WO2023171399A1

WO2023171399A1 - Lens unit, camera module, imaging system, and moving body

Info

Publication number: WO2023171399A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/006568
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雄輔馬場; 孝行杉目
Original assignee: マクセル株式会社
Priority date: 2022-03-11
Filing date: 2023-02-22
Publication date: 2023-09-14
Also published as: JP2023132523A

Abstract

Provided are a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body that make it possible to prevent the ingress of water vapor between a first lens and a second lens (between lens faces).　The flange surfaces 13S, 14S facing one another in the optical axis direction of a first lens 13 positioned furthest to the object side and a second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side are adhered together by means of a first adhesive 31, and an outer perimeter surface 13d substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of one lens 13 among the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 and an intersecting surface 14d intersecting the optical axis of the other lens 14 are adhered together by means of a second adhesive 32 at a position further outward in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis in comparison to the first adhesive 31.

Description

Lens units, camera modules, imaging systems and moving objects

The present invention particularly relates to a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body equipped with an imaging system, which constitute an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

In the past, vehicles have been equipped with on-board cameras to support parking and use image recognition to prevent collisions, and attempts are also being made to apply this to autonomous driving. In addition, a camera module such as such a vehicle-mounted camera generally includes a lens group consisting of a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel that accommodates and holds this lens group, and at least one of the lens groups. The lens unit includes a diaphragm member disposed between lenses at one location (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, especially in a lens unit for an in-vehicle camera, when at least a portion of the lens unit is installed outside the vehicle, a lens group L is incorporated into the inner housing space S of the lens barrel 102 as shown in FIG. 8 for waterproof and dustproof purposes. An O-ring 104 is inserted between the first lens 100 located closest to the object side of the lens group L and the lens barrel 102, and the O-ring 104 is inserted into the lens group L inside the lens barrel 102. Prevents water and dust from entering. In this case, for example, a step-shaped reduced diameter portion 100b whose diameter becomes smaller at the image side portion of the lens 100 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the first lens 100, and an O-ring 104 is attached to this reduced diameter portion 100b. As a result, the O-ring 104 is compressed in the radial direction between the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 100 and the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 102, so that the object side end of the lens barrel 102 is sealed. ing.

Further, an adhesive J is applied between the flange surface of the first lens 100 and the flange surface of the second lens 101 adjacent to the first lens 100 on the image side, so that the first lens 100 and the second lens 101 prevents the lens surface 100a of the first lens 100 from fogging up.

JP2013-231993A

By the way, even if waterproof measures are taken using the O-ring as described above, moisture (water vapor) can enter the lens unit through various routes. In order to prevent this water vapor from entering between the first lens and the second lens, the flange surface of the first lens and the flange surface of the second lens are bonded together with an adhesive to form a sealed structure. However, as time passes, water vapor gradually permeates through the adhesive and enters the space K between the first lens and the second lens (between the lens surfaces). If the water vapor that has entered between the lens surfaces condenses due to temperature changes and adheres to the lens surface of the first lens (lens surface facing the image side) and clouds the first lens, visibility will decrease. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving object that can prevent water vapor from entering between a first lens and a second lens (between lens surfaces). The purpose is to

In order to solve the above problems, the lens unit of the present invention includes a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lens, and a lens barrel that accommodates and holds this lens group. hand,
Among the plurality of lenses, flange surfaces facing each other in the optical axis direction of a first lens located closest to the object side and a second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side are adhered to each other with a first adhesive,
An outer circumferential surface substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of one of the first lens and the second lens and an intersecting surface intersecting the optical axis direction of the other lens are bonded to the first adhesive. It is characterized in that it is bonded with a second adhesive on the outer side in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

In the present invention, the flange surfaces of the first lens and the second lens are bonded to each other by the first adhesive, and the outer circumferential surface of one of the first lens and the second lens is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the other lens. Since the intersecting surface of the lens is bonded with the second adhesive, two-step bonding is achieved, and the water vapor entry path can be made longer in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering between the first lens and the second lens (between the lens surfaces).

Furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, at least the second adhesive may be formed of a low moisture permeability resin.

According to such a configuration, since at least the second adhesive is formed of a low moisture permeability resin, it is possible to more reliably prevent water vapor from entering between the lens surfaces.

Furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, the first adhesive and the second adhesive may be formed of a resin adhesive having an elastic modulus of 1000 Mpa or less.

According to such a configuration, since the first lens and the second lens are bonded by the first adhesive and the second adhesive formed of a resin adhesive of 1000 MPa or less, the thermal shock that the lens unit receives is reduced. These can be softened by adhesive.

Further, in the configuration of the present invention, one of the opposing flange surfaces of the first lens or the second lens extends further outward in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis than the other flange surface; The protruding flange surface serves as the intersecting surface, and an annular standing wall extending along the circumferential direction is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the intersecting surface.

According to such a configuration, by simply filling the second adhesive inside the vertical wall, the outer circumferential surface of one of the first lens or the second lens and the intersecting surface of the other lens are connected to the first lens. Since the two adhesives are used for adhesion, the adhesion work using the second adhesive becomes easy.

The present invention also provides a camera module having the lens unit, an imaging system having the camera module, and a moving body equipped with the imaging system. The same effects as those of the lens unit described above can also be obtained by such a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving object. Note that the term "mobile object" refers to any object that can be moved, and includes, for example, a vehicle.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering between the first lens and the second lens (between the lens surfaces).

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part showing a bonded state of the first lens and the second lens in the same. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part showing a bonded state of a first lens and a second lens showing a modified example of the same. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a lens unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a bonded state of a first lens and a second lens. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle as a moving object on which an imaging system (in-vehicle system) including a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device that constitutes the imaging system shown in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional lens unit.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but this embodiment is based on "9. Create a foundation for industry and technological innovation" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations. ``9.1 Providing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.'' Contributing to the development of (resilient) infrastructure.
The lens unit of this embodiment described below is particularly for use in camera modules such as in-vehicle cameras, and is, for example, fixedly installed on the outer surface of a car, and the wiring is led into the car to be used as a display. and other devices. Further, in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8, hatching for a plurality of lenses and spacers is omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a lens unit 11 of a first embodiment. This lens unit 11 is, for example, for an in-vehicle camera, and is installed on the outside of a car with at least the object-side end (upper end in FIG. 1) of the lens unit 11 exposed.

The lens unit 11 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 12, a plurality of (for example, six)

lenses

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 disposed within the lens barrel 12, and three

aperture members

20, 21. , 22 and one annular spacer 24. The vehicle-mounted camera including the lens unit 11 includes the lens unit 11, a substrate (not shown) having an image sensor, and an installation member (not shown) for installing the substrate in a vehicle such as an automobile.
Further, the first lens 13 located closest to the object side is a glass lens, and the lenses 14 to 18 are resin lenses, but the invention is not limited to this (for example, the lens 13 may be a resin lens).
Further, the surfaces of the lenses 13 to 18 are provided with an anti-reflection film, a hydrophilic film, a water-repellent film, etc., if necessary.

The plurality of lenses 13 to 18 fixed and supported by the lens barrel 12 are arranged with their respective optical axes aligned, and the lenses 13 to 18 are arranged along one optical axis O. This state constitutes one lens group L used for imaging.
Further, the lens 16 and the lens 17 are bonded together using an adhesive to form a bonded lens.

Among the three

aperture members

20, 21, 22, the first aperture member 20 from the object side (one end of the lens barrel 12) is located between the second lens 14, the second lens from the object side, and the spacer 24. It is located. The second aperture member 21 from the object side is arranged between the spacer 24 and the fourth lens 16 from the object side. The third aperture member 22 from the object side is arranged between the fifth lens 17 and the sixth lens 18 from the object side.
The

diaphragm members

20, 21, and 22 are an "aperture diaphragm" that limits the amount of transmitted light and determines the F value, which is an index of brightness, or a "shading diaphragm" that blocks light rays that cause ghosts and aberrations. It is.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an O-ring 26 as a sealing member is inserted between the first lens 13 located closest to the object side and the lens barrel 12, and an O-ring 26 is inserted between the first lens 13 located closest to the object side and the lens barrel 12. Prevents water and dust from entering. In this case, the outer peripheral surface 13a of the lens 13 is provided with a step-shaped reduced diameter part 13b whose diameter becomes smaller at the image side part of the lens 13, and an O-ring 26 is attached to this reduced diameter part 13b, and the lens By compressing the O-ring 26 in the radial direction between the outer peripheral surface 13a of the lens barrel 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the lens barrel 12, the object side end of the lens barrel 12 is in a sealed state.
Note that the sealing member inserted between the lens 13 and the lens barrel 12 is not limited to the O-ring 26, but may be any form of annular body that can seal between the lens 13 and the lens barrel 12. I don't mind.

Further, in the lens barrel 12, when the lens group L is installed and housed in the inner housing space, the caulking part 23 at the object side end (the upper end in FIG. 1) heats the lens barrel 12 radially inward. By being caulked, the lens 13 located closest to the object side of the lens group L is fixed to the object side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by the caulking portion 23. In this case, in order to perform stable caulking, the portion of the glass lens 13 to which the caulking portion 23 is pressed is formed as a flat portion 13c cut obliquely into a plane. Note that the means for fixing the first lens 13 to the object side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction is not limited to such a caulking portion 23. For example, when the lens barrel 12 is particularly made of metal, the first lens 13 is fixed to the object side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by a cap screwed onto the object side end of the lens barrel 12. may be done.

Further, an inner flange portion 25 having an opening having a smaller diameter than the lens 18 located closest to the image side of the lens group L is provided at the image side end (lower end in FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 12. There is. The inner flange portion 25 and the caulking portion 23 hold and fix the plurality of lenses 13 to 18, the

aperture members

20, 21, 22, and the spacer 24 that constitute the lens group L in the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction. There is.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the plurality of (six) lenses 13 to 18, the first lens 13 located closest to the object side and the first lens 13 located on the image side Flange surfaces 13S and 14S of adjacent second lenses 14 facing each other in the optical axis direction are bonded to each other by a first adhesive 31.
The flange surfaces 13S and 14S are formed in an annular shape, and

grooves

14g and 14h are formed in the flange surface 14S so as to be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and extend in the circumferential direction. . The first adhesive 31 filled between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S is in close contact with the flange surfaces 13S and 14S, and has entered the

grooves

14g and 14h.
Further, the first adhesive 31 is formed of a low moisture permeability resin such as an acrylic adhesive or an olefin adhesive.

Also, on the outside of the first adhesive 30 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, an outer circumferential surface parallel to the optical axis direction of one of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 and an outer circumferential surface of the other lens. An intersecting surface located on the outer side in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting the optical axis direction is bonded with a second adhesive 32 .
Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the reduced diameter portion 13b of the first lens 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface 13d thereof is substantially parallel to the optical axis direction. . The outer circumferential surface 13d is substantially parallel to the optical axis direction, but may be slightly inclined with respect to the optical axis direction. For example, the outer circumferential surface 13d may be inclined at an angle of 5° or less with respect to the optical axis direction so that the diameter of the reduced diameter portion 13b becomes smaller or larger toward the image side (lower side in FIG. 2).

The intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 that intersects with the optical axis direction is constituted by a part of the flange surface 14S of the second lens 14. That is, the intersecting surface 14d is composed of a flange surface 14S located on the outer side of the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and is a toric first intersecting surface 14d1 that is orthogonal to (intersects with) the optical axis. and a toric-shaped second intersecting surface 14d2 located outside the first intersecting surface 14d1 in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to (intersects) the optical axis, and the first intersecting surface 14d1 and the second intersecting surface 14d2. and an inclined surface 14d3 connecting the two. The second intersecting surface 14d2 is located on the image side (lower side in FIG. 2) than the first intersecting surface 14d1, and there is a step difference in the optical axis direction between the first intersecting surface 14d1 and the second intersecting surface 14d2. is occurring. The inclined surface 14d3 is provided to connect the steps.
Note that the first intersecting surface 14d1 and the second intersecting surface 14d2 are perpendicular to the optical axis, but may intersect with the optical axis at a predetermined angle (for example, 5° to 15°).

The outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together with a second adhesive 32. In this case, the outer circumferential surface 13d on the side closer to the flange surface 13S in the optical axis direction and the portion of the intersecting surface 14d excluding the outer circumferential side of the second intersecting surface 14d2 are bonded with the adhesive 32. Note that a standing wall surface 14d4 that stands up toward the object side in the optical axis direction is provided on the inner peripheral edge of the first intersecting surface 14d1, and the second adhesive 32 is also bonded to this standing wall surface 14d4. The exposed surface of the second adhesive 32 has a cross-sectional shape that is inclined outward in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis as it approaches the image side; however, the present invention is not limited thereto; The cross-sectional shape may be formed into a circular arc shape.
Like the first adhesive 31, the second adhesive 32 is made of a low moisture permeable resin such as an acrylic adhesive or an olefin adhesive.

Table 1 shows the relationship between the elastic modulus (Mpa) of the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32 and glass cracking due to thermal shock.

In the lens unit 11 of this embodiment, the first lens 13 is a glass lens and the second lens 14 is a resin (plastic) lens, and their linear thermal expansion coefficients are greatly different. 13) may be damaged such as cracks. However, in the lens unit 11 of this embodiment, the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 are bonded together using the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32, so thermal shock is alleviated by these

adhesives

31 and 32. can do.

A heat shock test was conducted in which two types of lens units A and B according to the present embodiment were exposed alternately to an atmosphere of -40°C and an atmosphere of 120°C for a predetermined period of time (for example, 1000 hours). Lens units A and B after the impact test were visually observed to confirm whether or not the first lens had glass cracks.
Furthermore, the first lens and the second lens are bonded together using ten types of olefin-based, acrylic-based, and epoxy-based adhesives.
In Table 1, "○ at 1000 hours" indicates that neither of the two glass lenses (first lens) was cracked when the two lens units were subjected to thermal shock for 1000 hours.
Moreover, "× at 250 hours" indicates that one of the two glass lenses was cracked when the two lens units were subjected to thermal shock for 250 hours. "X in 24 hours" indicates that both glass lenses were cracked when thermal shock was applied to each of the two lens units for 24 hours. "X at 96 hours" indicates that one of the two glass lenses was cracked when the two lens units were subjected to thermal shock for 96 hours.
When the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32 are an acrylic adhesive or an olefin adhesive, if the elastic modulus (Mpa) of the adhesive is about 900 to 1000 Mpa (1 Gpa) or less, thermal shock It can be seen that the glass lens (first lens 13) is unlikely to be cracked even when subjected to such damage. Therefore, as the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32, an acrylic adhesive or an olefin adhesive having an elastic modulus of 1000 MPa or less is used.

When the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 are bonded using the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32, they are bonded before being assembled into the lens barrel 12. In this case, a special assembly jig is used. First, the second lens 14 is set in an assembly jig so that the flange surface 14S faces upward, and then an appropriate amount of the first adhesive 31 is applied to the flange surface 14S. Since the

grooves

14g and 14h are provided on the flange surface 14S, a portion of the first adhesive 31 enters the

grooves

14g and 14h, so the first adhesive 31 is applied to the outer and inner edges of the flange surface 14S. It is held on the flange surface 14S without falling down.

Next, the first lens 13 is inserted into the assembly jig with the flange surface 13S facing downward, and the flange surface 13S is pressed against the flange surface 14S of the second lens 14. As a result, the optical axes of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 coincide, and the first adhesive 31 spreads between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that the flange surfaces 13S and 14S are bonded to each other. be done.

Next, the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 that have been bonded to each other are taken out from the assembly jig, and the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together using the second adhesive 32. do. The second adhesive 32 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 13d and the intersecting surface 14d, and a portion of the second adhesive 32 enters the gap between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S to close the outer circumferential side of the gap.
Thereafter, a sub-assembly formed by assembling the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 is assembled into the lens barrel 12. Note that before assembling the sub-assembly, an O-ring 26 as a sealing member is fitted onto the reduced diameter portion 13b of the first lens 13. Further, the sub-assembly is inserted into the lens barrel 12 from the object side after the

other lenses

15, 16, 17, 18, three

aperture members

20, 21, 22, and one annular spacer 24 are assembled into the lens barrel 12. It is fixed to the lens barrel 12 by thermally caulking the caulking portion 23 at the object side end (upper end in FIG. 1) radially inward.

In this embodiment, the flange surfaces 13S and 14S of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 are bonded to each other by the first adhesive 31, and the outer peripheral surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 are bonded to each other by the first adhesive 31. Since the intersecting surface 14d is bonded with the second adhesive 32, two-step bonding is achieved, and the water vapor intrusion path can be made longer in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water vapor from entering the space K between the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 (the distance K between the lens surfaces).
In addition, since the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32 are made of a low moisture permeability resin such as an acrylic adhesive or an olefin adhesive, they more reliably prevent water vapor from entering between the lens surfaces K. can.

In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together using the second adhesive 32. However, as in the modification shown in FIG. If the flange surface 13S of the second lens 14 extends from the flange surface 14S of the second lens 14 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the outer peripheral surface 14e of the second lens 14 and the intersecting surface 13e of the first lens 13 are bonded together with a second adhesive. You may.

In this case, first, the first lens 13 is set in the assembly jig so that the flange surface 13S faces upward, and then an appropriate amount of the first adhesive 31 is applied to the flange surface 13S. Next, the second lens 14 is inserted into the assembly jig with the flange surface 14S facing downward, and the flange surface 14S is pressed against the flange surface 13S of the second lens 13. As a result, the optical axes of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 coincide, and the first adhesive 31 spreads between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that the flange surfaces 13S and 14S are bonded to each other. be done.
Next, the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 that have been glued to each other are taken out from the assembly jig, and the outer peripheral surface 14e of the second lens 14 and the intersecting surface 13e of the first lens 13 are glued together with the second adhesive 32. do. The second adhesive 32 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 14e and the intersecting surface 13e, and a portion of the second adhesive 32 enters the gap between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S to close the outer circumferential side of the gap.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the main parts of the lens unit of the second embodiment.
In this embodiment, the flange surface 13S of the first lens 13 and the flange surface 14S of the second lens 14 are bonded together with the first adhesive 31, as in the first embodiment.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that among the opposing

flange surfaces

13S and 14S of the first lens 13 or the second lens 14, one flange surface is more perpendicular to the optical axis than the other flange surface. This extending flange surface is a crossing surface 14d, and an annular standing wall 14k extending in the circumferential direction is provided at the outer peripheral edge of this crossing surface 14d. The point is that there is.
Specifically, the opposing flange surface 14S of the second lens 14 extends further outward in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis than the flange surface 13S of the first lens 13, and this extending flange surface 13S meets the intersecting surface 14d. It becomes. An annular standing wall 14k extending along the circumferential direction is provided at the outer peripheral edge of this intersecting surface 14d, and the inner peripheral surface of this standing wall 14k serves as a standing wall surface 14m. This vertical wall surface 14m is parallel to and spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13, and the upper end of the vertical wall surface 14m is from the lower edge of the outer circumferential surface 13d, that is, from the ridgeline between the outer circumferential surface 13d and the flange surface 13S. It is located on the object side (upper side in FIG. 4).

Then, the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together with a second adhesive 32. In this case, the outer circumferential surface 13d on the side closer to the flange surface 13S and the intersecting surface 14d are bonded with the second adhesive 32. Further, the second adhesive 31 is in close contact with the vertical wall surface 14m, and a portion of the second adhesive 32 enters the gap between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S, closing the outer peripheral side of the gap.

When bonding the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 using the first adhesive 31 and the second adhesive 32, first the second lens 14 is attached to the assembly jig so that the flange surface 14S is After setting it so that it faces upward, an appropriate amount of the first adhesive 31 is applied to the flange surface 14S.
Next, the first lens 13 is inserted into the assembly jig with the flange surface 13S facing downward, and the flange surface 13S is pressed against the flange surface 14S of the second lens 14. As a result, the optical axes of the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 coincide, and the first adhesive 31 spreads between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that the flange surfaces 13S and 14S are bonded to each other. be done.

Next, the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 that have been bonded to each other are taken out from the assembly jig, and the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together using the second adhesive 32. do. In this case, by filling an appropriate amount of the second adhesive 32 inside the vertical wall 14k of the second lens 14 (inside in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis), the second adhesive 32 fills the inside of the vertical wall 14k, and the intersecting surface 14d, the vertical wall surface 14m, and the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13, and a portion thereof enters the gap between the flange surfaces 13S and 14S to close the outer circumferential side of the gap.

According to the present embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and by simply filling an appropriate amount of the second adhesive 32 inside the vertical wall 14k, the outer circumferential surface 13d of the first lens 13 and , and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded by the second adhesive 32, so there is an advantage that the bonding work by the second adhesive 32 is easier than in the first embodiment.

Note that in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 13d of the first lens 13 and the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14 are bonded together using the second adhesive 32, but the flange surface 13S of the first lens 13 is attached to the intersecting surface 14d of the second lens 14. When the flange surface 14S extends in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the extending flange surface 13S is used as an intersecting surface, and an annular standing wall extending along the circumferential direction is provided at the outer peripheral edge of this intersecting surface. By filling the inside of this vertical wall with the second adhesive 32, the outer circumferential surface of the second lens 14 and the intersecting surface of the first lens 13 may be bonded together with the second adhesive.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module 300 of this embodiment having the lens unit 11 configured as described above. As illustrated, the camera module 300 includes an upper case (camera case) 301 that is an exterior component, and a mount (pedestal) 302 that holds the lens unit 11. Further, the camera module 300 includes a seal member 303 and a package sensor (imaging device; image sensor) 304.

The upper case 301 is a member that is engaged with the flange portion 25 provided in the shape of a brim on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 12, and exposes the object-side end of the lens unit 11 and covers other parts. The mount 302 is disposed inside the upper case 301 and has a female thread 302a that screws into the male thread 11a of the lens unit 11. The seal member 303 is a member inserted between the inner surface of the upper case 301 and the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 12 of the lens unit 11, and is a member for maintaining airtightness inside the upper case 301.

The package sensor 304 is disposed inside the mount 302 facing the infrared cut filter 99, and is disposed at a position to receive the image of the object formed by the lens unit 11. Moreover, the package sensor 304 is a CCD (Charge
(Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Device)
Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc., and converts the light that is focused and reaches through the lens unit 11 into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signals are converted into analog data and digital data, which are constituent elements of image data taken by the camera.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a vehicle 240 as a moving body on which an in-vehicle system (imaging system) including an imaging device 250 including the camera module 300 shown in FIG. 5 is mounted. As illustrated, the imaging device 250 can be mounted on the vehicle 240, and FIG. 5 is an example of the arrangement of the mounting position of the imaging device 250 in the vehicle 240. The imaging device 250 mounted on the vehicle 240 can also be called an on-vehicle camera, and can be installed at various locations on the vehicle 240. For example, the first imaging device 250a may be disposed at or near the front bumper as a camera that monitors the front when the vehicle 240 is traveling. Further, the second imaging device 250b that monitors the front may be placed near an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle 240. The third imaging device 250c may be disposed on the dashboard, inside the instrument panel, or the like as a camera that monitors the driving status of the driver. The fourth imaging device 250d may be installed at the rear of the vehicle 240 for monitoring the rear of the vehicle 240. The

imaging devices

250a, 250b can be called front cameras. The third imaging device 250c can be called an in-camera. The fourth imaging device 250d can be called a rear camera. The imaging device 250 is not limited to these, and includes imaging devices installed at various positions, such as a left side camera that images the left rear side and a right side camera that images the right rear side.

The image signal of the image captured by the imaging device 250 may be output to the information processing device 242 and/or the display device 243 in the vehicle 240. These information processing device 242 and display device 243 together with imaging device 250 constitute an in-vehicle system. The information processing device 242 in the vehicle 240 includes a device that processes the image signal acquired by the imaging device 250, recognizes the image, and assists the driver in driving. Further, the information processing device 242 includes, for example, a navigation device, a collision damage mitigation braking device, an inter-vehicle distance control device, a lane departure warning device, etc., but is not limited thereto. The display device 243 displays images processed and output by the information processing device 242, but can also directly receive image signals from the imaging device 250. Further, the display device 243 may employ a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display, but is not limited to these. The display device 243 can display to the driver an image signal output from an imaging device 250 that captures an image at a position that is difficult for the driver to see, such as a rear camera (can output information to the occupants). ).

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an imaging device that constitutes the in-vehicle system shown in FIG. 6. As illustrated, the imaging device 250 according to the embodiment includes a control section 252, a storage section 254, and the camera module 300 shown in FIG. 5 described above.

The control unit 252 controls the camera module 300 and processes electrical signals output from the image sensor 304 of the camera module 300. This control unit 252 may be configured as a processor, for example. Further, the control unit 252 may include one or more processors. The processor may include a general-purpose processor that loads a specific program to execute a specific function, and a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. A dedicated processor may include an application-specific integrated circuit (IC). ICs for specific applications are called ASICs (Application
Also called Specific Integrated Circuit. The processor may include a programmable logic device. A programmable logic device is also called a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). PLD is an FPGA (Field-Programmable
Gate Array). The control unit 252 may be either an SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or an SiP (System In a Package) in which one or more processors cooperate.

The storage unit 254 stores various information or parameters related to the operation of the imaging device 250. The storage unit 254 may be composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 254 may function as a work memory for the control unit 252. The storage unit 254 may store captured images. The storage unit 254 may store various parameters and the like for the control unit 252 to perform detection processing based on the captured image. The storage unit 254 may be included in the control unit 252.

As described above, the camera module 300 uses the image sensor 304 to capture a subject image formed through the lens unit 11, and outputs the captured image. The image captured by the camera module 300 is also referred to as a captured image.

The image sensor 304 may be configured with, for example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD. The image sensor 304 has an imaging surface on which a plurality of pixels are lined up. Each pixel outputs a signal specified by current or voltage depending on the amount of incident light. The signal output by each pixel is also referred to as imaging data.

The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for all pixels and taken into the control unit 252 as a captured image. The captured image read out for all pixels is also referred to as the maximum captured image. The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for some pixels and captured as a captured image. In other words, the imaging data may be read from pixels within a predetermined capture range. Image data read from pixels in a predetermined capture range may be captured as a captured image. The predetermined capture range may be set by the control unit 252. The camera module 300 may acquire a predetermined capture range from the control unit 252. The image sensor 304 may capture an image within a predetermined capture range of the subject image formed through the lens unit 11.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the present invention, the shapes of lenses, lens barrels, etc. are not limited to the embodiments described above. Further, without departing from the gist of the present invention, some or all of the embodiments described above may be combined, or a part of the configuration from one of the embodiments described above may be omitted. .

11 Lens unit 12 Lens barrel 13 First lens

13d Outer surface

13e Intersection surface 13S Flange surface 14 Second lens

14d Intersection surface

14e Outer surface

14k Standing wall

14S Flange surface 300 Camera module L Lens group O Optical axis

Claims

A lens unit comprising a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lens, and a lens barrel that accommodates and holds this lens group,
Among the plurality of lenses, flange surfaces facing each other in the optical axis direction of a first lens located closest to the object side and a second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side are adhered to each other with a first adhesive,
An outer circumferential surface substantially parallel to the optical axis direction of one of the first lens and the second lens and an intersecting surface intersecting the optical axis direction of the other lens are bonded to the first adhesive. A lens unit characterized in that the lens unit is bonded with a second adhesive on the outer side in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein at least the second adhesive is made of a low moisture permeability resin.
The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive are formed of a resin adhesive having an elastic modulus of 1000 MPa or less.
Among the opposing flange surfaces of the first lens or the second lens, one of the flange surfaces extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis than the other flange surface, and this extending flange surface meets the intersection surface. The lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an annular vertical wall extending in the circumferential direction is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the intersecting surface. .
A camera module comprising the lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an image sensor that converts light collected through the lens group of the lens unit into an electrical signal.
An imaging device comprising: the camera module according to claim 5; and a control section that controls the camera module and processes electrical signals output from an image sensor of the camera module;
a processing device that processes an image signal acquired by the imaging device;
a display device that displays an image processed and output by the processing device;
An imaging system comprising:
A moving body equipped with the imaging system according to claim 6 and outputting information to a passenger using the display device.