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

Abstract

Provided are a lens unit including a vibration mechanism, capable of suppressing the vibration of wiring connecting a vibration source and a drive circuit substrate, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body.　The present invention comprises: a first housing 23 provided with a first lens 31; a lens barrel 22 provided with a lens positioned closer to an image side than the first lens and provided radially inward of the first housing; a second housing 24 disposed closer to the image side than the first housing and fitted to the first housing; a vibration mechanism 60 provided between the first housing and the lens barrel; and wiring 306 for applying a drive signal to the vibration source. The middle of the wiring is fixed to the second housing, and the wiring has an extra length part 307 not in contact with a member constituting the lens unit 20 when the wiring is vibrated by the vibration source.

Description

Lens unit, camera module, imaging system and mobile object

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body equipped with an imaging system, which constitute an on-board camera mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0002] Conventionally, automobiles have been equipped with on-board cameras to assist with parking and prevent collisions through image recognition, and attempts have also been made to apply such cameras to autonomous driving. In addition, a camera module such as an on-board camera generally includes a lens unit having a lens group formed by a plurality of lenses arranged along an optical axis, a lens barrel that houses and holds the lens group, and an aperture member disposed between at least one of the lenses in the lens group (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such a lens unit is attached to a mounting portion such as the front grille of a vehicle (automobile), and the first lens, which is located closest to the object, is exposed to the outside. Therefore, foreign matter such as water droplets, muddy water, ice, snow, and frost easily adheres to the surface of the first lens. Therefore, attempts are sometimes made to remove foreign matter from the surface of the first lens by vibrating the first lens (ultrasonic vibration) with a vibrating body. A lens unit that removes foreign matter from the surface of the first lens by such vibration is configured, for example, as follows.

[0004] A vibration device is known that is provided in a camera having a lens unit and that removes foreign matter such as water droplets and dust that has adhered to a dome-shaped cover (lens cover) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). As shown in Fig. 36, this vibration device 2 includes a dome-shaped cover 11, a cylindrical vibrating body 12 to which the cover 11 is fixed, and a piezoelectric element 13 that is fixed to the vibrating body 12 and vibrates the cover 11 via the vibrating body 12. The vibrating body 12 includes a cylindrical portion 14 having a first end 14a located on the cover 11 side and a second end 14b located on the opposite side from the cover 11, a cylindrical first connecting portion 15 that is connected to the first end 14a of the cylindrical portion 14 and has an inner diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 14, and a piezoelectric element 13 that is connected to the cover 11 side of the first connecting portion 15 and has an inner diameter smaller than that of the first connecting portion 15. The vibration device 2 has a first ring-shaped portion 16 having a smaller inner diameter than the first ring-shaped portion 16, and the cover 11 is fixed to its surface facing the cover 11, a second connecting portion 17 connected to the second end 14b of the cylindrical portion 14 and consisting of a cylinder with an outer diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical portion 14, and a second ring-shaped portion 18 fixed to the surface of the second connecting portion 17 opposite to the side to which the cylindrical portion 14 is connected and having an outer diameter larger than that of the second connecting portion 17, and the piezoelectric element 13 is fixed to the surface of the second ring-shaped portion 18 opposite to the side to which the second connecting portion 14b is fixed, and the cylindrical vibrating body 12 has a substantially S-shaped cross section in a radial cross section. In this vibration device 2, the dome-shaped cover 11 can be vibrated with a larger amplitude, and the movement and atomization of droplets can be more effectively achieved.

[0005] In this way, vibration device 2 includes cylindrical vibrating body 12 and piezoelectric element 13, and cover 11, which is a light-transmitting part, is fixed to vibrating body 12 and ultrasonically vibrated to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of light-transmitting part (cover) 11. Also, although not described in Patent Document 2, a camera equipped with vibration device 2 is provided with a drive circuit board for driving the piezoelectric element (vibration source), and this drive circuit board and the piezoelectric element are electrically connected by wiring such as an FPC.

[0006] JP 2013-231993 A Japanese Patent No. 6977784 A

[0007] As described above, the vibration source (piezoelectric element) and the drive circuit board are connected by a wire, which vibrates in synchronization with the vibrating vibration source (e.g., ultrasonic vibration). When the wire vibrates, it may interfere with the components of the camera or lens unit that it contacts, resulting in the generation of abnormal noise or damage to the wire. Furthermore, the vibration of the wire may adversely affect the vibration characteristics of the vibration source.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body that can suppress vibration of wiring for applying a drive signal to a vibration source in a lens unit equipped with a vibration mechanism.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the lens unit of the present invention comprises a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lenses, and a vibration mechanism having a vibration source that vibrates a first lens of the plurality of lenses that is located closest to the object, and is characterized in that it comprises: a first housing in which the first lens is provided; a lens barrel in which a lens located closer to the image than the first lens is provided and which is located radially inward from the first housing; a second housing that is positioned closer to the image than the first housing and fits into the first housing; the vibration mechanism that is located between the first housing and the lens barrel; and wiring for applying a drive signal to the vibration source, wherein a middle portion of the wiring is fixed to the second housing, and the wiring has an excess portion that does not come into contact with members that constitute the lens unit when vibrated by the vibration source.

[0010] Here, "the wiring has an excess length that does not come into contact with the components that make up the lens unit when vibrated by the vibration source" means that the vibration source and the drive circuit board are not connected linearly by wiring, but are connected with a certain amount of slack (looseness), and have an excess length that does not come into contact with the components when vibrated. Also, when the wiring is fixed midway to the second housing, one end of the wiring is connected to the drive circuit board and the other end is connected to the vibration source, but the wiring is arranged so that these connection parts and other parts of the wiring other than the midway point do not come into contact with the components that make up the lens unit.

[0011] In this invention, the wiring connecting the vibration source and the drive circuit board is fixed to the second housing midway, and the wiring has an excess length that does not contact the components that make up the lens unit when vibrated by the vibration source. Therefore, when the wiring is vibrated by the vibration source, the wiring vibrates so as not to come into contact with the components that make up the lens unit. This prevents the vibrating wiring from interfering with the components that make up the lens unit. This prevents abnormal noise and damage to the wiring caused by wiring vibration, and also prevents the wiring from adversely affecting the vibration characteristics of the vibration source.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration of the present invention, a drive circuit board may be provided in the second housing for applying a drive signal to the vibration source via the wiring, and the drive circuit board and the vibration source may be connected by the wiring.

[0013] With this configuration, the drive circuit board is provided in the second housing, so the drive circuit board can be protected by the second housing, and the wiring can be made shorter compared to when the drive circuit board is provided separately from the lens unit.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above configuration of the present invention, a wiring hole for passing the wiring may be formed in the second housing, the wiring may be passed through this wiring hole, the wiring may be fixed to an inner wall surface of the second housing, and the excess portion of the wiring between the fixed position of the wiring fixed to the inner wall surface and the connection position connected to the vibration source may be set to a length such that the wiring passed through the wiring hole does not interfere with the inner wall surface of the wiring hole when vibrated by the vibration source.

[0015] With this configuration, the excess length of the wiring between the fixed position of the wiring fixed to the inner wall surface of the second housing and the connection position connected to the vibration source is set to a length that does not interfere with the inner wall surface of the wiring hole when the wiring passed through the wiring hole vibrates due to the vibration source, thereby preventing the vibrating wiring from interfering with the wiring hole.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration of the present invention, a fixing mechanism for fixing the wiring midway may be provided, and the fixing mechanism may include a recess provided in the wiring and a protrusion provided in the second housing that fits into the recess.

[0017] According to this configuration, by fitting the convex portion provided on the second housing into the concave portion provided on the wiring, the wiring can be easily and reliably fixed to the second housing at a midpoint.

[0018] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the wiring may be fixed to the second housing by thermally caulking the protrusion that fits into the recess.

[0019] According to this configuration, the wiring can be fixed to the second housing without using adhesive by thermally caulking the protrusion that fits into the recess.

[0020] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, a portion of the wiring may be sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, thereby fixing the portion of the wiring to the second housing.

[0021] According to this configuration, the middle of the wiring is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, and thus the middle of the wiring is fixed to the second housing, so that the middle of the wiring can be easily fixed without using adhesive.

[0022] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the wiring may be sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing together with an elastic member.

[0023] With this configuration, the wiring is sandwiched between the first and second housings together with the elastic member, so that the wiring sandwiched between the first and second housings can be protected by the elastic member. Furthermore, when the wiring is sandwiched between the first and second housings together with the elastic member, the elastic member comes into close contact with the first and second housings, so that airtightness between the first and second housings can be maintained.

[0024] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the wiring may have two or more annular portions, and at least one of the annular portions may be sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing.

[0025] According to this configuration, at least one annular portion is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, so that the wiring can be fixed reliably and stably.

[0026] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the image-side surface of the vibration source to which the wiring is connected and the image-side surface of the first housing that sandwiches the wiring midway may be at the same position in the optical axis direction.

[0027] With this configuration, the image-side surface of the vibration source to which the wiring is connected and the image-side surface of the first housing that sandwiches the wiring midway are at the same position in the optical axis direction, so the length of the wiring can be shortened, and as a result, the vibration amplitude of the wiring can be reduced.

[0028] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the first housing may be provided with a wiring hole for drawing the wiring to the outside of the first housing.

[0029] According to this configuration, the wiring is temporarily pulled out to the outside of the first housing, so that the wiring can be checked from the outside, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach the wiring.

[0030] The present invention also provides a camera module having the lens unit, an imaging system having the camera module, and a mobile object equipped with the imaging system. The camera module, imaging system, and mobile object can achieve the same effects as the lens unit described above. Note that the term "mobile object" refers to any object that can move, such as a vehicle.

[0031] According to the present invention, in a lens unit equipped with a vibration mechanism, it is possible to suppress vibration of the wiring for applying a drive signal to a vibration source.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the camera module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module according to a first modified example, and FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a second modified example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second housing equipped with a positioning part of the first example, as seen from the back side. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second housing equipped with a positioning part of the second example, as seen from the back side. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second housing equipped with a positioning part of the third example, as seen from the back side. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the wiring according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the wiring according to the first modified example. 11A and 11B are a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; a plan view of the wiring according to the same; a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; a perspective view of a second housing of a first example according to the same; (a) is a perspective view of the second housing of a second example, and (b) is a perspective view of the second housing of a third example according to the same; a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; a rear view of the second housing as seen from the bottom side according to the same; a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; and a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit, illustrating a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module equipped with a lens unit, illustrating a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module, illustrating a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module, illustrating a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module, illustrating a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module of a first modified example of the same embodiment. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module of a second modified example of the same embodiment. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module, illustrating an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a vehicle as a moving body on which an imaging system (on-vehicle system) equipped with a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device constituting the imaging system shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lens unit equipped with a conventional vibrating body.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiments contribute to the achievement of "9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations, which states, "9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all."

[0034] The lens unit of this embodiment described below is intended particularly for use in a camera module such as an in-vehicle camera, and is fixedly installed on the exterior surface of the vehicle, with wiring leading into the vehicle and connected to a display or other device.

[0035] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same camera module. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a camera module 300 of this embodiment includes a lens unit 20. This lens unit 20 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 22 and a rectangular tube-shaped first housing 23 in which this lens barrel 22 is provided.

[0036] The image-side (lower side in FIG. 1 ) ends of the lens barrel 22 and the first housing 23 are supported by a rectangular cylindrical second housing 24. The length of the second housing 24 in the optical axis direction is shorter than that of the first housing 23, but the outer and inner diameters are longer than those of the first housing 23. The optical axis is indicated by O, and the direction perpendicular to this optical axis O is the radial direction.

[0037] The first housing 23 is disposed radially outward from the lens barrel 22, and the second housing 24 is disposed closer to the image side (lower side in FIG. 1 ) than the first housing 23. The lens barrel 22, first housing 23, and second housing 24 are disposed coaxially. A rectangular plate-shaped inner flange portion 24a is formed at the upper end of the second housing 24, and a convex portion 24b that protrudes toward the object side (upper side in FIG. 1 ) is formed in the radial center of this inner flange portion 24a, and a through-hole 24c is formed in the radial center of this convex portion 24b.

[0038] Furthermore, a step 24d is formed on the upper surface of the inner flange 24a, and the lower end of the first housing 23 is fitted into this step 24d, thereby positioning the first housing 23 relative to the second housing 24 in the radial direction and the optical axis direction.

[0039] The lens unit 20 also includes a plurality of (e.g., six) lenses 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 arranged in order from the object side. The lens 31 is a first lens 31 located closest to the object side, and this first lens 31 is held by a lens holding portion 50 (described later) in the first housing 23. The five lenses 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 arranged closer to the image side than the first lens 31 are provided inside the lens barrel 22.

[0040] Furthermore, a cylindrical protrusion 27 that protrudes toward the image side (downward in FIG. 1) is formed at the lower end of the lens barrel 22, and this protrusion 27 is inserted into and fits into the through-hole 24c provided in the second housing 24. As a result, the lens barrel 22 and the second housing 24 are arranged coaxially and coincident with the optical axis O.

[0041] Furthermore, the first lens 31 located closest to the object is a glass lens, and the lenses 32 to 36 are resin lenses, but this is not limiting (for example, the lens 31 may be a resin lens). Furthermore, the surfaces of the lenses 31 to 36 may be provided with an anti-reflection film, a hydrophilic film, a water-repellent film, or the like, as needed.

[0042] The multiple lenses 31 to 36 fixed to and supported by the first housing 23 and the lens barrel 22 are arranged with their optical axes aligned, and the lenses 31 to 36 are lined up along a single optical axis O to form a group of lenses L used for imaging.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first housing 23 is disposed radially outward from the lens barrel 22. The first housing 23 is formed from a metal such as SUS, and includes a rectangular cylindrical housing main body 23a, a rectangular plate-shaped top plate 23b formed integrally with the housing main body 23a at the upper end of the housing main body 23a, and a locking portion 23c formed integrally with the top plate 23b at the inner peripheral edge of the top plate 23b. The thickness of the top plate 23b (thickness in the optical axis direction) is thinner than the thickness of the housing main body 23a (thickness in the radial direction).

[0044] The locking portion 23c includes a generally cylindrical protrusion 23d formed to protrude from the inner peripheral edge of the top plate portion 23b toward the object side (upper side in FIG. 1 ) and a pressing portion 23e bent radially inward from the upper end of the protrusion 23d. An inclined surface 23f inclined with respect to the optical axis O is formed along the circumferential direction on the pressing portion 23e. The inclined surface 23f presses the surface edge of the first lens 31, thereby fixing the first lens 31. In other words, when the lens group L is assembled and housed within the first housing 23 and the lens barrel 22, the inclined surface 23f of the pressing portion 23e presses the first lens 31, which is located closest to the object side of the lens group L, and fixes the first lens 31 to the object-side end of the first housing 23 in the optical axis direction.

[0045] Furthermore, an inner flange portion 26 having an opening with a diameter smaller than that of the sixth lens 36 is provided at the image-side end (the lower end in FIG. 1) of the lens barrel 22, and the flange portion of the lens 36 abuts against this inner flange portion 26. Furthermore, the lens 32 is adhesively fixed to the lens barrel 22, and in this state, optical components such as lenses 33 to 36 located on the image side of the lens 32 are pressed toward the image side by the lens 32. Therefore, the optical components such as the lenses 33 to 36 are held and fixed in the optical axis direction by the lens 32 and the inner flange portion 26. Furthermore, a filter 99 such as an infrared cut filter is provided on the underside of the inner flange portion 26.

[0046] This embodiment also includes a ring-shaped lens holder 50 that holds the first lens 31. The lens holder 50 is manufactured by turning a metal such as stainless steel into a thin ring shape. The lens holder 50 has an inner peripheral surface 50a that is cylindrical and a toric surface 50b that is perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface 50a. The inner peripheral surface 50a and the toric surface 50b form an L-shaped cross section. The inner peripheral surface 50a is arranged coaxially with the optical axis O, and the toric surface 50b is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis O. The lens holder 50 also has an inner peripheral surface 50c that is perpendicular to the toric surface 50b and coaxial with the optical axis O. The inner peripheral surface 50c is arranged closer to the image (lower in FIG. 1 ) than the inner peripheral surface 50a and has a smaller inner diameter than the inner peripheral surface 50a.

[0047] The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 50c of the ring-shaped lens holder 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 22, so that the upper end of the lens barrel 22 is positioned inside the inner peripheral surface 50c of the lens holder 50. The lens holder 50 is also joined to the first housing 23. That is, the outer peripheral surface 50d and the upper surface 50e of the lens holder 50 each abut against the inner peripheral surface of the pressing portion 23e of the first housing 23 with almost no gap, so that the lens holder 50 fits into the top plate portion 23b of the first housing 23. In this way, the lens holder 50 is joined to the first housing 23, which has the top plate portion 23b. When the lens holder 50 is joined to the first housing 23, the axis of the lens holder 50 coincides with the optical axis O, and the lens holder 50 is positioned in the optical axis direction.

[0048] The lens holder 50 holds the first lens 31. That is, the inner peripheral surface 50a of the lens holder 50 abuts the outer peripheral surface of the first lens 31 with no gap, thereby positioning the first lens 31 in the radial direction and arranging it coaxially with the optical axis O. The annular surface 50b of the lens holder 50 abuts the flat bottom surface 31e of the first lens 31 facing the image side with no gap, thereby positioning the first lens 31 in the optical axis direction. The lenses 32 to 36 arranged on the image side of the first lens 31 are held by the lens barrel 22 so that their optical axes coincide, and the lens barrel 22 is arranged coaxially with the second housing 24 and the optical axis O, so that the first lens 31 and the lenses 32 to 36 arranged on the image side of the first lens 31 are arranged coaxially or with no more than a predetermined amount of eccentricity.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a vibration mechanism 60 is provided that vibrates the first lens 31. The vibration mechanism 60 includes a vibrator (vibration source) 61 that generates ultrasonic vibrations, and a vibrating body 62 that transmits the ultrasonic vibrations of the vibrator 61 to the first lens 31. The vibration mechanism 60 is disposed radially inward from the first housing 23 and radially outward from the lens barrel 22. The vibrator (vibration source) 61 is formed in the shape of an annular plate, and is provided inside the housing main body 23a of the first housing 23. The vibrator 61 is formed of, for example, a piezoelectric element.

[0050] The vibrating body 62 includes a donut-shaped disk-shaped mounting portion 62a, a main body 62b that extends from the mounting portion 62a toward the object side (upward in FIG. 1) and has a generally cylindrical shape with bulges and constrictions with an S-shaped cross section, with the outer and inner diameters varying continuously in the axial direction (optical axis direction), and a ring-shaped joint portion 62c formed at the upper end of the main body 62b. The vibrator 61 is fixed to the lower surface of the mounting portion 62a, and the upper surface of the joint portion 62c is bonded to the lower surface (surface facing the image side) of the lens holder 50 with an adhesive.

[0051] In such vibration mechanism 60, ultrasonic vibration of vibrator 61 causes ultrasonic vibration of vibrating body 62. When vibrating body 62 vibrates, first lens 31 is ultrasonically vibrated via lens holding portion 50 because vibrating body 62 is joined to lens holding portion 50, thereby removing foreign matter such as water droplets, muddy water, ice, snow, and frost from lens surface 31 a of first lens 31.

[0052] The lens holder 50 is fitted to the top plate 23b of the first housing 23, but the thickness of the top plate 23b is thinner than the thickness of the housing main body 23a, and the top plate 23b functions as a damper, so that vibrations of the lens holder 50 are less likely to be transmitted to the housing main body 23a. This makes it less likely that vibrations will be transmitted to the second housing 24 fitted to the housing main body 23a, and as a result, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the lens barrel 22 fitted to the second housing 24, and therefore to the lenses 32 to 36, thereby preventing a deterioration in optical performance caused by displacement of the lenses 32 to 36 due to vibrations.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second housing 24 also includes a drive circuit board 305 for applying a drive signal to the vibrator (vibration source) 61, and wiring 306 for connecting the vibrator 61 and the drive circuit board 305. The wiring 306 is formed of an FPC (flexible printed circuit), but this is not limiting. Since the FPC is flexible, the wiring 306 is also flexible and can be bent relatively easily. The middle of the wiring 306 is fixed to the second housing 24 as follows. Specifically, a wiring hole 24f is formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. This wiring hole 24f is formed, for example, in an oval shape, so that the wiring 306 formed of the FPC can pass through. In this embodiment, one wiring hole 24f is formed in the inner flange portion 24a, but multiple wiring holes 24f may be formed.

[0054] A wire 306 is passed through the wiring hole 24f. One end of the wire 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, and the other end is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, i.e., the inner wall surface (surface facing the image side) 24g of the inner flange portion 24a, with an adhesive. A portion of the wire 306 is arranged along the inner wall surface 24g and adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g. Furthermore, the wire 306 extends from the fixed position where the wire 306 is adhesively fixed to the drive circuit board 305 side and is connected to the drive circuit board 305.

[0055] Furthermore, excess length 307 of wiring 306 between the fixed position of wiring 306 adhesively fixed to inner wall surface 24g and the connection position connected to vibrator 61 is set to a length such that it does not interfere with the inner wall surface of wiring hole 24f when wiring 306 passed through wiring hole 24f is vibrated by vibrator 61. For example, in this embodiment, excess length 307 of wiring 306 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape in cross section between the fixed position and the connection position rather than in a straight line, and this substantially semicircular excess length 307 is set to a length such that it does not interfere with the inner wall surface of wiring hole 24f when wiring 306 is vibrated by vibrator 61. For example, excess length 307 with a substantially semicircular cross section vibrates at a predetermined amplitude by vibrator 61, but even when vibrating at this amplitude, excess length 307 does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of wiring hole 24f.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, the excess length 307 of the wiring 306 passing through the wiring hole 24f is formed to have a semicircular arc cross section, but for example, as in a first modified example shown in Fig. 3(a), the excess length 307 of the wiring 306 passing through the wiring hole 24f may be formed to have a loop shape composed of two portions 307a, 307a formed to have an arc cross section, or further as in a second modified example shown in Fig. 3(b), the excess length 307 of the wiring 306 passing through the wiring hole 24f may be formed to have a loop shape composed of two portions 307b, 307b. The loop-shaped excess length 307 shown in Fig. 3(b) is longer in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis than the loop-shaped excess length 307 shown in Fig. 3(a), and therefore the length of the wiring hole 24f in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is longer.

[0057] 4 to 6 are perspective views, viewed from the back surface side of the inner flange portion 24, of the state in which the wiring 306 is passed through the wiring hole 24f formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. In the first embodiment, the wiring 306 passed through the wiring hole 24f is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the inner flange portion 24a, and further includes positioning portions 70, 71, and 72 that position the wiring 306 on the inner wall surface 24g.

[0058] 4, the positioning portion 70 of the first example is configured by a groove 70 formed in the inner wall surface 24g. The groove 70 has a width that is approximately equal to or slightly wider than the width of the wiring 306 and a depth that is deeper than the thickness of the wiring 306, and is disposed near the opening edge of the wiring hole 24f. The wiring 306 that is passed through the wiring hole 24f is fitted into the groove 70, thereby positioning the wiring 306 in the width direction.

[0059] 5, the positioning portion 71 of the second example includes the groove 70, a pair of recesses 71a, 71a formed from the groove 70 in the width direction of the groove 70, and a pair of protrusions 306a, 306a formed on the wiring 306 to protrude in the width direction of the wiring 306 and fit into the recesses 71a, 71a. The wiring 306 passed through the wiring hole 24f is fitted into the groove 70, thereby positioning the wiring 306 in the width direction, and further, the protrusions 306a, 306a of the wiring 306 are fitted into the recesses 71a, 71a, thereby positioning the wiring 306 in the length direction.

[0060] 6, the positioning portion 72 of the third example includes the groove 70, a pair of protrusions 72a, 72a protruding from the bottom surface of the groove 70, and holes 306b, 306b formed in the wiring 306 and into which the protrusions 72a, 72a fit. The protrusions 72a, 72a protrude in the width direction of the groove 70 at a predetermined distance, and the holes 306b, 306b are formed in the width direction of the wiring 306 at a predetermined distance. The distance between the protrusions 72a, 72a and the distance between the holes 306b, 306b are equal. The wiring 306 passed through the wiring hole 24f is fitted into the groove 70, and the wiring 306 is positioned in the width direction and length direction by fitting the holes 306b, 306b into the protrusions 72a, 72a. Furthermore, by fitting the projections 72a, 72a into the holes 306b, 306b, the wiring 306 is also positioned in the rotation direction (the rotation direction with the center between the holes 306b, 306b as the fulcrum).

[0061] In the first embodiment, the wiring 306 passed through the wiring hole 24f is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. However, the wiring 306 may be fixed by a fixing mechanism 75 other than adhesive. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A , the fixing mechanism 75 includes a pair of protrusions (convex portions) 72b, 72b protruding from the bottom surface of the groove portion 70, and holes (concave portions) 306b, 306b formed in the wiring 306 and into which the protrusions 72b, 72b fit. The protrusions 72b, 72b are formed to protrude at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the groove portion 70, and the holes 306b, 306b are formed to be spaced at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the wiring 306. The distance between the protrusions 72b, 72b and the distance between the holes 306b, 306b are equal. The protrusions 72b, 72b are formed of resin or the like, and their tips are formed to be heat-caulkable. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(b), by thermally caulking the tip portions of the protrusions 72b, 72b, the tip portions expand radially, becoming larger than the diameter of the hole 306b, and this enlarged portion is pressed against the surface of the wiring 306.

[0062] The wiring 306 passed through the wiring hole 24f is fitted into the groove 70, and the wiring 306 is positioned in the width and length directions by fitting the holes 306b, 306b onto the protrusions 72b, 72b, and further, by thermally caulking the tips of the protrusions 72b, 72b, the wiring 306 can be fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 70 without using adhesive. Furthermore, by fitting the holes 306b, 306b onto the protrusions 72b, 72b, the wiring 306 is also positioned in the rotational direction (the rotational direction about the center between the holes 306b, 306b as a fulcrum).

[0063] 1, in this embodiment, the lens unit 20 is made up of the first housing 23, the first lens 31 held in the first housing 23, the lens barrel 22, the lenses 32 to 36 held in the lens barrel 22, the lens holder 50, the vibration mechanism 60, the second housing 24, the drive circuit board 305 provided in the second housing 24, wiring 306, etc. The lens unit 20 and a package sensor (imaging element; image sensor) 304 provided inside the second housing 24 make up the camera module 300 of this embodiment.

[0064] The package sensor 304 is disposed inside the second housing 24 opposite the filter 99, and is positioned to receive the image of the object formed by the lens unit 20. The package sensor 304 includes a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, and converts the light that is collected through the lens unit 20 and reaches the package sensor 304 into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is then converted into analog data or digital data, which are components of the image data captured by the camera.

[0065] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the wiring 306 connecting the vibrator (vibration source) 61 and the drive circuit board 305 is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. The wiring 306 has an excess length 307 that does not contact the components constituting the lens unit 20 (the wiring hole 24f provided in the second housing 24) when vibrated by the vibrator 61. Therefore, when the wiring 306 is vibrated by the vibrator 61, the wiring 306 vibrates between the connection position where it is connected to the drive circuit board 30 and the fixed portion where it is fixed to the second housing 24, without contacting the components constituting the lens unit 20 (the wiring hole 24f provided in the second housing 24). This prevents the vibrating wiring 306 from interfering with the wiring hole 24f. This prevents noise and damage to the wiring caused by the vibration of the wiring 306 and also prevents the wiring 306 from adversely affecting the vibration characteristics of the vibrator 61. The drive circuit board 305 may be separated from the lens unit 20, and may be held in a back case (not shown) together with the package sensor 304. Furthermore, the drive circuit board 305 may be arranged separately from the camera module 300 and externally, and a drive signal may be supplied to the vibrator 61 via wiring 306 that extends to the outside of the camera module 300.

[0066] Furthermore, because the lens holder 50 is joined to the first housing 23, the lens holder 50 can be reliably attached to a predetermined position. Furthermore, because the vibration mechanism 60 is disposed radially inward from the first housing 23 and radially outward from the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 can be protected by the first housing 23, and because the lenses 32 to 36, which are disposed closer to the image side than the first lens 31, are held by the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 does not interfere with these lenses 32 to 36.

[0067] Furthermore, since the inner surface 50a of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the outer surface of the first lens 31, and the annular surface 50b of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the bottom surface 31e facing the image side of the first lens 31, the first lens 31 can be easily and accurately positioned in the radial and axial directions (optical axis direction).

[0068] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module including a lens unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wiring 306 is fixed to the second housing 24 by being sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. This point will be described below, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, a wiring hole 24h is formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. This wiring hole 24h is formed close to the outer periphery of the inner flange portion 24a, and a wiring 306 is passed through this wiring hole 24h. One end of the wiring 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, and the wiring 306 extends from this connection position toward the surface of the inner flange portion 24a in a generally semicircular cross section, extends along the surface of the inner flange portion 24a, is bent toward the image side (downward) near the entrance of the wiring hole 24h (near the exit when viewed from the opposite direction), is passed through the wiring hole 24h, and is bent laterally (perpendicular to the optical axis) near the exit of the wiring hole 24h (near the entrance when viewed from the opposite direction) before being connected to the upper surface of the drive circuit board 305.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower end surface of the housing body 23a of the first housing 23 presses the wiring 306 against the surface of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24 on the surface side of the inner flange portion 24a. As a result, the middle of the wiring 306 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. Furthermore, the wiring 306 has an excess portion 307e that does not come into contact with components constituting the lens unit 20 (e.g., the convex portion 24b formed on the inner flange portion 24) when vibrated by the vibrator 61. The excess portion 307e is set to a length such that the wiring 306 does not interfere with the convex portion 24b when vibrated by the vibrator 61. The excess portion 307e is formed in a J-shape in cross section between the connection position of the wiring 306 connected to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position where the wiring 306 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The excess length portion 307e is vibrated at a predetermined amplitude by the vibrator 61, but even when vibrating at this amplitude, the excess length portion 307e does not come into contact with the protrusion 24b. Note that the wiring portion 307b that passes through the wiring hole 24h is not vibrated by the vibration of the vibrator 61 because the middle of the wiring 306 is sandwiched and fixed between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, the wiring 306 connecting the vibrator 61 and the drive circuit board 305 is fixed to the second housing 24 by being sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The wiring 306 has an excess length 307e that does not contact the component (the convex portion 24b) constituting the lens unit when vibrated by the vibrator 61. Therefore, when the wiring 306 is vibrated by the vibrator 61, the wiring 306 vibrates so as not to contact the convex portion 24b. This prevents the vibrating wiring 306 from interfering with the convex portion 24b. This prevents noise and wiring damage caused by the vibration of the wiring 306 and further prevents adverse effects on the vibration characteristics of the vibrator 61. Furthermore, since the wiring 306 is fixed to the second housing 24 by being sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, the wiring 306 can be easily fixed without using adhesive.

[0072] (Third Embodiment) Figures 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit of the third embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module. Figure 10 is a plan view showing the wiring. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a portion of the wiring 310 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24 together with the elastic member 30, and in the shape of the wiring 310. Therefore, these points will be described below, and the same components as those in the second embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9 , a wiring hole 24j is formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. This wiring hole 24j is formed close to the outer periphery of the inner flange portion 24a, and a wiring 310 is passed through this wiring hole 24j. As shown in FIG. 10 , the wiring 310 is formed in a substantially double-ring shape in plan view. The inner ring (annular portion) on the radially inner side is a connection portion 310a connected to the vibrator 61, and the outer ring (annular portion) on the radially outer side is a sandwiching portion 310b sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The portion extending radially outward from the sandwiching portion 310b is a drive circuit connection portion 310c connected to the drive circuit board 305. A connecting portion 310d is provided between the connecting portion 310a and the sandwiching portion 310b, connecting them. The wiring 310 configured in this manner is formed by an FPC. The wiring 310 is formed by punching an FPC material, and is flexible and bendable.

[0074] 9, the connection portion 310a of the wiring 310 is connected to the lower surface (surface facing the image side) of the ring-shaped vibrator 61. The connection portion 310a and the vibrator 61 have planar shapes (annular shapes) with approximately the same diameter. Furthermore, the drive circuit connection portion 310c of the wiring 310 is passed through the wiring hole 24j and connected to the outer periphery of the upper surface of the drive circuit board 305. Furthermore, the sandwiched portion 310b of the wiring 310 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, and is thereby fixed to the upper surface of the second housing 24.

[0075] The sandwiched portion 310b of the wiring 310 is sandwiched together with the elastic member 30 between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. Specifically, the elastic member 30 is made of rubber or resin and has elasticity. The elastic member 30 is formed in a circular ring shape in a plan view (viewed in the optical axis direction), and is formed in a circular ring shape in a plan view that is approximately the same shape as the sandwiched portion 310b of the wiring 310. The elastic member 30 is composed of a pair of upper and lower circular elastic member pieces 30a, 30a, and the sandwiched portion 310b is sandwiched between the elastic member pieces 30a, 30a. The upper elastic member piece 30a (on the object side in the optical axis direction) is in close contact with the bottom end surface of the housing main body 23a of the first housing 23, and the lower elastic member piece 30a (on the image side in the optical axis direction) is in close contact with the top surface of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24.

[0076] Furthermore, the wiring 310 has an excess length 310e that does not come into contact with components constituting the lens unit 20 (e.g., the step 24e formed on the surface of the inner flange 24 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body 23a) when vibrated by the vibrator 61. This excess length 310e is formed by the connecting portion 310d. The excess length 310e is set to a length such that it does not interfere with the step 24e and the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body 23a when the wiring 310 is vibrated by the vibrator 61. The excess length 310e is formed in a generally S-shaped cross section between the connection position of the wiring 310 connected to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position where the wiring 310 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The excess length 310e vibrates at a predetermined amplitude due to the vibrator 61, but even when vibrating at this amplitude, the excess length 310e does not come into contact with the step 24e and the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body 23a.

[0077] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as in the second embodiment, the middle of the wiring 310 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24 together with the elastic member 30, and the upper elastic member piece 30a is in close contact with the lower end surface of the housing main body 23a of the first housing 23, and the lower elastic member piece 30a is in close contact with the upper surface of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24, thereby improving the airtightness between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24.

[0078] In this embodiment, the wiring 310 shown in FIG. 10 is used, but the wiring 310 shown in FIGS. 11( a) and 11(b) may also be used. The wiring 310A shown in FIG. 11(a) has the connection portion (annular portion) 310a shown in FIG. 10 positioned outside the sandwiching portion (annular portion) 310b, and the drive circuit connection portion 310c is formed so as to extend inside the sandwiching portion 310b. This wiring 310A is formed by punching, similar to the wiring 310. However, when connecting the vibrator 61 and the drive circuit board 305 using this wiring 310A, the wiring 310A is appropriately bent to have the same planar shape as the wiring 310, and the drive circuit connection portion 310c is bent outside the sandwiching portion 310b.

[0079] 11B, the drive circuit connection portion 310c shown in FIG. 10 is formed so as to extend inside the sandwiching portion 310b (annular portion). This type of wire 310B is also formed by punching, like the wires 310 and 310A, but when connecting the vibrator 61 and the drive circuit board 305 using this wire 310B, the drive circuit connection portion 310c is bent outside the sandwiching portion 310b.

[0080] (Fourth Embodiment) Figures 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit of the fourth embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the wiring. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a portion of the wiring 311 is temporarily pulled out to the outside of the first lens barrel 23, then pulled into the second housing 24 and connected to the drive circuit board 305. This point will be described below, and the same components as those in the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0081] 12 , a wiring hole 23h perpendicular to the optical axis direction is formed in the lower end of the housing body 23a of the first housing 23, and a wiring hole 24k is formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. The wiring hole 24k is formed so as to open into the interior of the first housing 23 and the interior of the second housing 24.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 13 , the wiring 311 has a circular ring-shaped connection portion (circular ring portion) 311a connected to the vibrator 61, and a circular ring-shaped sandwiching portion (circular ring portion) 311b sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The connection portion 311a is located outside the sandwiching portion 311b. A drive circuit connection portion 311c connected to the drive circuit board 305 is connected to the sandwiching portion 311b, and the connection portion 311a and the sandwiching portion 311b are connected by a connecting portion 311d. The wiring 311 having such a configuration is made of an FPC. The wiring 311 is formed by punching an FPC material. When connecting the vibrator 61 and the drive circuit board 305 with this wiring 311, the wiring 311 is appropriately bent to have the same planar shape as the wiring 310.

[0083] 12 , the connection portion 311a of the wiring 311 is connected to the lower surface (surface facing the image side) of the ring-shaped vibrator 61. The connection portion 311a and the vibrator 61 have a planar shape (annular) with approximately the same diameter. Furthermore, the coupling portion 311d of the wiring 311 is passed through the wiring hole 23h and temporarily drawn out to the outside of the first housing 23. The clamping portion 311b connected to the coupling portion 311d is clamped between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, and is thereby fixed to the upper surface of the second housing 24.

[0084] The drive circuit connector 311c connected to the clamping portion 311b is passed between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, pulled into the inside of the first housing 23, and then passed through the wiring hole 24k and pulled into the interior of the second housing 34, before being connected to the drive circuit board 305. Similarly to the third embodiment, the clamping portion 311b of the wiring 311 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24 together with the elastic member 30. The elastic member 30 is composed of a pair of upper and lower annular elastic member pieces 30a, 30a, and the clamping portion 311b is sandwiched between the elastic member pieces 30a, 30a. The upper elastic member piece 30a (on the object side in the optical axis direction) is in close contact with the lower end surface of the housing main body 23a of the first housing 23, and the lower elastic member piece 30a (on the image side in the optical axis direction) is in close contact with the upper surface of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24.

[0085] Furthermore, the wiring 311 has an excess portion 311e that does not come into contact with components constituting the lens unit 20 (e.g., the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 23h in the first housing 23 and the bottom end surface of the housing main body 23a of the first housing 23) when vibrated by the vibrator 61. This excess portion 311e is formed by the connecting portion 311d. The excess portion 311e is set to a length such that it does not interfere with the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 23h and the bottom end surface of the housing main body 23a when the wiring 311 vibrates due to the vibrator 61. The excess portion 311e is formed in a generally U-shape in cross section between the connection position of the wiring 310 connected to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position where the wiring 310 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The excess portion 311e vibrates at a predetermined amplitude due to the vibrator 61, but even when vibrating at this amplitude, the excess portion 311e does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 23h or the bottom end surface of the housing main body 23a.

[0086] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as the third embodiment, since the middle of the wiring 311 is temporarily pulled outside the first housing 23, the wiring 311 can be checked from the outside, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to install the wiring 311.

[0087] Fifth Embodiment Figures 14 and 15 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit of the fifth embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module. Figure 15 is a plan view showing the wiring. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment shown in Figure 8 in that the image-side surface (bottom surface) of the vibrator 61 to which the wiring is connected and the image-side surface of the first housing 23 that sandwiches the wiring are located at the same position in the optical axis direction, and in the shape of the wiring. Therefore, this point will be described below, and the same components as in the second embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0088] 14, the length of the housing body 23a of the first housing 23 in the optical axis direction is shorter than that of the housing body 23a of the second embodiment, so that the image-side surface (lower surface) 61a of the vibrator 61 and the lower end surface of the housing body 23a of the first housing 23 are located at the same position in the optical axis direction. In addition, the length of the second housing 24 in the optical axis direction is longer than that of the second housing 24 of the second embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 15 , the wiring 312 is formed in a substantially double-ring shape in a plan view. The inner ring (annular portion) on the inside in the radial direction is a connection portion 312a connected to the vibrator 61, and the outer ring (annular portion) on the outside in the radial direction is a sandwiched portion 312b sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24. The portion extending radially outward from the sandwiched portion 312b is a drive circuit connection portion 312c connected to the drive circuit board 305. A connecting portion 312d is provided between the connection portion 312a and the sandwiched portion 312b, connecting them. The wiring 312 configured as described above is formed of an FPC. The wiring 310 is formed by stamping an FPC material.

[0090] 14 , the connection portion 312a of the wiring 312 is connected to the lower surface (surface facing the image side) 61a of the ring-shaped vibrator 61. The connection portion 312a and the vibrator 61 have planar shapes (annular shapes) with approximately the same diameter. Furthermore, the drive circuit connection portion 312c of the wiring 312 is passed through the wiring hole 24h and connected to the outer periphery of the upper surface of the drive circuit board 305. Furthermore, the sandwiched portion 312b of the wiring 312 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, and is thereby fixed to the upper surface of the second housing 24.

[0091] Furthermore, the wiring 312 has a slight excess portion 312e that does not come into contact with a component constituting the lens unit 20 (for example, a corner 24m of a recess provided on the upper surface of the inner flange portion 24a) when vibrated by the vibrator 61. This excess portion 312e is formed by the connecting portion 312d. The excess portion 312e is set to a length such that it does not interfere with the corner 24m when the wiring 312 is vibrated by the vibrator 61. The excess portion 312e is formed in a straight line in cross section in the drawing, between a connection position of the wiring 312 connected to the vibrator 61 and a fixed position where the wiring 312 is sandwiched between the first housing 23 and the second housing 24, but in reality it is formed to be slightly bent in the optical axis direction. The excess portion 312e vibrates at a predetermined amplitude by the vibrator 61, but even when vibrating at this amplitude, the excess portion 312e does not come into contact with the corner 24m.

[0092] According to this embodiment, in addition to being able to obtain the same effects as in the second embodiment, the image-side surface (lower surface) 61a of the vibrator 61 to which the wiring 312 is connected and the image-side surface (lower end surface of the housing main body 23a) of the first housing 23 that clamps the middle of the wiring 312 (clamping portion 312b) are at the same position in the optical axis direction, so the wiring length of the wiring 312 is shortened and problems caused by wiring vibration can be suppressed.

[0093] As mentioned above, the wiring 306 connecting the vibration source (piezoelectric element) 61 and the drive circuit board 305 passes through the wiring hole 24f provided in the housing 24. However, if the wiring 306 passing through this wiring hole 24f is in contact with or very close to the upper and lower opening edges of the wiring hole 24f, the wiring 306 will interfere with the opening edges when it vibrates. To avoid this, the diameter of the wiring hole 24f could be increased, but the larger the diameter, the greater the decrease in strength of the housing 24. In other words, there is a trade-off between interference by the wiring 306 and a decrease in strength of the housing 24.

[0094] Therefore, the following provides a lens unit equipped with a vibration mechanism that can prevent a decrease in the strength of the housing and can also prevent interference with wiring.

[0095] 16 shows a camera module 300 including such a lens unit 20. In addition to the configuration described above, this camera module 300 has the inner flange portion 24a formed so that the outer periphery of the inner flange portion 24a is thicker than the inner periphery of the inner flange portion 24a, as shown in the figure. In this embodiment, one wiring hole 24f is formed in the inner flange portion 24a, but multiple wiring holes 24f may be formed.

[0096] A wire 306 is passed through the wiring hole 24f. One end of the wire 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, and the other end is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, i.e., the inner wall surface (surface facing the image side) 24g of the inner flange portion 24a, with an adhesive. A portion of the wire 306 is arranged along the inner wall surface 24g and adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g. Furthermore, the wire 306 extends from the fixed position where the wire 306 is adhesively fixed to the drive circuit board 305 side and is connected to the drive circuit board 305.

[0097] This embodiment also includes a separation portion 320 that separates the wire 306 from the inner peripheral surface of the wiring hole 24f. The separation portion 320 is formed on the entrance inner peripheral surface (the inner peripheral surface on the object side) and the exit inner peripheral surface (the inner peripheral surface on the image side) of the wiring hole 24f, and is composed of large-diameter surfaces 320a, 320b that increase in diameter toward the entrance and exit. The large-diameter surface 320a is composed of a rounded chamfer formed at the entrance of the wiring hole 24f, and the large-diameter surface 320b is composed of a rounded chamfer formed at the exit of the wiring hole 24f. Although the rounded chamfer is formed on one radial side of the wiring hole 24f, it may also be formed on the other radial side of the wiring hole 24f if the inner flange portion 24a is formed to have the same thickness on the outer and inner peripheral sides of the wiring hole 24f. Furthermore, between the connection position with the vibrator 61 and the fixed position with respect to the inner wall surface 24g, the wiring 306 forms a semicircular portion 306R that is approximately semicircular in cross section and is formed in a convex shape toward the optical axis O. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the large diameter surfaces 320, 320 formed by the R-chamfered portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the semicircular portion 306R. Therefore, the large diameter surface (separating portion) 320 separates the semicircular portion 306R of the wiring 306 from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f.

[0098] In this embodiment, as in a first example shown in FIG. 17 , the wiring hole 24f provided in the second housing 24 may be formed in an arc shape coaxial with the optical axis O. The optical axis O passes through the center of a through hole 24c formed in the central portion of the second housing 24, and the wiring hole 24f is formed in an arc shape coaxial with the optical axis O. The circumferential length of this arc-shaped wiring hole 24f is set to a length such that, for example, in a plan view, the angle between the circumferential ends of the wiring hole 24f and the center of the through hole 24c is between 30° and 180°. Since the position of the wiring 306 (the position in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis) may vary on a circle centered on the optical axis O, the size of the wiring hole 24f can be kept small by forming the wiring hole 24f in an arc shape coaxial with the optical axis O. That is, since the position of the wiring 306 (position in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis) may vary on a circle centered on the optical axis O due to the vibration body 62 being rotationally symmetric about the optical axis O, by forming the wiring hole 24f in an arc shape coaxial with the optical axis O, the size of the wiring hole 24f can be kept small while the wiring 306 can be easily passed through the wiring hole 24f. This makes it possible to assemble the lens unit 20 easily.

[0099] 18, a plurality of wiring holes 24f may be formed at predetermined intervals around the same axis as the optical axis O. In a second example shown in FIG. 18(a), four oval wiring holes 24f are formed at regular intervals around the same axis as the optical axis O, and in a third example shown in FIG. 18(b), eight oval wiring holes 24f are formed at regular intervals around the same axis as the optical axis O. The number of wiring holes 24f is not limited to this. In addition, instead of an oval shape, the wiring holes 24f may be formed in an arc shape coaxial with the optical axis O.

[0100] In this way, a plurality of wiring holes 24f are formed at predetermined intervals around the same axis as the optical axis O, so that the wiring 306 can be passed through the wiring holes 24f without making the size of the wiring holes 24f larger than necessary, and the lens unit 20 can be easily assembled.

[0101] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the spacing portion 320 separates the semicircular portion 306R of the wire 306 from the inner circumferential surface of the wire hole 24f. This prevents the wire 306 from interfering with the inner circumferential surface of the wire hole 24f. Furthermore, since the diameter of the wire hole 24f is not increased, a decrease in the strength of the second housing 24 is suppressed. Therefore, abnormal noise (sounding) and damage to the wire caused by vibration of the wire 306 can be suppressed, and adverse effects on the vibration characteristics of the vibration source 61 can be suppressed. Even if the wire 306 interferes with the wire hole 24f, damage to the wire 306 can be suppressed because the large-diameter surface 320 is formed by a rounded chamfer. The drive circuit board 305 may be separated from the lens unit 20 and may be held together with the package sensor 304 in a back case (not shown). Furthermore, the drive circuit board 305 may be arranged separately from the camera module 300 and externally, and a drive signal may be supplied to the vibrator 61 via wiring 306 that extends to the outside of the camera module 300 .

[0102] Furthermore, because the lens holder 50 is joined to the first housing 23, the lens holder 50 can be reliably attached to a predetermined position. Furthermore, because the vibration mechanism 60 is disposed radially inward from the first housing 23 and radially outward from the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 can be protected by the first housing 23, and because the lenses 32 to 36, which are disposed closer to the image side than the first lens 31, are held by the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 does not interfere with these lenses 32 to 36.

[0103] Furthermore, since the inner surface 50a of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the outer surface of the first lens 31, and the annular surface 50b of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the bottom surface 31e facing the image side of the first lens 31, the first lens 31 can be easily and accurately positioned in the radial and axial directions (optical axis direction).

[0104] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 19 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the camera module. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the separation portion (large diameter surface) 320 is formed by a C-chamfered portion. Therefore, this point will be described below, and the same components as those in the sixth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 19 , similar to the sixth embodiment, the separation portion 320 is formed on the entrance inner peripheral surface (the object-side inner peripheral surface) and the exit inner peripheral surface (the image-side inner peripheral surface) of the wiring hole 24f, and is composed of large-diameter surfaces 320c, 320d that increase in diameter toward the entrance and exit. The large-diameter surface 320c is composed of a C-chamfered portion formed at the entrance of the wiring hole 24f, and the large-diameter surface 320d is composed of a C-chamfered portion formed at the exit of the wiring hole 24f. While the C-chamfered portion is formed on one radial side of the wiring hole 24f, it may also be formed on the other radial side of the wiring hole 24f if the inner flange portion 24a is formed to have the same thickness on the outer and inner sides of the wiring hole 24f. Furthermore, the C-chamfered portion is formed so that the semicircular portion 306R of the wiring 306 does not come into contact with the C-chamfered portion when the semicircular portion 306R is passed through the wiring hole 24f.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

[0107] Eighth Embodiment Fig. 20 shows a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the camera module. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the configuration of the separation part, and this point will be described below. The same components as those in the sixth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 20 , in this embodiment, the separation portion 321 includes a reinforcing member 321a provided in the second housing 24 and protruding radially toward the inside of the wiring hole 24f. The wiring 306 extends from the tip of the reinforcing member 321a and passes through the wiring hole 24f. Specifically, the reinforcing member 321a is formed of a resin such as polyimide into a rectangular plate shape that is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Note that the material of the reinforcing member 321a is not limited to resin. The reinforcing member 321a has a predetermined thickness that is thicker than the wiring 306 formed by the FPC and a predetermined bending strength that is greater than that of the wiring 306. In this embodiment, the wiring hole 24f does not have an R-chamfered portion or a C-chamfered portion, but is formed straight.

[0109] The reinforcing member 321a is fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24 with an adhesive, and in this state, the tip of the reinforcing member 321a protrudes inward in the radial direction (direction perpendicular to the optical axis) into the wiring hole 24f. The wiring 306 extending from the drive circuit board 305 to the object side extends inward in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis along the lower surface (surface facing the image side) of the reinforcing member 321a and is then fixed to the lower surface of the reinforcing member 321a with an adhesive. The wiring 306 extends from the tip of the reinforcing member 321a and passes through the wiring hole 24f. The protruding length of the tip of the reinforcing member 321a is set as appropriate, but is set to a protruding length such that the semicircular portion 306R of the wiring 306 passes through the center of the wiring hole 24f.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the reinforcing member 321a protrudes radially into the wiring hole 24f, and the wiring 306 extends from the tip of the reinforcing member 321a and passes through the wiring hole 24f. This prevents the wiring 306 from interfering with the entrance and exit sides and the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f. Furthermore, since the diameter of the wiring hole 24f is not increased, a decrease in the strength of the second housing is prevented. Therefore, abnormal noise (ringing) and wiring damage caused by vibration of the wiring 306 can be prevented, and adverse effects on the vibration characteristics of the vibration source 61 can be prevented.

[0111] 21 and 22 show a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 21 being a schematic cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the camera module and Fig. 22 being a rear view of the second housing as viewed from the underside. The configuration other than the essential parts is similar to that of the eighth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment in the position of the wiring that is adhesively fixed to the reinforcing material, and this point will be described below. The same components as those in the eighth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0112] 21 , in the present embodiment, similarly to the eighth embodiment, the separation portion 321 includes a reinforcing member 321a that is provided in the second housing 24 and protrudes radially inward of the wiring hole 24f. The wiring 306 extends from the tip of the reinforcing member 321a and passes through the wiring hole 24f.

[0113] In the eighth embodiment, the reinforcing member 321a was directly adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. However, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 321a is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g with the wiring 306 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 22 , the width of the reinforcing member 321a is larger than the width of the wiring 306, and protruding portions 321b, 321b of the reinforcing member 321a that protrude in the width direction beyond the wiring 306 are adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24. The protruding portions 321b, 321b may be fixed to the inner wall surface 24g by a fixing means such as a clip. Furthermore, the portion of the wiring 306 overlapped by the reinforcing member 321a may be adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g, but adhesive fixation is not necessary because the protruding portions 321b, 321b of the reinforcing member 321a are adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g.

[0114] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as in the eighth embodiment, since the protruding portions 321b, 321b of the reinforcing material 321a are adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, the middle of the wiring 306 can be easily fixed to the second housing 24 by the reinforcing material 321a, thereby improving productivity.

[0115] 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the eighth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment in the configuration of the reinforcing material that constitutes the separation portion. Therefore, this point will be described below, and the same components as those in the eighth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 23 , in this embodiment, the separation portion 322 includes a pair of reinforcing members 322a and 322b. Like the reinforcing member 321a, the reinforcing members 322a and 322b are formed from a resin such as polyimide into a rectangular plate shape elongated in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The reinforcing member 322a is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, and the wiring 306 is fixed by being sandwiched between the reinforcing members 322a and 322b. The reinforcing member 322b is shorter than the reinforcing member 322a, but both ends of the reinforcing members 322a and 322b are aligned and protrude radially (perpendicular to the optical axis) into the wiring hole 24f. The wiring 306 extending from the drive circuit board 305 toward the object side is sandwiched between the reinforcing members 322a and 322b, thereby being fixed to the inner wall surface 24g via the reinforcing members 322a and 322b. The width of the reinforcing members 322a and 322b is larger than the width of the wiring 306, and the protruding portions of the reinforcing members 322a and 322b that protrude in the width direction beyond the wiring 306 are bonded together with an adhesive, thereby fixing the wiring 306 to the reinforcing members 322a and 322b.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the wiring 306 is fixed by being sandwiched midway between the reinforcing members 322a and 322b, so that the wiring 306 can be firmly fixed and protected.

[0118] 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the configuration of the separation section, and this point will be described below. The same components as those in the sixth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0119] 24 , in this embodiment, the separation portion 323 includes a reinforcing member 323a attached to the wiring 306 between the connection position of the wiring 306 to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position where the wiring 306 is fixed to the second housing 24. The reinforcing member 323a has higher rigidity than the wiring 306 formed from an FPC, and is formed from a plate material having a certain thickness, such as polyurethane foam. Note that the material of the reinforcing member 323a is not limited to polyurethane foam. The reinforcing member 323a has higher rigidity than the wiring 306, but still has enough rigidity to be bent relatively easily.

[0120] The reinforcing member 323a is adhered with an adhesive to the entire back surface of the wiring 306 between the connection position of the wiring 306 to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position on the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24. Here, the back surface of the wiring 306 refers to the side of the wiring 306 that is not connected to the vibrator 61, assuming that the side of the wiring 306 that is connected to the vibrator 61 is the front surface. Because the front surface of the wiring 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, when the reinforcing member 323a is attached to this surface, it is attached excluding the connection portion with the vibrator 61. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 323a is formed in a generally J-shape in cross section between the connection position of the wiring 306 to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position on the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, and is capable of maintaining this shape. A semicircular portion 323b of the reinforcing member 323a passes through approximately the center of the wiring hole 24f. Furthermore, the portion (rear surface) of the reinforcing member 323a located inside the second housing 24 is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g.

[0121] The wiring 306 is affixed with adhesive to the reinforcing member 323a between a connection position to the vibrator 61 and a fixed position where the wiring 306 is fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24, with one end of the wiring 306 connected to the vibrator 61 and the other end connected to the drive circuit board 305. Since the semicircular portion 323b of the reinforcing member 323a is held in a state spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f, the semicircular portion 306R that follows the semicircular portion 323b of the wiring 306 is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f.

[0122] According to this embodiment, the spacing portion 323 includes a reinforcing member 323a having higher rigidity than the wire 306 and attached to the wire 306 between the connection position of the wire 306 to the vibrator 61 and the fixed position at which the wire 306 is fixed to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24. The spacing of the reinforcing member 323a from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f separates the wire 306 from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f, thereby preventing the wire 306 from interfering with the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f and avoiding the need to increase the diameter of the wiring hole 24f, thereby preventing a decrease in strength of the second housing 24. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 323a is made of polyurethane foam or the like and has relatively low rigidity, so it does not impair the vibration performance of the vibrator 61.

[0123] 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the sixth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in the configuration of the separation section, and this point will be described below. The same components as those in the sixth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 25 , in this embodiment, the separation portion 324 includes a reinforcing member 324a attached to the wiring 306 and having higher rigidity than the wiring 306. The reinforcing member 324a has higher rigidity than the wiring 306 formed from an FPC, and is formed in a plate shape from a high-rigidity resin such as FR-4. FR-4 stands for Flame Retardant Type 4, and is a material made by weaving glass fiber into a cloth-like fabric and impregnating it with epoxy resin, achieving both flame retardancy and low conductivity. Note that the material of the reinforcing member 324a is not limited to FR-4. The reinforcing member 324a may be made of any material as long as it has higher rigidity than the wiring 306 and is rigid enough to maintain its shape.

[0125] The reinforcing member 324a is attached with an adhesive to the surface of the wiring 306 between the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 and the wiring hole 24f. The reinforcing member 324a is formed in a generally J-shape in cross section, and one end (the end closest to the wiring hole 24f) is located within the wiring hole 24f. The middle of the wiring 306 is attached with an adhesive to the inner wall surface 24g. One end of the reinforcing member 324a is radially spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f, and this state is maintained. Because the wiring 306 is attached to the reinforcing member 324a, the wiring 306 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the wiring hole 24f.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the reinforcing member 324a is spaced radially from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f, so that the wiring 306 is spaced from the inner periphery of the wiring hole 24f, preventing the wiring 306 from interfering with the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f and preventing the diameter of the wiring hole 24f from being increased, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the second housing. Furthermore, because the reinforcing member 324a is not attached to the connection portion where the wiring 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, the reinforcing member 324a is prevented from interfering with the vibration of the vibrator 61.

[0127] 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the twelfth embodiment in that the attachment position of the reinforcing member 324a is changed. Therefore, this point will be described below. The same components as those in the twelfth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0128] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26 , the reinforcing member 324a is attached with an adhesive to the back surface of the wire 306 between the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 and the wiring hole 24f. That is, the reinforcing member 324a is disposed between the wire 306 and the inner wall surface 24g. The reinforcing member 324a is formed in a generally J-shape in cross section, and one end thereof (the end closest to the wiring hole 24f) is located within the wiring hole 24f. The reinforcing member 324a is also attached with an adhesive to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24. One end of the reinforcing member 324a is radially spaced apart from the inner periphery of the wiring hole 24f and remains in this state. The wire 306 is attached to the reinforcing member 324a with an adhesive. Because the wire 306 is attached to the reinforcing member 324a, the wire 306 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the wiring hole 24f.

[0129] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as in the twelfth embodiment, since the reinforcing material 324a is attached to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 and the wiring 306 is attached to this reinforcing material 324a, the reinforcing material 324a can provide insulation between the wiring 306 and the second housing 24 made of metal.

[0130] 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration other than the essential parts is the same as that of the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments. This embodiment differs from the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments in that reinforcing material is attached to both sides of the wiring 306. This difference will be explained below, and the same components as those in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and their explanations may be omitted.

[0131] 27 , the separation portion 325 is provided with two reinforcing members 325a and 325b, and one of the reinforcing members 325a is attached with an adhesive to the back surface of the wiring 306 between the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 and the wiring hole 24f. In other words, the reinforcing member 325a is disposed between the wiring 306 and the inner wall surface 24g. The other reinforcing member 325b is attached with an adhesive to the surface of the wiring 306 between a position facing the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 and the wiring hole 24f.

[0132] Like the reinforcing member 324a, the reinforcing members 325a and 325b are more rigid than the wiring 306 formed from the FPC and are formed in a plate shape using a highly rigid resin such as FR-4. The reinforcing members 325a and 325b are formed in a generally J-shape in cross section, with one end (the end closest to the wiring hole 24f) aligned and positioned within the wiring hole 24f. The reinforcing member 325a is also attached to the inner wall surface 24g of the second housing 24 with an adhesive. One end of the reinforcing members 325a and 325b is radially spaced from the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f and maintained in this state. The wiring 306 is sandwiched between the reinforcing members 325a and 325b and attached to the reinforcing members 325a and 325b with an adhesive. Since the wiring 306 is attached to the reinforcing members 325a and 325b, the wiring 306 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the wiring hole 24f.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the seventh and eighth embodiments can be obtained, and in addition, since the middle of the wiring 306 is sandwiched and attached between the reinforcing materials 325a and 325b, the wiring 306 can be firmly fixed and protected.

[0134] As described above, according to the sixth to fourteenth embodiments, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0135] In other words, the separation portion is formed on the entrance and exit inner peripheral surfaces of the wiring hole, and is configured by large-diameter surfaces that become larger toward the entrance and exit sides, so that the wiring passed through the wiring hole is separated from the large-diameter surfaces, and therefore, even if the wiring vibrates, interference with the entrance and exit sides of the wiring hole can be suppressed. Furthermore, although the diameter of the wiring hole is larger toward the entrance and exit sides, there is no need to increase the diameter of the entire wiring hole, so a decrease in the strength of the second housing can be suppressed.

[0136] In addition, since the reinforcing material protrudes radially into the wiring hole and the wiring extends from the tip of this reinforcing material and passes through the wiring hole, it is possible to prevent the wiring from interfering with the entrance and exit sides of the wiring hole or the inner peripheral surface. Furthermore, since the diameter of the wiring hole does not need to be increased, a decrease in the strength of the second housing can be prevented.

[0137] Furthermore, since the protruding portion of the reinforcing material is fixed to the second housing, the wiring can be easily fixed to the second housing by the reinforcing material.

[0138] Furthermore, since the wiring is fixed by being sandwiched between the pair of reinforcing members, the wiring can be firmly fixed and protected.

[0139] Furthermore, since the reinforcing material, which is more rigid than the wiring, is spaced away from the inner surface of the wiring hole, the wiring is spaced away from the inner surface of the wiring hole, which prevents the wiring from interfering with the inner surface of the wiring hole and does not increase the diameter of the wiring hole, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the second housing.

[0140] In addition, since the reinforcing material is spaced radially from the inner surface of the wiring hole at or near the wiring hole, the wiring is spaced from the inner periphery of the wiring hole, which prevents the wiring from interfering with the inner surface of the wiring hole and does not increase the diameter of the wiring hole, thereby preventing a decrease in strength of the second housing. Furthermore, since the reinforcing material is not attached to the connection portion of the wiring connected to the vibration source, it is possible to prevent the reinforcing material from interfering with the vibration of the vibration source.

[0141] As described above, the present applicant has been developing a camera module including a first housing in which a first lens closest to the object is mounted, a lens barrel located radially inward from the first housing and in which lenses other than the first lens are mounted, a second housing located closer to the image than the first housing and fitted to the first housing, a vibration mechanism located between the first housing and the lens barrel for vibrating the first lens, and an image sensor located in the second housing for converting light focused through lenses including the first lens into an electrical signal. In such a camera module, contact between the lens barrel, the first lens, and the vibration mechanism would impede the vibration (ultrasonic vibration) of the first lens caused by the vibration mechanism, so a certain gap must be provided between the lens barrel and the first lens, and between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism. However, because the first lens is mounted in the first housing, transmitted light that passes through the outer periphery of the first lens and transmitted light (stray light) that passes between the lens barrel and the first lens passes through the gap between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism. Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a wiring hole for connecting, via wiring, a piezoelectric element (vibration source) provided in the vibration mechanism to a drive circuit board provided in the second housing for driving the piezoelectric element (vibration source). As a result, transmitted light (stray light) that passes through the gap is reflected by the lens barrel, wiring hole, wiring, etc., and enters the second housing through the wiring hole, and enters a predetermined range of the imaging plane where light rays focused through the lens group form an image, resulting in a problem of degradation of image quality.

[0142] Therefore, below, we provide a lens unit that can prevent transmitted light that has passed through the outer periphery of the first lens or between the lens barrel and the first lens from entering a predetermined range of the image plane where light rays focused through the lens group are imaged.

[0143] Fifteenth Embodiment A camera module 300 including such a lens unit 20 is shown in FIG. 28 . Here, the wiring 306 is fixed midway to the second housing 24 in the following manner. That is, first, a wiring hole 24f is formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. This wiring hole 24f is formed, for example, in an oval shape so that the wiring 306 formed from an FPC can be passed through. Furthermore, the inner flange portion 24a is formed so that the outer peripheral side of the wiring hole 24f is thicker than the inner peripheral side. In this embodiment, one wiring hole 24f is formed in the inner flange portion 24a, but multiple wiring holes 24f may be formed.

[0144] A wire 306 is passed through the wiring hole 24f. One end of the wire 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, and the other end is connected to the drive circuit board 305. The wire 306 is arranged midway along the inner wall surface 24g and is adhesively fixed to the inner wall surface 24g with an adhesive. The wire 306 extends from the fixed position where the wire 306 is adhesively fixed toward the drive circuit board 305 and is connected to the drive circuit board 305.

[0145] In addition, this embodiment is provided with a stray light prevention section 351 that prevents transmitted light that has passed through the outer periphery of the first lens 31 and / or transmitted light that has passed between the lens barrel 22 and the first lens 31 from passing between the lens barrel 22 and the vibration mechanism 60 and entering the package sensor (image sensor) 304.

[0146] The stray light prevention unit 351 is configured such that the wiring hole 24f provided in the second housing 24 is located in a blind spot of a predetermined range rg of the image forming surface 304a, where light rays condensed through the lens group form an image. The image forming surface 304a coincides with the sensor surface, which is the object-side surface of the image sensor 304, and the wiring hole 24f is located in the blind spot of the predetermined range rg of this image forming surface 304a. Note that locating the wiring hole in the blind spot of the predetermined range of the image forming surface means locating the wiring hole in a position where the transmitted light does not enter the predetermined range of the image forming surface even if it passes through the gap between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism and passes through the wiring hole. The center of the image forming surface 304a is located on the optical axis O. The image forming surface 304a is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and the center of the image forming surface 304a is the intersection of a line segment connecting the centers of the opposing long sides of the rectangle and a line segment connecting the centers of the opposing short sides. The predetermined range rg is defined by a rectangle defined by a line segment spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the imaging surface 304a in the long side direction and a line segment spaced a predetermined distance in the short side direction.

[0147] Stray light SL that enters from the outer periphery of first lens 31 and passes between lens barrel 22 and vibration mechanism 60 is reflected, for example, by the outer periphery of the upper end of lens barrel 22, and then travels toward second housing 24. No wiring hole 24f is formed in the portion of second housing 24 that this stray light SL reaches, and instead serves as a wall portion of inner flange portion 24a, preventing the passage of stray light SL. Wiring hole 24f is formed in inner flange portion 24a, radially outward of the portion that this stray light SL reaches.

[0148] The stray light SL that reaches the target location (the wall portion of the inner flange portion 24a) is reflected from the target location and then reflected by the main body portion 62b of the vibrating body 62 of the vibration mechanism 60. This reflected stray light SL is further reflected by the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f and the wiring 306, but this reflected stray light SL does not enter the predetermined range rg of the sensor surface (imaging surface) 304a of the image sensor 304. In other words, no matter what angle the stray light SL passes through the wiring hole 24f of the second housing 24, the wiring hole 24f is located in a position where it does not enter the predetermined range rg of the sensor surface (imaging surface) 304a of the image sensor 304, that is, in a blind spot of the predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304.

[0149] According to this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 351 is configured so that the wiring hole 24f provided in the second housing 24 is positioned in a blind spot of the predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304. Therefore, even if transmitted light that passes through the gap between the lens barrel 22 and the vibration mechanism 60, either directly or after being reflected, passes through the wiring hole 24f, it does not enter the predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304. In other words, it is possible to prevent transmitted light (stray light) SL from entering the predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304.

[0150] Furthermore, because the lens holder 50 is joined to the first housing 23, the lens holder 50 can be reliably attached to a predetermined position. Furthermore, because the vibration mechanism 60 is disposed radially inward from the first housing 23 and radially outward from the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 can be protected by the first housing 23, and because the lenses 32 to 36, which are disposed closer to the image side than the first lens 31, are held by the lens barrel 22, the vibration mechanism 60 does not interfere with these lenses 32 to 36.

[0151] Furthermore, since the inner surface 50a of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the outer surface of the first lens 31, and the annular surface 50b of the lens holding portion 50 abuts against the bottom surface 31e facing the image side of the first lens 31, the first lens 31 can be easily and accurately positioned in the radial and axial directions (optical axis direction).

[0152] 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment in the configuration of the stray light prevention unit, and so this point will be described below. The same components as those in the fifteenth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 29 , in this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 352 is configured by providing an incidence prevention member in the second housing 24 that prevents transmitted light (stray light) that has passed through the outer periphery of the first lens 31 from entering a predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304. Specifically, an incidence prevention member 370 is provided in the wiring hole 24f. The incidence prevention member 370 is formed of a non-transparent material such as resin. The incidence prevention member 370 is formed in an arc-shaped or rectangular plate shape and is disposed along the inner circumferential surface of the wiring hole 24f that is closer to the optical axis O. The upper end of the incidence prevention member 370 abuts against the protrusion 27 at the lower end of the lens barrel 22, and the lower end extends below the sensor surface (imaging surface) 304a of the image sensor 304. The incidence prevention member 370 may be configured as an integral part of the lens barrel 22 or the second housing 24.

[0154] Stray light SL1 that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by the outer periphery of lens barrel 22 and further reflected by the inner periphery of wiring hole 24f and headed toward image sensor 304, but is prevented from traveling radially inward by incidence prevention member 370. Stray light SL2 that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by wiring 306 and headed toward image sensor 304, but is prevented from traveling radially inward by incidence prevention member 370. Therefore, stray light SL1 and SL2 do not enter a predetermined range rg of image plane 304a of image sensor 304.

[0155] According to this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 352 is configured such that the second housing 24 is provided with an incidence prevention member 370 that prevents stray light (transmitted light) SL1, SL2 from entering a predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 30. Therefore, even if the stray light (transmitted light) SL1, SL2 passes through the gap between the lens barrel 22 and the vibration mechanism 60, either directly or by reflection, the incidence prevention member 370 can prevent the stray light (transmitted light) SL1, SL2 from entering a predetermined range rg of the imaging surface 304a of the image sensor 304.

[0156] 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment in the configuration of the stray light prevention unit, and therefore this point will be described below. The same components as those in the fifteenth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 30 , in this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 353 is configured such that a portion of the lens barrel 22 and a portion of the vibration mechanism 60 overlap in the optical axis direction and are continuous in the circumferential direction. Specifically, a recess 22a with an arc-shaped cross section is formed along the circumferential direction on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel 22. Furthermore, a portion of the main body 62b of the vibration mechanism 60 forms a bulge 62d that bulges radially inward in an arc-shaped cross section. The arc-shaped surface of the bulge 62d facing the recess 22a and the arc-shaped surface of the recess 22a have approximately the same radius of curvature, and the bulge 62d fits into the recess 22a with a predetermined gap. This allows a portion of the lens barrel 22 and a portion of the vibration mechanism 60 to overlap in the optical axis direction and be continuous in the circumferential direction. Therefore, stray light SL that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by main body 62b of vibration mechanism 60, but because bulging portion 62d is inserted into recess 22a with a predetermined gap, stray light SL does not travel toward the image side from bulging portion 62d. For this reason, stray light SL does not enter a predetermined range rg of imaging plane 304a of image sensor 304.

[0158] 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a first modified example of the seventeenth embodiment. The first modified example differs from the seventeenth embodiment in the configuration of the lens barrel 22, and therefore this point will be described below. The same components as those in the seventeenth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0159] In the seventeenth embodiment, a recess 22a with an arc-shaped cross section is formed along the circumferential direction on a portion of the outer surface of the lens barrel 22. However, in the first modification, the diameter of approximately the lower half of the lens barrel 22 on the image side (lower side in FIG. 31 ) in the optical axis direction is shorter than the diameter of approximately the upper half on the object side (upper side in FIG. 31 ). In other words, the lens barrel 22 has a large-diameter portion 22b in the upper half and a small-diameter portion 22c in the lower half, and the large-diameter portion 22b and the small-diameter portion 22c are connected by an arc-shaped cross-sectional surface 22d. A bulge 62d is located close to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the arc-shaped surface 22d and the small-diameter portion 22c with a predetermined gap between them. In this state, the bulge 62d is located radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 22b. As a result, a portion of the lens barrel 22 and a portion of the vibration mechanism 60 overlap in the optical axis direction and are continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0160] Therefore, stray light SL that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by main body 62b of vibration mechanism 60, but because bulging portion 62d is close to arcuate surface 22d and the outer periphery of the upper end of small diameter portion 22c with a predetermined gap therebetween, stray light SL does not travel toward the image side from bulging portion 62d. For this reason, stray light SL does not enter a predetermined range rg of imaging plane 304a of image sensor 304.

[0161] 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a second modified example of the seventeenth embodiment. The second modified example differs from the seventeenth embodiment in the configuration of the lens barrel 22, and therefore this point will be described below. The same components as those in the seventeenth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0162] In the seventeenth embodiment, a recess 22a with an arc-shaped cross section is formed along the circumferential direction on a portion of the outer surface of the lens barrel 22. However, in the second modification, the diameter of the upper portion of the lens barrel 22 on the image side (upper side in FIG. 32 ) in the optical axis direction is shorter than the diameter of the lower portion on the object side (lower side in FIG. 32 ). That is, the lens barrel 22 has an upper small-diameter portion 22e and a lower large-diameter portion 22f, and the small-diameter portion 22e and the large-diameter portion 22f are connected by an arc-shaped cross-sectional surface 22g. A bulge 62d is located radially inward of the outer surface of the large-diameter portion 22f, adjacent to the arc-shaped surface 22g and the outer surface of the lower end of the small-diameter portion 22e, with a predetermined gap between them. This allows a portion of the lens barrel 22 and a portion of the vibration mechanism 60 to overlap in the optical axis direction and be continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0163] Therefore, stray light SL that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by main body 62b of vibration mechanism 60, but because bulging portion 62d is located close to arcuate surface 22g and the outer periphery of the lower end of small diameter portion 22e with a predetermined gap therebetween, stray light SL does not travel toward the image side from bulging portion 62d. For this reason, stray light SL does not enter a predetermined range rg of imaging plane 304a of image sensor 304.

[0164] According to this embodiment, the stray light prevention section 353 is configured such that a part of the lens barrel 22 (recess 22 a, arcuate surfaces 22 d, 22 g) and a part of the vibration mechanism 60 (bulge 62 d) overlap in the optical axis direction and are continuous in the circumferential direction, so that stray light (transmitted light) SL does not proceed toward the image side beyond this overlapping part. This makes it possible to prevent stray light (transmitted light) SL from entering a predetermined range rg of the imaging plane 304 a of the image sensor 304.

[0165] 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to an 18th embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the 15th embodiment in the configuration of the stray light prevention unit, and therefore this point will be described below. The same components as those in the 15th embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0166] 33 , in this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 354 is configured such that the wiring hole 24f is provided radially outward from the vibration mechanism 60. That is, the wiring hole 24f is provided in the outer periphery of the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24, radially outward from the vibration mechanism 60. Furthermore, one end of a wiring 306 is connected to the vibrator 61, the wiring 306 extends radially outward from the connected position and is passed through the wiring hole 24f, and the other end is connected to the drive circuit board 305.

[0167] Therefore, stray light SL that has passed through the outer periphery of first lens 31 is reflected by the outer periphery of lens barrel 22 and reaches inner flange portion 24a of second housing 24, but does not pass through wiring hole 24f because wiring hole 24f is provided radially outward of vibration mechanism 60. For this reason, stray light SL does not enter a predetermined range rg of image plane 304a of image sensor 304.

[0168] According to this embodiment, the stray light prevention unit 354 is configured such that the wiring hole 24f is provided radially outward of the vibration mechanism 60, so that transmitted light (stray light) SL that passes through the gap between the lens barrel 22 and the vibration mechanism 60, either directly or after being reflected, does not pass through the wiring hole 24f. This makes it possible to prevent the transmitted light (stray light) SL from entering a predetermined range rg of the imaging plane 304a of the image sensor 304.

[0169] As described above, according to the fifteenth to eighteenth embodiments, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0170] That is, the stray light prevention unit is configured so that the wiring hole provided in the second housing is positioned in a blind spot within a predetermined range of the image formation surface, so that transmitted light that passes through the gap between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism, either directly or after being reflected, does not enter the predetermined range of the image formation surface even if it passes through the wiring hole, thereby preventing transmitted light from entering the predetermined range of the image formation surface.

[0171] In addition, the stray light prevention unit is configured so that the second housing is provided with an incident prevention member that prevents transmitted light from entering a specified range of the image forming surface.Therefore, even if transmitted light passes through the gap between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism directly or by reflection, the incident prevention member can prevent the transmitted light from entering a specified range of the image forming surface.

[0172] Furthermore, since the stray light prevention unit is configured such that part of the lens barrel and part of the vibration mechanism overlap in the optical axis direction and are continuous in the circumferential direction, transmitted light does not travel beyond this overlapping portion toward the image side, thereby preventing transmitted light from entering a predetermined range on the imaging plane.

[0173] Furthermore, since the stray light prevention unit is configured so that the wiring hole is located radially outward of the vibration mechanism, transmitted light that passes through the gap between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism, either directly or after being reflected, does not pass through the wiring hole, thereby preventing transmitted light from entering a predetermined range on the imaging plane.

[0174] FIG. 34 schematically illustrates a vehicle 240 as a moving object equipped with an in-vehicle system (imaging system) including an imaging device 250 including the camera module 300 shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 8 , 9 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 19 to 21 , 23 to 28 , 29 to 32 , or 33 . As illustrated, the imaging device 250 can be mounted on the vehicle 240, and FIG. 34 illustrates an example of the mounting position of the imaging device 250 on the vehicle 240. The imaging device 250 mounted on the vehicle 240 can also be referred to as an in-vehicle camera and can be installed in various locations on the vehicle 240. For example, the first imaging device 250a may be disposed on or near the front bumper as a camera for monitoring the forward direction while the vehicle 240 is traveling. Furthermore, the second imaging device 250b for monitoring the forward direction may be disposed near the interior rearview mirror of the vehicle 240. The third imaging device 250c may be disposed on the dashboard or in the instrument panel as a camera for monitoring the driver's driving status. The fourth imaging device 250d may be installed at the rear of the vehicle 240 for rearward monitoring of the vehicle 240. The imaging devices 250a and 250b may be called front cameras. The third imaging device 250c may be called an in-camera. The fourth imaging device 250d may be called a rear camera. The imaging device 250 is not limited to these and may include imaging devices installed in various positions, such as a left side camera that captures images of the left rear side and a right side camera that captures images of the right rear side.

[0175] An image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 250 may be output to an information processing device 242 and / or a display device 243 in the vehicle 240. The information processing device 242 and the display device 243, together with the 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. Examples of the information processing device 242 include, but are not limited to, a navigation system, a collision damage mitigation braking system, a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control system, and a lane departure warning system. The display device 243 displays the image processed and output by the information processing device 242, but can also receive an image signal directly from the imaging device 250. The display device 243 may be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display device 243 can display to the driver (can output information to the occupants) an image signal output from an imaging device 250 that captures an image from a position that is difficult for the driver to see, such as a rear camera.

[0176] Fig. 35 shows the configuration of an imaging device that constitutes the in-vehicle system shown in Fig. 34. As shown in the figure, an imaging device 250 according to the embodiment includes a control unit 252, a storage unit 254, and the camera module 300 in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0177] The control unit 252 controls the camera module 300 and processes the electrical signals output from the image sensor 304 of the camera module 300. The control unit 252 may be configured as, for example, a processor. The control unit 252 may also 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 a specific process. The dedicated processor may include an application-specific integrated circuit (IC). An application-specific IC is also called an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor may include a programmable logic device. A programmable logic device is also called a programmable logic device (PLD). A PLD may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 252 may be either a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a system-in-a-package (SiP) in which one or more processors work together.

[0178] The storage unit 254 stores various information or parameters related to the operation of the imaging device 250. The storage unit 254 may be configured with, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. 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 that are used by the control unit 252 to perform detection processing based on the captured images. The storage unit 254 may be included in the control unit 252.

[0179] As described above, the camera module 300 captures an image of a subject formed through the lens unit 20 with the image sensor 304 and outputs the captured image. The image captured by the camera module 300 is also referred to as a captured image.

[0180] The imaging element 304 may be configured, for example, as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD). The imaging element 304 has an imaging surface on which multiple pixels are arranged. Each pixel outputs a signal specified by a current or voltage according to the amount of incident light. The signal output by each pixel is also referred to as imaging data.

[0181] The imaging data may be read by the camera module 300 for all pixels and captured by the control unit 252 as a captured image. A captured image read by all pixels is also referred to as a maximum captured image. The imaging data may be read 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 in a predetermined capture range. The imaging data read from pixels in the 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 the predetermined capture range from the control unit 252. The imaging element 304 may capture an image of a predetermined capture range from the subject image formed via the lens unit 20.

[0182] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the shapes of the lens, housing, lens barrel, etc. are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, some or all of the above-described embodiments may be combined, or part of the configuration of one of the above-described embodiments may be omitted, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0183] 20 Lens unit 22 Lens barrel 23 First housing (housing) 24 Second housing 30 Elastic member 31 First lens 60 Vibration mechanism 61 Piezoelectric element (vibrator) 62 Vibrating body 72b Protrusion (convex portion) 75 Fixing mechanism 240 Vehicle (mobile body) 242 Information processing device (processing device) 243 Display device 250 Imaging device 252 Control unit 300 Camera module 304 Imaging element 305 Drive circuit board 306, 310, 310A, 310B, 311, 312 Wiring 306b Hole (recess) 307e, 310e, 311e, 312e Excess length portion 310a, 311a, 312a Connection portion 310b, 311b, 312b Clamping portion 310c, 311c, 312c Drive circuit connection parts

Claims

1. A lens unit comprising a lens group in which a number of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lenses, and a vibration mechanism having a vibration source that vibrates a first lens of the plurality of lenses that is located closest to the object, the lens unit comprising: a first housing in which the first lens is provided; a lens barrel in which a lens located closer to the image side than the first lens is provided and which is provided radially inward from the first housing; a second housing that is positioned closer to the image side than the first housing and fits into the first housing; the vibration mechanism provided between the first housing and the lens barrel; and wiring for applying a drive signal to the vibration source, wherein a middle portion of the wiring is fixed to the second housing, and the wiring has an excess portion that does not come into contact with members that constitute the lens unit when vibrated by the vibration source.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the second housing is provided with a drive circuit board for applying a drive signal to the vibration source via the wiring, and the drive circuit board and the vibration source are connected by the wiring.

3. The lens unit described in claim 1, characterized in that a wiring hole for passing the wiring is formed in the second housing, the wiring is passed through this wiring hole, the wiring is fixed to an inner wall surface of the second housing, and the excess portion of the wiring between a fixed position of the wiring fixed to the inner wall surface and a connection position connected to the vibration source is set to a length such that the wiring passed through the wiring hole does not interfere with the inner wall surface of the wiring hole when it vibrates due to the vibration source.

4. A lens unit as described in claim 1, further comprising a fixing mechanism for fixing the wiring midway, the fixing mechanism comprising a recess provided in the wiring and a convex portion provided in the second housing that fits into the recess.

5. The lens unit according to claim 4, wherein the wiring is fixed to the second housing by thermal caulking the convex portion that fits into the concave portion.

6. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the wiring is fixed to the second housing by being sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing.

7. The lens unit according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the wiring is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing together with an elastic member.

8. The lens unit according to claim 6, wherein the wiring has two or more annular portions, and at least one of the annular portions is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing.

9. The lens unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the image-side surface of the vibration source to which the wiring is connected and the image-side surface of the first housing that sandwiches the wiring midway are at the same position in the optical axis direction.

10. The lens unit according to claim 6, wherein said first housing has a wiring hole for leading said wiring out to the outside of said first housing.

11. A lens unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that the second housing is provided with a wiring hole through which the wiring passes, the wiring passes through the wiring hole, and a spacing portion is provided that spaces the wiring from the inner surface of the wiring hole.

12. The lens unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the separation portion is formed on the entrance inner surface and the exit inner surface of the wiring hole, and is constituted by a large diameter surface that becomes larger in diameter toward the entrance side and the exit side.

13. The lens unit described in claim 11, characterized in that the separation portion is provided on the second housing and has a reinforcing material that protrudes radially inwardly into the wiring hole, and the wiring extends from the tip of the reinforcing material and passes through the wiring hole.

14. The lens unit according to claim 13, characterized in that the width of the reinforcing material is greater than the width of the wiring, and a protruding portion of the reinforcing material protruding in the width direction beyond the wiring is fixed to the second housing.

15. The lens unit according to claim 13, wherein the spaced apart portion is provided with a pair of reinforcing members, and the wiring is sandwiched between the reinforcing members.

16. The lens unit described in claim 11, characterized in that the spacing portion includes a reinforcing material having higher rigidity than the wiring and attached to the wiring between the connection position of the wiring to the vibration source and the fixed position where the wiring is fixed to the second housing, and the reinforcing material is spaced apart from the inner surface of the wiring hole, thereby spacing the wiring apart from the inner surface of the wiring hole.

17. The lens unit described in claim 11, characterized in that the spacing portion includes a reinforcing material having higher rigidity than the wiring and attached to the wiring, the reinforcing material being attached to the wiring between the inner wall surface of the second housing and the wiring hole or the vicinity of the wiring hole, and the reinforcing material is radially spaced from the inner surface of the wiring hole at the wiring hole or the vicinity of the wiring hole, thereby spacing the wiring from the inner circumference of the wiring hole.

18. The lens unit described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided in the second housing and has a wiring hole for passing the wiring, and further has a stray light prevention section which prevents transmitted light that has passed through the outer periphery of the first lens and / or transmitted light that has passed between the lens barrel and the first lens from passing between the lens barrel and the vibration mechanism and entering a predetermined range of the image formation plane on which the light rays focused through the lens group are imaged.

19. The lens unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the stray light prevention section is configured such that the wiring hole is disposed in a blind spot of a predetermined range on the imaging surface.

20. The lens unit described in claim 18, characterized in that the stray light prevention section is configured by providing an incidence prevention member on the second housing to prevent the transmitted light from entering a predetermined range of the image plane.

21. The lens unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the stray light prevention section is configured such that a part of the lens barrel and a part of the vibration mechanism overlap in the optical axis direction and are continuous in the circumferential direction.

22. The lens unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the stray light prevention section is configured such that the wiring hole is provided radially outward from the vibration mechanism.

23. A camera module comprising: a lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 22; and an image sensor that converts light focused through the lens group of the lens unit into an electrical signal.

24. An imaging system comprising: an imaging device having a camera module as described in claim 23; a control unit that controls the camera module and processes electrical signals output from the imaging element of the camera module; a processing device that processes image signals acquired by the imaging device; and a display device that displays an image processed and output by the processing device.

25. A vehicle equipped with the imaging system according to claim 24, wherein information is output to a passenger by the display device.

Images