Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a housing, a lens barrel member, a sensor substrate, and a shield case made of metal. The housing has a first case having an opening and a second case joined to the first case. The lens barrel member has a lens barrel arranged in the first case and fitted into the opening in an optical axis direction. The sensor substrate has an imaging element arranged in the housing opposite the lens barrel. The shield case is arranged between the lens barrel and the second case. The shield case has a peripheral wall portion covering around the sensor substrate and a resilient portion provided at an end portion of the peripheral wall portion and biasing the lens barrel member toward the opening. The resilient portion has a control portion that limits the approach of the lens barrel member to the second case to a prescribed value or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to camera modules installed, for example, in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, camera devices have been provided for installation on vehicles and for performing visual recognition using monitoring devices placed near the cockpit, thereby improving vehicle convenience and safety. This type of camera device includes a generally rectangular housing, incorporating, for example, an imaging lens, an imaging element, and an external connector, and the housing is built into or mounted to, for example, a rear door, side mirror, or front spoiler of the vehicle body, such that the imaging lens faces outwards. Such camera devices enable the capture of images of the vehicle's surroundings that are blind spots from the driver's perspective, thereby improving safety and convenience.

[0003] As a camera device of this type, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device comprising: a housing formed by a front housing and a rear housing joined together; a substrate including an imaging element disposed in the housing; a lens barrel member disposed between the imaging element and the front housing; and a shielding housing surrounding the substrate, wherein the lens barrel member is fixed in the housing by the spring force of the shielding housing.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5413231 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In this type of camera assembly, the lens barrel of the lens barrel component is configured to be exposed to the outside through an opening formed in the front portion of the front housing. Therefore, when a large external force is applied to the lens barrel, the shielding housing may deform beyond its elastic limit. This can lead to a decrease in the positional accuracy of the lens barrel component within the housing, thereby significantly reducing the quality of the camera image.

[0009] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this technology is to provide a camera module that can improve the durability against external forces acting on the lens barrel, thereby preventing a degradation in image quality.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a housing, a lens barrel component, a sensor substrate, and a metal shielding housing.

[0012] The housing includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, the first outer shell including an opening, and the second outer shell being engaged with the first outer shell.

[0013] The lens barrel component is arranged in the housing and includes a lens barrel that fits into the opening in the optical axis direction.

[0014] The sensor substrate is arranged in the housing and includes an imaging element opposite to the lens barrel component.

[0015] A shielding housing is disposed between the lens barrel member and the second housing. The shielding housing includes a peripheral wall portion covering the periphery of the sensor substrate and an elastic portion disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion and biasing the lens barrel member toward an opening. The elastic portion includes a control portion that controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0016] The elastic part can have an arched shape formed by the elastic part bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall part toward the inside of the shielding shell. In this case, the control part is the tip or base of the arched shape.

[0017] The control part can be an arched tip. In this case, an elastic part is provided at the end of the peripheral wall portion on the lens barrel member side. The elastic part is elastically deformable between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the apex of the arched shape contacts the lens barrel member. In the second state, the tip and apex of the arched shape contact the lens barrel member. In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing, such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0018] In this configuration, the lens barrel component may further include a flange and a leg, the flange contacting the elastic portion, and the leg extending from the flange toward the sensor substrate. In the second state, the arched tip of the elastic portion contacts the leg.

[0019] On the other hand, the control part can be an arched base end. In this case, an elastic part is provided at the end of the peripheral wall portion on the second housing side. The elastic part is elastically deformable between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape are in contact with the second housing. In the second state, the tip, apex, and base end of the arched shape are in contact with the second housing. In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing so that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0020] In this configuration, the second housing may include a bottom portion and a protrusion extending from the bottom portion toward the sensor substrate. In a first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape of the elastic portion are in elastic contact with the side and bottom portion of the protrusion, respectively, and in a second state, the base of the arched shape of the elastic portion is in contact with the bottom portion.

[0021] The elastic part can be provided at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall part.

[0022] In this case, the elastic portion can be provided at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion facing away from the sensor substrate.

[0023] The camera module may further include an external connector. The external connector is disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the sensor substrate.

[0024] The camera module can be installed in the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the camera module.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the rear housing of the camera module.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the shielding housing included in the camera module.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view used to describe the function of the shielding enclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the shielding housing included in the camera module.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view used to describe the function of the shielding enclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present technology will now be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] <First Embodiment>

[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a camera module 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology, and Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the camera module 100. The camera module 100 of this embodiment is configured as a camera module used on a vehicle.

[0036] Camera module 100 can be mounted to a vehicle. For example, camera module 110 is arranged outside the vehicle body (mounting object) (not shown) and captures images of areas located in front of the vehicle, areas located behind the vehicle, or areas located on the side of the vehicle, depending on the mounting location.

[0037] For example, a camera module 100 mounted on the front of the vehicle body (e.g., the radiator grille) captures images of the environment in front of the vehicle. Additionally, a camera module 100 mounted on the rear of the vehicle body (e.g., above the license plate) captures images of the environment behind the vehicle. Furthermore, a camera module 100 mounted on the side of the vehicle (e.g., the upper part of a pillar (A-pillar, B-pillar, or a pillar at the rear of the vehicle (C-pillar, D-pillar)) or a side mirror) captures images of the environment to the side of the vehicle.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera module 100 of this embodiment includes, for example, a housing 10, a sensor substrate 20, a shielding housing 50, and a lens barrel component 60.

[0039] (case)

[0040] The housing 10 is configured by combining a front housing 11, which serves as the first housing, and a rear housing 12, which serves as the second housing, in the direction of the optical axis Z. Typically, the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are injection-molded bodies made of synthetic resin material.

[0041] The front housing 11 includes a front portion 111 and a side portion 112. The front portion 111 is formed substantially orthogonally to the front-back direction (the direction of the optical axis Z), and the side portion 112 extends from the periphery of the front portion 111 toward the rear housing 12. In this embodiment, the front portion 111 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the direction of the optical axis Z. The front housing 11 is hollow, and a space is formed in the area surrounded by the front portion 111 and the side portion 112, in which a space is accommodated, for example, a sensor substrate 20 and a lens barrel member 60.

[0042] The front portion 111 of the front housing 11 includes an opening 113 in the middle portion of the front portion 111. At the end of the side portion 112 on the rear housing 12 side, the front housing 11 includes an opening end 114, which is welded to the rear housing 12. Corresponding to the external shape of the front portion 111, the opening end 114 is formed to be substantially rectangular. Note that the front portion 111 and the opening end 114 are not limited to being rectangular, and may be formed in another shape, such as a circular shape or a triangular shape.

[0043] The rear housing 12 is formed in a generally rectangular shallow dish shape, including a bottom portion 121 formed substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction and a side portion 122 extending from the periphery of the bottom portion 121 toward the front housing 11. A space is formed in the area surrounded by the bottom portion 121 and the side portion 122, in which a shield housing 50 is accommodated. A substantially rectangular step portion 123 is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the bottom portion 121 and the side portion 122. The front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are integrated together by welding the open end 114 of the front housing 11 to the step portion 123. There are no particular limitations on the welding method, and ultrasonic welding or laser welding methods can be used, for example.

[0044] (Mirror tube components)

[0045] Lens barrel assembly 60 is disposed in front housing 11. Lens barrel assembly 60 includes lens barrel 601, which is fitted into opening 113 via sealing ring 62 in the direction of optical axis Z. Lens barrel 601 is a cylindrical portion that supports imaging lens 602 and protrudes from opening 113 to the front of front housing 11.

[0046] At the end of the lens barrel 601 on the rear housing 12 side, the lens barrel member 60 further includes an outwardly projecting, substantially rectangular flange 603. The flange 603 is the portion that contacts an elastic portion 53 disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the shielding housing 50. The peripheral wall portion 52 will be described later. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, a cutout 604 is provided on the flange 603, which engages with a positioning portion 54 provided at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the shielding housing 50.

[0047] (Sensor substrate)

[0048] The sensor substrate 20 is disposed in the housing 10. The sensor substrate 20 includes a front substrate 21, a rear substrate 22 and a gasket 23. The front substrate 21 is opposite to the front part 111 of the front housing 11, the rear substrate 22 is opposite to the bottom part 121 of the rear housing 12, and the gasket 23 is disposed between the front substrate 21 and the rear substrate 22.

[0049] The front substrate 21 and the rear substrate 22 are rigid double-sided wiring substrates, such as glass epoxy boards, and the opposing distance between the substrates is defined by a spacer 23. The front substrate 21 and the rear substrate 22 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other via substrate connectors (B-to-B connectors) (not shown). The sensor substrate 20 is not limited to being formed from the two substrates, the front substrate 21 and the rear substrate 22, and can be formed from a single substrate.

[0050] Imaging element 24 is mounted as a sensor element on front substrate 21. Imaging element 24 is an image sensor, such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. Front substrate 21 is bonded to lens barrel member 60 by rectangular annular buffer material 64, and imaging element 24 is arranged opposite to lens barrel 601.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, a buffer member 64 is arranged on the inner periphery of a rectangular annular leg 605 extending from the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60 toward the sensor substrate 20. When the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are joined, the buffer member 64 stably maintains the opposing distance between the lens barrel 601 and the imaging element 24 as the sensor substrate 20 is pressed against the lens barrel 601 due to the compression performed between the sensor substrate 20 and the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12.

[0052] Furthermore, the rear substrate 22 is electrically connected to an external connector 30 disposed on the bottom part 121 of the rear housing 12 via the flexible wiring substrate 40. A buffer member 65 (see reference) is arranged between the rear substrate 22 and the bottom part 121 of the rear housing 12 to bias the sensor substrate 20 towards the front housing 11 and the lens barrel member 60. Figure 1 ).

[0053] (External connector)

[0054] An external connector 30 is disposed on the rear housing 12. The external connector 30 is used for electrical connection between the sensor substrate 20 and the vehicle body. Power is supplied from the vehicle body to the sensor substrate 20 through the external connector 30, and image signals (output signals of the imaging element 24) are transmitted from the sensor substrate 20 to the vehicle body.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the rear housing 12, illustrating the configuration of the external connector 30.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the external connector 30 includes a signal terminal 31 disposed on the bottom surface 121 of the rear housing 12, a cylindrical shield terminal 32 formed concentrically with the signal terminal 31, and an insulating member 33 disposed between the signal terminal 31 and the shield terminal 32. Each of the signal terminal 31 and the shield terminal 32 is made of metal and can be connected to a coaxial cable (not shown).

[0057] A cylindrical portion 124, concentric with the external connector 30, is provided on the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12. The cylindrical portion 124 is used to protect the signal terminal 31 and the shielding terminal 32 from external influences, and is formed on the outside of the external connector 30 to be concentric with the external connector 30.

[0058] The external connector 30 further includes a first connection pin 301, a second connection pin 302, and a third connection pin 303. The first connection pin 301 passes through the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12 and is integrally formed at the end of the signal terminal 31. The second connection pin 302 and the third connection pin 303 pass through the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12 and are integrally formed at the end of the shielding terminal 32.

[0059] (Flexible wiring substrate)

[0060] The flexible wiring substrate 40 electrically connects the sensor substrate 20 and the external connector 30. The flexible wiring substrate 40 is a wiring substrate obtained by laying signal lines and ground lines on a flexible substrate such as polyimide. The signal lines are wirings that carry image signals from the sensor substrate 20, and the ground lines are wirings connected to the ground of the sensor substrate 20. When the flexible wiring substrate 40 is used to connect the sensor substrate 20 and the external connector 30 to each other, it allows for the absorption of variations (tolerances) in the distance between the sensor substrate 20 and the external connector 30, thereby ensuring a reliable and stable electrical connection between them.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the flexible wiring substrate 40 includes a first substrate end 41 connected to the sensor substrate 20 (rear substrate 22) and a second substrate end 42 connected to an external connector 30. The first substrate end 41 is connected to the rear substrate 22 via, for example, a connector member 43. The second substrate end 42 is connected to the external connector 30 using soldering.

[0062] The second substrate end 42 of the flexible wiring substrate 40 includes pads respectively connected to signal lines and ground lines. The first connection pin 301 of the external connector 30 is soldered when inserted into the pad connected to the signal line, and the second connection pin 302 of the external connector 30 is soldered when inserted into the pad connected to the ground line (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0063] The second substrate end 42 of the flexible wiring substrate 40 further includes an opening 510 through which the third connection pin 303 of the external connector 30 passes (see reference). Figure 3 Opening 510 is an area that forms a reservoir for soldering material for bonding the third connection pin 303 to the shielding housing 50.

[0064] (Shielding shell)

[0065] The shielding housing 50 is a generally rectangular box, and the end of the shielding housing 50 located on the front housing 11 side is open. The shielding housing 50 is typically made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy and is one of the components used for EMC measures to protect the sensor substrate 20 from electromagnetic noise.

[0066] The shielding housing 50 is disposed in the space formed by the bottom portion 121 and the side portion 122 of the rear housing 12. The shielding housing 50 includes a bottom 51 disposed on the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12 and a peripheral wall portion 52 covering the periphery of the sensor substrate 20.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom 51 of the shielding housing 50 is disposed between the second substrate end 42 of the flexible wiring substrate 40 and the external connector 30. The bottom 51 is a generally rectangular plate parallel to the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 12 and includes a plurality of through holes, through which the first to third connection pins 301 to 303 of the external connector 30 respectively pass.

[0068] The peripheral wall portion 52 of the shielding housing 50 extends from the periphery of the bottom 51 toward the front housing 11 to form a space therein for accommodating the sensor substrate 20. An elastic portion 53 is provided at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52, which elastically contacts the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60 and deflects the lens barrel member 60 toward the opening 113 of the front housing 11.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the elastic part 53. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the elastic portion 53 is a plate-like portion of a specified width and has an arched shape formed by the elastic portion 53 bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 toward the inner side of the shielding housing 50. The elastic portion 53 includes a base end 53a, a control portion 53b, and a apex 53c. The base end 53a is a first segment that is continuous with the peripheral wall portion 52. The control portion 53b corresponds to the tip of the arched shape and faces the outer peripheral surface of the leg portion 605 of the lens barrel member 60. The apex 53c corresponds to the apex of the arched shape and is a second segment located between the base end 53a and the control portion 53b.

[0070] Because the apex 53c of the elastic part 53 and the back side of the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60 ( Figure 2 The elastic portion 53 makes elastic contact with the lens barrel member 60 (below) so that the elastic portion 53 biases the lens barrel member 60 towards the front housing 11 to determine the position of the lens barrel member 60 relative to the front housing 11. In this case, the front housing 11 may include a portion that contacts the lens barrel member 60 to define the position to be determined. In this embodiment, for example, the end of the cylindrical portion 115 of the outer peripheral surface of the supporting sealing ring 62 is formed to contact the front of the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60 (below). Figure 2 The positioning part that contacts the top of the middle part.

[0071] The elastic portion 53 is provided at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the shielding housing 50. In this embodiment, the elastic portion 53 is provided at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 that is opposed to the sensor substrate 20. This allows for stable support of the lens barrel member 60, thereby preventing the lens barrel member 60 from deviating from the imaging element 24 relative to the optical axis.

[0072] As described above, in the state where the lens barrel member 60 is positioned by contact between the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60 and the cylindrical portion 115 of the front housing 11 (hereinafter referred to as the first state), such as Figure 4 As shown, the control part 53b of the elastic part 53 is located at a distance D away from the side of the leg 605 of the lens barrel component 60 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction.

[0073] The distance D is set such that when the housing 10 is assembled by elastic deformation through the elastic part 53, it can absorb, for example, dimensional tolerances in the optical axis direction of the front housing 11, the rear housing 12, and the lens barrel member 60. In other words, the elastic part 53 of the shielding housing 50 has the function of absorbing assembly errors in the optical axis direction of the camera module 100.

[0074] Furthermore, in the camera module 100, the lens barrel member 60 can sink toward the rear housing 12 according to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 53. Therefore, the camera module 100 also includes the function of absorbing the stress applied to the lens barrel member 60 when an external force presses the lens barrel member 60 against the rear housing 12 by the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 53, so as to protect the lens barrel 601 or the imaging lens 602 from external forces.

[0075] On the other hand, when an external force is applied that causes the elastic part 53 to deform significantly beyond its elastic limit, plastic deformation occurs in the elastic part 53. This prevents the lens barrel 601 from returning to its first state, and consequently causes a change in the position of the lens barrel member 60 in the optical axis direction within the housing 10. This may result in a significant reduction in the quality of the camera image (output of the imaging element 24) due to a decrease in the positional accuracy of the lens barrel member 60.

[0076] To address the aforementioned problems, the elastic portion 53 in the camera module 100 of this embodiment includes a control portion 53b. This control portion 53b controls the approach of the lens barrel member 60 to the rear housing 12, such that the distance between the lens barrel member 60 and the rear housing 12 is greater than or equal to a specified distance. Details are described below.

[0077] In the absence of an external force pressing the lens barrel member 60 against the rear outer casing 12 (first state), the apex 53c of the elastic portion 53 elastically contacts the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60, and the lens barrel member 60 is biased towards the front outer casing 11, as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. When an external force F presses the lens barrel member 60 against the rear housing 12 from this state, the position of the flange 603 supporting the vertex 53c gradually shifts towards the inner circumference of the flange 603 as the elastic portion 53 of the shielding housing 50 elastically deforms. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the control portion 53b, corresponding to the tip of the elastic portion 53, approaches the leg 605 of the lens barrel member 60, and the control portion 53b eventually contacts the leg 605. This state is also referred to below as the second state.

[0078] As described above, the elastic portion 53 can elastically deform between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the apex 53c contacts the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60, and in the second state, the control portion 53b and the apex 53c contact the leg 605 and the flange 603 of the lens barrel member 60, respectively. In the second state, the control portion 53b elastically presses against the leg 605 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. Therefore, the elastic portion 53 is in the form of a clamping beam with the base end 53a and the control portion 53b as fulcrums, which greatly improves the resistance to external forces acting on the apex 53c. As described above, the approach of the lens barrel member 60 to the rear housing 12 is controlled such that the distance between the lens barrel member 60 and the rear housing 12 is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0079] The control of deformation of the elastic part 53 performed by the control unit 53b can either prevent deformation of the elastic part 53 or limit the deformation of the elastic part 53 to a degree less than or equal to a specified degree. In the second state, as described above, since the elastic part 53 is in the form of a clamping beam, the deformation of the vertex 53c is reduced or prevented. This makes it possible to prevent excessive sinking of the lens barrel member 60.

[0080] The shape, position, and size of the control section 53b are not particularly restricted as long as it can contact the leg 605 of the lens barrel member 60 in the second state. The length from the vertex 53c to the control section 53b, the bending angle of the portion forming from the vertex 53c to the control section 53b, etc., can be arbitrarily set according to, for example, the thickness, shape, and elastic modulus of the elastic section 53.

[0081] The elastic portions 53, located at multiple positions at the ends of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the shielding housing 50, are simultaneously subjected to the aforementioned effects. The lens barrel member 60 is simultaneously subjected to the aforementioned effects on the multiple elastic portions 53 at multiple positions of the flange 603. Therefore, the lens barrel member 60 is stably supported without tilting relative to the optical axis. This improves durability against overload conditions while ensuring high-quality camera images are output from the imaging element 24.

[0082] <Second Embodiment>

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a camera module 200 according to a second embodiment of the present technology. In the following description, structural elements that differ primarily from those of the first embodiment are described. Structural elements similar to those of the first embodiment are indicated by reference numerals similar to those used in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0084] As in the first embodiment, the camera module 200 of this embodiment includes, for example, a housing 210, a sensor substrate 220, a shielding housing 250, and a lens barrel component 260.

[0085] The housing 210 is composed of a front housing 211, which serves as a first housing, and a rear housing 212, which serves as a second housing, combined in the direction of the optical axis Z. Typically, the front housing 211 and the rear housing 212 are injection-molded bodies made of synthetic resin material.

[0086] The front housing 211 includes an opening 213, into which the lens barrel 601 of the lens barrel member 260 is fitted in the optical axis direction. A space is formed in the front housing 11 to accommodate, for example, a sensor substrate 220 and a shielding housing 250. The sensor substrate 220 is formed only of a first substrate 21 on which the imaging element 24 is mounted, but the sensor substrate 220 may be formed of two or more substrates, as in the first embodiment.

[0087] An external connector 230 electrically connected to the sensor substrate 220 is disposed on the rear housing 212. The bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 212 includes a protrusion 128 protruding toward the sensor substrate 220. The protrusion 128 is a cylindrical housing that houses a plurality of connection pins that are respectively connected to the signal terminals and shielding terminals (not shown) of the external connector 230.

[0088] Note that, for example, the illustrations of the buffer materials arranged between the lens barrel member 260 and the sensor substrate 220, and between the sensor substrate 220 and the rear housing 212, are omitted here.

[0089] The shielding housing 250 includes a peripheral wall portion 52 covering the periphery of the sensor substrate 220. In this embodiment, the shielding housing 250 has the shape of a rectangular tube with openings at both ends. The shielding housing 250 is typically made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy and is one of the components of EMC measures taken to protect the sensor substrate 220 from electromagnetic noise.

[0090] At one end of the peripheral wall portion 52 ( Figure 6 A positioning part 54 is provided at the upper end of the lens barrel component 260, which engages with a meshing part 606 located at a designated position on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel component 260. At the other end of the peripheral wall portion 52 ( Figure 6 The lower end of the lens barrel 211 is provided with an elastic portion 55, which elastically contacts the circumferential surface of the protrusion 128 of the rear housing 212 and deflects the lens barrel member 260 toward the opening 213 of the front housing 211. The elastic portion 55 is typically provided at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 opposite to the sensor substrate 220.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the elastic portion 55. As in the first embodiment, the elastic portion 55 is a plate-like portion of a specified width and has an arched shape formed by the elastic portion 55 bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall portion 52 toward the inside of the shielding housing 250. The elastic portion 55 includes a control portion 55a, a tip 55b, and a apex 55c. The control portion 55a corresponds to the base end of the arched shape and is a first segment continuously disposed with the peripheral wall portion 52. The tip 55b corresponds to the tip of the arched shape and faces the side of the protrusion 128 of the rear housing 212. The apex 55c corresponds to the apex of the arched shape and is a second segment located between the control portion 55a and the tip 55b.

[0092] The tip 55b of the elastic portion 55 elastically contacts the protrusion 128 of the rear housing 212 to retain the protrusion 128 from the side. This results in the function of temporarily securing the shielding housing 250 to the rear housing 212. For example, this function has the advantage of preventing the shielding housing from falling off the rear housing 212 when the rear housing 212 is assembled from above the front housing 211.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, since the apex 55c of the elastic portion 55 is in elastic contact with the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 212, the elastic portion 55 causes the lens barrel member 260 to deflect towards the front housing 211 to determine the position of the lens barrel member 260 relative to the front housing 211. In the position of the lens barrel member 260 (hereinafter referred to as the first state), the control portion 55a of the elastic portion 55 is located at a distance H from the bottom portion 121 of the rear housing 212 in the optical axis direction, as shown... Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0094] The distance H is set such that when the housing 210 is assembled by elastic deformation of the elastic part 55, it can absorb dimensional tolerances in the optical axis direction of, for example, the front housing 211, the rear housing 212, and the lens barrel member 260. In other words, the elastic part 55 of the shielding housing 250 has the function of absorbing assembly errors in the optical axis direction of the camera module 200.

[0095] Furthermore, in the camera module 200, the lens barrel member 260 can sink towards the rear housing 212 according to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 55. Therefore, the camera module 200 also includes a function of absorbing the stress applied to the lens barrel member 260 when an external force presses the lens barrel member 260 against the rear housing 12 by the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 55, so as to protect the lens barrel 601 or the image capturing lens 602 from external forces.

[0096] On the other hand, when an external force is applied that causes the elastic part 55 to deform significantly beyond its elastic limit, plastic deformation occurs in the elastic part 55. This prevents the lens barrel member 260 from returning to its first state, and consequently causes a change in the position of the lens barrel member 260 in the optical axis direction within the housing 210. This may result in a significant reduction in the quality of the camera image (output of the imaging element 24) due to decreased positional accuracy of the lens barrel member 260.

[0097] To address the aforementioned issues, the elastic portion 55 in the camera module 200 of this embodiment includes a control portion 55a. This control portion 55a controls the approach of the lens barrel member 260 to the rear housing 212, such that the distance between the lens barrel member 260 and the rear housing 212 is greater than or equal to a specified distance. Details are described below.

[0098] In the absence of an external force pressing the lens barrel component 260 against the rear outer casing 212 (first state), such as Figure 7 As shown, the tip 55b and apex 55c of the elastic portion 55 elastically contact the side surface 121 and bottom surface 121 of the protrusion 128 of the rear housing 212, respectively, causing the lens barrel member 260 to deflect towards the front housing 211. When an external force F presses the lens barrel member 260 against the rear housing 212 from this state, the control portion 55a corresponding to the base end of the elastic portion 55 approaches the bottom surface 121 of the rear housing 212 as the elastic portion 55 of the shielding housing 250 elastically deforms. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 55a eventually contacts the bottom surface 121. This state is also referred to hereinafter as the second state.

[0099] As described above, the elastic portion 55 can elastically deform between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the tip 55b and the apex 55c are in contact with the rear housing 212. In the second state, the tip 55b, the apex 55c, and the control portion 55a are all in contact with the rear housing 212. Therefore, the approach of the lens barrel member 260 to the rear housing 212 is controlled such that the distance between the lens barrel member 260 and the rear housing 212 is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0100] The shape, position, and size of the control section 55a are not particularly limited as long as it can contact the bottom part 121 of the rear outer shell 212 in the second state. The length from the control section 55a to the apex 55c, the bending angle of the portion forming from the control section 55a to the apex 55c, etc., can be arbitrarily set according to, for example, the thickness, shape, and elastic modulus of the elastic section 55.

[0101] <Variation Example>

[0102] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of products. For example, the technology disclosed herein can be provided as a sensor module that is mounted on one of various types of mobile bodies such as vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, personal mobile devices, aircraft, drones, ships, robots, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery (tractors).

[0103] Note that this technology can also be configured as follows.

[0104] (1) A camera module, comprising:

[0105] The housing includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, the first outer shell including an opening, and the second outer shell being engaged with the first outer shell;

[0106] A lens barrel component, arranged in the first housing and comprising a lens barrel fitted into the opening in the optical axis direction;

[0107] A sensor substrate, disposed within the housing and including an imaging element opposite the lens barrel member; and

[0108] A metal shielding housing is disposed between the lens barrel member and the second housing. The shielding housing includes a peripheral wall portion covering the periphery of the sensor substrate and an elastic portion disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion and biasing the lens barrel member toward the opening. The elastic portion includes a control portion that controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0109] (2) The camera module according to (1), wherein

[0110] The elastic portion has an arched shape formed by the elastic portion bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall portion toward the inside of the shielding shell, and

[0111] The control section is the tip or base of the arched shape.

[0112] (3) The camera module according to (2), wherein

[0113] The control unit is the tip of the arched shape, and

[0114] The elastic portion is disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion on the side of the lens barrel component.

[0115] The elastic portion is capable of elastic deformation between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the apex of the arched shape contacts the lens barrel component. In the second state, the tip and apex of the arched shape contact the lens barrel component.

[0116] In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing, such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0117] (4) The camera module according to (3), wherein

[0118] The lens barrel component further includes a flange and a leg, the elastic portion contacting the flange, and the leg extending from the flange toward the sensor substrate.

[0119] In the second state, the arched tip of the elastic part contacts the leg.

[0120] (5) The camera module according to (2), wherein

[0121] The control unit is the base end of the arched shape, and

[0122] The elastic portion is disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion on the second outer casing side.

[0123] The elastic portion is capable of elastic deformation between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape contact the second outer shell, and in the second state, the tip, apex, and base of the arched shape contact the second outer shell.

[0124] In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing, such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0125] (6) The camera module according to (5), wherein

[0126] The second housing includes a bottom portion and a protrusion extending from the bottom portion toward the sensor substrate.

[0127] In the first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape of the elastic portion elastically contact the protruding side and the bottom surface, respectively.

[0128] In the second state, the arched base end of the elastic portion contacts the bottom surface.

[0129] (7) The camera module according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0130] The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion.

[0131] (8) The camera module according to (7), wherein

[0132] The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion, which is opposite to the sensor substrate.

[0133] (9) The camera module according to any one of (1) to (8) further includes an external connector disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the sensor substrate.

[0134] (10) The camera module according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein

[0135] The camera module can be installed in a vehicle.

[0136] List of reference numerals

[0137] 10, 210 casing

[0138] 11.211 Front casing (first casing)

[0139] 12, 212 Rear Outer Shell (Second Outer Shell)

[0140] 20, 220 sensor substrates

[0141] 24 Imaging elements

[0142] 30, 230 External Connectors

[0143] 40 Flexible wiring substrate

[0144] 50, 250 shielding enclosures

[0145] 53, 55 Elastic parts

[0146] 53b, 55a Control Department

[0147] 60, 260 Lens tube components

[0148] 100 camera modules

[0149] 601 Lens Tube

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: The housing includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, the first outer shell including an opening, and the second outer shell being engaged with the first outer shell; A lens barrel component, arranged in the housing and comprising a lens barrel fitted into the opening in the optical axis direction; A sensor substrate is disposed in the housing and includes an imaging element opposite to the lens barrel component; and A metal shielding housing is disposed between the lens barrel member and the second housing. The shielding housing includes a peripheral wall portion covering the periphery of the sensor substrate and an elastic portion disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion and biasing the lens barrel member toward the opening. The elastic portion includes a control portion that controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance. The elastic portion has an arched shape formed by the elastic portion bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall portion toward the inside of the shielding shell. The control unit is the tip of the arched shape. The elastic portion is disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion located on the side of the lens barrel component. The elastic portion is capable of elastic deformation between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the apex of the arched shape contacts the lens barrel component. In the second state, the tip and apex of the arched shape contact the lens barrel component. In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing, such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The lens barrel component further includes a flange and a leg, the elastic portion contacting the flange, and the leg extending from the flange toward the sensor substrate. In the second state, the arched tip of the elastic part contacts the leg.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion, which is opposite to the sensor substrate.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: An external connector is disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the sensor substrate.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The camera module can be installed in a vehicle.

7. A camera module, comprising: The housing includes a first outer shell and a second outer shell, the first outer shell including an opening, and the second outer shell being engaged with the first outer shell; A lens barrel component, arranged in the housing and comprising a lens barrel fitted into the opening in the optical axis direction; A sensor substrate is disposed in the housing and includes an imaging element opposite to the lens barrel component; and A metal shielding housing is disposed between the lens barrel member and the second housing. The shielding housing includes a peripheral wall portion covering the periphery of the sensor substrate and an elastic portion disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion and biasing the lens barrel member toward the opening. The elastic portion includes a control portion that controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance. The elastic portion has an arched shape formed by the elastic portion bending in stages from the end of the peripheral wall portion toward the inside of the shielding shell. The control unit is the base of the arched shape. The elastic portion is disposed at the end of the peripheral wall portion located on the second outer casing side. The elastic portion is capable of elastic deformation between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape contact the second outer shell, and in the second state, the tip, apex, and base of the arched shape contact the second outer shell. In the second state, the elastic part controls the approach of the lens barrel member to the second housing, such that the distance between the lens barrel member and the second housing is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The second housing includes a bottom portion and a protrusion extending from the bottom portion toward the sensor substrate. In the first state, the tip and apex of the arched shape of the elastic portion elastically contact the protruding side and the bottom surface, respectively. In the second state, the arched base end of the elastic portion contacts the bottom surface.

9. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic portion is disposed at multiple locations at the end of the peripheral wall portion, which is opposite to the sensor substrate.

11. The camera module according to claim 7, further comprising: An external connector is disposed in the second housing and electrically connected to the sensor substrate.

12. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The camera module can be installed in a vehicle.

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