least the fourth optical lens 44 near the image sensor 60.

  Since at least one optical lens 40 arranged closer to the center along the light traveling direction has such a positioning mark, at least the optical lens 40 can be accurately positioned, so that the lens barrel module 20, An improvement in the accuracy of the camera 11 can be expected. Further, marks may be formed on two or more or all of the optical lenses 40. In this case, since the positioning of all the optical lenses 40 can be performed with high accuracy, further improvement in accuracy can be expected.

  As described above, in the lens barrel module 20, in the configuration in which at least two optical lenses 40 are provided, the fourth optical lens 44 provided closer to the imaging device than the first optical lens 41 is configured to emit light. It is made of a transmissive resin and has a mark on the edge. Therefore, as for at least the fourth optical lens 44, an appropriate lens is selected in consideration of the characteristics generated by the manufacturing process, and the positioning accuracy is also improved. As a result, the high-quality lens barrel module 20 and camera can be used. It becomes possible to provide low. Further, since the optical lens 40 is made of an inexpensive resin and the mark is easily provided, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Here, the “first optical lens” and the “fourth optical lens” do not mean the first optical lens 41 and the fourth optical lens 44 in the embodiment of FIG. 8, but two optical lenses 40 are provided. Means the optical lens 40 specified from the relationship of the relative position with respect to the imaging element in the case.

  In particular, with respect to an on-vehicle camera mounted on the vehicle 1 such as the camera 11, higher image quality and higher position information recognition accuracy are required for object position recognition and object recognition. High quality is becoming essential. The lens barrel module 20 can meet such a demand.

  Each of the five optical lenses 40 is formed with a predetermined processing accuracy. By cooperating with the five optical lenses 40, it is possible to capture an excellent image with aberration and focus corrected. For this reason, it is important not only that each optical lens 40 has excellent processing accuracy, but also that it is arranged in the lens barrel 50 at a relatively accurate position in the assembling process.

  Therefore, in correctly assembling the plurality of optical lenses 40 into the camera 11, a lens tray in which the plurality of optical lenses 40 are arranged and accurately assembled in an assembling apparatus (work machine) is important. The lens tray of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The lens tray 200 of the present embodiment has a tray body 210, a plurality of lens supporting portions 220 supporting the optical lens 40, a direction identification portion 230 provided on a side portion of the tray body 210, and faces the direction identification portion 230. An identification unit 240 provided on the side, a storage unit 250, and a non-slip member 260 are provided.

  The lens tray 200 is capable of supporting a plurality of optical lenses 40, is a flat plate-like tray that can be assembled to one lens barrel 50, and has a rectangular shape in a front view, and a plurality of lens support portions 220 are formed on one plane. Are arranged along.

  In the present embodiment, a first lens support 221 that can support the first optical lens 41, a second lens support 222 that can support the second optical lens 42, and a third lens support that can support the third optical lens 43 It has a portion 223, a fourth lens support 224 capable of supporting the fourth optical lens 44, and a fifth lens support 225 capable of supporting the fifth optical lens 45.

  In the first embodiment of FIG. 9, one slip prevention member 260 is attached to the tray main body 210, and the slip prevention member 260 suppresses rotation of each optical lens 40 about the optical axis. That is, the lens support 220 has the non-slip member 260. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, each lens supporting portion 220 is individually provided with a non-slip member 260 (see a broken line in FIG. 10). The non-slip member 260 is made of, for example, rubber or the like having a frictional resistance, and may be in the form of a sheet attached to the tray main body 210 or each lens supporting portion 220, or may be formed integrally with the tray main body 210.

  Accordingly, each optical lens 40 does not easily rotate around the optical axis on the lens supporting portion 220, and the proper position of each optical lens 40 in the assembly can be maintained. It is possible to assemble each optical lens 40 so as to be accurately arranged and rotatable about the optical axis A.

  Specifically, the first lens support 221 has a first non-slip member 261, the second lens support 222 has a second non-slip member 262, and the third lens support 223 has It has a third non-slip member 263, the fourth lens support 224 has a fourth non-slip member 264, and the fifth lens support 225 has a fifth non-slip member 265.

  Although it has been described that all the lens supporting portions 220 have the non-slip member 260, the non-slip member 260 may be at least in the lens supporting portion 220 of the optical lens 40 that is a reference of the optical axis A. In the present embodiment, since there are five optical lenses 40, the first optical lens 41 and the second optical lens 42 on the left and right of the fourth optical lens 44 arranged at the center function around the fourth optical lens 44. Are desirably equal. Since the positioning accuracy of the first optical lens 41 and the second optical lens 42 serving as a reference for the optical axis A greatly affects the quality of the entire camera 11, at least the first lens support portion 221 of the first optical lens 41 It is preferable to have the non-slip member 260.

  In the present embodiment, the direction identification unit 230 is provided on the surface side of the tray main body 210 and has, for example, an arrow shape indicating a predetermined direction on the plane of the tray main body 210. When the tray main body 210 has a rectangular shape in plan view, the predetermined direction is a direction along one of the four sides of the square.

  The storage unit 250 stores the rotation angles of the optical lenses 40 arranged on the lens support unit 220, and the stored rotation angles can be output to an external server or the like that can communicate with the storage unit 250. For example, device authentication can be performed with one touch, and reading can be performed by NFC (Near Field Communication) having wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Since the rotation angle can be output to the outside, automatic assembly becomes possible, and each optical lens 40 can be optically accurately positioned around the optical axis A in the lens barrel 50.

  More specifically, the storage unit 250 includes a first rotation angle about the optical axis of the first optical lens 41 disposed on the first lens support unit 221 and a first rotation angle disposed on the second lens support unit 222. The second rotation angle about the optical axis of the second optical lens 42 can be stored. Further, the storage unit 250 stores the third rotation angle about the optical axis of the third optical lens 43 disposed on the third lens support unit 223 and the fourth optical lens 44 disposed on the fourth lens support unit 224. And the fourth rotation angle centered on the optical axis. Then, the fifth rotation angle about the optical axis of the fifth optical lens 45 disposed on the fifth lens support 225 can be stored.

  Here, for example, the rotation angle is an angle at which the optical lens 40 is rotated about the optical axis before being arranged on the lens support unit, and the storage unit 250 stores this rotation angle and the orientation of the arranged optical lens 40. Figure out. The rotation angle is a rotation angle based on the above-described predetermined direction. When the tray main body 210 has a rectangular shape in plan view, the predetermined direction is a direction along one of the four sides of the square.

  More specifically, the first rotation angle is the angle at which the first optical lens 41 is rotated about the optical axis before being disposed on the first lens support 221, and the second rotation angle is the second rotation angle. This is the angle of rotation of the second optical lens 42 about the optical axis before being arranged in the part 222. Further, the third rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the third optical lens 43 about the optical axis before being disposed on the third lens support 223, and the fourth rotation angle is disposed on the fourth lens support 224. Previously, the angle is obtained by rotating the fourth optical lens 44 about the optical axis. The fifth rotation angle is an angle at which the fifth optical lens 45 is rotated about the optical axis before being arranged on the fifth lens support 225.

  The rotation angle may be an angle at which each optical lens 40 should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the lens support 220. The storage unit 250 stores the rotation angle and grasps the rotation angle of the optical lens 40 at the time of assembly. The rotation angle is a rotation angle based on a predetermined direction. When the tray main body 210 has a rectangular shape in plan view, the predetermined direction is a direction along one of the four sides of the square.

  Specifically, the first rotation angle is an angle at which the first optical lens 41 should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the first lens support portion 221, and the second rotation angle is a second lens support angle. This is the angle at which the second optical lens 42 should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the part 222. Further, the third rotation angle is an angle at which the third optical lens 43 should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the third lens support portion 223, and the fourth rotation angle is taken out of the fourth lens support portion 224. This is the angle at which the fourth optical lens 44 should be rotated about the optical axis after the rotation. The fifth rotation angle is an angle at which the fifth optical lens 45 should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out from the fifth lens support 225.

  In the present embodiment, the identification unit 240 is provided on the front surface side of the tray body 210 opposite to the side on which the direction identification unit 230 is provided, and includes the identifier 241. In the present embodiment, the identification unit 240 is a barcode, and the identifier 241 is a serial number of the lens tray 200. In addition, the identification unit 240 can manage the rotation angle of each optical lens 40 and the identifier 241 in association with each other outside a server or the like. The provision of the identification unit 240 makes it possible to read information on the rotation angle using a barcode scanner or the like, and store the information in association with the identifier 241 in an external device such as a server.

  Specifically, the identification unit 240 includes a first rotation angle about the optical axis of the first optical lens 41 disposed on the first lens support unit 221 and a second rotation angle disposed on the second lens support unit 222. The second rotation angle about the optical axis of the two optical lenses 42 can be managed externally in association with the identifier 241. Further, the identification unit 240 includes a third rotation angle about the optical axis of the third optical lens 43 disposed on the third lens support unit 223 and a fourth rotation lens 44 disposed on the fourth lens support unit 224. The fourth rotation angle centered on the optical axis is associated with the identifier 241 and can be managed externally. Then, the identification unit 240 can externally manage the identifier 241 by associating the fifth rotation angle of the fifth optical lens 45 disposed on the fifth lens support unit 225 about the optical axis with the identifier 241.

  In the present embodiment, based on the first optical lens 41 to the fifth optical lens 45, the first lens supporting portion 221 to the fifth lens supporting portion 225, the first anti-slip member 261 to the fifth anti-slip member 265, and the like will be described. However, a sixth optical lens or more may be provided, and the number of lenses is not particularly limited.

  Although the embodiments of the lens barrel module and the lens tray according to the present disclosure have been described with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can be made within the scope of the claims. Naturally, it is understood that they belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

  The lens barrel module according to the present disclosure is applicable to a field that provides a high-quality lens barrel module, and thus a camera at low cost. Further, the lens tray according to the present disclosure can be applied to a field that requires that the rotation angle of the optical lens be accurately maintained when the optical lens is assembled by an assembling apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 Body 3 Wheel 4 Bottom 5 Roof 6 Side mirror 7 License plate 11 Camera 20 Lens module 30 Connection part 31 Substrate 32 Cable (flexible substrate)
40 lens (optical lens)
41 1st lens (1st optical lens)
42 Second lens (second optical lens)
43 Third lens (third optical lens)
44 4th lens (4th optical lens)
45 5th lens (5th optical lens)
Reference Signs List 50 lens barrel 51 spacer 52 spacer 53 pedestal 60 image sensor 100 mold 110 mounting table 200 lens tray 210 tray body 220 lens support 221 first lens support 222 second lens support 223 third lens support 224 fourth lens Support part 225 Fifth lens support part 230 Direction identification part 240 Identification part 241 Identifier 250 Storage part 260 Non-slip member 261 First non-slip member 262 Second non-slip member 263 Third non-slip member 264 Fourth non-slip member 265 5 Non-slip member

Claims (18)

A lens tray capable of supporting at least the first, second, third, and fourth optical lenses,
A direction identification unit,
At least a first lens support capable of supporting the first optical lens, a second lens support capable of supporting the second optical lens, a third lens support capable of supporting the third optical lens, and A fourth lens support portion capable of supporting four optical lenses,
Has,
The first lens support, the second lens support, the third lens support, and the fourth lens support are arranged along one plane,
The first lens support unit includes a non-slip member that can suppress rotation of at least the first optical lens around the optical axis,
The direction identification unit indicates a predetermined direction on the plane,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 1, wherein
The non-slip member is a first non-slip member,
The second lens support has a second anti-slip member capable of suppressing rotation of at least the second optical lens around the optical axis,
The third lens support has a third non-slip member capable of suppressing rotation of at least the third optical lens around the optical axis,
The fourth lens support unit includes a fourth non-slip member capable of suppressing rotation of at least the fourth optical lens around the optical axis,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The first, second, third, and fourth optical lenses are rotationally symmetric with respect to their respective optical axes.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 1 or claim 2,
At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth optical lenses is not rotationally symmetric with respect to the optical axis.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
A fifth lens supporting portion capable of supporting the fifth optical lens;
The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth optical lenses can be assembled into one lens barrel.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 5, wherein
The non-slip member is a first non-slip member,
The second lens support has a second anti-slip member capable of suppressing rotation of at least the second optical lens around the optical axis,
The first optical lens is a second optical lens from one end side of the lens barrel,
The second optical lens is a fourth optical lens from the one end side of the lens barrel,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
It is a square shape in plan view,
The predetermined direction is a direction along one of the four sides of the rectangle,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:
The direction identification unit has an arrow shape,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:
Further comprising a storage unit,
The storage unit,
A first rotation angle about the optical axis of the first optical lens disposed on the first lens support,
A second rotation angle about the optical axis of the second optical lens disposed on the second lens support,
A third rotation angle about the optical axis of the third optical lens disposed on the third lens support,
A fourth rotation angle about the optical axis of the fourth optical lens disposed on the fourth lens support,
Is memorable,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 9,
The first rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the first optical lens about an optical axis before being arranged on the first lens support unit,
The second rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the second optical lens around an optical axis before being arranged on the second lens support unit,
The third rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the third optical lens around an optical axis before being arranged on the third lens support unit,
The fourth rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the fourth optical lens around an optical axis before being disposed on the fourth lens support.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 9,
The first rotation angle is an angle at which the first optical lens should be rotated about an optical axis after being taken out of the first lens support,
The second rotation angle is an angle at which the second optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the second lens support,
The third rotation angle is an angle at which the third optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the third lens support,
The fourth rotation angle is an angle at which the fourth optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the fourth lens support.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein:
Each of the first rotation angle, the second rotation angle, the third rotation angle, and the fourth rotation angle is a rotation angle based on the predetermined direction.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein:
The storage unit is capable of outputting at least the first rotation angle, the second rotation angle, the third rotation angle, and the fourth rotation angle to the outside,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein:
An identification unit having an identifier,
A first rotation angle about the optical axis of the first optical lens disposed on the first lens support,
A second rotation angle about the optical axis of the second optical lens disposed on the second lens support,
A third rotation angle about the optical axis of the third optical lens disposed on the third lens support,
A fourth rotation angle about the optical axis of the fourth optical lens disposed on the fourth lens support,
In correspondence with the identifier, can be managed externally,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 14, wherein
The first rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the first optical lens about an optical axis before being arranged on the first lens support unit,
The second rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the second optical lens around an optical axis before being arranged on the second lens support unit,
The third rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the third optical lens around an optical axis before being arranged on the third lens support unit,
The fourth rotation angle is an angle obtained by rotating the fourth optical lens around an optical axis before being disposed on the fourth lens support.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to claim 14, wherein
The first rotation angle is an angle at which the first optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the first lens support,
The second rotation angle is an angle at which the second optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the second lens support,
The third rotation angle is an angle at which the third optical lens should be rotated about the optical axis after being taken out of the third lens support,
The fourth rotation angle is an angle at which the fourth optical lens should be rotated about an optical axis after being taken out from the fourth lens support.
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein:
The identifier is a serial number of the lens tray,
Lens tray. The lens tray according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein
The identification unit has a barcode,
Lens tray.

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