JPWO2014042164A1 - Imaging device and lens unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a highly accurate imaging apparatus and lens unit that can be assembled to a lens holder with high positional accuracy without affecting optical performance even if a compound eye lens member with poor external dimension accuracy is used. Objective. Positioning is performed by the lens side positioning part LG and the holder side positioning part HG. Specifically, two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn at specific positions are set as a holder side alignment portion HG, and two lenses 211m and 211n are set as a lens side alignment portion LG, and thereby the first lens array 210 and the holder Alignment with 100 can be performed with high accuracy. Also, at this time, it is ensured that the plurality of aperture portions IPm and IPn in the holder 100 are arranged in the centered state by forming openings having substantially the same shape, so that the alignment affects the optical performance. Can be suppressed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that acquires a plurality of images at once, and more particularly to an imaging device and a lens unit that incorporate electronic components and a plurality of imaging lenses.

  In recent years, a plurality of images have been taken using a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor and a plurality of imaging lenses arranged two-dimensionally. An imaging apparatus that reconstructs one image from a plurality of obtained images (hereinafter referred to as a lens array type imaging apparatus) has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a lens array type imaging device, a high-definition image can be created by reconstructing an image obtained by each imaging lens based on parallax of a plurality of imaging lenses. For this reason, each imaging lens is not required to have very high optical performance, and as a result, it is possible to achieve a reduction in size and thickness and obtain a high-definition image. Although Patent Document 2 does not reconstruct an image, a lens array is sandwiched between two lens arrays in which a plurality of lenses are formed of different materials on one side and flat surfaces face each other. It is described that it adheres in a state.

  In order to achieve higher image quality in a lens array type imaging device, it is effective to employ a configuration in which a plurality of lens arrays are stacked in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, when a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are integrally molded in a two-dimensional arrangement by resin injection molding or the like is used as a lens array, a separate material such as wafer level optics (WLO) is used on a transparent substrate. Compared to the case where a lens array is manufactured by molding a large number of lens portions, there are advantages that manufacturing is easy and that there is no interface on the optical path and optical performance is not easily lowered.

  Further, as a method of manufacturing a compound eye lens member applicable to a lens array type imaging apparatus, in addition to the above-described resin integral molding and WLO, a glass mold (GM that is molded by pressing molten glass with a mold) ) There is a law. According to this manufacturing method, a highly accurate and highly reliable lens array can be manufactured.

  Here, when a lens member having a plurality of lens portions is formed, how to accurately position each lens portion with respect to a plurality of image sensors, and further, how to place each lens portion with respect to the lens holder There is a problem of positioning with high accuracy. This will be specifically described. In order to accurately position the image sensor and the lens member, it is necessary to increase the positioning accuracy both between the image sensor and the lens holder and between the lens member and the lens holder. However, in the case of the above-mentioned GM lens, since the outer shape of the GM lens cannot be formed by a mold, it is impossible to expect the outer dimensional accuracy. Therefore, when assembling this to the lens holder, what is the reference position? The question of what to do arises. In the case of the above-mentioned WLO, it is conceivable to cut out a compound eye lens array as well as a monocular lens. However, the outer shape of each lens or lens array obtained by dicing is rectangular, and its outer dimensions. Since the accuracy is relatively poor, there is a positioning problem as well. That is, a problem arises when the lens member cannot be attached to the lens holder with high accuracy according to the outer shape reference. In particular, in a compound eye imaging apparatus, unlike a monocular imaging apparatus, rotational positioning around the optical axis is required, so the positioning problem is important. At this time, for example, positioning may be performed by shifting the position of the opening of the lens holder in accordance with each lens. However, in this case, there is a possibility of affecting the optical performance.

JP 2007-94103 A JP 2011-203792 A

  In the present invention, even if a compound eye lens member having a poor outer dimension accuracy is used, it can be assembled with a lens holder with a high positional accuracy without affecting the optical performance. The purpose is to provide units.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a lens array having a plurality of lenses that are two-dimensionally arrayed and integrally molded, and a plurality of apertures provided corresponding to each lens of the lens array. A lens holder having a forming unit, and generating a plurality of image data for creating a reconstructed image using a lens array, wherein the plurality of opening forming units are: A plurality of apertures having substantially the same shape are formed so that the apertures are centered with respect to a plurality of lenses constituting the lens array, and a plurality of apertures arranged at corner portions of the lens array are arranged. The lens side having a three-dimensionally shaped portion that aligns with a lens holder in the vicinity of two specific lenses or around the two lenses It comprises a location combined unit, provided in the lens holder corresponds to the lens-side alignment unit, and a holder-side positioning part having a three-dimensional shape portion for alignment with respect to the lens array.

  According to the imaging apparatus described above, the lens array and the lens holder are aligned based on two specific lens positions of the lenses constituting the lens array by the alignment using the lens side alignment unit and the holder side alignment unit. Positioning can be performed with high accuracy. At this time, the lens holder is provided with a plurality of opening forming portions but having substantially the same shape, and when the lens array is assembled to the holder, it is ensured that each opening is arranged in a centered state. Thus, it is possible to suppress the alignment work from affecting the optical performance.

  In a specific aspect or aspect of the present invention, in the lens array, the plurality of lenses are two-dimensionally arranged in a quadrangular region, and form four corner portions at the four corners of the quadrangular shape. The two lenses are arranged at two positions located diagonally among the four corner portions. In this case, since the alignment structure can be formed on the two lenses or the periphery thereof so as to be two diagonally positioned out of the four corner portions, positioning with higher accuracy is possible with respect to the two-dimensional plane. .

  In another aspect of the present invention, the lens side alignment portion is an outer edge portion of the optical surface of the specific two lenses, and the holder side alignment portion is a side surface inclined with respect to the central axis of the opening of the lens holder. is there. In this case, an alignment structure can be formed relatively easily using the outer edge portion of the optical surface of the lens and the side surface of the opening forming portion, and highly accurate alignment can be performed.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, in the lens array, the plurality of lenses are convex lenses on the front side, and in the lens holder, the plurality of opening forming portions narrows the light passage range and defines the opening. It has a taper part that is provided on the lens side from the opening end and spreads out in a taper shape. The lens side alignment part has a part of the convex surface of a specific two lens as a three-dimensional shape part, and the holder side alignment part is The inner side surface of the tapered portion in the two specific opening forming portions corresponding to the two specific lenses among the plurality of opening forming portions is a three-dimensionally shaped portion, and a part of the convex surface of the lens and the inner side surface of the tapered portion And abut. In this case, highly accurate alignment can be achieved by bringing the convex surface on the front side of the lens into contact with the inner surface of the tapered portion in the opening forming portion.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, in the holder side alignment portion, the relative inclination angle of the tapered portion of the two specific opening forming portions with respect to the corresponding lens is other than the two specific opening forming portions. The taper portion provided in the opening forming portion is different from the relative inclination angle with respect to the corresponding lens. In this case, desired alignment can be achieved by setting the inclination angle of the tapered portion, and unnecessary contact between the opening forming portion and the lens not involved in alignment can be avoided so as not to hinder positioning.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the holder-side alignment portion, the two specific opening forming portions are a portion of the tapered portion with respect to a corresponding lens between a portion that contacts the lens-side alignment portion and a portion that does not contact the lens-side alignment portion. The relative inclination angle of the inner surface is changed. In this case, the contact position at the holder side alignment portion can be adjusted by setting the inclination angle of the inner surface of the tapered portion corresponding to the specific opening forming portion.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the lens side alignment portion and the holder side alignment portion are fitted around the specific two lenses and the specific two opening forming portions corresponding to the two lenses. It is a joint. In this case, alignment can be easily performed by fitting the fitting portion.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the lens array is a lens array stacked body including a first lens array and a second lens array stacked in the optical axis direction. In this case, the optical performance of the imaging device can be improved. Here, the first and second lens arrays mean that when the lens arrays joined to each other are viewed, one is a first lens array and the other is a second lens array.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the first and second lens arrays are bonded through a light-curing adhesive layer made of a resin having a light shielding property. In this case, generation of stray light in the apparatus can be suppressed.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the photocurable adhesive layer is provided between the optical surface and the optical surface constituting a plurality of lenses provided on at least one of the first and second lens arrays facing each other. It includes a material that is provided and has a light shielding property by absorption. Here, the light-shielding material by absorption refers to a material that shields the imaging light used in the imaging device by absorption, and includes, for example, a black material that exhibits high absorbance in a wide wavelength range including visible light and the like. In this case, the component that should become stray light can be shielded.

  In order to solve the above problems, a lens unit according to the present invention includes a lens array having a plurality of lenses that are two-dimensionally arrayed and integrally formed, and a plurality of apertures that are provided corresponding to the lenses of the lens array. A lens unit, and a lens unit for use in an imaging device that generates a plurality of image data for creating a reconstructed image using a lens array. The aperture forming portion is formed so that apertures having substantially the same shape are formed so that the apertures are centered with respect to a plurality of lenses constituting the lens array. Alignment with the lens holder is performed around two specific lenses among the plurality of arranged lenses or around the two lenses. A lens-side alignment portion having a three-dimensional shape portion; and a holder-side alignment portion having a three-dimensional shape portion provided in the lens holder corresponding to the lens-side alignment portion and performing alignment with the lens array. .

  According to the above-described lens unit, the lens array and the lens holder are arranged on the basis of two specific lens positions of the lenses constituting the lens array by the alignment using the lens side alignment unit and the holder side alignment unit. Positioning can be performed with high accuracy. At this time, in the lens holder, a plurality of opening forming portions form substantially the same shape opening, and when assembling the lens array to the holder, it is ensured that each opening is arranged in a centered state. It is possible to suppress the alignment work from affecting the optical performance.

FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the lens array stack used in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1A as viewed from the object side. It is a disassembled perspective view of the imaging device shown to FIG. 1A etc. FIG. 3A to 3E are partially enlarged views of the lens array stack in the imaging device of FIG. 1A. It is a figure explaining the imaging processing apparatus carrying the imaging device shown to FIG. 1A etc. 5A is a plan view seen from the object side of the image pickup apparatus, FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the image pickup apparatus regarding the AA cross section of FIG. 5A, and FIG. It is a side sectional view showing typically other part among imaging devices. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a corner portion of the imaging apparatus, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a positioning cross section that is a BB cross section of FIGS. 5B and 5C. FIG. 7A is a plan view seen from the object side of an imaging apparatus according to a modification, and FIG. 7B is a side sectional view schematically showing a part of the imaging apparatus related to the section AA in FIG. 7A. 7C is a side sectional view schematically showing another part of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a positioning cross section for explaining an imaging apparatus according to another modification, and FIG. 8B is a diagram regarding a positioning cross section for describing an imaging apparatus according to still another modification. 9A to 9F are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing process of the imaging device. 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing process of the imaging device. FIG. 11A is a plan view seen from the object side of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a side sectional view schematically showing a part of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 11A. It is a figure which shows an example of the molded article containing the lens array of the state before cutting out.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an imaging device, a lens array laminate, a lens unit, and a manufacturing method thereof according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The imaging apparatus 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIG. 2 is for capturing a plurality of images using a plurality of imaging lenses and reconstructing one image. The imaging device 1000 has a rectangular or square outer shape, and includes a holder 100, a lens array stacked body 200, a rear diaphragm 300, an infrared cut filter 400, and an imaging element array 500.

  The holder 100 is a lens holder for housing and holding the lens array stack 200, the rear diaphragm 300, the infrared cut filter 400, and the imaging element array 500. The lens unit stack 200, the rear diaphragm 300, and the holder 100 constitute a lens unit 2000 that is an imaging optical system. The holder (lens holder) 100 is formed with a recess 101 having a plurality of step portions T1, T2, T3, and the holder 100 has a bowl-like outer shape as a whole. In the recess 101, the lens array laminate 200, the rear diaphragm 300, the infrared cut filter 400, and the imaging element array 500 are set in order. Each member 200, 300, 400, 500 is positioned by each step T1, T2, T3 of the recess 101. In the holder 100, circular openings 102 are formed at lattice point positions corresponding to a plurality of optical surfaces of the lens array laminate 200. The holder 100 is formed of a light-shielding resin, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) or a polyphthalamide (PPA) containing a colorant such as a black pigment.

  The lens array laminate 200 forms a subject image. The lens array stack 200 includes a first lens array 210, a second lens array 220, and an intermediate diaphragm 230. These members 210, 220, and 230 are stacked in the direction of the optical axis OA. The lens array stacked body 200 has a function of forming a subject image on the image plane or the imaging plane (projected plane) I of the imaging element array 500. In the present embodiment, the lens array stack 200 itself may be referred to as a lens array.

  The first lens array 210 in the lens array stack 200 is disposed on the most object side of the imaging apparatus 1000. The first lens array 210 includes a plurality of lenses 211 that are two-dimensionally arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The first lens array 210 has a quadrangular outer shape, and the lenses 211 in the first lens array 210 are integrally formed in a connected state. In other words, the first lens array 210 includes a large number of lenses 211 in which the first lens body portion 211a and the first flange portion 211b are set as a set, and the first flange portions of the adjacent lenses 211 are arranged. 211b is integrally formed. The first lens body 211a has a first optical surface 211c that is a convex aspheric surface on the object side, and a second optical surface 211d that is a concave aspheric surface on the image side. The first flange portion 211b around the first lens body 211a has a flat first flange surface 211e extending around the first optical surface 211c and a flat second flange surface 211f extending around the second optical surface 211d. And have. The first and second flange surfaces 211e and 211f are arranged in parallel to the XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

Each lens 211 of the first lens array 210 is configured with a positive lens power and satisfies the following conditional expression.
1.5 <Nd1 <1.9 (1)
However,
Nd1: Refractive index of the lens array closest to the object side (that is, the first lens array 210) The second optical surface 211d disposed on the image side surface of the first lens array 210 has a maximum surface angle (tilt with respect to a surface perpendicular to the optical axis) The angle is a concave surface of 40 degrees or less. This concave surface satisfies the following conditional expression.
YS2 / YS1 <1.5 (2)
However,
YS1: Effective radius of the object side optical surface closest to the object side YS2: Effective radius of the optical surface closest to the lens array image side closest to the object side

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a light shielding resin layer 212 having a reflectance of 10% or less between each first optical surface 211c on the object side surface of the first lens array 210 and the first optical surface 211c adjacent thereto. Is provided. The resin layer 212 is formed by applying a resin having a reflectance of 10% or less, such as a black paint. Thereby, the light incident on the object side surface of the first lens array 210 can be reduced, and the stray light intensity generated in the first lens array 210 can be further reduced. As shown in FIG. 3B, a surface ZP may be provided between the first optical surface 211 c and the adjacent first optical surface 211 c on the object side surface of the first lens array 210. The rough surface ZP is formed by, for example, blasting or transfer using a mold.

  Returning to FIG. 1A and the like, a slope portion 210 a for positioning the intermediate diaphragm 230 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the image side surface of the first lens array 210.

  Of the lens array stack 200, the second lens array 220 is disposed on the most image side of the imaging apparatus 1000. The second lens array 220 is substantially the same as the structure of the first lens array 210, and the same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

  Similar to the first lens array 220, the second lens array 220 includes a plurality of lenses 221 that are two-dimensionally arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA, and each lens 221 includes a second lens body 221a. And the second flange portion 221b are integrally formed as a set. The second lens body 221a includes a third optical surface 221c having a concave aspheric surface on the object side and a fourth optical surface 221d having a convex aspheric surface on the image side. The second flange portion 221b around the second lens body portion 221a includes a flat third flange surface 221e extending around the third optical surface 221c and a flat fourth flange surface 221f extending around the fourth optical surface 221d. And have. The third and fourth flange surfaces 221e and 221f are arranged in parallel to the XY plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The lens 221 has a function as the imaging lens 200 u together with the lens 211 of the first lens array 210.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, a light-shielding resin layer 222 having a reflectance of 10% or less between each fourth optical surface 221d and the adjacent fourth optical surface 221d on the image side surface of the second lens array 220. In addition, as shown to FIG. 3D, you may provide the surface ZP between the 4th optical surface 221d and the 4th optical surface 221d adjacent on the image side surface of the 2nd lens array 220. As shown in FIG.

  The first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 described above have a plurality of lenses 211 and 221 having curved second and third optical surfaces 211d and 221c on surfaces facing each other.

  The first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 are made of, for example, glass or resin. In the case of glass, the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 are formed by press molding using a mold, for example. In the case of resin, it is molded by, for example, injection molding using a mold or press molding using a mold or a resin mold. A resin lens may be formed on both surfaces of a flat transparent substrate such as a glass plate by imprinting using a curable resin material and a mold.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the first lens array 210 and the second lens array 220 are laminated via a light-curing adhesive layer 240 made of a resin having a light shielding property. The photocurable adhesive layer 240 includes a first photocurable adhesive layer 241 on the first lens array 210 side and a second photocurable adhesive layer 242 on the second lens array 220 side. An intermediate diaphragm 230 is sandwiched between the curable adhesive layers 241 and 242.

  The photocurable adhesive layer 240 includes at least first and second lens body portions 211a and 221a constituting the lenses 211 and 221 in the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220, and adjacent first and second lenses. It is provided between the main body portions 211a and 221a (in other words, between each optical surface and an optical surface adjacent thereto). Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the photo-curing adhesive layer 240 is located along the straight lines L1 and L2 connecting at least the optical axes OA of the lenses 211 and 221 in the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220. Provided.

  The photocurable adhesive layer 240 is, for example, a cationic polymerizable resin composition containing an alicyclic epoxy compound, or a cationic polymerizable resin containing an oxetane compound having an oxetane ring (four-membered ether) and an aliphatic epoxy compound. The composition is cured by photopolymerization, and includes a light-shielding material by absorption and translucent fine particles. The photocurable resin forming the photocurable adhesive layer 240 contains a cationic photopolymerization initiator that initiates polymerization of the photocurable resin and a polyfunctional monomer that adjusts the viscosity.

  A cationically polymerizable resin composition containing an alicyclic epoxy compound exhibits good curability even in the presence of a light-shielding material, and is particularly preferable. Examples of the alicyclic epoxy compound include vinylcyclohexene monooxide, 1,2-epoxy-4-vinylcyclohexane, 1,2: 8,9 diepoxy limonene, 3,4-epoxycyclohexenylmethyl-3, and '4'. -Epoxy cyclohexene carboxylate etc. are mentioned. Examples of commercially available products include Celoxide 2021P and Celoxide 2081 (manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries).

  Any photopolymerization initiator can be used as long as it has an absorption maximum at a wavelength in the ultraviolet region (400 nm or less) and generates a cation at a wavelength in the ultraviolet region.

  The material having a light shielding property by absorption is a material that blocks light used by the imaging apparatus 1000 by absorption, such as a black inorganic pigment or an organic pigment.

The photocurable adhesive layer 240 satisfies the following conditional expression.
5 × 10 ⁻⁵ <Tg × Dg / cos θ <1.4 × 10 ⁻³ (3)
However,
Tg: Transmittance per mm in the optical axis direction of the adhesive layer Dg: Thickness in the optical axis direction of the adhesive layer θ: Total reflection angle at the interface between the lens array and the medium having a refractive index of 1 (see FIG. 3E)
The refractive indexes of the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 and the refractive index of the photocurable adhesive layer 240 satisfy the following conditional expression.
Ng / Nd> 0.9 (4)
However,
Ng: refractive index of the adhesive layer Nd: refractive index of the lens array

  The intermediate diaphragm 230 is a rectangular plate-like member, and is provided between the first lens array 210 and the second lens array 220. The intermediate diaphragm 230 is joined to the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 via the photocurable adhesive layer 240. In other words, the intermediate diaphragm 230 has a portion that is held so as to be embedded in the photocurable adhesive layer 240. A circular opening 231 is formed in the intermediate diaphragm 230 at a position corresponding to the first and second lens main body portions 211a and 221a of the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220. The intermediate diaphragm 230 is a plate-like member made of metal, resin, or the like, and a black or dark material having light absorption by itself, or a material whose surface is painted black or dark is used. The intermediate stop 230 allows incident light to pass through the effective surfaces of the lenses 211 and 221 with high accuracy, and blocks stray light that is totally reflected and propagated in the second lens array 220 on the image side. The intermediate diaphragm 230 has at least one of the object side surface and the image side surface as a rough surface. Thereby, the intensity of the light reflected by the intermediate diaphragm 230 and returning into the first or second lens array 210, 220 can be reduced.

  The rear diaphragm 300 is a quadrangular plate-like member, and is provided between the lens array laminate 200 and the infrared cut filter 400. In the rear diaphragm 300, rectangular openings 301 are formed at positions corresponding to the first and second lens body portions 211a and 221a of the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220. The material of the rear diaphragm 300 can be the same as that of the intermediate diaphragm 230. The rear diaphragm 300 blocks stray light that enters the image sensor array 500.

  The infrared cut filter 400 is a quadrangular plate-like member, and is provided between the rear diaphragm 300 and the image sensor array 500. The infrared cut filter 400 has a function of reflecting infrared rays.

  The image sensor array 500 detects a subject image formed by the lenses 211 and 221 of the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220. The imaging element array 500 includes an imaging unit 501 including imaging elements that are two-dimensionally arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The imaging unit 501 is a sensor chip made of a solid-state imaging device. A photoelectric conversion unit (not shown) of the imaging unit 501 is composed of a CCD or a CMOS, photoelectrically converts incident light for each RGB, and outputs an analog signal thereof. In each imaging unit 501, the surface of the photoelectric conversion unit as a light receiving unit is an imaging surface (projected surface) I. The image sensor array 500 is fixed by a wiring board (not shown). The wiring board receives supply of a voltage and a signal for driving the imaging unit 501 from an external circuit, and outputs a detection signal to the external circuit.

  Note that a transparent parallel plate may be arranged and fixed on the lens array stacked body 200 side of the image sensor array 500 so as to cover the image sensor array 500 and the like.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an imaging processing device 3000 equipped with the imaging device 1000 and its operation will be described.

  The imaging processing device 3000 includes an imaging device 1000, a microprocessor 81, an interface 82, and a display 83.

  The imaging element array 500 converts each image formed on the imaging unit 501 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the microprocessor 81. The microprocessor 81 processes the input signal based on a predetermined processing program stored in the ROM in the microprocessor 81, and reconstructs each image into one image. Thereafter, the microprocessor 81 outputs one reconstructed image to the display 83 via the interface 82. Further, the microprocessor 81 temporarily stores various calculation results when executing processing based on the processing program in the built-in RAM. Note that the image reconstruction processing by the microprocessor 81 includes, for example, processing for cutting out a necessary rectangular area from each image, and processing for reconstructing an image based on each piece of parallax information from the cut out rectangular image. For example, a known process can be used.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, 6 </ b> A, and 6 </ b> B, a structure of alignment between the holder 100 and the lens array stacked body 200, which is a characteristic part in the present embodiment, of the imaging apparatus 1000 will be described. In these alignments, a structure is formed for alignment between the first lens array 210 located on the object side of the lens array laminate 200 and the portion of the holder 100 facing the first lens array 210. It is supposed to be. 5A is a plan view seen from the object side of the imaging apparatus 1000, FIG. 5B is a side sectional view schematically showing a part of the AA section of FIG. 5A, and FIG. It is a side sectional view showing typically a part of other sections concerning -A section or a section other than AA section.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the holder 100 which is a lens holder has a plurality of opening forming portions IP, and each opening forming portion IP is arranged corresponding to each lens 211 constituting the first lens array 210. It is a part which forms the opening part 102 including the opening made. In the present embodiment, the opening edge of the opening forming portion IP functions as a kind of stop, and the opening forming portion IP is referred to as a stop portion IP. Each aperture IP is a part that defines the size and shape of the opening 102. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the opening 102 is formed so that the region through which light passes is a cylindrical shape with a constricted center, and the most constricted portion, that is, the portion with a reduced diameter is the opening portion. 102 is the portion that narrows the light passage range the most, and is formed by an opening end AI that defines an opening for taking in light.

  Each diaphragm portion IP has the same or substantially the same shape on the object side with respect to the plane including the opening end AI indicated by the broken line PP in the drawing. That is, in any aperture part IP, the shape of the opening 102 on the object side is constant with no substantial difference, and matters relating to the optical function such as the F number are kept constant. More specifically, the shape will be described with reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C. The optical axis OA1 of each lens 211 and the central axis OA2 of each aperture portion IP form a common central axis, and around the central axis. As for the diameter D1 of the circular opening and the diameter D2 of the contour shape at the end closest to the object, there is no difference in any of the aperture portions IP, and they are common. That is, the apertures are arranged so as to be centered with respect to the plurality of lenses 211. On the other hand, as is apparent from a comparison between FIGS. 5B and 5C, the optical aperture of the aperture located on the lens 211 side (that is, the image side) from the plane including the aperture end AI indicated by the broken line PP in the drawing is shown. As for the shape of the portion not directly related to the function, the shape of the aperture portion IP varies depending on the location of the aperture portion IP, such as the size or range of the diameter D3 of the contour shape of the end portion closest to the image side. It is different. Here, only the diameter D3 at the image side end in FIG. 5B is eccentric with respect to the central axis OA2.

  Hereinafter, the difference in shape between the respective aperture portions IP on the lens 211 side with respect to the plane including the opening end AI in the aperture portion IP will be described. First, each aperture portion IP has a tapered portion TP that expands in a tapered shape toward the lens 211 side. Here, as shown in the figure, the inclination angle of the taper with respect to the optical axis OA differs depending on whether the tapered portion TP of each aperture portion IP is located in a matrix. In the present embodiment, of the total of 16 aperture portions IP of 4 rows and 4 columns shown in FIG. 5A, two aperture portions disposed at diagonal ends surrounded by regions Xm and Xn as indicated by arrows. IPm and IPn (see FIG. 5B) have shapes different from the remaining 14 diaphragm portions IP (see FIG. 5C). In other words, among the four lenses 211 arranged at the corner portions CR1 to CR4 which are the four corners of the first lens array 210, the diaphragm portions provided at the corner portions CR1 and CR3 arranged at two diagonal positions. The IP has a three-dimensional shape that is different from the other aperture portions IP. Specifically, regarding the difference in shape, the inclination angle (for example, the inclination angle α) of the taper portion TP when viewed in cross section in the restriction portions IPm and IPn shown in FIG. 5B is the taper portion of the other restriction portion IP shown in FIG. 5C. It is larger than the inclination angle β of TP. In other words, the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn are smaller in taper extent than the other diaphragm portions IP.

  On the other hand, all the lenses 211 constituting the first lens array 210 have the same or substantially the same convex shape, and are arranged at regular intervals.

  As described above, the lenses 211 having the same shape are arranged at regular intervals, whereas the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn have different shapes from the other 14 diaphragm portions IP, Compared with the aperture part IP, the first optical surface 211c of the lens 211 is easily in contact with the part. Positioning of the first lens array 210 and the lens array stack 200 with respect to the holder 100 is caused by bringing two specific diaphragm portions IPm and IPn into contact with a part of the corresponding lenses 211m and 211n among all the lenses 211. It is possible to do. In other words, the two aperture portions IPm and IPn function as the holder side alignment portion HG during alignment. In addition, the two lenses 211m and 211n arranged at positions corresponding to the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn function as the lens side alignment portion LG at the time of alignment.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5B, the holder side alignment portion HG, that is, the two aperture portions IPm and IPn will be described in more detail. In the two throttle parts IPm and IPn, the inclination angle of the taper part TP is not limited to a constant value. For example, as shown in the figure, the inclination angle α corresponding to the points P and Q that are in contact with each other is the largest. The inclination angle α ′ on the opposite side that is not in contact can be smaller than the inclination angle α. For example, by gradually changing the inclination angle of the portion that should be the inner surface of the tapered portion TP between the portion that contacts and the portion that does not contact when the mold for the holder 100 is formed, the contact side and the non-contact side The inclination angle can be varied. For example, with respect to the inclination angle of each throttle part IP, α> α ′> β, and the difference between the inclination angle α and the inclination angle α ′ is the minimum necessary for providing a minimum clearance in consideration of manufacturing errors and the like. On the other hand, by making the inclination angle β sufficiently smaller than the inclination angle α and the inclination angle α ′, it functions as a holder side alignment portion HG that aligns the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn. Other diaphragm portions IP can be formed into a right conical surface shape in which a tapered portion TP that is easy to make is formed with a uniform inclination angle β and is not in contact with the lens 211. In other words, of the 16 aperture portions IP, 2 aperture portions IP are in contact with specific locations of the two lenses 211m and 211n, while the other 14 aperture portions IP are in contact with the lens 211. It can be placed without touching.
The two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn provided in the holder 100 are not limited to the effective area having an optical function in the first optical surface 211c, and can be in contact with an outer edge portion having no optical function. That is, by adjusting the shapes of the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn as appropriate, the points P and Q which are contact portions are extended to the outer edge portion of the first optical surface 211c or to the outside thereof and have a high shape accuracy ( In this specification, such a portion can also be called an optical surface).

  Hereinafter, the positioning method will be specifically described. 6A is a schematic diagram of the corner portions CR1 to CR4 as viewed from the object side, and FIG. 6B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6A, and for each corner portion CR1 to CR4, BB in FIGS. It is sectional drawing. That is, the cross-sectional view corresponds to a place where the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn are in contact with the lens 211, and shows a positional relationship and a positioning state of the contact places. The cross section shown in FIG. 6B is called a positioning cross section.

  In the positioning cross section of FIG. 6B, the solid line indicates the outer cross section OD of the lens 211, and the alternate long and short dash line indicates the side cross section OI of the aperture portions IP, IPm, and IPn. In a pair of corner portions CR1 and CR3 having a diagonal relationship, points P and Q, which are locations where the outer cross-section OD and the side cross-section OI are in contact, are the contact locations of the aperture portions IPm and IPn and the lenses 211m and 211n. It shows that it is not in contact with other parts. In the case shown in the drawing, of the pair of inner side surfaces formed by the tapered portions TP of the aperture portions IPm and IPn, the portion that is located farthest from the peripheral side of the first lens array 210 is the first optical surface of the pair of lenses 211. It is in contact with the farthest outer edge on the peripheral side of 211c. That is, the shape of the tapered portions TP of the aperture portions IPm and IPn is eccentric so as to adjust the contact position so as to be sandwiched from the diagonally outer side as described above. As a result, positioning in the X direction and Y direction, which are orthogonal to the optical axis, and also in the Z direction is performed. In particular, by setting the aperture portions IPm and IPn at two diagonal positions, the accuracy in the X direction and the Y direction can be increased.

  As described above, in this embodiment, alignment is performed by the lens side alignment unit LG and the holder side alignment unit HG. Specifically, two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn at specific positions are set as holder side alignment portions HG, and two lenses 211 constituting the first lens array 210 correspond to two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn. The lenses 211m and 211n are used as the lens side alignment part LG, and thereby the alignment between the first lens array 210 and the holder 100 can be performed with high accuracy. At this time, by ensuring that a plurality of apertures IP are formed in the holder 100 so as to form openings having substantially the same shape and are centered, the alignment affects the optical performance. This can be suppressed.

  In contrast, in the remaining aperture portions IP of the corner portions CR2 and CR4, the side section OI indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is not decentered due to the shape of the tapered portion TP, and is aligned with the arrangement interval of the lenses 211. Is centered along the optical axis OA. Accordingly, in the drawing, the circular outer cross-section OD and the side cross-section OI are both coaxial circles centered on the optical axis OA and do not abut, so positioning is not hindered. Thereby, the holder 100 can be accurately positioned on the lens array stacked body 200.

  In the above, of the four lenses 211 arranged in the corner portions CR1 to CR4 at the four corners of the first lens array 210, two diaphragm portions having a structure for positioning the diaphragm portion IP corresponding to the corner portions CR1 and CR3. By using IPm and IPn, the holder side alignment portion HG and the lens side alignment portion LG are arranged diagonally at the four corners, but the diaphragm portions corresponding to other portions of the corner portions CR1 to CR4. It is also possible to use two throttle parts IPm and IPn, that is, holder side alignment part HG. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, out of those located in the corner portions CR1 to CR4, for example, the locations located in the corner portion CR1 and the corner portion CR2, that is, not at the diagonal positions of the quadrangular region but at both end positions of one side. A certain lens 211 and a diaphragm IP may be selected to form the positioning portion as described above.

  Moreover, you may change a contact position like the positioning cross section shown to FIG. 8A. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5A and the like, the two points P and Q that are contact points may be positioned not on the peripheral side of the first lens array 210 but on the central side of the first lens array 210. In the example shown in FIG. 7A and the like, the two points P and Q can be arranged on the outer side near the corner as in the positioning cross section shown in FIG. 8B, for example, but can also be arranged on the inner side near the center of the side. Note that the adjustment of the position as described above can be realized by adjusting the inclination angles α and α ′ at the time of mold formation.

  Further, the shape of the diaphragm portions IPm and IPn may be other than the shape of the tapered portion TP as long as the two points P and Q that are the contact positions can be appropriately determined. It may be.

  Hereinafter, an example of a manufacturing process of the imaging device 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9F and 10A to 10D.

  First, a master mold corresponding to the final shape of the first lens array 210 is manufactured by grinding or the like. Next, the lenses 211 of the first lens array 210 are integrally molded using the master mold. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first lens array 210 is obtained. The second lens array 220 is similarly manufactured.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, photocuring that forms the first photocurable adhesive layer 241 between the second optical surface 211 d and the second optical surface 211 d that is the image side surface of the first lens array 210. A functional resin BD is applied. When the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 are laminated, the photo-curing resin BD has a second flange surface 211f of the first lens array 210 and a third flange of the second lens array 220 with the intermediate diaphragm 230 interposed therebetween. An amount smaller than the volume of the space formed between the surface 221e is applied so as not to protrude toward the optical surfaces 211d and 221c. Here, the photocurable resin BD can be applied using an ink jet dispenser or the like. In the present embodiment, the application position of the photocurable resin BD is adjacent between the adjacent optical surfaces in the X direction and the Y direction, outside the outermost optical surface in the X direction and the Y direction, and adjacent to the oblique direction. The matching optical surfaces are used. Note that when the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 are pressed against each other with the intermediate diaphragm 230 interposed therebetween, the photocurable resin BD is pressed within a range other than the second optical surface 211d and the third optical surface 221c. Can be spread. By applying in this way, stray light guided through the lens array can be effectively suppressed and a light-absorbing adhesive layer can be easily formed.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the intermediate diaphragm 230 is disposed above the first lens array 210, and the first lens body 211 a of the first lens array 210 and the opening 231 of the intermediate diaphragm 230 are aligned. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9D, the intermediate diaphragm 230 is pressed onto the first lens array 210. At this time, the intermediate diaphragm 230 is positioned by an inclined surface portion 210 a provided on the outer peripheral side of the first lens array 210.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9E, a photocurable resin BD that becomes the second photocurable adhesive layer 242 is applied on the intermediate diaphragm 230. At this time, the application position and the application amount of the photocurable resin BD are substantially the same as those of the first lens array 210.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9F, the first lens body portion 211 a of the first lens array 210 and the second lens body portion 221 a of the second lens array 220 are arranged above the second lens array 220 and the intermediate diaphragm 230. And align. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10A, the second lens array 220 is pressed onto the intermediate diaphragm 230. After that, as shown in FIG. 10A, with the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 laminated, the object side surface of the first lens array 210 and the image side surface of the second lens array 220 are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The photocurable resin BD is cured. Thereby, the photocurable adhesive layer 240 is formed, and the lens array laminate 200 shown in FIG. 10B is obtained.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10C, the lens array laminate 200 is set in a holder 100 prepared in advance. When incorporating into the holder 100, it is preferable that the lens array laminate 200 is stored in an appropriate jig or container and then transported to the holder assembling step so as not to damage the lens array laminate 200. The lens array stacked body 200, that is, the first lens array 210 is positioned at the step portion T1 of the concave portion 101 of the holder 100. At this time, the positioning mechanism described above enables more accurate positioning. Yes. The lens array laminate 200 is fixed to the holder 100 by filling an adhesive or the like between the wall surface of the concave portion 101 of the holder 100 and the side surface of the lens array laminate 200 and solidifying. If the lens array stacked body 200 is set in the holder 100, the lens array stacked body 200 can be easily handled, so that the workability until the lens array stacked body 200 is incorporated into the imaging apparatus 1000 can be improved.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 10D, the rear diaphragm 300, the infrared cut filter 400, and the imaging element array 500 are sequentially set on the lens array stacked body 200 in the holder 100. The rear diaphragm 300, the infrared cut filter 400, and the imaging element array 500 are also positioned by the step portions T2 and T3 of the concave portion 101 of the holder 100, similarly to the lens array stacked body 200. The rear diaphragm 300, the infrared cut filter 400, and the image sensor array 500 are fixed to the holder 100 with an adhesive or the like.

  According to the imaging apparatus 1000 described above, the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 are integrally molded, and the plurality of lens arrays 210 and 220 includes a material having a light-shielding property by absorption. The second and second optical surfaces 211d and 221c adjacent to the second and third optical surfaces 211d and 221c in the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220, which are stacked via the adhesive layer 240 and can reach the light curable adhesive layer 240 through which the stray light can reach, are used. By arranging it between the three optical surfaces 211d and 221c, the stray light intensity can be effectively attenuated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, stray light (for example, rays RA1 and RA2 in FIG. 1A) that is a problem in image reconstruction is refracted by the second optical surface 211d and the fourth optical surface 221d that arrive after total reflection. However, since the stray light intensity is attenuated by the photocurable adhesive layer 240, it does not reach the imaging unit 501.

  In addition, since the imaging apparatus 1000 stacks the plurality of lens arrays 210 and 220 via the photocurable adhesive layer 240, variation in the distance between the first lens array 210 and the second lens array 220 can be reduced. . Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the performance in the 1st and 2nd lens arrays 210 and 220 can be made small. Moreover, the optical total length can be reduced by configuring the lens array laminate 200 with two pieces. Further, by adjusting the transmittance so as to maintain photocurability by using a light-shielding material by absorption, light having a light-shielding property while taking advantage of the photocurable resin BD having a relatively short curing time. A curable adhesive layer 240 can be formed.

  On the other hand, when the light-curing adhesive layer 240 having light shielding properties is not provided, the stray light (rays RA1 and RA2 in FIG. 1A) refracted or reflected by the second and fourth optical surfaces 211d and 221d is not attenuated, and the imaging unit It reaches 501 (the broken line portion shown in FIG. 1A) and becomes noise during image reconstruction. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the rays RA1 and RA2, the first flange surface 211e between the first optical surfaces 211c of the first lens array 210 and the fourth optical surface of the second lens array 220 are not shown. A third flange between the second flange surface 211f between the second optical surfaces 211d of the first lens array 210 and the third optical surface 221c of the second lens array 220 without being reflected by the fourth flange surface 221f between 221d. There is also stray light that repeats reflection only by the surface 221e and the first to fourth optical surfaces 211c, 211d, 221c, and 221d. Therefore, simply providing a light-absorbing adhesive layer on the first flange surface 211e between the first optical surfaces 211c of the first lens array 210 and the fourth flange surface 221f between the fourth optical surfaces 221d of the second lens array 220. It is not possible to sufficiently prevent image quality deterioration due to stray light. As in this embodiment, the second flange surface 211f between the second optical surfaces 211d of the first lens array 210 and the third flange surface 221e between the third optical surfaces 221c of the second lens array 220 are light-absorbing. By arranging the photo-curable adhesive layer 240 that is an adhesive layer, such stray light can also be effectively absorbed. Further, this light-absorbing photocurable adhesive layer 240 can advantageously suppress such stray light without being arranged at the last lens effective diameter, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an imaging apparatus and the like according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the imaging device and the like of the second embodiment are modifications of the imaging device and the like of the first embodiment, and items that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the present embodiment, two lenses 211m and 211n and a pair of fitting portions respectively provided around the two aperture portions IPm and IPn corresponding to the two lenses 211m and 211n. Mm and Mn are provided as the lens side alignment part LG and the holder side alignment part HG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the pair of fitting portions Mm includes a columnar convex portion Km provided around the lens 211m, and a periphery of the aperture portion IPm corresponding to the convex portion Km. It is comprised with the recessed part Lm provided in. Further, another pair of fitting portions Mn includes a cylindrical convex portion Kn provided around the lens 211n and a concave portion Ln provided around the aperture portion IPn corresponding to the convex portion Kn. ing. The alignment is performed by fitting the convex portion Km and the concave portion Lm in the fitting portion Mm and fitting the convex portion Kn and the concave portion Ln in the fitting portion Mn.

  Also in this embodiment, by using these fitting portions Mm and Mn, the holder 100 and the first lens array 210 can be aligned with high accuracy. In the present embodiment, since the alignment is performed by the fitting portions Mm and Mn, it is not necessary to bring the two lenses 211m and 211n and the two diaphragm portions IPm and IPn into contact for alignment. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, for example, in the aperture portion IPm and the lens 211m, the taper portion TP may have an inclination angle β (<α), and the lens 211m and the aperture portion IPm may be in a separated state.

  Although the imaging apparatus and the like according to the present embodiment have been described above, the imaging apparatus and the like according to the present invention are not limited to the above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shape of each aperture portion IP and the arrangement interval of the lenses 211 are the same with no substantial difference. For example, in the imaging apparatus 1000, the center side and the peripheral side In the case where a slight difference is provided in the optical characteristics in advance, it is possible to provide a slight difference while keeping the shape of each aperture portion IP substantially the same according to the difference. Also in this case, the above-described holder-side alignment portion HG and lens-side alignment portion LG are formed by taking the slight difference into account, whereby planned positioning with respect to the lens array 210 and the holder 100 can be performed.

  5B and 5C, the diameter D2 of the shape of the end portion closest to the object side is the shape of the opening portion 102 by the diaphragm portion IP on the object side with respect to the plane including the opening end AI indicated by the broken line PP. The diameter D1 is relatively large with respect to the diameter D1 of the opening. However, this is an example, and various shapes are possible. For example, the diameter D1 and the diameter D2 may be substantially the same. it can.

  Further, as the holder side alignment part HG, three diaphragm parts having the same structure as the diaphragm parts IPm and IPn can be provided. In addition, a contact portion with the first flange surface 211e of the lens array 210 that assists the aperture portions IPm and IPn can be additionally provided.

  The image side surface 100r of the opening forming portion IP provided in the holder 100 and the first flange surface 211e of the first lens array 210 can be separated from each other. In particular, when the image side surface 100r of the positioning diaphragms IPm and IPn is separated from the first flange surface 211e, for example, a protrusion that supplementarily restricts the inclination of the lens array 210 or the lens array stack 200 in the concave portion 101 of the holder 100 By providing such a shape portion, the contact state between the aperture portions IPm, IPn and the lenses 211m, 211n or the first optical surface 211c can be precisely adjusted.

  Further, for alignment of the lens arrays such as between the lens arrays 210 and 220, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the reference surface portion IMx of the protrusion IMf provided around the molded product IM before the lens array 210 is cut out. , IMy, back surface IMd, etc., can be used for alignment with high accuracy. However, for example, the lens array 210 after being cut out at the position indicated by the broken line in the drawing (after dicing) has a relatively poor external dimension accuracy, and the use of the protrusion IMf and the like becomes impossible. With respect to the alignment, it is beneficial to use the alignment mechanism described above.

  In the above embodiment, the shape, size, number, arrangement interval, and the like of the first to fourth optical surfaces 211c, 211d, 221c, and 221d can be changed as appropriate according to the application and function. Further, the outer shape of each lens array 210, 220, the outer shape of the holder 100, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the application and function.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the photocurable contact bonding layer 240 was based on including the translucent microparticles | fine-particles, if the reflectance can fully be suppressed, it does not necessarily need to be included.

  In the above embodiment, the intermediate diaphragm 230 is provided. However, if the material of the intermediate diaphragm 230 is difficult to reflect, the rough surface is not necessarily required. Further, when the intermediate diaphragm 230 is not particularly necessary, such as when the light-absorbing photocurable adhesive layer 240 can be disposed sufficiently close to the lens body portions 211a and 221a, the intermediate diaphragm 230 may not be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the resin layer 212 having a reflectance of 10% or less and the storm surface ZP are provided between the first optical surface 211c of the first lens array 210 and the adjacent first optical surface 211c, or the second lens. Similarly, the resin layer 222 and the rough surface ZP are provided between the fourth optical surface 221d of the array 220 and the adjacent fourth optical surface 221d, but the presence of the light-absorbing photocurable adhesive layer 240 is present. If stray light can be sufficiently prevented, these may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the second optical surface 211d arranged on the image side surface of the first lens array 210 is a concave surface, but may be a convex surface. Thereby, the angle with respect to the surface of the incident light beam can be reduced. When the second optical surface 211d is a convex surface, the intermediate diaphragm 230 may be positioned by a positioning mechanism separately provided outside the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220 in addition to the inclined surface 210a.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the photocurable contact bonding layer 240 was provided in some 2nd flange surfaces 211f etc. of the 1st lens array 210 grade | etc., If it does not interfere with the 2nd optical surface 211d, the 2nd flange surface You may provide in the whole surface, such as 211f.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although photocurable resin BD was photocured simultaneously from the 1st and 2nd lens array 210,220 side, after apply | coating photocurable resin BD, you may photocure one side at a time.

  In the above embodiments, the lenses 211 constituting the first lens array 210 have the same or substantially the same convex shape and are arranged at a constant interval. The lens shape and the arrangement interval may be different from each other. For example, in the compound-eye imaging device of the visual field division method and the lens unit used therefor, the shape and arrangement of each lens can be made different so as to be suitable for imaging each imaging target region. In this case, the shape of the opening of the holder can also be appropriate according to this, and may be the same as that described in each of the above embodiments, or utilizing the fact that the shape and arrangement of the lenses are different. All of the opening shapes may be the same or substantially the same. In short, when using an aperture shape, the apertures of two sets of lenses and their corresponding holders are relative to the corresponding lenses in the taper of the holder apertures relative to the apertures of the other lenses and their corresponding holders. It is only necessary that the lens array can be positioned by making the angles different.

  In each of the above embodiments, the lens array stack 200 is composed of two lenses, the first and second lens arrays 210 and 220. However, the lens array stack 200 may be composed of three or more lenses. Good. By configuring the lens array stack 200 with three sheets (or three or more sheets), a reconstructed image with higher image quality can be obtained. Although it becomes difficult to suppress the performance variation of each lens unit by using three layers, it is not necessary to provide a light absorption layer in each of the upper and lower lens arrays. It is possible to prevent stray light from being guided through the array. Further, even when the number of lens array stacks 200 is three, the alignment between the holder 100 and the corresponding lens array, and thus the lens array stack 200, can be made highly accurate.

Claims (11)

A lens array having a plurality of lenses that are two-dimensionally arranged and integrally molded;
A lens holder having a plurality of opening forming portions provided corresponding to each lens of the lens array,
An imaging device that generates a plurality of image data for creating a reconstructed image using the lens array,
In the lens holder, the plurality of opening forming portions form openings having substantially the same shape, and the openings are centered with respect to the plurality of lenses constituting the lens array. Has been placed,
A lens-side alignment unit having a three-dimensionally shaped portion that performs alignment with the lens holder at a specific two lenses of the plurality of lenses arranged in a corner portion of the lens array or around the two lenses; ,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a holder-side alignment unit that is provided in the lens holder corresponding to the lens-side alignment unit and has a three-dimensional shape portion that performs alignment with the lens array. In the lens array, the plurality of lenses are two-dimensionally arranged in a quadrangular region, and form the four corner portions at four corners of the quadrangular shape,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the two specific lenses are arranged at two positions diagonally positioned among the four corner portions. The lens side alignment part is an outer edge part of the optical surface of the specific two lenses,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder side alignment unit is a side surface inclined with respect to a central axis of the opening of the lens holder. In the lens array, the plurality of lenses are convex lenses on the front side,
In the lens holder, the plurality of opening forming portions have a tapered portion that is provided on the lens side with respect to an opening end that narrows the light passage range and defines the opening and expands in a tapered shape.
The lens-side alignment unit has a part of the convex surface of the two specific lenses as the three-dimensional shape part,
The holder-side alignment portion has an inner side surface of the tapered portion in two specific opening forming portions corresponding to the two specific lenses among the plurality of opening forming portions as the three-dimensional shape portion,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the convex surface of the lens is in contact with an inner surface of the tapered portion.   In the holder side alignment portion, the relative inclination angle of the tapered portion of the two specific opening forming portions with respect to the corresponding lens is a taper provided in an opening forming portion other than the two specific opening forming portions. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the part is different from a relative inclination angle with respect to a corresponding lens.   In the holder-side alignment portion, the two specific opening forming portions are a portion that is in contact with the lens-side alignment portion and a portion that is not in contact with the corresponding lens. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inclination angle is changed.   The lens side alignment portion and the holder side alignment portion are fitting portions provided around the specific two lenses and two specific aperture forming portions corresponding to the two lenses. The imaging apparatus according to 1.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the lens array is a lens array stacked body including a first lens array and a second lens array stacked in an optical axis direction.   The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second lens arrays are bonded via a light-curing adhesive layer made of a resin having a light shielding property.   The photocurable adhesive layer is provided between optical surfaces constituting the plurality of lenses provided on at least one of the first and second lens arrays facing each other, and is shielded by absorption. The imaging device according to claim 8, comprising a material having a property. A lens array having a plurality of lenses that are two-dimensionally arrayed and integrally formed, and a lens holder having a plurality of aperture forming portions provided corresponding to the lenses of the lens array, A lens unit used in an imaging device that generates a plurality of image data for creating a reconstructed image using
In the lens holder, the plurality of opening forming portions form openings having substantially the same shape, and the openings are centered with respect to the plurality of lenses constituting the lens array. Has been placed,
A lens-side alignment unit having a three-dimensionally shaped portion that performs alignment with the lens holder at a specific two lenses of the plurality of lenses arranged in a corner portion of the lens array or around the two lenses; ,
A lens unit comprising: a holder-side alignment unit that is provided in the lens holder corresponding to the lens-side alignment unit and has a three-dimensional shape portion that performs alignment with the lens array.

Images