JP7231325B2 - Lens barrel, lens unit, camera module, lens unit manufacturing method, and lens barrel molding mold - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lens barrel, a lens unit, a camera module, a lens unit manufacturing method, and a mold for molding a lens barrel, which constitute an on-vehicle camera mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile.

In recent years, automobiles are equipped with in-vehicle cameras to support parking and prevent collisions by image recognition. In general, a camera module such as an in-vehicle camera includes a lens group consisting of a plurality of lenses arranged along an optical axis, a lens barrel housing and holding the lens group, and at least one part of the lens group. A lens unit having an aperture member arranged between lenses is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As shown in FIG. 6, the lens barrel 210 of the lens unit is usually molded by pouring a molten material into a mold 200. As shown in FIG. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the main body of the mold 200 is divided into a fixed side mold portion 202 and a movable side mold portion 204, and the inside of the lens barrel 210 in which the lens is assembled and accommodated. In order to obtain good roundness of the housing space S, a pin-shaped insert 206 for forming the inner housing space S is provided separately from the mold bodies 202 and 204, and as a result, the mold 200 is assembled. At this time, the cavity C into which the molten material is poured is defined by the fixed mold part 202, the movable mold part 204, and the inserts 206, 208 on the fixed and movable sides, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lens barrel 210 molded by such a mold 200 has a lens group 220 incorporated in the inner housing space S and is housed and held at its object-side end. By crimping the crimped portion 223 of the portion (upper end in FIG. 7) radially inward, the lens 220a positioned closest to the object side of the lens group 220 is crimped to the object side end of the lens barrel 210 by the crimped portion 223. fixed.

JP 2013-231993 A

By the way, conventionally, among the dividing surfaces of the mold 200, the dividing surface 230 between the movable insert 206 and the movable mold part 204 is used to adjust the dimension (thickness) of the molded product by allowing the movable insert 206 to move up and down. adjustment, etc.), as shown in FIG.

However, if the dividing surface 230 between the movable insert 206 and the movable mold part 204 is positioned on the extension of the inner surface 223a of the crimping part 223, burrs generated on the dividing surface 230 (the position of the dividing surface 230 The burr formed on the inner surface of the end portion of the lens barrel 210 corresponding to .

Moreover, the burrs generated at such positions drop into the inner housing space S when the lens group 220 is built into the inner housing space S of the lens barrel 210 as shown in FIG. In this case, in particular, the O-ring 240 attached to the step on the outer peripheral portion of the lens 220a positioned closest to the object side of the lens group 220 catches the burr 290 when the lens is incorporated, and the caught burr 290 moves into the inner housing space S. may fall inside the unit and cause poor airtightness or ghosting.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a lens barrel, a lens unit, a camera module, a lens unit manufacturing method, and a lens barrel molding metal that can prevent deterioration of optical performance and poor airtightness due to burrs generated during molding. The purpose is to provide a type.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by a mold, and a lens group is incorporated in an inner housing space thereof, and the above-mentioned lens is crimped radially inwardly. A lens barrel having a crimped portion for fixing a lens located closest to the object side of the lens group incorporated in the inner housing space,
The crimped portion is characterized by having an index portion on the outer surface of the crimped portion that indicates the position of the dividing surface of the mold.

In the present invention, due to the above configuration, the dividing surface of the mold is not positioned on the extension of the inner surface of the crimped portion of the lens barrel as in the conventional art, but is positioned on the outer surface of the crimped portion (that is, the division surface is divided). The extension of the surface intersects the outer surface of the crimped part), so the lens barrel as a molded product molded by the mold has an index indicating the position of the mold dividing surface on the outer surface of the crimped part. (or a defining surface that defines the position of the mold splitting surface), specifically, a portion with some form that shows traces of the mold splitting surface, for example, a portion that includes a parting line that may be accompanied by burrs will have. Such an index portion is not only necessarily formed on the outer surface of the crimped portion accompanying such a position of the dividing surface, but also has a specific form for intentionally indicating such a position of the dividing surface. including those that form

In this way, if the index portion indicating the position of the mold splitting surface is provided on the outer surface of the crimped portion, in other words, the mold splitting surface is positioned on the extension of the inner surface of the crimped portion of the lens barrel. However, if it is positioned on the outer surface of the caulked portion, no burr occurs on the inner surface of the end portion of the lens barrel (upper end of the caulked portion), so that the burr does not cause vignetting of light rays. In addition, if there is no burr on the inner surface of the end of the barrel (upper end of the crimped portion), no burr will be caught in the barrel when the lens is assembled into the barrel. It is possible to prevent deterioration of physical performance and poor airtightness.

In the above configuration of the present invention, the index portion constitutes an outer surface portion positioned on the object side of the crimped portion that is crimped and crushed (constitutes at least a part of the outer surface of the crimped portion that is crimped and crushed). is preferred.

If the index portion is crimped and crushed in this way, the shape of the index portion does not impair the appearance of the lens barrel (the appearance of the lens barrel is maintained well). Such a good appearance is particularly advantageous when the index portion is exposed to the public eye, such as when the lens barrel constitutes an in-vehicle camera and the crimped portion is installed as a portion protruding outside the vehicle. .

Moreover, in the above configuration of the present invention, it is preferable that the index portion has a convex shape (stepped shape). If the index portion has a convex shape in this way, the index portion can be easily identified visually and tactilely when the index portion is crimped so as to be crushed.

Moreover, in the above configuration of the present invention, it is preferable that the convex index portion has a vertical surface that is flush with the dividing surface of the mold, and a horizontal surface that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical surface.

Constructing the convex indicator from a vertical surface and a horizontal surface in this way has several advantages during assembly of the mold. In other words, when such a vertical surface is provided, it is possible to absorb variations in mold assembly dimensions (dimensional tolerance) in the length direction (optical axis direction). In addition, by providing such a horizontal surface, it is possible to prevent the shape of the mold portion defining the mold dividing surface from becoming sharp, and to prevent damage to the sharp portion during assembly of the mold.

Further, in the above configuration of the present invention, when the lens barrel further has a flange on its outer periphery that is assembled with the case of the camera module with a sealing member interposed between the camera module and the case, the flange includes: It is preferable to provide a relief groove for releasing burrs during molding so that they do not come into contact with the seal member.

Such a configuration form is particularly useful when burrs may occur on the flange portion, for example, when the lens barrel as a molded product is pushed out from the fixed side mold portion by the ejector pin at the molding portion of the flange portion. Due to the presence of the relief grooves that allow burrs that are likely to occur to escape from the sealing member, contact between the sealing member that ensures airtightness with the case and the burrs is prevented. Beneficial.

Moreover, in the presence of such a flange portion, it is preferable that the index portion (therefore, the mold dividing surface) be provided at a position closer to the free end portion of the crimped portion than the flange portion.

In this way, if the index portion is provided at a position closer to the free end of the crimped portion than the flange portion, the burr that tends to occur at the index portion corresponding to the position of the mold dividing surface can be prevented to ensure sufficient airtightness. It is possible to effectively prevent the flange portion from falling off.

The present invention also provides a lens unit, a camera module, a lens unit manufacturing method, and a mold for molding the lens barrel, each having the characteristic structure of the lens barrel described above. The lens unit, the camera module, the lens unit manufacturing method, and the lens-barrel molding mold having such a configuration can also provide the above-described effects of the lens-barrel.

According to the present invention, since the index portion indicating the position of the mold splitting surface is provided on the outer surface of the crimped portion, in other words, the mold splitting surface is an extension of the inner surface of the crimped portion of the lens barrel. Since it is positioned on the outer surface of the caulked portion, no burrs are generated on the inner surface of the end portion of the lens barrel (upper end of the caulked portion), so that the burrs do not cause vignetting of light rays. In addition, since there is no burr on the inner surface of the end portion of the barrel (upper end of the crimped portion), there is no burr caught in the barrel when the lens is assembled into the barrel. Deterioration of performance and poor airtightness can be prevented.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lens unit according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the invention having the lens unit of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lens barrel molding die for molding a lens barrel that constitutes the lens unit of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2; 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process flow (lens unit manufacturing method) for manufacturing a lens unit. and FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional lens barrel molding die. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional lens unit having a lens barrel molded using the mold of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lens group is assembled in a lens barrel molded using the mold of FIG. 6;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The lens unit of this embodiment described below is particularly for a camera module such as an in-vehicle camera, and is fixedly installed on the outer surface side of an automobile, for example, and the wiring is drawn into the automobile. connected to a display or other device. Further, hatching is omitted for a plurality of lenses in FIGS. 1 and 2 (the same applies to FIGS. 7 and 8 described above).

FIG. 1 shows a lens unit according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the lens unit 11 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical lens barrel (barrel) 12 and a plurality of (for example, five) lenses arranged in a stepped inner housing space S of the lens barrel 12. It has lenses 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and two diaphragm members 22a, 22b. A vehicle-mounted camera having this lens unit 11 includes the lens unit 11, a substrate having an image sensor (not shown), and an installation member (not shown) for installing the substrate in a vehicle such as an automobile.

A plurality of lenses 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 fixed and supported by the lens barrel 12 are arranged with their optical axes aligned, and each lens is arranged along one optical axis O. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are aligned to form one lens group L used for imaging. An antireflection film, a hydrophilic film, a water-repellent film, or the like is provided on the surface of these lenses, if necessary.

Of the two diaphragm members 22a and 22b, the first diaphragm member 22a from the object side is arranged between the second lens 14 and the third lens 15 from the object side. The second diaphragm member 22b from the object side is arranged between the third lens 15 and the fourth lens 16 from the object side. The diaphragm members 22a and 22b are "aperture diaphragms" that limit the amount of transmitted light and determine the F-number, which is an index of brightness, or "shading diaphragms" that shield light rays that cause ghosts and aberrations. .

At the object-side end (upper end in FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 12, a crimped portion 23 is provided by crimping the end portion radially inward. A lens 13 located on the side is fixed to the end of the lens barrel 12 on the object side. In the present embodiment, the lens 13 located closest to the object side is a glass lens, and the other lenses are resin lenses, but the present invention is not limited to this.

An inner flange portion 24 having an opening with a diameter smaller than that of the lens 17 is provided at the image plane side (imaging side) end (lower end in FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 12 . A plurality of lenses 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and aperture members 22a, 22b constituting the lens group L are held in the lens barrel 12 by the inner flange portion 24 and the crimped portion 23. As shown in FIG.

An outer peripheral surface of the lens 13 positioned closest to the object side is provided with a reduced-diameter portion having a smaller diameter on the image plane side portion of the lens 13, and an O-ring 26 as a sealing member is provided in the reduced-diameter portion. , the object-side end portion of the lens barrel 12 seals the space between the outer peripheral surface of the lens 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 12 . This prevents fine particles such as water and dust from entering the lens barrel 12 from the object-side end of the lens unit 11 . A cylindrical inner wall 12b is provided inside the lens barrel 12 on the object side, and an annular body 27 is provided between the inner wall 12b and the outer wall 12a. there is

The inner diameter of the lens barrel 12 is gradually reduced from the object side to the image plane side. Correspondingly, the outer diameters of the lenses 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 decrease from the object side toward the image plane side. Basically, the outer diameters of the lenses 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 and the inner diameters of the portions of the barrel 12 where the lenses 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are supported are substantially equal. . An outer flange portion 25 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 12 in the shape of a flange.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module 300 of this embodiment having the lens unit 11 of FIG. As illustrated, the camera module 300 includes a lens unit 11 to which a filter 100 is attached.

The camera module 300 includes an upper case (camera case) 301 which is an exterior component, and a mount (pedestal) 302 that holds the lens unit 11 . The camera module 300 also includes a sealing member 303 and a package sensor (imaging device) 304 .

The upper case 301 is a member that exposes the object-side end of the lens unit 11 and covers other portions. The mount 302 is arranged inside the upper case 301 and has a female thread 302a that engages with the male thread 11a of the lens unit 11 . The sealing member 303 is a member inserted between the inner surface of the upper case 301 and the outer peripheral surface 12a of the lens barrel 12 of the lens unit 11, and is a member for keeping the inside of the upper case 301 airtight. .

The package sensor 304 is arranged inside the mount 302 and is arranged at a position to receive the image of the object formed by the lens unit 11 . The package sensor 304 has a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, and converts the light that is condensed through the lens unit 11 and reaches it into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is converted into analog data or digital data, which are components of image data captured by the camera.

The lens barrel 12 constituting the lens unit 11 (camera module 300) as described above is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by pouring molten material into a mold 30 as shown in FIG. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 3, the main body of the mold 30 is divided into a fixed side mold portion 32 and a movable side mold portion 34, and the lens group L (lenses 13, 14, 15, 16, 17), a pin-shaped insert 36 used for molding the inner housing space S is provided separately from the mold bodies 32 and 34 in order to obtain good roundness of the inner housing space S of the lens barrel 12 in which 17) is assembled. As a result, when the mold 30 is assembled, the fixed mold portion 32, the movable mold portion 34, and the fixed and movable inserts 36 and 38, respectively, allow the molten material to flow. defines a cavity C into which is poured.

In the mold 30 of this embodiment, the dividing surface 40 between the movable insert 36 and the movable mold portion 34 is positioned on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23 of the lens barrel 12 molded in the cavity C. assembled to be Therefore, the lens barrel 12 as a molded product molded by the mold 30 has an index portion 50 indicating the position of the division surface 40 of the mold 30, or a mold splitter, on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23. It will have a defining surface that defines the position of surface 40 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Specifically, the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23 of the lens barrel 12 inevitably includes a part with some form that shows traces of the mold splitting surface 40, for example, a parting line that may be accompanied by burrs. It is provided as the index portion 50 .

The index portion 50 is not only necessarily formed on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23 in accordance with the position of the dividing surface 40, but is also specified to intentionally indicate such a position of the dividing surface 40. may be in the form of In this regard, particularly in the present embodiment, the indicator portion 50 has a specific shape, specifically a convex (stepped) shape, in order to intentionally indicate the position of the dividing surface 40. .

The convex index portion 50 constitutes an outer surface portion positioned on the object side of the crimped portion 23 which is crimped and crushed as described later (at least part of the outer surface of the crimped portion 23 which is crimped and crushed). ), and specifically, as shown in FIG. It has a horizontal plane 50b substantially orthogonal to the plane 50a. Here, the length of the vertical surface 50a (the height dimension along the optical axis direction) is set to, for example, 30 to 50 microns, while the length of the horizontal surface 50b (the dimension along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction) ) is set to, for example, 30 to 100 μm. However, such dimensions can be arbitrarily set according to the application.

Although the index portion 50 of the present embodiment is formed in a convex shape, the shape of the index portion 50 is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily set according to its use, purpose, and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the outer flange portion 25 assembled to the upper case 301 of the camera module 300 is provided with a relief groove 80 for releasing burrs during mold molding from coming into contact with the seal member 303 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the lens barrel 12 as a molded product is pushed out from the movable side mold portion 34 by a push pin (not shown) at the molding portion of the outer flange portion 25. The escape groove 80 is formed, for example, as an annular groove on the outer surface of the outer flange portion 25 on which the seal member 303 is placed so as to avoid the push pin.

In addition, due to the presence of the outer flange portion 25 having such a configuration, in the present embodiment, burrs are likely to occur at the index portion 50 corresponding to the position of the mold dividing surface 40, and sufficient airtightness should be ensured. The index portion 50 is provided at a position closer to the free end portion 23 b of the crimped portion 23 than the outer flange portion 25 so as not to easily fall off to the outer flange portion 25 . In particular, in the present embodiment, the index portion 50 is provided near the free end portion 23b (upper end portion in FIG. 1) of the crimped portion 23, and the outer diameter of the index portion 50 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular seal member 303. By setting the size, it is possible to prevent burrs generated in the index portion 50 from falling off when the seal member 303 is attached, and the index portion 50 is set on the inclined outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23. As a result, even when the O-ring 26 is attached, the burr of the index portion 50 is not touched, and the burr can be prevented from falling off. In this embodiment, the position of the index portion 50 is, for example, approximately 1.3 mm smaller than the outer diameter with which the seal member 303 abuts, and approximately 0.6 mm larger than the inner diameter with which the O-ring 26 abuts. It has a large diameter.

Next, an example of the procedure for molding the lens barrel 12 using such a mold 30 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
First, in order to mold the above-described lens barrel 12, the inner housing space S of the lens barrel 12 in which the fixed side mold portion 32, the movable side mold portion 34, and the lens group L are assembled and housed is molded. The above-mentioned mold 30 is prepared, which defines a cavity C into which the molten material is poured by the insert 36 to be provided (step S1 in FIG. 5). Subsequently, the mold 30 is assembled so that the dividing surface 40 between the movable insert 36 and the movable mold portion 34 is positioned on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23 of the lens barrel 12 (step S2).

After that, by pouring a molten material into the cavity C, the lens barrel 12 is molded in which the index portion 50 indicating the position of the dividing surface 40 of the mold 30 is formed on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23 (step S3). ). After the lens barrel 12 is molded in this way, the lens barrel 12 as a molded product is pushed out from the fixed side mold portion 32 by an ejector pin (not shown) at the molding portion of the outer flange portion 25 (step S4).

The lens group L is subsequently assembled in the inner housing space S of the lens barrel 12 as the molded product extracted from the mold 30 (step S5). At this time, there is no burr on the free end portion 23b of the crimped portion 23 due to the position of the dividing surface 40 on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23. No burrs are caught inside 12.

After the lens group L is completely assembled in the lens barrel 12 in this manner, the index portion 50 presses the crimped portion 23 radially inward so as to crush it, thereby moving the lens group L closest to the object side. The lens 13 positioned at 1 is fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 by this crimping portion 23 (step S6). In this crimping process, the shape of the indicator portion 50 makes it possible to easily identify the indicator portion 50 visually and tactilely, and since the indicator portion 50 is deformed so as to be crushed, the appearance of the indicator portion 50 is extremely good. (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the index portion 50 indicating the position of the dividing surface 40 of the mold 30 is provided on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23. In other words, the mold dividing surface 40 is not located on the extension of the inner surface of the crimped portion 23 of the lens barrel 12 as in the conventional art, but is located on the outer surface 23a of the crimped portion 23. ) does not generate burrs, and therefore, eclipse of light rays due to burrs does not occur. In addition, since there is no burr on the inner surface of the end portion of the lens barrel 12 (the upper end portion 23b of the crimped portion), no burr is caught in the lens barrel 12 when the lens group L is incorporated into the lens barrel 12. It is possible to prevent the deterioration of the optical performance and the airtightness failure due to the entrainment of the .

Further, in the present embodiment, the index portion 50 forms an outer surface portion positioned on the object side of the crimped portion 23 that is crimped and crushed, that is, the index portion 50 is crimped and crushed. Therefore, the appearance of the lens barrel 12 is not spoiled by the shape of the index portion 50 (the appearance of the lens barrel 12 is maintained well). Such a good appearance is particularly advantageous when the index portion 50 is placed in an environment where it is visible to the public, such as when the lens barrel 12 constitutes an on-vehicle camera and the crimped portion 23 is assembled as a portion protruding outside the vehicle. is.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the indicator portion 50 has a convex shape (stepped shape), when the indicator portion 50 is crimped so as to be crushed, the indicator portion 50 can be visually and tactilely felt. can be easily identified. In particular, in the present embodiment, the convex indicator portion 50 has a vertical surface 50a that is flush with the dividing surface 40 of the mold 30, and a horizontal surface 50b that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical surface 50a. Therefore, for example, the vertical surface 50a can absorb variations in mold assembly dimensions (dimensional tolerance) in the length direction (optical axis direction), and the existence of the horizontal surface 50b prevents the shape of the movable insert 36 from becoming sharp. Also, it is possible to prevent such sharp parts from being damaged during assembly of the mold.

Further, in the present embodiment, the escape groove 80 is provided in the outer flange portion 25 to release burrs during molding so that they do not come into contact with the seal member 303 . Contact between 303 and burrs is prevented, and poor sealing (poor airtightness) due to burrs can be reliably prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the index portion 50 is provided at a position closer to the free end portion 23 b of the crimped portion 23 than the outer flange portion 25 , the index portion 50 corresponding to the position of the mold dividing surface 40 It is possible to effectively prevent burrs, which are likely to occur, from falling off to the outer flange portion 25 to ensure sufficient airtightness.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present invention, the shapes of lenses, barrels, and the like are not limited to the embodiments described above. Also, the shape of the indicator portion and the mold can be set arbitrarily. In short, as long as the mold parting surface is positioned on the outer surface of the crimped part (as long as the extension of the parting surface intersects with the outer surface of the crimped part), the shape of the mold and the index part does not matter. do not have.

Reference Signs List 11 lens unit 12 lens barrel 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 lens 23 crimped portion 23a outer surface 23b free end portion 25 outer flange portion (flange portion)
30 mold 32 stationary mold part 34 movable mold part 36 insert 40 division surface 50 index part 50a vertical surface 50b horizontal surface 300 camera module 301 upper case 303 sealing member C cavity O optical axis L lens group S inner accommodation space

Claims (12)

It is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by opposing one side mold and the other side mold, and the lens group is incorporated in the inner housing space, and the inner housing space is crimped radially inward. A lens barrel having a crimped portion for fixing a lens positioned closest to the object side of the lens group incorporated therein,
The crimped portion is located at the position of the dividing surface between the one-side mold portion that constitutes the one-side mold and the nest that is incorporated in the one-side mold portion and used for molding the inner housing space of the lens barrel. A lens barrel, characterized in that it has an indicator on the outer surface of said crimped portion. 2. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the index portion constitutes at least part of the outer surface of the crimped portion that is crimped and crushed. 3. A lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein said index portion has a convex shape. 4. The lens barrel according to claim 3, wherein the index portion has a vertical surface that is flush with the dividing surface, and a horizontal surface that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical surface. further having a flange portion assembled to the case of the camera module with a sealing member interposed between the case and the case, and
5. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the flange portion is provided with a relief groove for escaping burrs during molding so that they do not come into contact with the seal member. 6. The lens barrel according to claim 5, wherein the index portion is provided at a position closer to the free end portion of the crimped portion than to the flange portion. A lens unit comprising a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lens, and a barrel housing the lens group,
The lens barrel is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape by opposing one side mold and the other side mold, and the lens group is incorporated in the inner housing space thereof, and is caulked inward in the radial direction. a crimped portion for fixing the lens located closest to the object side of the lens group incorporated in the inner housing space;
The crimped portion is located at the position of the dividing surface between the one-side mold portion that constitutes the one-side mold and the nest that is incorporated in the one-side mold portion and used for molding the inner housing space of the lens barrel. A lens unit characterized by having an index portion indicating that there is a presence on an outer surface of the crimped portion. A camera module comprising the lens unit according to claim 7 . In order to mold the lens barrel, one side mold part, the other side mold part, and molding of the inner housing space of the lens barrel that is incorporated in the one side mold part and accommodates the lens group assembled. providing a mold defining a cavity into which the molten material is poured by a nest for
a step of assembling the mold so that the dividing surface of the insert and the one-side mold portion or an extension thereof intersects the outer surface of the crimped portion of the lens barrel;
a step of molding a lens barrel in which an index portion indicating the position of the dividing surface of the mold is formed on the outer surface of the crimped portion by pouring a molten material into the cavity;
extruding the molded lens barrel from the mold;
assembling a lens group in the inner housing space of the lens barrel;
A step of fixing the lens located closest to the object side of the lens group to the object side end of the lens barrel with the crimped portion by crimping the crimped portion radially inward so as to crush the index portion. and,
A lens unit manufacturing method comprising: 10. The method of manufacturing a camera module according to claim 9, further comprising the step of mounting an imaging device on said lens unit via a mount member. A lens barrel molding die for molding a lens barrel,
A molten material is melted by one side mold part, the other side mold part, and a nest that is incorporated in the one side mold part and serves for molding the inner housing space of the lens barrel in which the lens group is assembled and housed. Defining a lens barrel molding cavity to be poured,
A mold for molding a lens barrel, characterized in that the dividing surface of the insert and the one mold part or an extension thereof is positioned so as to intersect with the outer surface of the crimped part of the lens barrel molded in the cavity. . A molding method for molding a lens barrel using the lens barrel molding die according to claim 11 .

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