JP6411151B2 - Optical unit and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical unit including an optical element such as a window member that covers an opening for photographing and a lens disposed therein, and an imaging device equipped with the optical unit, and particularly in an outdoor environment such as an in-vehicle camera or a surveillance camera. The present invention relates to an optical unit and an imaging apparatus used.

  As a conventional optical unit, to be applied to surveillance cameras and in-vehicle cameras, a front case having an opening for photographing, a windshield (window member) arranged so as to cover the opening, and fitted on the outer periphery of the windshield Packing that is placed in close contact with the inner wall of the front case, a presser plate that presses the packing toward the inner wall of the front case and compresses it, and has a step shape on the packing to match the step shape of the front case A waterproof structure for a camera that enhances the waterproof effect is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in this optical unit, since the packing for sealing the windshield is a single member, when high-pressure water or the like during cleaning is sprayed on the windshield, the windshield is pushed inward and the windshield moves. The packing also moves inward following this, and even though it has a two-stage sealing surface, the sealing performance deteriorates, and a waterproof effect cannot be obtained reliably.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-239747

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the above-described prior art, and its object is to simplify the structure, facilitate the assembly work, etc. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit that can ensure high waterproofness and durability even when an external force such as high-pressure washing water is applied from the outside, and that can obtain desired optical characteristics, and an imaging device equipped with the optical unit.

An optical unit of the present invention includes a housing having an opening, a window member disposed in the housing to cover the opening, a first annular seal member interposed between the outer peripheral edge of the window member and the inner wall of the housing, An optical unit comprising: a pressing member that presses the first annular seal member toward the inner wall of the housing; and an optical element disposed behind the window member in the housing, the inner wall of the housing and the first annular seal A second annular seal member interposed between the members is provided.
According to this configuration, the window member disposed in the housing is pressed between the outer peripheral edge portion and the inner wall by the pressing member and is in contact with the window member, and the first annular seal member And the second annular seal member interposed between the first annular seal member and the inner wall is sealed (sealed) so as to block the outside and the inside of the housing. Thus, by providing the second annular seal member that is independent from the first annular seal member as the seal member, for example, the window member receives an external force (for example, high-pressure washing water) through the opening. Thus, even if the first annular seal member is affected by the external force through the window member, the second annular seal member is not directly affected by the external force, so that high sealing performance is still maintained. While achieving simplification of the structure, facilitating assembly work, etc., high waterproofness, durability, etc. can be ensured.

In the above configuration, the window member is formed in a flat plate shape, the first annular seal member includes an annular recess into which the outer peripheral edge of the window member is fitted, and is compressed and disposed in the optical axis direction of the optical element. The annular seal member can employ a configuration in which the annular seal member is compressed and disposed in close contact with the first annular seal member in the optical axis direction.
According to this configuration, the window member has the outer peripheral edge fitted in the annular recess of the first annular seal member, and the inner wall of the housing → the second annular seal member → the first annular seal member (and the window member). -> The first annular seal member is compressed in the optical axis direction by being arranged in the order of the pressing members, and the pressing force in the optical axis direction is exerted by the pressing members, and the second annular seal member and the inner wall of the first annular seal member It is sandwiched between and compressed. Thereby, for example, when an external force (such as high-pressure washing water) is applied to the window member through the opening, and the window member is pushed inward, the first annular seal member is also displaced (deformed) together with the window member. However, since the second annular seal member performs a desired sealing action between the inner wall and the first annular seal member, high sealing performance as a whole can be maintained.

In the above configuration, the first annular seal member has a plurality of annular protrusions on the side in close contact with the second annular seal member while being compressed, and the second annular seal member includes the first annular seal member and the inner wall of the housing, respectively. A configuration having a close annular plane can be employed.
According to this configuration, in the contact region between the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member, the plurality of annular protrusions of the first annular seal member are in close contact with the annular flat surface of the second annular seal member. And the sealing performance can be improved accordingly.

In the above configuration, the first annular seal member has an annular flat surface that is in close contact with the second annular seal member while being compressed, and the second annular seal member is formed as an O-ring having a substantially circular cross section. Can be adopted.
According to this configuration, since the second annular seal member is formed as an O-ring, the convex curved surface of the second annular seal member and the annular plane of the first annular seal member are in close contact with each other. And the sealing performance can be improved accordingly.

The said structure WHEREIN: The structure arrange | positioned in the area | region retreated so that it may deviate from the optical path prescribed | regulated by an opening part can be employ | adopted for a 2nd annular seal member.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent subject light entering the inside through the opening from being blocked by the second annular seal member, and to secure desired optical characteristics.

The said structure WHEREIN: The structure currently formed with the black rubber material can be employ | adopted for the 1st annular seal member.
According to this configuration, when the subject light entering the inside through the opening reaches the first annular seal member, it is possible to prevent the influence of irregular reflection and the like, and to secure desired optical characteristics.

The said structure WHEREIN: The structure where the thickness in a compression direction is formed thinner than the 1st annular seal member can be employ | adopted for the 2nd annular seal member.
According to this configuration, the ratio of the compression amount of the first annular seal member, the compression amount, and the compression amount of the second annular seal member is set between the pressing member and the inner wall of the housing. By reducing the thickness, it is possible to ensure a desired sealing function while preventing settling due to compression.

In the above configuration, the pressing member may employ a configuration including a holding portion that attaches and holds the optical element.
According to this configuration, since the pressing member also has a function of holding the optical element, the structure can be simplified, the number of parts can be reduced, and the like.

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the optical units configured as described above, and an image pickup element disposed behind the optical element in the housing.
According to this configuration, while achieving simplification of the structure, facilitating assembly work, etc., even if external force such as high-pressure washing water is applied to the window member (such as a windshield) from the outside, it is highly waterproof. In addition, durability and the like can be ensured, and desired optical characteristics and imaging characteristics can be obtained.

  According to the optical unit configured as described above, the structure can be simplified, the assembly work can be facilitated, and the like, even if external force such as high-pressure washing water is applied to the window member such as the windshield from the outside. An optical unit that can ensure waterproofness, durability, and the like and obtain desired optical characteristics can be obtained, and an imaging device equipped with the optical unit can be provided.

1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an imaging apparatus equipped with an optical unit according to the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the imaging device shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the imaging device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows other embodiment of the imaging device carrying the optical unit which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
This imaging apparatus is applied as an in-vehicle camera provided outside a vehicle body. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a housing 10 that defines an outer contour, and an opening 11 a disposed inside the housing 10. The first annular seal member 30 fitted directly into the window member 20 (the outer peripheral edge 23 thereof), and the second annular seal member 40 disposed adjacent to the first annular seal member 30 (the front side thereof). , A pressure member 50 disposed adjacent to the first annular seal member 30 (rear side), a lens G having an optical axis L as an optical element, and the like, and a lens barrel 60 held by the pressure member 50 An image sensor 70 disposed behind the lens barrel 60, a substrate 80 on which the image sensor 70 is mounted, and the like.

The housing 10 is formed using a metal material, a resin material, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 10 is divided into a front housing 11 and a rear housing 12. It is detachably connected using screws or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the front housing 11 defines a substantially rectangular opening 11a, an annular recess 11b formed inside the opening 11a, a part of the annular recess 11b, and a second annular shape. An abutting surface 11c as an inner wall for bringing the seal member 40 into close contact, an abutting surface 11d for abutting the pressing member 50, four screw holes 11e for screwing the screws B, and two positioning pins for positioning the pressing member 50 (not shown) Etc.).
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear housing 12 includes a connector 12a for connecting external wiring and the like, a substrate 12b having wiring connected to the connector 12a, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the opening 11 a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and defines an optical path range when subject light from the outside enters.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the annular recess 11 b is a state in which the first annular seal member 30 and the second annular seal member 40 fitted with the window member 20 are laminated from the rear to the front in the optical axis L direction. It is formed in a size that can be fitted.
The contact surface 11c is formed in an annular plane so as to bring the annular plane 41 on the front side of the second annular seal member 40 into close contact in the optical axis L direction.
When the first annular seal member 30 and the second annular seal member 40 are compressed in the direction of the optical axis L by fastening the pressing member 50 with the screw B, the abutting surface 11d abuts the pressing member 50 to The above movement is regulated and a predetermined compression allowance is set.

The window member 20 is formed into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape using a glass material, a transparent resin material, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the front surface 21, the rear surface 22, the outer peripheral edge portion 23, and the like. It has.
The window member 20 is disposed inside the housing 10 with the outer peripheral edge 23 fitted in the annular recess 31 of the first annular seal member 30 and held by the first annular seal member 30. 11a is covered.

The first annular seal member 30 is formed using a black rubber material so as to form a substantially rectangular annular shape. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first annular seal member 30 is an annular shape into which the outer peripheral edge 23 of the window member 20 is fitted. Recess 31, annular plane 32 on the side facing second annular seal member 40, a plurality (three in this case) of annular projections 33 projecting from annular plane 32, and annular plane 34 on the side in contact with pressing member 50 And a substantially rectangular inner edge 35 and the like.
The inner edge portion 35 is formed so as to be located in a region that is retracted so as to deviate from the optical path range defined by the opening portion 11a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first annular seal member 30 is fitted into the annular recess 11 b of the housing 10 in a state where the window member 20 (the outer peripheral edge 23 thereof) is fitted and held in the annular recess 31. The annular plane 32 and the plurality of annular projections 33 are in close contact with the second annular seal member 40 and the annular plane 34 is in contact with the pressing member 50 in the optical axis L direction, and the pressing member 50 compresses in the optical axis L direction. It is designed to receive power.

Here, since the plurality of annular protrusions 33 are provided, a high contact surface pressure (seal pressure) can be obtained between the second annular seal member 50 (the annular flat surface 42 thereof).
In addition, since the first annular seal member 30 is formed of a black rubber material, it is possible to prevent influences such as irregular reflection of subject light entering the inside through the opening 11a and to secure desired optical characteristics. .
Further, since the inner edge portion 35 is formed so as to recede in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L from the opening portion 11a, subject light entering inside through the opening portion 11a is prevented from being blocked by the first annular seal member 30. And desired optical characteristics can be secured.
As the material of the first annular seal member 30, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or the like can be used.

The second annular seal member 40 is formed so as to form a substantially rectangular annular shape using a rubber material, and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an annular flat surface on the side facing the contact surface 11 c of the housing 10. 41, an annular flat surface 32 of the first annular seal member 30 and an annular flat surface 42 on the side facing the plurality of annular protrusions 33, a substantially rectangular inner edge 43, and the like.
The inner edge portion 43 is formed so as to be located in a region which is retracted so as to deviate from the optical path range defined by the opening portion 11a in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second annular seal member 40 is fitted into the annular recess 11 b of the housing 10, and in the optical axis L direction, the annular plane 41 is in close contact with the contact surface 11 c, and the annular plane 42 is in close contact with the annular flat surface 32 and the plurality of annular protrusions 33 of the first annular seal member 30, and receives a compressive force in the optical axis L direction by the pressing member 50 via the first annular seal member 30.
Here, when the second annular seal member 40 is formed of a black rubber material, it is possible to prevent influences such as irregular reflection of subject light entering the inside through the opening 11a and to secure desired optical characteristics. .
Further, since the inner edge portion 43 is formed so as to recede in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L from the opening portion 11a, the subject light entering inside through the opening portion 11a is prevented from being blocked by the second annular seal member 40. And desired optical characteristics can be secured.

Furthermore, the thickness of the second annular seal member 40 in the compression direction (the optical axis L direction) is smaller than that of the first annular seal member 30.
According to this, between the pressing member 50 and the contact surface 11 c (inner wall) of the housing 10, the ratio of the compression amount of the first annular seal member 30 and the compression amount of the second annular seal member 40 is set. However, by reducing the thickness of the second annular seal member 40, it is possible to ensure a desired sealing function while preventing settling due to compression.
As the material of the second annular seal member 40, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or the like can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the pressing member 50 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape using a resin material or a metal material, and includes a circular opening 51 that defines an optical path, and a first annular seal. The member 30 (the annular flat surface 33) and the front side surface 52 that contacts the contact surface 11d of the housing 10, the holding portion 53 that attaches and holds the lens barrel 60, and the screw B that is screwed into the screw hole 11e of the housing 10 are passed. Four through holes 54, two positioning portions 55 into which positioning pins of the housing 10 are fitted, and the like are provided.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, after the pressing member 50 has fitted the second annular seal member 40 and the first annular seal member 30 (with the window member 20 fitted) into the housing 10 annular recess 11 b. By arranging the screw B through the through hole 54 and screwing it into the screw hole 11e so as to contact the first annular seal member 30 (annular flat surface 33 thereof), When the first annular seal member 30 and the second annular seal member 40 are pressed toward the front (contact surface 11c) in the optical axis L direction and the front side surface 52 contacts the contact surface 11d, the compression movement is further increased. The first annular seal member 30 and the second annular seal member 40 are compressed to a desired compression allowance.
Here, the pressing member 50 is formed so as to hold the lens barrel 60 by the holding portion 53, that is, the pressing member 50 also serves as a function of holding the lens barrel 60 as an optical element. Simplification, reduction of the number of parts, etc. can be achieved.

  2 and 3, the lens barrel 60 is disposed behind the window member 20 in the housing 10, and includes a cylindrical portion 61 that holds a plurality of lenses G as optical elements, and a pressure The mounting part 62 attached to the holding | maintenance part 53 of the member 50, the attaching part 63 which attaches the board | substrate 80, etc. are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image sensor 70 is disposed behind a plurality of lenses G as optical elements. For example, the image sensor 70 is a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and is mounted on the substrate 80. After that, by being attached to the attachment portion 63 of the lens barrel 60 together with the substrate 80, the housing 10 is disposed behind the window member 20 and the optical elements (the plurality of lenses G) in the optical axis L direction. It is like that.
As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 80 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and is formed so as to mount the image pickup device 70 and other electronic components, and screws or the like with respect to the mounting portion 63 of the lens barrel 60. It is designed to be fastened and fixed using.

Next, an assembling operation of the optical unit and the imaging device having the above-described configuration will be described.
First, a substrate on which the housing 10 (the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12), the window member 20, the first annular seal member 30, the second annular seal member 40, the pressing member 50, the lens barrel 60, the imaging element 70, and the like are mounted. Prepare 80 mag.
Subsequently, the substrate 80 is assembled to the mounting portion 63 of the lens barrel 60 while the optical axis of the image sensor 70 is aligned.

Subsequently, the outer peripheral edge 23 of the window member 20 is fitted into the annular recess 31 of the first annular seal member 30, and the window member 20 is integrated into the first annular seal member 30.
Subsequently, the second annular seal member 40 is incorporated into the annular recess 11b of the front housing 11, and the first annular seal member 30 into which the window member 20 is fitted is incorporated from the rear.
Subsequently, the pressing member 50 is positioned from the rear of the first annular seal member 30 and incorporated into the front housing 11, the screw B is passed through the through hole 53, and the screw hole 11e until the front side surface 52 contacts the contact surface 11d. Screw in.
Thereby, the pressing member 50 exerts a predetermined pressing force in the optical axis L direction, the first annular seal member 30 is compressed in the optical axis L direction, and the second annular seal member 40 contacts the first annular seal member 30. The compressed state is sandwiched between the surface 11c (inner wall).

Subsequently, the lens barrel 60 to which the substrate 80 is attached is fastened and fixed to the attachment portion 63 from the rear side of the pressing member 50 using screws or the like.
Thereafter, the rear housing 12 is brought close to the rear, joined to the front housing 11, and fastened and fixed with screws or the like.
As described above, an image pickup apparatus including the optical unit and the image pickup element 70 is obtained. The above assembling procedure is an example, and other procedures may be used.

  According to the imaging apparatus configured as described above, the second annular seal member 40 that is independent of the first annular seal member 30 is provided as the seal member, so that, for example, the window member 20 passes through the opening 11a (for example, Even if the first annular seal member 30 is affected by the external force via the window member 20 by receiving an external force (such as high-pressure washing water), the second annular seal member 40 directly affects the external force. Therefore, high sealing performance is still maintained, and it is possible to ensure high waterproofness, durability, etc. while achieving simplification of the structure, facilitating assembly work, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of an image pickup apparatus equipped with the optical unit according to the present invention, and it is the same as that described above except that the shapes of the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member and a part of the housing are changed. The same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
In the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, a front housing 11 ′ is adopted instead of the front housing 11, a first annular seal member 30 ′ is adopted instead of the first annular seal member 30, and the second annular seal member 40 is used. Instead, a second annular seal member 40 'is employed.

The front housing 11 ′ is formed with a concave contact surface 11c ′ instead of the contact surface 11c.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first annular seal member 30 ′ includes an annular recess 31, an annular plane 32 ′ on the side facing the second annular seal member 40 ′, an annular plane 34 on the side in contact with the pressing member 50, and a substantially rectangular shape. The inner edge portion 35 and the like are provided.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second annular seal member 40 ′ is formed as an O-ring having a substantially circular cross section.
According to this, since the second annular seal member 40 ′ is formed as an O-ring, the convex curved surface of the second annular seal member 40 ′ is in contact with the contact surface 11 c ′ of the front housing 11 ′. Since the annular flat surface 32 ′ of the annular seal member 30 ′ is in close contact, the contact surface pressure can be increased, and the sealing performance can be increased accordingly.

  Also in this embodiment, the window member 20 is opened, for example, by providing the second annular seal member 40 'independent of the first annular seal member 30' as the seal member, as in the previous embodiment. Even if the first annular seal member 30 'is affected by the external force through the window member 20 by receiving an external force (for example, high-pressure washing water) through the portion 11a, the second annular seal member 40' Since it is not directly affected by the external force, high sealing performance is still maintained, and high waterproofness, durability, etc. can be ensured while achieving simplification of the structure and ease of assembly work. .

In the said embodiment, although the case where 1st cyclic | annular seal member 30 and 30 'containing the cyclic | annular recessed part 31 which engages with the window member 20 was employ | adopted as a 1st cyclic | annular seal member was shown, it is not limited to this. If it is the structure which incorporates the window member 20 integrally, the 1st cyclic | annular sealing member which makes another form is employable.
In the said embodiment, although the case where 2nd cyclic | annular seal member 40 'which makes flat plate-shaped 2nd cyclic | annular seal member 40 and O-ring was employ | adopted as a 2nd cyclic | annular seal member was shown, it is not limited to this. However, if the sealing member is directed separately, the second annular sealing member having another form can be adopted.

In the above embodiment, the first annular seal members 30, 30 ′ having a substantially rectangular outer contour are used as the first annular seal member and the second annular seal member in order to fit the substantially rectangular window member 20. Although the second annular seal member 40, 40 'is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the window member is a circular window member, the first annular seal member whose outer contour forms a circular annular shape to suit it. In addition, a first annular seal member and a second annular seal member having an outer contour that matches the contour of the window member can be employed.
In the above embodiment, the case where the first annular seal member 30 is provided with the plurality of annular projections 33 and the second annular seal member 40 is formed on the annular plane 42 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the first annular seal member may be an annular plane, and the second annular seal member may be provided with a plurality of annular protrusions.
In the said embodiment, although the flat window member 20 was shown as a window member, it is not limited to this, You may employ | adopt the window member which makes convex shape or a concave shape toward the outer side.

  As described above, the optical unit of the present invention is applied with external force such as high-pressure washing water from the outside to a window member such as a windshield while achieving simplification of the structure and ease of assembly work. In addition, since high waterproofness and durability can be ensured and desired optical characteristics can be obtained, it can be applied as an optical unit of an imaging device used in an outdoor environment as an in-vehicle camera, a surveillance camera, etc. It is also useful as an optical unit of an imaging device used in other severe environments.

10 housing 11 front housing 11a opening 11b annular recess 11c, 11c 'contact surface (inner wall)
11d Contact surface 11e Screw hole 12 Rear housing 20 Window member 23 Outer peripheral edge 30, 30 'First annular seal member 31 Annular recess 32, 32' Annular plane 33 Annular projection 34 Annular plane 35 Inner edge 40, 40 ' Two annular seal members 41 Annular plane 42 Annular plane 43 Inner edge portion 50 Press member 51 Opening portion 52 Front side surface 53 Holding portion 54 Through hole 60 Lens barrel G Lens (optical element)
L Optical axis 70 Image sensor 80 Substrate B Screw

Claims (9)

A housing having an opening; a window member disposed in the housing to cover the opening; a first annular seal member interposed between an outer peripheral edge of the window member and an inner wall of the housing; and the first An optical unit comprising: a pressing member that presses an annular seal member toward the inner wall; and an optical element disposed behind the window member in the housing,
A second annular seal member provided so as to intervene between the inner wall and the first annular sealing member of the housing,
The first annular seal member includes an annular recess into which the outer peripheral edge of the window member is fitted, and is compressed and disposed in the optical axis direction of the optical element.
The second annular seal member is compressed in the optical axis direction while being in close contact with the first annular seal member, and is disposed in front of the first annular seal member in the optical axis direction.
An optical unit characterized by that.   The first annular seal member is disposed in contact with the window member;
  The second annular seal member is disposed so as not to contact the window member.
  The optical unit according to claim 1. The first annular seal member has a plurality of annular protrusions only on the side in close contact with the second annular seal member while being compressed,
The second annular seal member has annular planes that are in close contact with the first annular seal member and the inner wall of the housing, respectively.
The optical unit according to claim 2. The first annular seal member has an annular plane that is in close contact with the second annular seal member while being compressed,
The second annular seal member is formed as an O-ring having a substantially circular cross section.
The optical unit according to claim 1 . The second annular seal member is disposed in a region retracted so as to deviate from the optical path defined by the opening.
The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is an optical unit. The first annular seal member is formed of a black rubber material.
The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is an optical unit. The second annular seal member is formed so that the thickness in the compression direction is thinner than the first annular seal member.
The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is an optical unit. The pressing member includes a holding part that attaches and holds the optical element.
The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit is an optical unit. The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and an imaging device disposed behind the optical element in the housing.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.

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