Camera module and method for manufacturing a camera module

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera module having a printed circuit board on which at least one image sensor is arranged, a lens having a lens housing and a plurality of optical lenses arranged within the lens housing, a lens holder connected to the printed circuit board and configured to hold the lens, and at least one temperature control element configured to influence the temperature of at least the front lens of the lens. A second optical lens is arranged on the front lens. The front lens and / or the second optical lens has at least one recess, wherein the at least one temperature control element is arranged in the at least one recess. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a camera module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera module for motor vehicles and a method for manufacturing the camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Camera modules are used in safety-related industrial applications and in consumer products. For example, in the automotive industry, camera modules must be designed to operate normally not only in very cold environments (approximately -40°C) but also in very warm environments (approximately +105°C). During operation, the electronic components of a camera module typically experience power losses, which lead to self-heating. For this reason, camera modules are usually designed to dissipate heat effectively to the environment. However, regardless of the temperature of the electronic components, it may be necessary to heat the optics unit of the camera module, especially in cold regions, or to cool it more intensely in very hot regions.

[0003] DE 10 2019 203 378 A1 discloses an optical device unit for an image detection apparatus for a vehicle, the optical device unit having a lens housing shaped to receive at least one lens. Additionally, the optical device unit has a holding element and a heating element disposed on or potentially disposed on the holding element, the holding element being shaped to hold the lens on the lens housing, and the heating element being configured to heat the lens. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a camera module, particularly a camera module for motor vehicles, comprising: a printed circuit board on which at least one image sensor is disposed; a lens having a lens housing and a plurality of optical lenses disposed within the lens housing; a lens holder connected to the printed circuit board and configured to hold the lens; and at least one temperature regulating element configured to affect the temperature of at least the front lens of the lens; wherein a second optical lens is disposed on the front lens.

[0005] According to the present invention, the front lens and / or the second optical lens have at least one groove, wherein at least one temperature regulating element is arranged in at least one groove.

[0006] Multiple optical lenses mean that at least a front lens and a second optical lens are arranged within the lens housing. Additionally, at least one other optical lens can be arranged within the lens housing. The front lens can be understood as an optical lens facing the sensing area of ​​the camera module. Here, the front lens is arranged within the lens housing on the side facing away from the printed circuit board. The front lens is the optical lens with the largest distance between the lens and the printed circuit board. The second optical lens is also arranged within the lens housing. The second optical lens is arranged on top of the front lens such that it is positioned closer to the printed circuit board. The second optical lens is the optical lens with the second largest distance between the lens and the printed circuit board. The distance between at least one other optical lens arranged within the lens housing and the printed circuit board is smaller than the distance between the second optical lens and the printed circuit board. The distance between at least one other optical lens and the printed circuit board is even smaller than the distance between the front lens and the printed circuit board. The lenses arranged within the lens housing can be made of glass or plastic. Here, plastic has the advantage of being a lighter material than glass. The front lens is preferably made of glass. This is advantageous because glass is more resistant than plastic to aging effects that may be caused by environmental factors such as moisture or direct UV radiation.

[0007] The lens mount can be material-locked, form-locked, or force-locked to a printed circuit board. The lens mount can be connected to the printed circuit board via at least one connecting element. The lens can be disposed on at least one part of the lens mount. The lens housing can be disposed on at least one part of the lens mount. Thus, the lens mount can hold the lens. Additionally, the camera module can have at least one directional element arranged between the lens mount and the lens housing such that the lens housing can be optically oriented toward the image sensor and secured to the lens mount.

[0008] The at least one groove is specifically arranged outside the optical path of the lens. Therefore, the groove and the temperature-regulating element arranged in the groove have no effect on the optical performance of the lens. The groove is specifically geometrically shaped to partially or completely receive the temperature-regulating element. If only the second optical lens has at least one groove, the temperature-regulating element can be completely received in one groove of the second optical lens. If only the front lens has at least one groove, the temperature-regulating element can be completely received in one groove of the front lens. The front lens and the second optical lens may each have at least one groove. In this variant, preferably, the grooves of the front lens and the second optical lens are arranged opposite each other. In this case, at least one temperature-regulating element can be partially arranged in the groove of the front lens and partially arranged in the groove of the second optical lens.

[0009] The temperature control element can be connected to a voltage source contact. This voltage source can be located within the camera module. For example, a printed circuit board can be configured as the voltage source for the temperature control element.

[0010] The advantage of this invention is that it provides a camera module in which a temperature control element is arranged for better protection from external influences. Furthermore, the recess ensures stable positioning of the temperature control element within the lens. This, in turn, ensures robust, stable, and reliable temperature control of the optical unit of the camera module.

[0011] The groove is specifically constructed as an annular, polygonal, toroidal, or hollow cylinder, wherein the groove is arranged such that its center point is located on the optical path of the lens. In this variation, the temperature regulating element is also specifically constructed as an annular, polygonal, toroidal, or hollow cylinder. The temperature regulating element can be closed around the periphery. This ensures a uniform temperature distribution.

[0012] Alternatively, the groove can be constructed as an open annulus, a polygon, a torus, or a hollow cylinder. In this case, the groove is not closed circumferentially. In this variation, the temperature regulating element can also be constructed, in particular, as an open annulus, a polygon, a torus, or a hollow cylinder. The groove and / or the temperature regulating element can have a semi-open geometry, such as a 340° geometry. The advantage of this variation is that at least one contact element can be arranged in the opening of the temperature regulating element. In particular, two contact elements can be arranged in the opening of the temperature regulating element. These two contact elements can be advantageously positioned directly adjacent to each other. This is mainly advantageous in terms of electrical contact with a voltage source. Only one electrical interface is required in only one location.

[0013] Alternatively, the camera module can also have multiple recesses and multiple temperature-regulating elements arranged in the recesses. For this purpose, these recesses can be evenly arranged around the periphery of the front lens and / or the periphery of the second optical lens. This enables a uniform temperature distribution.

[0014] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, at least one recess is arranged in the front lens and / or the second optical lens such that the temperature-regulating element disposed in the recess is surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the temperature-regulating element is completely surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens. Here, "completely surrounded" can be understood as the temperature-regulating element having contact with at least one contact element at at least one location. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, in addition to contact with at least one contact element, the temperature-regulating element can be completely surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens.

[0015] The advantage of this configuration is that the temperature control element is insulated from the metal surfaces located within the camera module through this arrangement. The temperature control element is protected from direct electrical contact with the metal components of the camera module, which could interfere with or hinder the temperature control effect due to voltage drops in the temperature control element. Therefore, the described camera module is particularly advantageous compared to camera modules in which the corresponding temperature control element is arranged, for example, unprotected outside the lens assembly. This camera module also has advantages compared to camera modules in which, although the corresponding temperature control element is arranged, for example, between the two optical lenses of the lens assembly, there is a possibility that the temperature control element might have electrical contact with the metal components of such a camera module. Metal components where this problem might occur include, for example, the lens housing. In the camera module proposed here, even if the lens housing is made of metal, short circuits can be avoided. The temperature control element is thus protected by the front lens and the second optical lens, preventing short circuits, for example, with the lens housing. Furthermore, the temperature control element can be protected from corrosive media. This prevents the temperature control element from being damaged or destroyed by corrosive environments, such as those around the vehicle.

[0016] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, at least one groove is arranged in the front lens and / or the second optical lens such that a temperature regulating element arranged in the groove is positioned at the interface between the front lens and the second optical lens.

[0017] If only the second optical lens has at least one groove in which a temperature-regulating element is arranged, such a groove can be geometrically shaped to completely receive the temperature-regulating element. In this case, the temperature-regulating element is almost completely surrounded by the second optical lens, wherein the side of the temperature-regulating element facing the front lens is surrounded by the front lens. The side of the temperature-regulating element facing the front lens is arranged at the interface between the front lens and the second optical lens. If only the front lens has at least one groove in which a temperature-regulating element is arranged, such a groove can be geometrically shaped to completely receive the temperature-regulating element. In this case, the temperature-regulating element is almost completely surrounded by the front lens, wherein the side of the temperature-regulating element facing the second optical lens is surrounded by the second optical lens. The side of the temperature-regulating element facing the second optical lens is arranged at the interface between the front lens and the second optical lens. If both the front lens and the second optical lens each have at least one groove, these grooves can be geometrically shaped to partially receive the temperature-regulating element, respectively. If the grooves of the front lens and the second optical lens are arranged opposite each other, the temperature regulating element can be partially surrounded by the second optical lens and partially surrounded by the front lens. In this case, the center of the temperature regulating element is located at the interface between the front lens and the second optical lens.

[0018] The advantage of this configuration is that it ensures, in an improved manner, that the temperature-regulating element is surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens and arranged in a highly protected manner. For example, the temperature-regulating element can be positioned within a recess in the second optical lens. Subsequently, the front lens can be positioned on the second optical lens in a way that avoids air gaps between the front lens and the second optical lens. Air gaps between the front lens and the temperature-regulating element are also avoided. This ensures a sufficiently enclosed environment for the temperature-regulating element.

[0019] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, a front lens and a second optical lens are interconnected to form a dual-lens system using an optical adhesive. This dual-lens system can be understood as a lens group within a lens assembly. It can also be used as a mounting component when installing a lens.

[0020] The advantage of this configuration is that it better protects the temperature control element from voltage-induced corrosion. It avoids the induced corrosion that can occur when the temperature control element is under voltage. Therefore, it prevents damage to the temperature control element or even the entire camera module.

[0021] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, at least one temperature regulating element is hermetically enclosed in a double lens.

[0022] The advantage of this configuration is that it can prevent corrosive media from reaching the temperature control element in an improved way. It avoids contact between corrosive media and the materials of the temperature control element, thereby preventing voltage-induced corrosion. The temperature control element and camera module can also be configured to be more durable.

[0023] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the temperature regulating element is constructed as a thin-film heating element, a metallic electric heating conductor, or a doped plastic element. Advantageously, this allows for flexible configuration of the temperature regulating element. This enables greater flexibility in the selection of the geometry and materials of the front lens and / or the second optical lens.

[0024] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, a second optical lens is provided with at least one passage leading from at least one groove to at least one side of the second optical lens opposite to the groove; and wherein a contact-connecting element is arranged in at least one passage, the contact-connecting element being configured to connect the temperature-regulating element to a voltage source contact. This passage can also be referred to as a contact-connecting through-hole. In this configuration, the second optical lens is preferably made of plastic. The passage described herein can also be constructed in a configuration in which the temperature-regulating element is completely surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens. Here, the transition portion from the temperature-regulating element to the passage can be constructed in a particularly insulated manner. Here, the transition portion from the temperature-regulating element to the contact-connecting element can be constructed in a particularly insulated manner.

[0025] The advantage of this configuration is that it provides a simple and space-saving contact connection for the temperature control element, while still ensuring protection of the temperature control element from contact with metal components or from corrosive media.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing the described camera module. The method includes the steps of: arranging at least one temperature-regulating element in at least one recess of a front lens or in at least one recess of a second optical lens; arranging the second optical lens on the front lens; assembling an assembly consisting of the front lens and the second optical lens into a lens housing to provide a lens; providing a printed circuit board and a lens holder; and assembling the lens, lens holder, and printed circuit board to manufacture the described camera module.

[0027] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the front lens and the second optical lens are connected to each other to form a double lens by means of an optical adhesive during arrangement.

[0028] Obviously, the features mentioned above and described below can be used not only in the combinations given separately, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or equivalent elements. The drawings show: Figure 1 An embodiment of a camera module; Figure 2 : An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a camera module. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1A camera module 100 is illustrated. This camera module has a printed circuit board 111 on which an image sensor 112 is arranged. Here, the printed circuit board 111 is connected to a lens holder 109 by means of a connecting element 113. Here, the connecting element 113 is exemplarily constructed as a screw. The lens holder 109 is constructed to hold a lens 115. The lens holder 109 can be made of metal or plastic. The lens 115 includes a lens housing 105 and a plurality of optical lenses arranged within the lens housing 105. The lens housing 105 can be made of metal or plastic. In the example shown here, the lens 115 includes a front lens 102, a second optical lens 103 arranged on the front lens 102, and another optical lens 114. As shown in the example here, a sealing element 104 can be arranged between the lens housing 105 and the front lens 102. In addition, the camera module 100 has a temperature regulating element 106. The temperature regulating element 106 is constructed to affect the temperature of at least the front lens 102 of the lens 115. In this embodiment, the temperature regulating element 106 can affect not only the temperature of the front lens 102 but also the temperature of the second optical lens 103. The temperature regulating element 106 can be configured as a thin-film heating element, a metal electric heating conductor, or a doped plastic element. Therefore, the temperature regulating element 106 is particularly capable of increasing the temperature of the front lens 102 and / or the temperature of the second optical lens 103.

[0031] In this example, the second optical lens 103 has a recess 116. A temperature-regulating element 106 is disposed in the recess 116. In another embodiment, not shown here, the front lens 102 may have a recess 116 in which the temperature-regulating element 106 is disposed. In another embodiment, not shown here, both the front lens 102 and the second optical lens 103 may each have at least one recess 116. Here, the recess 116 of the front lens 102 may be arranged opposite to the recess 116 of the second optical lens 103. Then, the temperature-regulating element 106 may be disposed not only in the recess 116 of the front lens 102 but also in the recess 116 of the second optical lens 103.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the groove can be arranged in the second optical lens 103 such that the temperature regulating element 106 arranged in the groove is surrounded by the front lens and the second optical lens. The same applies to the groove in the front lens 102 or to the groove in both the second optical lens 103 and the front lens 102.

[0033] exist Figure 1It can also be seen that the groove 116 can be arranged in the second optical lens 103 as shown here, such that the temperature regulating element 106 arranged in the groove is arranged on the interface 117 between the front lens 102 and the second optical lens 103.

[0034] The front lens 102 and the second optical lens 103 can be interconnected to form a double lens 101 using an optical adhesive. The temperature control element 106 can be hermetically sealed within the double lens 101.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical lens 103 has a passage 117 from the groove 116 to the side of the second optical lens 103 opposite to the groove 116. A contact element 108 is arranged in the passage 117. The contact element 108 is configured to connect the temperature regulating element 106 to a voltage source contact. This voltage source can be arranged within the camera module. Furthermore, in this example, the lens housing 105 also has a passage 107. The contact element 108 is also arranged in the passage 107. In other words, the contact element 108 is arranged such that it passes through the passage 117 of the second optical lens 103 and through the passage 107 of the lens housing 105. Thus, it is possible to connect the temperature regulating element 106 to the contact of a voltage source arranged inside the camera module 100.

[0036] As shown here in this embodiment, the camera module 100 may also have an orientation element 110. Here, the orientation element 110 is arranged between the lens bracket 109 and the lens housing 105 such that the lens housing 105 is secured to the lens bracket 109 in a position optically oriented toward the image sensor 112.

[0037] Figure 2 Showing the use of manufacturing, for example, in Figure 1 The method 200 for the camera module shown is one embodiment. In step 201, the method begins. In step 202, at least one temperature-regulating element is arranged in at least one recess of the front lens or in at least one recess of the second optical lens. In step 203, the second optical lens is arranged on the front lens. In step 204, the assembly consisting of the front lens and the second optical lens is assembled into a lens housing. Thus, a lens for the camera module is provided. In step 205, a printed circuit board and a lens holder are provided. In step 206, the lens, lens holder, and printed circuit board are assembled to manufacture the corresponding camera module. In step 207, the method ends.

[0038] Preferably, in step 203, the front lens and the second optical lens are connected to each other to form a double lens using an optical adhesive.

Claims

1. A camera module (100), the camera module having: - Printed circuit board (111), on which at least one image sensor (112) is arranged. - Lens (115), the lens having a lens housing (105) and a plurality of optical lenses arranged within the lens housing (105); - A lens holder (109), which is connected to the printed circuit board (111) and configured to hold the lens (115); and - At least one temperature regulating element (106) configured to affect the temperature of at least the front lens (102) of the lens (115); in, A second optical lens (103) is arranged on the front lens (102); Its features are, The front lens (102) and / or the second optical lens (103) have at least one groove (116), wherein the at least one temperature regulating element (106) is arranged in the at least one groove (116).

2. The camera module (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one groove (116) is arranged in the front lens (102) and / or the second optical lens (103) such that the temperature regulating element (106) arranged in the groove is surrounded by the front lens (102) and the second optical lens (103).

3. The camera module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one groove (116) is arranged in the front lens (102) and / or the second optical lens (103) such that the temperature regulating element (106) arranged in the groove is arranged on the interface (117) between the front lens (102) and the second optical lens (103).

4. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The front lens (102) and the second optical lens (103) are connected to each other to form a double lens (101) using an optical adhesive.

5. The camera module (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one temperature regulating element (106) is hermetically sealed within the double lens (101).

6. The camera module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The temperature regulating element (106) is constructed as a thin-film heating element, a metal electric heating conductor, or a doped plastic element.

7. The camera module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second optical lens (103) is provided with at least one passage (107) from the at least one groove (116) to the side of the second optical lens (103) opposite to the groove (116); and wherein a contact connecting element (108) is arranged in the at least one passage (107), the contact connecting element being configured to connect the temperature regulating element (106) to the voltage source contact.

8. A method (200) for manufacturing a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method includes the following steps: - The at least one temperature regulating element is arranged in the at least one groove of the front lens or in the at least one groove of the second optical lens; - Arrange the second optical lens on the front lens; - Assemble the assembly consisting of a front lens and a second optical lens into the lens housing to provide the lens; - Provide the printed circuit board and the lens holder; - Assemble the lens, the lens bracket, and the printed circuit board to manufacture a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The method (200) according to claim 8, wherein, When the second optical lens is placed on the front lens, the front lens and the second optical lens are connected to each other to form a double lens using an optical adhesive.

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