Camera, particularly usable in a vehicle, and method for manufacturing such a camera

Abstract

Camera (40), in particular for a vehicle, wherein the camera (40) comprises: an imager module (1) comprising a sensor carrier (4) with a front (4a) and a rear (4b), an image sensor (5) attached to the front (4a) of the sensor carrier (4), a lens holder (3) connected to the sensor carrier (4), and a lens (2) received in the lens holder (3), and a camera housing (20) in which the imager module (1) is received, wherein the camera housing (20) comprises a front housing part (21) with contact areas (30a, 30b, 30c), at least one fixing means (24) bearing against the rear (4b) of the sensor carrier (4) and fixing the imager module (1) against the contact areas (30a, 30b, 30c), and the fixing means (24) being attached to the front housing part (21) by means of fastening means (25), thereby characterized in that fitting contours (32) are formed on the sensor carrier (4),which can be aligned relative to an alignment geometry (31) of the front housing part (21) by rotation about the optical axis (D) of the imager module (1), in order to define a roll angle position of the imager module (1) relative to the front housing part (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a camera that can be used in a vehicle in particular, and to a method for manufacturing such a camera. State of the art

[0002] Such cameras generally comprise an imager module consisting of a sensor carrier, an image sensor mounted on the sensor carrier, a lens holder connected to the sensor carrier, and a lens inserted longitudinally into a tube section of the lens holder. Focusing can be achieved by longitudinally adjusting the lens within the lens holder, for example, via a threaded adjustment, followed by fixation using adhesive or mechanical means.

[0003] Such an imager module is subsequently housed in a camera casing, which serves as mechanical protection and accommodates, for example, a circuit carrier device, such as a circuit board with other electronic components, and enables mounting, for example, in the interior of a vehicle.

[0004] However, the relative positioning and alignment of both the image sensor relative to the lens, i.e., the adjustment of the imager module, and the relative position of the imager module relative to the camera body, are generally complex and result in high tolerances.

[0005] Furthermore, heat dissipation or cooling of the image sensor to ensure good optical properties of the image sensor is generally complex. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] According to the invention, the imager module is placed against a front housing part to position the imager module relative to the housing part. At least one fixing means is used to hold the imager module against the front housing part; advantageously, the imager module is pressed against the front housing part.

[0007] In this context, the sensor carrier or the lens holder ( 3 ) against contact areas of the front housing part.

[0008] This alone achieves several advantages: One advantage lies in the improved heat dissipation from the image sensor: The sensor carrier can, for example, be designed as a metal plate, and the image sensor can be mounted directly onto the front of the sensor carrier; the front housing part can also be made entirely or partially of metal. Because the sensor carrier rests directly against the front housing part, very good heat dissipation of the image sensor via its rear side is achieved. Direct heat conduction via metallic areas and thus very good heat dissipation can be achieved through the sensor carrier and the front housing part. The front housing part can have a large outer surface area, advantageously covering most of the imager module circumferentially.

[0009] The fixing element, e.g., a fixing plate, can press against the rear of the sensor carrier and is advantageously fastened to the front housing part by means of fasteners such as screws. This ensures good heat dissipation and thermal connection, as heat conduction is thus enabled to the front housing part via the metallic fasteners. This can be achieved both when the sensor carrier is in direct contact with the front housing part and when the lens holder is attached to it.

[0010] Further advantages lie in the improved alignment or adjustment of both the imager module itself and the imager module relative to the camera housing: The advantage of improving the alignment or adjustment of the imager module itself is: The imager module itself can be adjusted using guide elements in the tube area of ​​the lens holder, such as guide ribs extending axially or along the optical axis. The lens holder can thus be attached, for example, to the front of the sensor carrier using an adhesive layer, with the lateral position (i.e., the position perpendicular to the optical axis) being achieved by positioning the image sensor relative to the guide elements. The image sensor is thus aligned with the lens. Since the guide elements are designed to guide and precisely hold the lens, the position of the image sensor relative to the lens can be set directly.

[0011] This allows for direct alignment of the lens relative to the image sensor, without, for example, first having to align the sensor carrier relative to the image sensor and then subsequently align the lens with play relative to the sensor carrier. Thus, an optical axis can be formed that coincides with, or combines, the lens axis, the tube axis of the lens holder, and the center normal of the image sensor with sufficient accuracy.

[0012] The advantage of improving the alignment of the imager module's relative position to the camera body is: By placing the imager module, with its contact areas formed on its front, directly against contact areas of the front housing part, two angular positions can be defined: the rotational positions around axes of rotation perpendicular to the optical axis. When installed in a vehicle, these represent the pitch and yaw angles. Advantageously, three contact areas and three contact areas are provided, thus precisely defining a contact plane.

[0013] The final angular position, i.e., a rotational position around the optical axis, which thus represents a tilt angle, can be determined after the sensor carrier is attached to the housing part. For this purpose, the imager module can be rotated relative to the front housing part. Suitable alignment contours can be provided on the sensor carrier for this purpose, which must be aligned with a suitable alignment geometry on the housing part; thus, optical alignment of suitable structures can be achieved. This can be accomplished by a simple rotation or a sliding contact of the contact areas with the mounting surfaces before final fixation.

[0014] This allows for simple and quick training, which also enables very good thermal connection of the image sensor and heat dissipation of the image sensor via a metallic housing part, especially in the case of direct optical alignment and adjustment.

[0015] Thus, the image sensor can be passively aligned by first aligning the sensor carrier relative to the lens holder and subsequently relative to the housing part. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Fig. 1 shows an imager module of the camera according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the imager module;

[0018] Fig. Figure 3 shows a first step in the formation of the camera by attaching a fixing device and a circuit carrier;

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 shows the camera subsequently trained;

[0020] Fig. 5 shows the imager module components before assembly;

[0021] Fig. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the imager module;

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the process according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. Figure 8 shows a close-up from Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 9 a close-up from Fig. 8; and

[0025] Fig. 10 a section enlargement according to a to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 alternative embodiments.

[0026] An imager module 1 indicates according to Fig. 1 a lens 2 , one the lens 2 lens holder 3 , a sensor carrier 4 with a front 4a and a reverse side 4b and one on the front 4a of the sensor carrier 4 mounted image sensor 5 on. As a sensor carrier 4 In particular, a metal plate can be chosen on which the image sensor can be made contact. 5 a ladder device, e.g. a flexible conductor (flexible conductor tape) 6is attached to which the image sensor 5 is contacted, whereby the flexible conductor 6 for subsequent contact at, for example, in Fig. 3 circuit carrier device shown, e.g. a printed circuit board 8 , serves.

[0027] The lens holder 3 It is, for example, manufactured as an injection-molded part from a plastic material and has a lens holder support area. 3a for placement on the sensor carrier 4 and a tube area 3b on, into which, for example, one or more lenses are placed. 2a and a lens mount 2b featuring lens 2 is used.

[0028] The tube area 3b has an inner surface 12 on which several, e.g. three, guide ribs serve as a guiding means 14are arranged in a circumferentially distributed manner, e.g., rotationally symmetrical, i.e., in a 120° arrangement. However, non-rotationally symmetrical arrangements can also be chosen. On one outer side 15 the lens mount 2b are corresponding guide grooves 16 formed, in which the guiding ribs 14 are recorded. The lens 2 This allows it to extend longitudinally into the tube area 3b be introduced.

[0029] Thus, the lens 2 or the lens body through the position of the guide ribs 14 clearly defined position; the guiding ribs 14 The following serve as a reference for the lateral alignment of the image sensor. 5 .

[0030] The image sensor 5 has a center point or a center-normal B; the lens 2 has a lens axis A; furthermore, the tube area has 3ba tube axis C. The goal of the adjustment during the assembly of the imager module. 1 This means that the two axes A and C and the center normal B coincide and form a common optical axis D. Therefore, the lateral positions and angular adjustments, i.e., regarding tilt, can be set. This is achieved through the guide ribs. 14 of the tube area 3b of the lens holder 3 can the lens 2 It must be positioned precisely so that the axes of symmetry A and C already coincide. During assembly, the image sensor can thus be positioned as follows: 5 , especially its sensitive sensor surface 5a relative to the guide ribs 14 and thus be aligned with the tube axis C; this alignment is particularly evident from the rear view of the Fig. 2 is evident.

[0031] Thus, the image sensor 5 firstly on the sensor carrier, which is implemented as a steel plate 4mounted, e.g. by a circumferential adhesive layer 18 between the sensor carrier 4 and the lens holder support area 3a of the lens holder 3 fixed, thereby also ensuring a seal of the rear lens space and protection of the image sensor. 5 This is achieved because it is completely independent of the lens holder. 3 is surrounded. Advantageously, the flexible conductor 6 through the adhesive layer 18 with fixed or this passage is sealed.

[0032] Then, in the next manufacturing step, the lens 2 into the tube area 3b of the lens holder 3 introduced, advantageously involving focusing, capturing a test pattern and evaluating the image signals from the image sensor 5 . Subsequently, it is fixed in place, e.g. by an adhesive applied from the front. 17, which is located between the front end of the tube area 3b and the lens mount 2b is introduced and also a seal for the rear lens space or a seal for the image sensor exposed at the front. 5 ensures this. Other methods of restraint are also possible in principle.

[0033] The imager module thus trained 1 is subsequently placed in a camera housing 20 installed and secured. The camera housing 20 This has a front housing part. 21 and, for example, a first housing shell 22 and second case shell 23 on, with a fixing element still in place 24 e.g. a fixing plate 24 , the circuit board 8 and fasteners 25 e.g. screws are provided.

[0034] The front part of the housing 21It is made of metal and is essentially tubular or cylindrical in shape; it has a front opening. 21a and a rear opening 21b up, so that the imager module 1 through the rear opening or entrance opening 21b into the front part of the housing 21 can be used and with the lens 2 from the front opening 21a stands out. This involves the installation and fixing of the imager module. 1 by a system with at least three support areas 28a , 28b and 28c or 128a , 128b , 128c in the relevant plant areas 30a , 30b and 30c of the front housing part 21 , whereby the fixing plate 24 against the back 4b of the sensor carrier 4 presses.

[0035] The fixing plate 24 is secured via, for example, two screws 25 , which in Fig. 3 lie outside the plane of the drawing and e.g. from the perspective exploded view of the Fig. 6 are visible on the front part of the housing 21 e.g. in recording domes 27 with threads 27a of the front housing part 21 , fastened and advantageously somewhat tensioned, so that the in Fig. The arrangement shown in section 3 is assembled with tension in the direction of the optical axis D.

[0036] According to the embodiment of the Fig. 8 and Fig. The 9 are the print areas 28a , 28b , 28c on the front 4a of the sensor carrier 4 trained. Through the support areas 28a , 28b , 28c and investment areas 30a , 30b , 30cPositioning is achieved with respect to the pitch angle and yaw angle, i.e., in angular positions with a rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis D; further fixing in the roll angle position, i.e., the tilting or rotation position with respect to the optical axis D, is carried out according to Fig. 5 according to the dashed lines by positioning of fitting contours 32 , dhz B. visible edges, of the sensor carrier 4 , relative to an alignment geometry 31 of the front housing part 21 This is achieved. For example, the recording domes can be used in this process. 27 for the formation of the alignment geometry 31 on the front part of the housing 21 serve. Accordingly, the sensor carrier 4 as fitting contours 32 e.g. recesses were formed.

[0037] This allows for a sliding arrangement of the support areas during assembly. 28a , 28b , 28c at the plant areas 30a , 30b ,30c can occur, i.e., a relative rotation of the sensor carrier 4 including the entire imager module 1 opposite the front housing part 21 , so that the fit contours 32 and the alignment geometry 31 They agree in terms of their angular position, e.g., they are recognizably aligned.

[0038] The heat dissipation of the image sensor 5 This is done directly via the front. 4a of the sensor carrier 4 , and from the sensor carrier 4 on the one hand, via its three printing areas 28a , 28b and 28c to the relevant investment areas 30a , 30b and 30c of the metallic front housing part 21 , and on the other hand, via the back 4b of the sensor carrier 4 and the fixing plate 24 as well as the metal screws 25 into the metallic front housing part 21, which in turn is cooled by its large external surface area.

[0039] The circuit board 8 can be advantageously attached to the front camera housing 21 be attached or received, e.g. by a recess in the circuit board 8 or a positive-locking interlock or latching mechanism. Thus, the flexible conductor can 6 in or on the circuit board 8 to be included for contacting other electronic components 35 on the circuit board 8 , as in Fig. 4 indicated, where electronic components 35 In particular, a control unit, and also connection devices for a data connection, e.g., an internal vehicle data bus, may be provided. The front housing part 21 will continue to be housed in the housing shells 22 and 23 recorded, which, for example, reveal each other, or the circuit board 8take up space between them.

[0040] Thus, the camera 40 It can be trained with relatively little effort and with suitable definition of the angular positions and positioning.

[0041] The embodiment of the Fig. 10 is an alternative to the embodiment of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is planned. The imager module 1 This involves using the lens holder 3 against the front housing part 21 pressed. Thus, there are three contact areas. 128a , 128b , 128c on one front side of the lens holder 3 , e.g., on the front of its widened lens holder support area 3a trained, of whom in Fig. 10 only the upper support area 128b as shown, and are located in the investment areas. 30a , 30b , 30c of the front housing part 21The adjustment described above can be performed here in the same way. This involves cooling the image sensor. 5 This continues to be done via the sensor carrier 4 , the fixative 24 and the screws 25 on the front part of the housing 21 .

[0042] An inventive method for manufacturing the camera according to the invention 40 It therefore includes, for example, the following steps: After the start in St0, in which the in Fig. The 6 individual components shown will be provided, The image sensor will be used according to step St1. 5 with the flexible conductor 6 on the sensor carrier 4 mounted, with the image sensor 5 in the usual way with the flexible conductor 6 is contacted or is In step St2, the sensor already attached to the sensor carrier is 4 attached image sensor 5 opposite the guide ribs used for alignment 14is aligned and positioned so that the relative orientation of the tube axis C is correct with respect to the center normal B of the image sensor. 5 is ensured and subsequently the sensor carrier 4 on the lens holder 3 fixed by formation of the adhesive layer 18 , and subsequently according to step St3 the lens 2 in the longitudinal direction or direction towards a lens axis A into the tube area 3b of the lens holder 3 introduced, preferably with a focus.

[0043] The longitudinal position achieved by the lens 2 is applied in step St4 by the adhesive 17 fixed.

[0044] Thus, the imager module is already 1 Completed. Next, the imager module will be installed. 1 into the camera housing 20 : According to step St5, the imager module 1 through the rear opening21b into the front part of the housing 21 inserted so that the lens 2 forward out of the front opening 21a protrudes; sealing is generally not required here. In this step St5, the bearing areas are 28a , 28b , 28c on the front 4a of the sensor carrier 4 against the investment areas 30a , 30b , 30c of the front housing part 21 set, and by rotating the imager module 1 The correct tilt angle is set around the optical axis D by adjusting the fitting contours. 32 on the sensor carrier 4 with the alignment geometry 31 on the front part of the camera housing 21 align or match.

[0045] In step St6, the position thus achieved is then fixed by securing the fixing plate. 24 on the back 4b of the sensor carrier 4set and through the screws 25 is fixed, which is in the recording domes 17 They are screwed in, so that a slight axial preload is advantageously present. However, this slight preload has no influence on the optical properties, since the fixing plate 24 centrally and in lateral areas on the sensor carrier 4 is located and the sensor carrier 4 even if it is designed as a metal plate or stiffener with high rigidity.

[0046] In step St7, the circuit board can then be installed. 8 on the front part of the housing 21 It must be attached, or it is already pre-assembled accordingly. The flexible ladder 6 is advantageously attached to the circuit board 8 contacted.

[0047] The camera can then be used in step St8. 40 to be completed by the case shells 22 and 23are applied, thereby achieving a hermetic seal.

Claims

[1] Camera ( 40 ), in particular for a vehicle, wherein the camera ( 40 ) shows: an imager module ( 1 ), which includes a sensor carrier ( 4 ) with a front side ( 4a ) and a reverse side ( 4b ), one on the front ( 4a ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) attached image sensor ( 5 ), one with the sensor carrier ( 4 ) connected lens holder ( 3 ) and one in the lens holder ( 3 ) lens taken up ( 2 ) exhibits, and a camera body ( 20 ), in which the imager module ( 1 ) is recorded, characterized by that the camera body ( 20 ) a front housing part ( 21 ) with investment areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) shows, at least one fixative ( 24 ) on the back ( 4b ) of the sensor carrier ( 4) is present and the imager module ( 1 ) against the investment areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) fixed, and the fixative ( 24 ) by fasteners ( 25 ) on the front part of the housing ( 21 ) is attached. [2] Camera ( 40 ) according to claim 1, characterized by that the fixative ( 24 ) an elastic spring force against the back ( 4b ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) exerts and the imager module ( 1 ) in the direction of the optical axis (D) of the imager module ( 1 ) against the investment areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) of the front housing part ( 21 ) presses. [3] Camera ( 40 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sensor carrier ( 4 ) is made of metal, preferably as a metal plate, and the front housing part ( 41) made of metal, in particular as a turned metal part or extruded part, for cooling or heat dissipation of the surface on the sensor carrier ( 4 ) mounted image sensor ( 5 ) via the sensor carrier ( 4 ) on the front part of the housing ( 20 ). [4] Camera ( 40 ) according to claim 3, characterized by that the fixative ( 24 ) and the fasteners ( 25 ) are made of metal, and the fasteners ( 25 ), especially screws ( 25 ), from the fixative ( 24 ) from through the sensor carrier ( 4 ) extend and to the front part of the housing ( 21 ) are attached for heat dissipation from the rear ( 4b ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) via the fixative ( 24 ) and the fasteners ( 25 ) to the front housing part ( 41 ). [5] Camera ( 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the sensor carrier ( 4 ) on its front ( 4a ) Print areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ) exhibits which are located in the plant areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) issue. [6] Camera ( 40 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the lens holder ( 3 ) Print areas ( 128a , 128b , 128c ) exhibits which are located in the plant areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) issue. [7] Camera ( 40 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that on the front ( 4a ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) or on the lens holder ( 3 ) three print areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ; 128a , 128b , 128c ) are trained in three plant areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) of the front housing part ( 21) are involved, with the imager module ( 1 ) only in the three print runs ( 28a , 28b , 28c ; 128a , 128b , 128c ) on the camera housing ( 20 ) is pending. [8] Camera ( 40 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the front housing part ( 21 ) the lens holder ( 3 ) and part of the lens ( 2 ) in the circumferential direction around the optical axis (D). [9] Camera ( 40 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the sensor carrier ( 4 ) Fitting contours ( 32 ) are formed which are opposite an alignment geometry ( 31 ) of the front housing part ( 21 ) by rotation about the optical axis (D) of the imager module ( 1 ) are adjustable to determine a roll angle position of the imager module ( 1 ) relative to the front part of the housing ( 21 ). [10] Camera ( 40 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lens holder ( 3 ) a tube area ( 3b ) exhibits, in which the lens ( 2 ) is recorded, where on an inner surface ( 12 ) of the tube area ( 3b ) guiding means extending in the direction of the optical axis (D), in particular guiding ribs ( 14 ), are trained to take guided photographs ( 16 ) of an outside ( 15 ) of the lens ( 2 ) to record, for longitudinal adjustment of the lens ( 2 ) in the tube area ( 3b ) along the optical axis (D) and for focusing, wherein the sensor carrier ( 4 ) with the image sensor ( 5 ) in lateral directions perpendicular to the optical axis (D) and / or in its rotational position about the optical axis (D) on the guide means ( 14 ) is adjustable. [11] Camera ( 40) according to claim 10, characterized by that the inner surface ( 12 ) of the tube area ( 3b ) at least three circumferentially distributed guiding means, in particular guiding ribs ( 14 ), exhibits which are shown in corresponding guided recordings ( 16 ) of the lens ( 2 ) are recorded. [12] Camera ( 40 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lens holder ( 3 ) on the front ( 4a ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) by means of an adhesive layer ( 18 ) in particular a circumferentially circumferential adhesive layer ( 18 ), is attached. [13] Method for manufacturing a camera ( 40 ) with at least the following steps: Training an imager module ( 1 ), which includes a sensor carrier ( 4 ) with a front side ( 4a ) and a reverse side ( 4b ), one on the front (4a ) mounted image sensor ( 5 ), one on the sensor carrier ( 4 ) attached lens holder ( 3 ) and one in the lens element ( 3 ) lens taken up ( 2 ) exhibits, with the front ( 4a ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) Print areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ) are trained (St1, St2, St3), Providing or training a front housing part ( 21 ), the investment areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) exhibits (St0), Inserting the imager module ( 1 ) into the front housing part ( 21 ), whereby the support areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) against the investment areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) of the front housing part ( 21 ) in the direction of the optical axis (D) or applied (St5), Preparing at least one fixative ( 24 ) to the back ( 4b ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) and fastening or tensioning of the fixing device ( 24 ) relative to the front camera housing ( 21 ) to form a relative position of the imager module ( 1 ) in the front housing part ( 21 ) (St6). [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by that the camera housing is subsequently ( 20 ) is closed by attaching further housing parts ( 22 , 23 ) to the front housing part ( 20 ). [15] Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that when inserting the imager module ( 1 ) into the front housing part ( 21 ), angular positions of the imager module ( 1 ) about two axes, in particular a pitch angle position and a yaw angle position, and after inserting the sensor carrier ( 4) into the front housing part ( 21 ) a positioning of the imager module ( 1 ) in the front housing part ( 21 ) by rotating the imager module ( 1 ) around its optical axis (D), under adjustment or sliding movement of the support areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ) at the plant areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) is carried out to determine a third angular position, in particular roll angle position, as a relative position around the optical axis (B). [16] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by that the image sensor ( 5 ) directly onto the front ( 4a ) of the metal sensor carrier ( 4 ) is set, and the sensor carrier ( 4 ) in its circulation areas ( 28a , 28b , 28c ) on metallic plant areas ( 30a , 30b , 30c ) of the front housing part ( 21) is created to form a direct thermal coupling of the image sensor ( 5 ) via the sensor carrier ( 4 ) to the front housing part ( 21 ). [17] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by that the lens holder ( 3 ) on the front ( 4a ) of the sensor carrier ( 4 ) is attached, in particular by means of an adhesive layer circumferentially around the optical axis (D) ( 18 ). [18] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized by that an interior surface ( 12 ) of a tube section ( 3b ) of the lens holder ( 3 ) Management tools ( 14 ) for guiding the lens ( 2 ) along the optical axis (D), where the sensor carrier ( 4 ) and the lens holder ( 3) are positioned in a lateral direction perpendicular to the optical axis (D) relative to each other by aligning the sensor carrier ( 4 ) attached image sensor ( 5 ) on the command and control equipment ( 14 ), resulting in a lateral position and / or rotational position of the tube in the tube area ( 3b ) lens to be used ( 2 ) compared to the image sensor ( 5 ) is determined, and where the lens is subsequently ( 2 ) by longitudinal adjustment in the tube area ( 3b ) is adjusted longitudinally and a focus is set.

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