Sensor module and housing unit

Abstract

A sensor module according to one aspect of the present technology includes a sensor element, a first housing, a second housing, and an intermediate layer. The first housing includes an open end and houses the sensor element therein. The second housing includes a bonding surface welded to the open end. The intermediate layer is light-reflective and is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region in which the open end faces the bonding surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to sensor modules and housing units installed, for example, in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] For example, electronic or optical components (such as a rearview camera unit for a car) placed outside the vehicle (outdoors) can be housed in a waterproof and dustproof housing. For instance, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, such a housing includes a plate, a lens barrel for holding a lens, a front housing, and a rear housing together with the front housing for housing the lens barrel and plate. The front and rear housings are joined together by welding using laser irradiation, which results in improved sealing performance of the housing.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-173431 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] However, regarding the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the molten portion generated by the laser on the mating surfaces of the front and rear housings may protrude outwards. This outward protrusion of the molten portion is also known as resin burrs. Resin burrs not only deteriorate the appearance of the outer periphery of the housing that forms the product's exterior surface, but also require additional work to remove the protrusion. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the occurrence of appearance defects and avoid removing the protrusion to facilitate operation (to improve productivity).

[0008] In view of the above, the purpose of this technology is to provide a sensor module and housing unit that, when resin-molded products are joined using laser welding, makes it possible to suppress the molten portion of the resin-molded product from protruding outward.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a sensor element, a first housing made of synthetic resin, a second housing made of synthetic resin, and an intermediate layer.

[0011] The first housing includes an open end and houses the sensor element therein.

[0012] The second housing includes a mating surface welded to the open end.

[0013] The intermediate layer reflects light and is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region in the opening end where the opening end faces the mating surface.

[0014] In the sensor module, laser light incident on an intermediate layer formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region where the open end faces the mating surface is reflected by the intermediate layer. This prevents the outer peripheral region of the mating surface from melting when laser welding is performed. This makes it possible to prevent molten portions from protruding outward from the mating surface of the first and second housings.

[0015] The intermediate layer can have a width that is less than or equal to half the width of the area.

[0016] The intermediate layer can have a thickness of 50 μm or less.

[0017] The intermediate layer can be a metal or a metal compound.

[0018] The intermediate layer can be an optical multilayer.

[0019] The intermediate layer can reflect laser light of a specific wavelength, the first shell can be made of a synthetic resin material that has laser absorption properties, and the second shell can be made of a synthetic resin material that has laser transmission properties.

[0020] The intermediate layer can reflect laser light of a specific wavelength, the second shell can be made of a synthetic resin material that absorbs laser light, and the first shell can be made of a synthetic resin material that transmits laser light.

[0021] The sensor element can be an imaging device.

[0022] The sensor element can be a distance sensor.

[0023] An enclosure unit according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a first enclosure, a second enclosure, and an intermediate layer. The first enclosure includes an open end and houses a sensor element therein. The second enclosure includes a bonding surface welded to the open end. The intermediate layer reflects light and is formed in the open end along the outer or inner peripheral edge of the region in which the open end faces the bonding surface. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 It is a collection of overall perspective views of sensor modules according to embodiments of the present technology.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional side view of the sensor module.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the sensor module.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the middle section A.

[0028] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the sensor module.

[0029] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 It is also used to describe the cross-sectional view of the welding process of the first and second housings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments according to the present technology will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [Sensor Module Configuration]

[0032] Figure 1 (A) and (B) are overall perspective views of a sensor module 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sensor module 100. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the sensor module 100. In each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the directions of three mutually orthogonal axes, and the Z-axis corresponds to the optical axis direction of the sensor module 100.

[0033] The sensor module 100 of this embodiment is a camera module that is installed on a vehicle. For example, the sensor module 100 is arranged on the outside of the vehicle body (attached target) (not shown) and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle, the area behind the vehicle, or the area on the side of the vehicle, depending on the attachment position.

[0034] For example, a sensor module 100 attached to the front of the vehicle body (e.g., the radiator grille) captures images of the environment in front of the vehicle. Additionally, a sensor module 100 attached to the rear of the vehicle body (e.g., above the license plate) captures images of the environment behind the vehicle. Furthermore, a sensor module 100 attached to the sides of the vehicle (e.g., pillars (A-pillar, B-pillar, or pillars located at the rear of the vehicle (C-pillar, D-pillar) or the upper part of the side mirrors) captures images of the environment in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0035] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the sensor module 100 includes, for example, a housing 10, a sensor plate 20, and a cylindrical member 60.

[0036] The housing 10 is a housing unit composed of a front housing 11, which serves as the first housing, and a rear housing 12, which serves as the second housing, combined in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Typically, the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are injection-molded bodies made of synthetic resin material.

[0037] The front housing 11 includes a front surface portion 111 formed substantially orthogonal to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and a side surface portion 112 extending from the peripheral edge of the front surface portion 111 toward the rear housing 122. In this embodiment, the front surface portion 111 and the side surface portion 112 are generally rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The front housing 11 is hollow, and a space portion is formed in the area surrounded by the front surface portion 111 and the side surface portion 112, for example, in which the sensor substrate 20 and the cylindrical member 60 are accommodated.

[0038] The front surface portion 111 of the front housing 11 includes an opening 113 in the middle portion of the front surface portion 111 (reference). Figure 2 At the end of the side surface portion 112 located on the side of the rear housing 12, the front housing 11 includes an opening end 114 welded to the rear housing 12. The opening end 114 is formed in a generally rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the front surface portion 111. Note that the front surface portion 111 and the opening end 114 are not limited to rectangles, and may be formed in other shapes, such as circles or triangles.

[0039] The rear housing 12 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape, including a bottom surface portion 121 formed generally orthogonal to the front-rear direction and a side surface portion 122 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 121 toward the front housing 11. In the region surrounded by the bottom surface portion 121 and the side surface portion 122, a rectangular annular mating surface 123 is formed between the outer peripheral surfaces of the bottom surface portion 121 and the side surface portion 122, which is welded to the opening end 114 of the front housing 11. In this embodiment, the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are integrated with each other by joining the mating surface 123 to the opening end 114 using laser welding. This will be described later.

[0040] The cylindrical component 60 is disposed in the front housing 11. The cylindrical component 60 includes a cylinder 601, which is fitted into the opening 113 in the optical axis Z direction by a sealing ring 62. The cylinder 601 is a cylindrical portion that supports the imaging lens 602 and protrudes from the opening 113 to the front of the front housing 11.

[0041] The sensor plate 20 is disposed in the housing 10. The sensor plate 20 includes a front plate 21 facing the front surface portion 111 of the front housing 11, a rear plate 22 facing the bottom surface portion 121 of the rear housing 12, and a spacer 23 disposed between the front plate 21 and the rear plate 22.

[0042] The front plate 21 and the rear plate 22 are rigid, double-sided circuit boards, such as glass epoxy boards, and the opposing distance between the boards is defined by spacer 23. The front plate 21 and the rear plate 22 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other via board connectors (B-to-B connectors) (not shown). The sensor board 20 is not limited to being formed by the two boards 21 and 22, and can be formed by a single board.

[0043] Imaging device 24 is mounted as a sensor element on front panel 21. Imaging device 24 is an image sensor, such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. Front panel 21 is joined to cylinder member 601 by joining member 63 and buffer member 64, and imaging device 24 is arranged on the optical axis of imaging lens 602. When front housing 11 and rear housing 12 are joined, buffer member 64 stably maintains the opposing distance between cylinder 61 and imaging device 24 as sensor plate 20 is pressed against cylinder 61 due to compression performed between sensor plate 20 and bottom surface portion 121 of rear housing 12.

[0044] Additionally, the rear panel 22 is electrically connected to a connector 30, which is disposed on the bottom surface portion 121 of the rear housing 12, via the flexible printed circuit 40. The connector 30 is used to electrically connect the sensor board 20 and the vehicle body. Power is supplied from the vehicle body to the sensor board 20 via the connector 30, and image signals (output signals of the imaging device 24) are transmitted from the sensor board 20 to the vehicle body.

[0045] Note that, for example, a shielding shell, dustproof sheet, and heat sink for electromagnetic noise shielding and surrounding the sensor plate 20 are arranged in the housing 10, although these are not shown. One end of the shielding shell is fitted around the cylindrical member 60, and the other end of the shielding shell is in elastic contact with the inner surface of the bottom surface portion 121 of the rear housing 12. Thus, the shielding shell serves as a biasing member that biases the cylindrical member 60 and the sensor plate 20, which is joined to the cylindrical member 60, toward the front housing 11.

[0046] The front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are joined together using laser welding. In this embodiment, the front housing 11 is made of a synthetic resin material that absorbs laser light of a specific wavelength. The rear housing 12 is made of a synthetic resin material that transmits laser light.

[0047] For example, general-purpose resins (such as acrylonitrile-styrene (AS) resin or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin), polycarbonate (PC) resin, mixed resins of ABS and PC, polyamide (PA) resin, or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin are used as resin materials that are absorptive or transmissive to the laser.

[0048] For example, the absorption or transmission characteristics of laser light can be adjusted by varying the amount of laser-absorbing material mixed with the resin. Carbon black, for instance, can be used as a laser-absorbing material. Adjusting the amount of laser-absorbing material allows for arbitrary adjustment of the laser absorptivity (or laser transmittance). It is advantageous to use the same type of matrix resin for both laser-absorbing and laser-transmitting resin materials. This results in increased affinity between the resins at the joint and increased weld strength. Furthermore, changing the resin thickness allows for adjustment of transmittance. Increasing the resin thickness (when the resin becomes thicker) makes it possible to further reduce the resin's transmittance. Conversely, decreasing the resin thickness (when the resin becomes thinner) makes it possible to further increase the resin's transmittance.

[0049] In this embodiment, for example, a red laser or infrared laser with a wavelength of 800 nm to 1100 nm is used as the laser for welding. For resin materials that have laser transmittance properties, the transmittance of the resin material to the laser is greater than or equal to 30%, and advantageously greater than or equal to 40%.

[0050] [Details of the joint]

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion A of the opening end 114 of the front housing 11. Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the joint portion of the opening end 114 and the joint surface 123 of the rear housing 12. Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown and is used to describe the process of laser welding the open end 114 and the mating surface 123.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the intermediate layer 50 is disposed at the opening end 114 of the front housing. Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate layer 50 is formed along the outer peripheral edge of a region Rb in the opening end 114, where the opening end 114 faces the mating surface 123. The region Rb has a rectangular ring shape, and the intermediate layer 50 is formed continuously along the outer peripheral edge of the region Rb.

[0053] In this embodiment, a stepped portion 115 is provided between the side surface portion 112 of the front housing 11 and the outer peripheral edge of the opening end 114, and the opening end 114 is provided on the end surface of a rectangular annular protrusion that protrudes a specified amount toward the rear housing 12 on the inner peripheral side of the stepped portion 115. Therefore, the region Rb corresponds to the entire opening end 114. Note that the stepped portion 115 does not need to be specially provided and can be omitted if necessary.

[0054] The intermediate layer 50 is formed when the open end 114 and the mating surface 123 are laser-welded together, such as... Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, the material is reflective to laser L irradiated from one side of the rear housing 12. Laser L irradiating the region Rb in the opening end 114 facing the mating surface 123 is partially reflected by the interlayer 50. Laser L is irradiated when the front housing 11 and rear housing 12 are welded together by laser. Therefore, heat generation caused by absorption of laser L by the region of the opening end 114 covered by the interlayer 50 is suppressed. This prevents the region of the opening end 114 covered by the interlayer 50 from melting. This makes it possible to prevent the resin components constituting this region from melting and leaking on the outer periphery of the front housing 11.

[0055] The intermediate layer 50 is a coating film formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening end 114. The material of the intermediate layer 50 is not particularly limited, as long as it is a material that reflects the laser L. For example, when the laser L is light with a wavelength of about 1000 nm, the intermediate layer 50 with a reflectivity of 90% or greater can be formed using a film of metal such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), or aluminum (Al).

[0056] The material of the intermediate layer 50 is not limited to the aforementioned metal film, and can also be a dielectric film. FIT Leadintex's high reflectivity (HR) coating "RMI" can be used as such a material to form the intermediate layer 50, which has a reflectivity of 99% or higher for lasers with a wavelength of 1074 nm.

[0057] Furthermore, the material of the intermediate layer 50 is not limited to the aforementioned metal films and dielectric films, and for example, it can use metal compounds such as MgF2 or optical multilayers (dielectric multilayers) obtained by alternating high refractive index metal oxides and constant refractive index metal oxides in a layered manner.

[0058] The width of the intermediate layer 50 is not particularly limited, as long as it is smaller than the width of the opening end 114 (the width of region Rb, and the same applies to the following description). The width of the intermediate layer 50 can be arbitrarily set according to the desired bonding strength. Typically, the width of the intermediate layer 50 is less than or equal to half the width of the opening end 114, and advantageously less than or equal to one-third the width of the opening end 114. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the resin at the joint from melting and leaking out from the outer periphery, while ensuring a stable bonding strength between the opening end 114 and the joint surface 123.

[0059] There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the intermediate layer 50. Advantageously, the intermediate layer 50 is formed to a thickness that makes it possible to obtain a stable bond between the opening end 114 and the bonding surface 123 during laser welding. Therefore, the smaller the thickness of the intermediate layer 50, the more advantageous it is, for example, 50 μm or less. There are no particular limitations on the method used to form the intermediate layer 50, and the intermediate layer 50 can be formed using suitable methods for forming thin films, such as printing, coating, or vapor deposition.

[0060] Alternatively, a recessed portion with a depth corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate layer 50 can be pre-formed in the portion of the opening end 114 corresponding to the area where the intermediate layer 50 is to be formed. In this case, regardless of the thickness of the intermediate layer 50, the surface of the intermediate layer 50 can be arranged in a plane with the surface of the opening end 114. In this case, a relatively thick component such as a metal plate can be used as the intermediate layer 50. As a method for fixing the intermediate layer 50 to the opening end 114, methods such as bonding or insert molding can be used.

[0061] [Methods for manufacturing sensor modules]

[0062] When manufacturing the sensor module 100, the cylindrical component 60, sensor plate 20, etc., are sequentially assembled into the front housing 11, and then the mating surface 123 of the rear housing 12 is brought into contact with the open end of the front housing 11. Here, the sensor plate 20 is electrically connected to the connector 30 via the flexible printed circuit 40.

[0063] Subsequently, as Figure 6 As shown, with the rear housing 12 pressed against the front housing 11 under a specific pressure P, laser L irradiates the rear housing 12 towards the opening end 114. The front housing 11 is made of a resin material that absorbs laser L, while the rear housing 12 is made of a resin material that transmits laser L. Therefore, laser L is transmitted through the rear housing 12 to be irradiated onto the opening end 114 of the front housing 11. Laser L performs a rectangular circular scan along the opening end 114. Laser L can be a continuous wave or a pulsating wave.

[0064] In the opening end 114, the area irradiated by laser L is partially melted due to heat generated by the absorption of laser L. In this embodiment, the intermediate layer 50 with the above configuration is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the opening end 114. Therefore, only the inner peripheral edge region of the opening end 114 without the intermediate layer 50 is melted. Figure 6 Region a) in the middle is melted. On the other hand, the outer peripheral region (where the intermediate layer 50 is provided) of the opening end 114 is melted. Figure 6 Region b) is shielded from laser L due to the effect of reflection provided by the intermediate layer 50. This prevents the outer peripheral edge region b from being melted.

[0065] The mating surface 123 facing region a is also partially melted due to heat transfer from the molten portion (region a) of the opening end 114. Subsequently, the molten portion of region a and the molten portion of the mating surface 123 are cooled to solidify, and the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 are welded together. Since the laser L is continuously scanned circumferentially along the rectangular annular opening end 114, welding is performed over the entire circumferential area of ​​the opening end 114. This results in a sealing property ensuring the mating surfaces of the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12.

[0066] In this embodiment, the intermediate layer 50 is disposed at the outer peripheral edge of the opening end 114. This prevents the resin at the outer peripheral edge of the opening end 114 from melting during laser welding. This makes it possible to prevent molten resin from protruding from the joint portion of the opening end 114 and the joint surface 123 toward the outer periphery of the housing 10. This results in the prevention of undesirable appearance on the outer periphery forming the surface of the housing 10 and eliminates the need for additional steps to remove protruding portions of molten resin. Consequently, operations in the manufacturing process of the sensor module 100 can be facilitated.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the amount of molten material or resin melted in the molten portion of the opening end 114 can be adjusted by the position or width of the intermediate layer 50. This makes it possible to properly control the amount of resin protruding during welding, even if, for example, there are variations in the shape or size of the front housing 11 and the rear housing 12 (such as dimensional tolerances).

[0068] Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to selectively melt only the inner peripheral region a within the opening 114 that is not covered by the intermediate layer 50, even when the laser L irradiates the entire opening 114. This eliminates the need for precise adjustment of the laser irradiation position within the assembly. This makes it possible to prevent protrusion of the molten resin as intended, even when the laser L irradiates the entire opening 114 in the width direction (which is a conventional irradiation condition). Therefore, the desired weld quality can be ensured without the need for strenuous equipment adjustments.

[0069] Furthermore, this embodiment makes it possible to prevent the resin at the joint from protruding outwards, thereby obtaining a housing (outer shell unit) structure that does not include areas such as the stepped portion 115 for containing molten resin (see reference). Figures 4 to 6 This makes it possible to increase the design freedom of the housing 10, and thus the technology can be applied to small components (such as the stepped portion 115) where it is difficult to ensure that space is provided for the area to contain the resin.

[0070] <Edit>

[0071] In the above embodiment, the intermediate layer 50 is disposed at the opening end 114 of the front housing 11. However, it is not limited to this; the intermediate layer 50 may also be disposed on the mating surface of the rear housing 12. In this case, effects similar to those provided in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0072] In addition, the intermediate layer 50 is continuously formed along the outer periphery of region Rb (see reference). Figure 5 However, the intermediate layer 50 is not limited to continuous formation and may have missing parts.

[0073] Furthermore, the technology according to this disclosure can be applied to a variety of products. For example, the technology according to this disclosure can be provided for installation on one of the 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).

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, a camera module was described as an example of sensor module 100. However, the technology is not limited thereto. For example, the technology can also be used in sensor modules that include ranging sensors such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) or time-of-flight (ToF) sensors as sensor elements.

[0075] Additionally, in this embodiment, the intermediate layer 50 is disposed in the opening end 114 along the outer peripheral edge of the region Rb in which the opening end 114 of the front housing 11 faces the mating surface 123 of the rear housing 12, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a product in which it is necessary to prevent molten resin from protruding toward the interior of the housing, the intermediate layer 50 may be disposed along the inner peripheral edge of the region Rb. Specifically, this configuration is suitable for products such as those with a small internal volume in their housing and products in which it is necessary to protect the components housed in the housing from contact with protrusions of molten resin at the mating portion.

[0076] Note that this technology can also be configured as follows.

[0077] (1) A sensor module, comprising:

[0078] Sensor components;

[0079] A first housing includes an open end and houses a sensor element therein;

[0080] The second housing includes a mating surface welded to the open end; and

[0081] A light-reflecting intermediate layer is formed in the opening end along the outer peripheral edge of the region where the opening end faces the mating surface.

[0082] (2) According to the sensor module described in (1), wherein

[0083] The intermediate layer has a width that is less than or equal to half the width of the region.

[0084] (3) The sensor module according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0085] The intermediate layer has a thickness of 50 μm or less.

[0086] (4) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0087] The intermediate layer is a metal or a metal compound.

[0088] (5) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0089] The middle layer is an optical multilayer.

[0090] (6) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0091] The intermediate layer reflects laser light of a specific wavelength.

[0092] The first outer shell is made of a synthetic resin material that absorbs laser light, and

[0093] The second outer shell is made of a synthetic resin material that transmits laser light.

[0094] (7) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0095] The intermediate layer is a coating film formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening end.

[0096] (8) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0097] Sensor elements are imaging devices.

[0098] (9) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0099] The sensor element is a distance sensor.

[0100] (10) A housing unit, comprising:

[0101] The first outer casing includes an open end;

[0102] The second housing includes an annular mating surface welded to the open end; and

[0103] A light-reflecting intermediate layer is formed in the opening end along the outer or inner peripheral edge of the region where the opening end faces the mating surface.

[0104] List of reference numerals

[0105] 11. Front casing (first casing)

[0106] 12. Rear Outer Shell (Second Outer Shell)

[0107] 24 Imaging equipment

[0108] 50 Intermediate Layer

[0109] 100 sensor modules

[0110] 114 Open end

[0111] 123 Joint surfaces

[0112] L laser

Claims

1. A sensor module, comprising: Sensor components; A first housing includes a planar peripheral region surrounding the opening at the open end, and therein houses the sensor element; The second housing includes a mating surface welded to the opening end, wherein the mating surface is substantially parallel to the region of the first housing; as well as A light-reflecting intermediate layer is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region at the opening end of the first housing and is also substantially parallel to the mating surface of the second housing. During the welding process, the light-reflective intermediate layer formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region at the opening end of the first housing prevents the molten portion from protruding outward from the joint surface of the first housing and the second housing.

2. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer has a width that is less than or equal to half the width of the region.

3. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer has a thickness of 50 μm or less.

4. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer is a metal or a metal compound.

5. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer is an optical multilayer.

6. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer reflects laser light of a specific wavelength. The first outer shell is made of a synthetic resin material that has absorption properties for the laser, and The second housing is made of a synthetic resin material that transmits laser light.

7. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The intermediate layer is a coating film formed in the outer peripheral edge of the opening end.

8. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The sensor element is an imaging device.

9. The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein... The sensor element is a ranging sensor.

10. A housing unit, comprising: A first housing includes a planar peripheral region surrounding the opening at the open end; The second housing includes an annular mating surface that is substantially parallel to the region of the first housing and welded to the opening end; as well as A light-reflecting intermediate layer is formed along the outer or inner peripheral edge of the region at the opening end of the first housing, and is also substantially parallel to the mating surface of the second housing. During the welding process, the light-reflective intermediate layer formed along the outer peripheral edge of the region at the opening end of the first housing prevents the molten portion from protruding outward from the joint surface of the first housing and the second housing.

Images