Imaging device and resilient dust protection member for use with an imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an imaging device and an elastic dust-proof member for use with the imaging device. The imaging device includes an elastic dust-proof member disposed between a base portion of a housing and a substrate on which an imager is mounted. The elastic dust-proof member (50) includes a first frame disposed in contact with the base portion, a second frame disposed in contact with the substrate, and a flexible portion connected with the first frame and the second frame. The flexible portion is elastically deformable to change a spacing between the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are defined in dimensions in both a direction perpendicular to a center line of a cylindrical portion of a lens barrel defining an inner wall and an extending direction of the first frame and the second frame, as a first width dimension and a second width dimension, respectively. The second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-226365, filed on December 23, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to imaging devices installed in vehicles and resilient dustproof components used with imaging devices. Background Technology

[0004] An imaging device is known, comprising a lens barrel having a lens disposed therein, a circuit board on which an imager is mounted, and a housing holding the circuit board. The imaging device is used to capture an image of an object input through the lens by means of the imager and output the object image as an image signal. However, when foreign matter adheres to the imager or related components, an accurate image signal cannot be obtained. Japanese Patent First Publication No. 2021-92682 discloses a technique of providing a dustproof rubber member between the circuit board and the lens. The rubber has a thick portion on the circuit board on which the imager is mounted and a thin portion on the lens, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the imager.

[0005] However, various electronic components are also mounted on the circuit board on which the imager is implemented, and these components need to be mounted with sufficient clearance to avoid interference with the dustproof rubber. Therefore, when using dustproof rubber with a thick portion on the circuit board, as disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese patent disclosure, a wide clearance must be provided to accommodate the thick portion. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the size of the circuit board, resulting in an overall increase in the size of the imaging device, and thus an increase in product cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an imaging device having a circuit structure capable of suppressing size increase, and an elastic dustproof component used in the imaging device.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an imaging apparatus is provided, installed in a vehicle, the imaging apparatus including a camera module comprising (a) a lens barrel, a substrate, a housing, and a resilient dustproof member. The lens barrel includes a body on which a lens is disposed and a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the body and protruding away from the center of the lens. The body has a through-hole formed therein through which light travels as it passes through the lens. The substrate has an imager mounted thereon. The housing has a hole formed therein, in which the body of the lens barrel is disposed. The housing includes a base portion, the protrusion of the lens barrel being fixed to the base portion around the body and the insertion hole. The housing defines a receiving chamber in which the substrate is held. The resilient dustproof member is disposed between the base portion and the substrate, and isolates a first space defined within the receiving chamber and where the imager and the through-hole are positioned from a second space defined outside the first space. The resilient dustproof member has a cylindrical shape and includes a first frame, a second frame, and a flexible portion. The first frame is positioned closer to the base portion than the second frame. The second frame is positioned to contact the substrate. The flexible portion is connected to the first and second frames and is capable of elastic deformation to change the spacing between the first and second frames. The centerline of the cylindrical portion constituting the inner wall of the lens barrel is defined as the central axis. The dimensions of the first and second frames in both directions perpendicular to the central axis and the extending directions of the first and second frames are defined as a first width dimension and a second width dimension, respectively. The second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

[0008] Therefore, since the elastic dustproof member has a flexible portion to have a flexible or bendable structure, even if the elastic dustproof member deforms between the base portion and the substrate, the bendable structure will elastically expand or contract, thereby suppressing undesirable elastic deformation of the first and second frames. This minimizes the contact area between the second frame and the substrate. Furthermore, the width of the first frame is chosen to be larger than the width of the second frame, thereby ensuring the stability of the contact between the first frame and the base portion, which leads to reliable contact between the second frame and the substrate, even if the contact area between the second frame and the substrate is small. Moreover, because the width of the second frame, which is positioned to contact the substrate, is made smaller, the gap required for contact between the second frame and the substrate can be reduced. Therefore, it is easier to ensure space for arranging electronic components on the substrate, thereby suppressing an increase in the size of the substrate, and thus suppressing an increase in the size of the imaging device.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a resilient dustproof member is provided for use with an imaging device mounted in a vehicle. The resilient dustproof member includes: (a) a first frame located at a first end portion of a cylindrical shape of the resilient dustproof member; (b) a second frame located at a second end portion of the cylindrical shape of the resilient dustproof member; and (c) a flexible portion connected to the first and second frames and capable of elastically deforming to change the spacing between the first and second frames. The dimensions of the first and second frames in both the expansion / contraction direction perpendicular to the flexible portion and the extension direction of the first and second frames are defined as a first width dimension and a second width dimension, respectively. The second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

[0010] Using the above-described structure of the elastic dustproof component with an imaging device provides the beneficial advantages offered by the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to the various structural elements are merely an example of the correspondence between these structural elements and the specific structural elements described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0012] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments of the invention. However, the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are merely for purposes of explanation and understanding.

[0013] In the attached diagram:

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the imaging device according to the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 It's a diagram. Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the camera module in the imaging device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the camera module;

[0017] Figure 4A It is a plan view of the flexible dustproof component;

[0018] Figure 4B This is a side view of the resilient dustproof component;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a comparative view showing the first state before the flexible part contracts and the second state after the flexible part contracts;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a comparative view showing the first state before the flexible part contracts and the second state after the flexible part contracts;

[0021] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the elastic dustproof component according to the third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the elastic dustproof component according to the fourth embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of the elastic dustproof component described in another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10B This is a cross-sectional view of the resilient dustproof member described in another embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 10C This is a cross-sectional view of the resilient dustproof component described in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following embodiments, when only a portion of the structural element is mentioned, the other portions of the structural element may adopt the configuration described in the preceding embodiments. Furthermore, even if the combination is not explicitly stated, the following embodiments may be partially combined with each other without impeding such a combination.

[0028] First Implementation Method

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 1 is mounted on the vehicle and configured to capture images of the area outside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the imaging device 1 is implemented as a forward-facing monitoring camera that captures images of the area in front of the vehicle. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrows indicating the vertical and longitudinal directions represent the vertical direction UD and the front-to-back direction FR, respectively, when the imaging device 1 is mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing indicates the lateral direction.

[0030] Imaging device 1 includes camera module 10, bracket BKT, and image processor IP. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 1 is configured such that the camera module 10 and the image processor IP are formed as discrete units.

[0031] The bracket BKT is used to position and secure the camera module 10 near and to the windshield FG of a vehicle. The bracket BKT includes a generally L-shaped hook H for mounting the camera module 10. The camera module 10 is mounted close to the windshield FG by engaging a cylindrical mounting pin P disposed on the outer surface of the camera module 10 with the hook H of the bracket BKT.

[0032] The image processor IP is a device for processing image signals output from the camera module 10 and is implemented by a microcomputer including a processor and memory. The image processor IP uses images captured by the camera module 10 to perform recognition tasks such as identifying lanes, road shapes, obstacles, traffic signs, etc., and performs target path generation and vehicle control tasks based on the results of the recognition tasks. The image processor IP is connected to the camera module 10 via a communication line. It should be noted that the image processor IP can alternatively be connected wirelessly to the camera module 10.

[0033] Next, the camera module 10 will be described. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the camera module 10 is configured as a fixed-focus monocular camera to keep the distance between the lens LS and the imager 31, which will be described in detail later, constant. The camera module 10 includes a lens barrel 20 in which the lens LS is housed, a substrate 30 on which the imager 31 is mounted, a housing 40 holding the substrate 30, and a resilient dustproof member 50 disposed between the substrate 30 and the housing 40.

[0034] The lens barrel 20 is located near the windshield FG of the vehicle. The lens barrel 20 includes a lens LS, a body 21 in which the lens LS is disposed, and a flange 22 defined by a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the body 21. The body 21 and the flange 22 are made of a resin material, such as PPS resin. The body 21 and the flange 22 are integrally formed into a one-piece molded product.

[0035] The main body 21 is a generally cylindrical component. Although not shown in the drawings, a through-hole 213 for transmitting light is formed inside the main body 21. The lens LS is disposed in the through-hole 213 of the main body 21 such that its optical axis coincides with the central axis CL of the lens barrel 20. The central axis CL of the lens barrel 20 coincides with the center line of the cylindrical portion of the lens barrel 20, which defines the inner wall on which the lens LS is mounted. Although only the lens LS is illustrated here as an optical system, it is sufficient to provide at least one lens LS; however, multiple lens LS can also be used. When multiple lens LS are used, the optical axes of each lens LS are aligned with each other and disposed within the through-hole 213.

[0036] A flange 22 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body 21 and protrudes in a direction away from the central axis CL of the lens barrel 20. The flange 22 extends circumferentially in a direction generally perpendicular to the central axis CL. Specifically, the flange 22 is located midway between the front end portion 211 and the rear end portion 212 of the body 21. The flange 22 has a front surface 221 facing the front end portion 211 and a rear surface 222 facing away from the front surface 221 and towards the rear end portion 212. The rear surface 222 of the flange 22 is adhered to the housing 40 via, for example, an adhesive GL, thereby securing the lens barrel 20 to the housing 40. The portion of the lens barrel 20 positioned closer to the rear end portion 212 than the flange 22 is disposed inside the housing 40, while the portions of the flange 22 and the lens barrel 20 positioned closer to the front end portion 211 than the flange 22 are exposed outside the housing 40.

[0037] The substrate 30 is a circuit board on which wiring patterns are formed and on which a device including an imager 31 is mounted. The imager 31 is mounted on a surface 30a of the substrate 30, which serves as the front surface facing the lens LS. In addition, a plurality of electronic components 32 and wiring patterns (not shown) are mounted on a portion of the surface 30a positioned around the imager 31. The substrate 30 is held in place by a housing 40 by fasteners, such as bolts BT.

[0038] Imager 31 is composed of a semiconductor device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor. Imager 31 is used to capture an image of an object formed on the light-receiving surface of imager 31 by lens LS and output an image signal. Imager 31 is fixed to substrate 30 by means such as welding. Specifically, imager 31 is mounted on the portion of substrate 30 facing lens LS, such that light transmitted through lens LS enters imager 31.

[0039] The housing 40 is a box-shaped component made of metal or resin. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of mounting pins P are provided on the outer surface of the housing 40 for engaging with the hook-shaped member H of the bracket BKT. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 40 includes a base portion 41 and a cover portion 42 connected to the base portion 41.

[0040] The base portion 41 is the component to which the lens barrel 20 is fixed, and the lens LS is mounted on the lens barrel 20. The base portion 41 has an insertion hole 411 extending in the front-rear FR direction. The flange 22 is fixed to the base portion 41 while a part of the body 21 of the lens barrel 20 is inserted through the insertion hole 411, thereby fixing the lens barrel 20 to the housing 40 to surround the entire periphery of the body 21 and the through hole 213. The positions of the insertion hole 411 and the substrate 30 are set such that the optical axis of the lens barrel 20 disposed in the insertion hole 411 coincides with the center of the imager 31. The base portion 41 has a front end surface 41a facing the lens LS and a rear end surface 41b connected to the cover portion 42. The rear end surface 41b has a stepped shape in which its inner portion is recessed relative to its outer edge, and a sitting surface 41c is formed around the periphery of the lens barrel 20. The sitting surface 41c, on which the elastic dustproof member 50 is disposed, is formed into a planar surface shape.

[0041] It should be noted that although the rear end surface 41b is described as having a stepped shape with its inner portion recessed relative to its outer edge, the rear end surface 41b may alternatively be formed as a simple flat surface or as a stepped shape with its inner portion protruding relative to its outer edge. Similarly, although the front end surface 41a is constructed as a flat surface, the portion of the front end surface 41a surrounding the lens LS may also be formed as a shape protruding outward from the outer edge, which is a circular or polygonal shape along the contour of the lens LS.

[0042] The cover portion 42 is connected to the base portion 41 by fasteners (not shown). The cover portion 42 has an external shape corresponding to the external shape of the base portion 41, and defines a receiving chamber 54 between the cover portion 42 and the base portion 41 in which the substrate 30 is disposed. The cover portion 42 has an opening 43 formed therein through which communication lines extend to the outside of the cover portion 42.

[0043] It should be noted that the housing 40 and the lens barrel 20 are arranged to be in close contact with each other by an adhesive GL. For example, during the manufacture of the camera module 10, the adhesive GL is applied in a ring shape to the front end surface 41a of the base portion 41, and then the rear end surface 222 of the flange 22 of the lens barrel 20 is attached to the front end surface 41a, thereby bonding the lens barrel 20 to the housing 40. As the adhesive GL, a material with thermosetting properties is used; however, another material without thermosetting properties may also be used alternatively.

[0044] A resilient dustproof member 50 is disposed between the base portion 41 and the substrate 30. The resilient dustproof member 50 defines a partition wall that separates the first space 54a, in which the through-hole 213 of the lens barrel 20 and the imager 31 are disposed, from the second space 54b within the receiving chamber 54 of the housing 40, thereby minimizing the risk of foreign objects entering the space 54a. In this embodiment, the resilient dustproof member 50 is constructed as a dustproof rubber made of a rubber material; however, the resilient dustproof member 50 can also be alternatively made of another elastic material, such as a foam material like a sponge. As a rubber material, for example, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, or fluororubber can be used, and as a foam material, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene can be used.

[0045] As in Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the resilient dustproof member 50 has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the resilient dustproof member 50 is configured to be an annular planar shape when viewed along the front-rear direction FR, and although its outer diameter and inner diameter vary along the central axis CL, it is generally formed into a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the resilient dustproof member 50 includes a first frame 51 and a second frame 52, and a flexible portion 53 disposed between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. The first frame 51 has a first contact surface 51a arranged to physically contact the base portion 41, and the second frame 52 has a second contact surface 52a arranged to physically contact the substrate 30.

[0046] The shapes and dimensions of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are defined as follows. In the following text, the dimensions of each portion of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are defined as follows: the dimension along the central axis CL of the lens barrel 20 is referred to as the height dimension, and the dimension perpendicular to both the central axis CL (which coincides with the expansion or contraction direction of the resilient dustproof member 50) and the extension direction of the corresponding one of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 is referred to as the width dimension. Where the planar shape of the resilient dustproof member 50 is annular, the extension direction of the resilient dustproof member 50, i.e., the resilient dustproof member 50, is defined as the direction consistent with the circumferential direction of the resilient dustproof member 50, and the width dimension is defined as the radial dimension of the resilient dustproof member 50 centered on the central axis CL. Alternatively, where each of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 has a non-annular planar shape, such as a shape including a linear portion, the extension direction of each of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 coincides with the length direction of the linear portion (also referred to as the linear direction), and the width dimension corresponds to the dimension perpendicular to both the linear direction and the central axis CL.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 each have a cross-sectional shape taken along a plane perpendicular to their extension direction—which in this embodiment corresponds to the radial direction—that is, a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. More specifically, in this cross-section, the first frame 51 has a rectangular shape in which the two long sides are formed by a first edge 511 and a second edge 512 forming the first contact surface 51a, and the two short sides 513 and 514 are located between the two long sides and are away from each other. Similarly, in cross-section, the second frame 52 has a rectangular shape in which the two long sides are formed by a first edge 521 and a second edge 522 forming the second contact surface 52a, and the two short sides 523 and 524 are located between the two long sides and are away from each other.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the width dimension W1 of the first frame 51—hereinafter referred to as the first width dimension—is made larger than the width dimension W2 of the second frame 52—hereinafter referred to as the second width dimension. Furthermore, the height dimension T1 of the first frame 51 is also made larger than the height dimension T2 of the second frame 52. Because the first frame 51 has a larger width dimension W1 and a larger height dimension T1, the contact area with the base portion 41 is also larger, and the first frame 51 is less prone to deformation, thereby maintaining a stable contact state with the base portion 41 without tilting. Although the second frame 52 has a smaller width dimension W2 and a smaller height dimension T2 than the first frame 51, and therefore has a smaller contact area with the substrate 30 and is more prone to deformation, the second frame 52 is still able to maintain contact with the substrate 30 because the first frame 51 provides a stable contact state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the dimensions of the second frame 52 are set as described below, the contact state with the substrate 30 can be further stabilized.

[0049] To achieve stable contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30 without tilting, it is preferable to set the width dimension W2 to a certain size. As a result of in-depth research, it was confirmed that the width dimension W2 that allows stable contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30 is related to the amount of deflection of the flexible portion 53, which will be described later and referred to below as the deflection amount S. It was also confirmed that good stability can be obtained when the ratio S / W2 of the deflection amount S to the width dimension W2 is 2 or less. Therefore, since the difference in height dimension of the elastic dustproof member 50 before or after its installation between the base portion 41 and the substrate 30 corresponds to the deflection amount S, the maximum value of this difference is assumed to be the deflection amount S, taking into account manufacturing variations, and the width dimension W2 is set to be equal to or greater than half of the deflection amount S. While a larger width dimension W2 helps to achieve a more stable contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30, an excessively large width dimension W2 may increase the size of the substrate 30; therefore, it is preferable to set the width dimension W2 to no more than twice the amount of deflection S.

[0050] The height dimension T2 of the second frame 52 is optional; however, it is preferred that the second frame 52 is not easily deformed so that the second frame 52 can make more stable contact with the substrate 30. In this embodiment where the cross-sectional shape of the second frame 52 is constructed as a rectangle, when the ratio S / T2 of the deflection S to the height dimension T2 is 2 or less, stable contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30 can be achieved.

[0051] It should be noted that in the cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the extending directions of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, the width dimensions W1 and W2 represent the maximum dimensions of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, respectively. Therefore, when the cross-sectional shape of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 is a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners, the actual width dimensions of edges 511 and 521 are slightly smaller than the width dimensions W1 and W2, respectively. However, the width dimensions of edges 511 and 521 can be considered to be equivalent to the width dimensions W1 and W2, respectively. Therefore, it can be said that the width dimension of edge 511 is greater than the width dimension of edge 521. In addition, the area of ​​the first contact surface 51a can be said to be greater than the area of ​​the second contact surface 52a.

[0052] As in Figure 3As can be seen, the flexible portion 53 is the part of the elastic dustproof member 50 with a flexible structure. The flexible portion 53 is connected to a portion of the constitutive surface 51b of the first frame 51, i.e., the edge 512 facing the first contact surface 51a, and to a portion of the constitutive surface 52b of the second frame 52, i.e., the edge 522 facing the second contact surface 52a. The flexible portion 53 is thinner and more flexible than the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, and can expand or contract along the direction of the central axis CL to change the distance between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. Therefore, the elastic dustproof member 50 disposed between the base portion 41 and the substrate 30 compresses the flexible portion 53, thereby ensuring the stability of the physical contact between the first contact surface 51a and the base portion 41 and between the second contact surface 52a and the substrate 30.

[0053] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the flexible portion 53 has a wavy shape with a V-shaped cross-section, taken radially between the connecting portion 53a leading to the first frame 51 and the connecting portion 53b leading to the second frame 52. This configuration results in a reduction of the reaction force generated by the flexible portion 53 when it is compressed. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 53c between the connecting portions 53a and 53b is bent to bulge outwards radially relative to the central axis CL. Therefore, as in... Figure 6 As shown in the first and second states, even when the flexible portion 53 expands or contracts, the middle portion 53c deforms outward in the radial direction, thereby preventing the flexible portion 53 from protruding toward the space 54a extending from the lens barrel 20 to the imager 31.

[0054] As described above, the imaging device 1 is provided with a resilient dustproof member 50 between the base portion 41 and the substrate 30. The resilient dustproof member 50 is used to isolate the through hole 213 in which the lens barrel 20 and the space 54a of the imager 31 are disposed from the external space 54b, thereby eliminating the risk of foreign objects adhering to the imager 31. This improves the accuracy of the image signal representing the image of the object captured by the imager 31. In addition, since the flange 22 of the lens barrel 20 and the base portion 41 are tightly bonded together by the adhesive GL, it is unlikely that foreign objects will enter through the joint between the flange 22 of the lens barrel 20 and the base portion 41. Therefore, if any foreign object enters, it is likely to be generated through the gap between the base portion 41 and the cover portion 42 or through the opening 43. Therefore, by providing the resilient dustproof member 50 around the periphery of the imager 31, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from adhering to the imager 31, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, since the elastic dustproof member 50 is equipped with a flexible portion 53 having a flexible structure, even when the elastic dustproof member 50 deforms between the base portion 41 and the substrate 30, the flexible structure expands or contracts, thereby suppressing the deformation of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. This minimizes the contact area between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30.

[0056] Furthermore, by making the width W1 of the first frame 51 larger than the width W2 of the second frame 52, the stability of the contact between the first frame 51 and the base portion 41, and between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30, can be ensured even when the contact area between the first frame 51 and the base portion 41, and between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30, is small. In addition, the width W2 of the second frame 52, which contacts the substrate 30, is chosen to be small, resulting in a reduced gap required to achieve contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30. Therefore, it is easy to ensure space for arranging the electronic components 32 on the substrate 30, thereby suppressing the expansion of the substrate 30. Thus, the overall size of the imaging device 1 can be reduced, and product costs can be lowered.

[0057] Furthermore, even if the width dimension W2 of the second frame 52 is made smaller, the width dimension W2 of the second frame 52 is also set to be equal to or greater than half of the deflection S, thereby allowing the contact state between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30 to be maintained more reliably.

[0058] During the manufacturing process of the camera module 10, a resilient dustproof member 50 is disposed on the base portion 41 of the housing 40, and then the substrate 30 is fixed to the base portion 41 using fasteners, such as bolts BT. This allows the second frame 52 of the resilient dustproof member 50 to be positioned in contact with the substrate 30, while maintaining a stable contact state in which the first frame 51, having a contact area larger than that of the second frame 52, is positioned in stable contact with the base portion 41, thereby minimizing misalignment of the resilient dustproof member 50 even in the event of deflection of the flexible portion 53.

[0059] Second Implementation Method

[0060] The second embodiment will now be described. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the connection structure between the lens barrel 20 and the base portion 41 is modified, while the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0061] like Figure 7As illustrated, the camera module 10 according to the second embodiment is configured such that the flange 22 of the lens barrel 20 is located inside the housing 40, and the front end surface 221 of the flange 22 is bonded to the sitting surface 41c of the base portion 41 by adhesive GL.

[0062] The flange 22 has a rear end surface 222 that serves as a seating surface. The first frame 51 of the resilient dustproof member 50 has a first contact surface 51a that is positioned to contact the rear end surface 222 of the flange 22. Even when the portion contacted by the first frame 51 is the flange 22 rather than the base portion 41, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0063] Third Implementation Method

[0064] The third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the shape of the elastic dustproof member 50 is different from that of the first and second embodiments. Since other aspects are the same as the first and second embodiments, only the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0065] As in Figure 8 As shown, the planar shape of the resilient dustproof member 50 is quadrilateral when viewed along the front-rear direction FR, and more specifically, it is a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. In other words, the resilient dustproof member 50 is formed into a generally quadrilateral tubular shape. Even with such a shape, the resilient dustproof member 50 achieves effects similar to those of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, when the resilient dustproof member 50 is arranged such that each side of its quadrilateral shape extends along the corresponding side of the quadrilateral shape of the imager 31, the second frame 52 can be simply disposed in the gap between the resilient dustproof member 50 and the imager 31, thereby minimizing the installation space required for the second frame 52.

[0066] In this embodiment, the planar shape of the resilient dustproof member 50, when viewed along the front-rear direction FR, is a shape other than a circle. Therefore, the width and height dimensions of the cross-sections taken along the direction perpendicular to each side of the quadrilateral shape of the resilient dustproof member 50 are defined as width dimensions W1 and W2 and height dimensions T1 and T2, respectively.

[0067] Fourth Implementation Method

[0068] The fourth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the shape of the elastic dustproof member 50 is modified relative to the first and second embodiments. Since other aspects are the same as the first and second embodiments, only the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, the shape of the second frame 52 of the elastic dustproof member 50 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the outer peripheral portion of the second frame 52 has a curvature that points away from the first frame 51 compared to the inner peripheral portion of the second frame 52. In other words, the second contact surface 52a of the second frame 52 is oriented to gradually extend away from the flexible portion 53 from the central axis CL toward the outer peripheral edge of the second frame 52.

[0070] It will become apparent from the above discussion that even with a reduced width dimension W2 of the second frame 52, sufficient contact between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30 can be ensured by increasing the width dimension W1 of the first frame 51. However, this may result in the risk that the second frame 52 might become tilted relative to the central axis CL, thereby reducing the contact area between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30. As described above, the elastic dustproof member 50 in this embodiment is designed with a second frame 52 whose outer periphery is bent away from the first frame 51, thereby ensuring sufficient contact area between the second frame 52 and the substrate 30.

[0071] Other implementation methods

[0072] This disclosure has been described based on the above embodiments; however, this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications, alternatives, and equivalents are also covered within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, various combinations and configurations, as well as other arrangements including only one element, multiple elements, or fewer elements than those described, also fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0073] 1) For example, in the above embodiment, the structure of the elastic dustproof member 50 can be modified. Specifically, the flexible part 53 can have a configuration other than a corrugated shape, and the positional relationship between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 can also be changed.

[0074] As an example, such as in Figure 10A As shown, the flexible portion 53 can have a structure that extends linearly along the central axis CL. Alternatively, the flexible portion 53 can have a bent shape. In this case, as in... Figure 10BAs shown, when viewed along the front-rear direction FR, the resilient dustproof member 50 can have the following structure: in this structure, the portion of the flexible portion 53 leading to the first frame 51 extends radially outward relative to the portion of the flexible portion 53 leading to the second frame 52, or conversely, the portion of the flexible portion 53 leading to the first frame 51 extends radially inward relative to the portion of the flexible portion 53 leading to the second frame 52. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the resilient dustproof member 50 is viewed along the front-rear direction FR, the entire width dimension W2 of the second frame 52 is included within the width dimension W1 of the first frame 51. However, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 can be offset from each other. In such a case, as in... Figure 10C As shown, when viewed along the front-rear direction FR, the second frame 52 can be positioned radially inside the first frame 51, or conversely, the second frame 52 can be positioned radially outside the first frame 51.

[0075] 2) The above embodiments all involve the case where the shapes of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are the same, that is, both the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are annular or rectangular. However, the shapes do not necessarily have to be the same. For example, one of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 may be annular, while the other may be rectangular, and the flexible portion 53 may have a structure in which its shape gradually changes from the shape of the first frame 51 to the shape of the second frame 52 as it extends from the first frame 51 toward the second frame 52.

[0076] 3) In the above embodiment, the shape of the elastic dustproof member 50 when viewed along the front-rear direction FR is described as annular or rectangular. However, the elastic dustproof member 50 may alternatively have another polygonal shape, or a shape that combines an arcuate portion and a polygonal portion. In other words, the elastic dustproof member 50 can be formed not only as a cylindrical shape, but also as a polygonal tubular shape.

[0077] 4) In the above embodiment, the imaging device 1 is described as being applied to a forward-looking monitoring camera for a vehicle. However, the imaging device 1 is not limited to this and can also be applied to a surround-view monitoring camera configured to monitor the area around the vehicle.

[0078] 5) Furthermore, in the above embodiments, this disclosure is described as being applied to imaging apparatus 1. However, this disclosure can also be applied to other electronic devices. For example, in an electronic device having an optical path extending from a light or laser through a receiving window to a light receiving element, a resilient dustproof member 50 can be configured to surround the light receiving element and the receiving window, thereby suppressing the adhesion of foreign matter within the optical path inside the resilient dustproof member 50.

[0079] This disclosure provides the following technical aspects.

[0080] First aspect

[0081] An imaging device, installed in a vehicle, includes a camera module 10 comprising (a) a lens barrel 20, a substrate 30, a housing 40, and a resilient dustproof member 50. The lens barrel includes a body 21 on which a lens LS is disposed, and a protrusion 22 formed on the outer periphery of the body and protruding away from the center of the lens. The body has a through-hole 213 formed therein, through which light travels as it passes through the lens. The substrate 30 has an imager 31 mounted on the substrate 30. The housing 40 has an aperture 411 formed therein, in which the body of the lens barrel is disposed. The housing includes a base portion 41 to which the protrusion of the lens barrel is fixed around the body and the insertion hole. The housing defines a receiving chamber 54 in which the substrate is held. The resilient dustproof member 50 is disposed between the base portion and the substrate, and isolates a first space 54a, defined within the receiving chamber and housing the imager and the through-hole, from a second space 54b defined outside the first space. The resilient dustproof member has a cylindrical shape and includes a first frame 51, a second frame 52, and a flexible portion 53. The first frame is positioned closer to the base portion than the second frame. The second frame is positioned to contact the substrate. The flexible portion is connected to the first and second frames and is elastically deformable to change the spacing between the first and second frames. The centerline of the cylindrical portion forming the inner wall of the lens barrel is defined as a central axis CL. The dimensions of the first and second frames in directions perpendicular to both the central axis and the extending directions of the first and second frames are defined as a first width dimension W1 and a second width dimension W2, respectively. The second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

[0082] Second aspect

[0083] The imaging apparatus as described in the first aspect above, wherein the flexible portion has a cross-section cut in a radial direction oriented from the central axis, the cross-section having a V-shaped waveform.

[0084] Third aspect

[0085] The imaging apparatus as described in the first or second aspect above, wherein the base portion has an end surface 41a located outside the receiving chamber and the protrusion is fixed to the end surface 41a. The base portion has a seating surface 41c located inside the receiving chamber. The first frame has a first contact surface 51a positioned to contact the seating surface. The second frame has a second contact surface 52a positioned to contact the substrate.

[0086] Fourth aspect

[0087] The imaging apparatus as described in the first or second aspect above, wherein the base portion has a seating surface 41c located inside the receiving chamber. The protrusion is fixed to the seating surface of the base portion. The first frame has a first contact surface 51a positioned to contact the protrusion. The second frame has a second contact surface 52a positioned to contact the substrate.

[0088] Fifth aspect

[0089] The imaging apparatus as described in the third or fourth aspect above, wherein the second contact surface is shaped to extend radially outward from the flexible portion in a direction away from the central axis.

[0090] Sixth aspect

[0091] The imaging apparatus as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects above, wherein the resilient dustproof member has a cylindrical shape.

[0092] Seventh aspect

[0093] The imaging apparatus as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects above, wherein the resilient dustproof member has a polygonal tubular shape.

[0094] Eighth aspect

[0095] The imaging apparatus as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the second width dimension is equal to or greater than half of the deflection S of the resilient dustproof member before and after the resilient dustproof member is installed between the base portion and the substrate.

[0096] Ninth aspect

[0097] A resilient dustproof component for use with an imaging device mounted in a vehicle, the resilient dustproof component comprising: (a) a first frame 51 located at a first end portion of a cylindrical shape of the resilient dustproof component; (b) a second frame 52 located at a second end portion of the cylindrical shape of the resilient dustproof component; and (c) a flexible portion 53 connected to the first frame and the second frame, and capable of elastically deforming to change the spacing between the first frame and the second frame. The dimensions of the first frame and the second frame in both the expansion / contraction direction perpendicular to the flexible portion and the extension direction of the first frame and the second frame are defined as a first width dimension W1 and a second width dimension W2, respectively. The second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

Claims

1. An imaging device for installation in a vehicle, the imaging device comprising: Camera module, the camera module comprising: A lens barrel includes a body on which a lens is disposed and a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the body and extending away from the center of the lens. The body has a through-hole formed therein, through which light travels when passing through the lens. A substrate on which an imager is mounted. A housing having a hole formed therein, the main body of the lens barrel disposed in the hole, the housing including a base portion, the protrusion of the lens barrel being fixed to the base portion around the main body and the insertion hole, the housing defining a receiving chamber, and the substrate being held in the receiving chamber. A resilient dustproof component is disposed between the base portion and the substrate, and isolates a first space defined within the receiving chamber and in which the imager and the through-hole are located from a second space defined outside the first space, wherein... The elastic dustproof component has a cylindrical shape and includes a first frame, a second frame, and a flexible portion. The first frame is positioned closer to the base portion than the second frame. The second frame is positioned to contact the substrate. The flexible portion is connected to the first frame and the second frame and is capable of elastic deformation to change the spacing between the first frame and the second frame. The centerline of the cylindrical portion forming the inner wall of the lens barrel is defined as the central axis. The dimensions of the first frame and the second frame in both directions perpendicular to the central axis and the extension directions of the first frame and the second frame are defined as a first width dimension and a second width dimension, respectively, with the second width dimension being smaller than the first width dimension.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible portion has a cross-section cut in a radial direction oriented from the central axis, the cross-section having a V-shaped waveform.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The base portion has an end surface located outside the receiving chamber, and the protrusion is fixed to the end surface. The base portion has a seating surface located inside the receiving chamber, and the first frame has a first contact surface positioned to contact the seating surface. The second frame has a second contact surface that is positioned to contact the substrate.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The base portion has a seating surface located inside the receiving chamber. The protrusion is fixed to the seating surface of the base portion. The first frame has a first contact surface positioned to contact the protrusion, and The second frame has a second contact surface that is positioned to contact the substrate.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The second contact surface is shaped to extend radially outward from the flexible portion in a direction away from the central axis.

6. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elastic dustproof component has a cylindrical shape.

7. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The elastic dustproof component has a polygonal tubular shape.

8. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second width dimension is equal to or greater than half of the deflection of the elastic dustproof member before and after it is installed between the base portion and the substrate.

9. A resilient dustproof component for use with an imaging device mounted in a vehicle, the resilient dustproof component comprising: A first frame is located at the first end portion of the cylindrical shape of the elastic dustproof member; A second frame is located at the second end portion of the cylindrical shape of the resilient dustproof member; as well as The flexible portion is connected to the first frame and the second frame, and is capable of elastic deformation to change the spacing between the first frame and the second frame, wherein... The dimensions of the first frame and the second frame in both the expansion / contraction direction perpendicular to the flexible portion and the extension direction of the first frame and the second frame are defined as a first width dimension and a second width dimension, respectively, wherein the second width dimension is smaller than the first width dimension.

Images