Camera module and assembling method thereof

Abstract

To provide a camera module allowing combined use with lens assemblies having different lengths.SOLUTION: A camera module 100 comprises: a housing 200 having an interior space 210 and an inner surface 220; a lens assembly comprising a lens body 310 within the interior space defining an optical axis O; an electronics carrier 400; an image sensor 500 optically aligned with the lens assembly 300 on the electronics carrier; at least one positioning element 350 projecting longitudinally along the optical axis towards the electronics carrier for attaching the lens assembly and the electronics carrier to each other with a constant predetermined gap D therebetween with the image sensor optically aligned with the lens assembly; and at least one flange 600 projecting radially perpendicularly to the optical axis attached to the inner surface of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to a camera module, particularly an automotive vision device including the camera module. The present disclosure further relates to a method of assembling the camera module.

Background Art

[0002] (Background) Recently, many modern vehicles are equipped with vision devices as part of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Such vision devices can be embodied as a digital rearview mirror, also known as a Camera Monitoring System (CMS) with a display for showing an external image of the vehicle. Further, the vision device may include a front camera module, a back camera module, and / or any camera module disposed on the vehicle that provides different views (fields of view), such as a front view, a rear view, a peripheral view, a top view, or a bird's-eye view. Additionally, the vision system may include an object detection and warning system, as well as a vehicle trajectory prediction means. The vision device may be mounted on an autonomous vehicle.

[0003] A vision device includes a video camera module, a controller or an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and a display such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) type, etc. The camera module is usually mounted on the vehicle facing outwards to capture images. The images captured by the camera module are displayed on the display screen with a slight delay in real time and / or stored in a suitable memory.

[0004] The camera module includes a housing and at least one electronic device carrier having at least one printed circuit board (PCB) housed within the housing and an image sensor or imager connected to the printed circuit board.

[0005] The attachment of electronic equipment carriers to housings is typically done with screws. The use of screws is time-consuming and can cause problems, especially during automated assembly by robots.

[0006] For example, further approaches have been proposed, such as those disclosed in US20140313337 A1, which provide a vehicle vision system comprising a camera module mounted on the windshield of a vehicle, having an image sensor, a lens holder, and a lens attached to an electronics carrier by welding.

[0007] However, attaching lenses and electronic equipment carriers with screws or welds has been shown to be inefficient in preventing, or at least minimizing, twisting or bending of components such as electronic equipment carriers due to temperature changes.

[0008] Further alternative attempts have been made for mounting lenses, electronic equipment carriers, and camera housings. For example, US20190381952 A1 discloses a vehicle vision system including a camera housing, an electronic equipment carrier, and a lens barrel supporting a lens. The lens barrel is attached to the camera housing via an adhesive applied to the lens barrel. The adhesive is essentially also used to attach the electronic equipment carrier to the camera housing.

[0009] Furthermore, a drawback of conventional cameras is that lens length can vary depending on the application, and as a result, the camera housing must be modified in shape and / or structure to accommodate the lens. This means that when the camera's application changes, the camera housing needs to be redesigned.

[0010] CN208156394U describes a camera with a lens having a heater positioned close to the lens perimeter, which heats the lens to automatically defrost and prevent fogging in cold or humid weather conditions and environments. Wires are connected to the heating device on the lens body.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved camera module in order to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings and offer a favorable solution to the shortcomings of the conventional technology. [Overview of the initiative]

[0012] (overview) This specification provides a camera module that avoids at least the drawbacks of the prior art and offers many other important advantages. In particular, the camera module of the present invention solves the problem of having to redesign the camera housing when the camera module is provided for a different application.

[0013] This is achieved by a camera module including a lens assembly, an electronics carrier, and a housing, with at least one positioning portion provided for mounting the lens assembly and the electronics carrier to each other. Furthermore, the lens assembly includes at least one first flange projecting radially outward from the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis, and the first flange and the inner surface of the housing are mountable to each other. Thus, according to the camera module of the present invention, housings of the same size can be used in combination with lens assemblies of different lengths.

[0014] The camera module of the present invention comprises a housing having an internal space. The internal space of the housing has an inner surface. The housing may comprise a first housing portion and a second housing portion, which are joined together to form a housing, the inner surface of which defines a space for receiving at least an electronic device carrier and an image sensor. Preferably, the housing may comprise a front housing and a rear housing. The front housing and the rear housing can be joined together to form a housing having the inner surface inside. At least one of the front housing and the rear housing can be made of, for example, aluminum, or any non-ferrous alloy material including aluminum such as Zamac, but other materials are also possible. The front housing and the rear housing may define a space for receiving an electronic device carrier, as described later.

[0015] Electronic equipment carriers are also provided. As used herein, electronic equipment carrier refers to any element suitable for carrying electronic equipment that is to be placed within the camera module housing for the operation of the camera module. An electronic equipment carrier may include at least one printed circuit board (PCB) and any other board having electronic equipment. Each printed circuit board has two main surfaces. An image sensor or imager is placed on one of the main surfaces of the printed circuit board and communicates optically with a lens assembly or lens barrel, which will be further described below.

[0016] The camera module further comprises a lens assembly. The lens assembly, in turn, comprises a lens body having one or more lenses at least partially positioned within the aforementioned internal space of the housing. The lens assembly defines a straight line passing through the geometric center of the lens body, which defines the path through which light propagates through the lens. Hereinafter, this straight line will be referred to as the optical axis. If the lenses of the lens assembly have curved surfaces, the optical axis passes through the center of curvature of each curved surface of the lens.

[0017] During use, the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier are attached to each other. In other words, the lens assembly may be attached to the electronic equipment carrier, or the electronic equipment carrier may be attached to the lens assembly.

[0018] The attachment of the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier to each other can be carried out so that both elements are in direct or indirect contact with each other, depending on the specific requirements. For example, the attachment of the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier to each other may be carried out via adhesive means, which are further described below.

[0019] The provided positioning portion serves the purpose of mounting the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier to each other. The positioning portion may be part of the lens assembly or attached to the lens assembly. In particular, the positioning portion comprises at least one positioning element projecting longitudinally along the optical axis toward the electronic equipment carrier. The positioning element serves the purpose of mounting the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier to each other while maintaining a constant predetermined gap between them and the lens assembly, and with the image sensor optically aligned or positioned with the lens assembly. By providing the positioning element, the distance between the lens body and the imager is controlled to remain constant at all times. In the sense of this disclosure, a constant distance means that the distance does not change during use. However, a constant distance also includes slight fluctuations that may inevitably occur during operation due to external factors such as minute expansion due to temperature changes.

[0020] Alternatively, the positioning portion may be part of the electronic equipment carrier in contact with the lens assembly, for example, the bottom surface of the lens assembly, or it may be attached to the electronic equipment carrier. In particular, the positioning portion comprises at least one positioning element that protrudes longitudinally along the optical axis toward the lens assembly.

[0021] The lens assembly further includes at least one first flange that protrudes radially outward perpendicular to the optical axis from the lens assembly. The first flange and the inner surface of the housing can be attached to each other via an adhesive means described later. The attachment of the lens assembly to the housing can be carried out by direct or indirect contact between the first flange of the lens assembly and the inner surface of the housing according to specific requirements.

[0022] The first flange may be circular and at least partially cover the periphery of the lens assembly that defines an annular plane. The first flange may be defined by a continuous surface, a surface having an opening, or segments.

[0023] Also, at least one second flange may be provided. The second flange protrudes radially outward from the lens assembly, is perpendicular to the optical axis, and is arranged away from the first flange. The second flange is configured to function as a guide for positioning a heater element described later.

[0024] Similar to the first flange, the second flange may be circular and at least partially cover the periphery of the lens assembly that defines an annular plane. The second flange may be defined by a continuous surface, a surface having an opening, or segments.

[0025] The first flange may be arranged at a position farther from the electronic device carrier than the second flange.

[0026] As described above, the housing includes a front housing and a rear housing that can be coupled to each other. The front housing is configured to at least partially receive a part of the lens body of the lens assembly.

[0027] A third flange may be formed to protrude radially outward from the housing, particularly.

[0028] The third flange functions as a stop element or a movement restricting element when the lens assembly is inserted into the housing from below. In use, the first flange may be disposed inside the housing, below the third flange.

[0029] Each flange includes a first surface which is the upper surface, a second surface which is the lower surface, and a third surface which is the side surface. The upper surface and the lower surface are joined to each other by the side surface. When the camera module is assembled, the upper surface means the surface of the flange that is further away from the electronic device carrier, and the lower surface means the surface of the flange that is on the opposite side of the upper surface. Thus, the side surface is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface in each flange.

[0030] The side surface of the third flange defines a diameter. The diameter of the third flange is larger than the outer peripheral surface of the lens assembly disposed between the front surface of the lens assembly and the upper surface of the first flange. The front surface of the lens assembly is the surface of the lens assembly that is farthest away from the image sensor. Further, the side surface of the first flange defines a diameter. The diameter of the first flange is larger than the diameter of the third flange. Also, the diameter of the first flange is smaller than the diameter of the side surface of the housing, and the housing surrounds at least the side surface and the lower surface of the first flange in use.

[0031] The third flange is formed in the first housing portion, particularly in the front housing. In use, the upper surface of the first flange is attached to the lower surface of the third flange.

[0032] When the lens assembly and the electronic device carrier are attached to each other, and the lens assembly and the inner surface of the housing are attached to each other, the first flange is disposed between the third flange and the second flange. That is, the upper surface of the first flange is disposed between the upper surface of the third flange and the upper surface of the second flange. Further, the lower surface of the third flange is disposed between the upper surface of the third flange and the upper surface of the first flange. Further, the lower surface of the first flange is disposed between the lower surface of the third flange and the upper surface of the second flange.

[0033] The subassembly is defined by the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier. Relative movement between the subassembly and the housing may occur according to at least one of (i) or (ii) below. (i) The upper surface of the first flange moves toward the lower surface of the third flange so that the lower surface of the third flange contacts the mounting means and the upper surface of the first flange, which occurs when the lens assembly is positioned below the housing and moves away from the electronic equipment carrier. (ii) The lower surface of the third flange moves toward the upper surface of the first flange so that the upper surface of the first flange contacts the mounting means and the lower surface of the third flange, which occurs when the lens assembly is positioned below the housing and the housing moves toward the electronic equipment carrier.

[0034] In this specification, the placement of the lens assembly below the housing means the relative position of the lens assembly closer to the electronic device carrier than to the housing.

[0035] The third flange may be circular, at least partially covering the periphery of the housing that defines the annular plane. The third flange may be defined by a continuous surface, by a surface with an opening, or by segments.

[0036] The first and second flanges formed on the lens assembly, and the third flange formed on the housing, may be formed integrally with at least one of the lens assembly and the housing, or they may be separate elements.

[0037] By providing one or more of the first, second, and third flanges, the subassembly formed by the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier can be easily attached to the housing, and the third flange is in contact with the first flange when the lens assembly is inserted from below while maintaining a constant distance between the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier.

[0038] A heater element may be provided for resistive heating of the lens body. The purpose of the heater element is to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby heating the lens assembly when current flows through it. As a result, a defrosting effect is achieved, and any obstructions or aqueous obstructions that may be adhering to the lens body, which could lead to undesirable optical contamination, are removed.

[0039] The heater element preferably comprises a thin film, foil, or sheet material having electrical resistance. The thin film, foil, or sheet material from which the heater element is made is preferably malleable so that it can be easily bent. The thin film, foil, or sheet material is conductive so that it functions as a Joule effect heater. The preferred thickness of the heater element's thin film, foil, or sheet material is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, for example, 0.22 mm. The diameter of the lens body can be, for example, 19.3 mm so that the heater's thin film, foil, or sheet material is malleable to favorably allow a bending radius of about 10 mm.

[0040] The heater element is preferably positioned to surround at least a portion of the lens body and wrap around the outer surface of the lens body. The heater element may also be positioned to wrap around the outer surface of the lens body one or more times, with the overlapping portion defined by the two opposing ends of the heater element's sheet material during use. Thus, in practice, the heater element adheres tightly to the outer periphery of the lens body and closes its circumference by overlapping the two ends of the heater foil. This overlapping portion firmly adheres the thin film, foil, or sheet material to the lens body without loosening.

[0041] The heater element may have a connector member or conductive portion extending toward the electronic device carrier for electrical connection to a power unit for supplying current. The electronic device carrier has at least one opening through which the connector member of the heater element can pass. The connector member may be configured as a thin band including weld pins that pass through a hole provided in the electronic device carrier and are electrically connected to the surface of a printed circuit board when in use. In some examples, the heater may comprise multiple connector members or conductive portions extending toward the electronic device carrier for electrical connection to a power unit for supplying current.

[0042] The heater element can preferably be positioned between the first and second flanges of the lens assembly. This makes positioning the heater element very easy. As described above, the second flange is configured to guide the positioning of the heater element.

[0043] The heater element is mounted in contact with the lens assembly. In particular, the heater element is preferably mounted in direct contact with the outer surface of the lens body. The adhesive means may be applied to at least one of the outer surface of the lens body and the inner surface of the thin film, foil, or sheet material of the heater element.

[0044] The thin film, foil, or sheet material is flat before being attached to the lens body. During the assembly process, the thin film, foil, or sheet material of the heater element is bent so that the inner surface of the foil contacts the outer surface of the lens body.

[0045] Heater elements, configured as thin films, foils, or sheets, can be applied around lens assemblies due to their flatness. This eliminates gaps between the heat source and the object being heated, resulting in high heating efficiency for the lens body. Furthermore, the flat nature of the heater element around the lens assembly also provides rapid heating of the lens body. For example, while a conventional camera heater can heat a lens body to 40°C in 3 minutes, a camera module using the same heater according to the present invention can heat the same lens to the same temperature in 2 minutes.

[0046] Using the heater described above prevents heat supplied to the lens body from being directly transferred to the electronic carrier, significantly preventing twisting and bending of the electronic carrier, and consequently ensuring accurate alignment between the imager and the lens. This is particularly important for camera modules, which are often subjected to a wide temperature range depending on the environment in which they are used, and are subject to heat from the electronic carrier. When the heater directly applies heat to the lens body, typically to temperatures of around 40°C to 50°C, bending, flexing, expansion, and bulging of the printed circuit board within the electronic carrier are unavoidable, resulting in undesirable movement of the lens body and loss of optical connection with the image sensor. For example, at 50°C, the average deviation of conventional cameras is on the order of 68 microns, which has been shown to typically lead to image quality problems. In the camera module described herein, the average relative deviation between the lens body and the image sensor has been shown to be advantageously reduced to 11 microns.

[0047] According to the advantageous features of the camera module of the present invention, the adhesive means can be applied as described above, and in particular can be applied to one or more of the following:

[0048] The adhesive means can be applied between the positioning portion and the electronic device carrier. In particular, the adhesive means can be applied between the positioning element of the lens assembly and the electronic device carrier. In this case, the adhesive means may be, for example, a layer of adhesive 1 mm to 3 mm thick arranged to form a circular ring. The adhesive means is provided around the surface of the lens assembly in an uncured or at least partially cured state to bond or join the electronic device carrier and the lens assembly to each other.

[0049] The adhesive means can also be applied between the first flange of the lens assembly and the inner surface of the housing. In this case, the adhesive means can be applied to any suitable surface of the first flange. In particular, the adhesive means may be applied to the upper surface of the first flange, i.e., the upper surface of the first flange opposite the furthest positioned electronic equipment carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive means may be applied to the periphery surface of the lens body adjacent to the flange. In general, the adhesive means may be applied to any surface of the first flange, such as the end face of the first flange, i.e., the side of the first flange, and / or the bottom surface, i.e., the surface opposite the top surface. For example, an adhesive 2-3 mm thick may be applied or coated onto the front housing and / or the lens body to bond them together. In this case, the adhesive means may also be applied to form a circular ring of adhesive applied in an uncured or at least partially cured state around the inner surface of the housing in order to bond or connect the lens assembly to the front housing.

[0050] Furthermore, if a heater element is provided, the adhesive means can be applied between the heater element and the outer surface of the lens body.

[0051] In all of the above cases, the adhesive means may consist of any suitable adhesive, for example, an ultraviolet (UV) curing adhesive that, when cured, provides a strong bond for the above-mentioned parts, namely the lens assembly, electronic equipment carrier, housing, and heater. The adhesive means described above can be cured to a first curing level by exposure of the adhesive to light or by an ultraviolet curing process, and can also be cured to a second, higher curing level by a thermal curing process.

[0052] The positioning element may include a rim or peripheral end, which may be configured or formed as one or more legs, formed on the underside of the lens assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the rim or peripheral end may be formed or mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board to which the imager is coupled. Such a rim can work in cooperation with the lens assembly and electronics carrier to provide good protection for the imager. By providing a rim that extends around the entire circumference of the positioning element, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the camera module and reaching the image sensor.

[0053] Furthermore, a method for assembling the aforementioned camera module is also disclosed herein.

[0054] The assembly method includes mounting the lens assembly to an electronic equipment carrier so as to establish appropriate optical communication between the lens assembly and the image sensor. The assembly method may also include providing adhesive means on at least one of the positioning portion and the electronic equipment carrier, as described above, for attaching the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier to each other.

[0055] The assembly method may also include partially inserting the lens assembly into the front housing with the first flange acting as a stopper. The lens assembly can be mounted from bottom to top, i.e., away from the electronics carrier, so that the first flange is always inside the front housing. Other relative assembly directions are also possible, moving the lens assembly and the electronics carrier in directions other than those described above.

[0056] Subsequently, the lens assembly is attached to the housing using adhesive means applied to at least one of the inner surface of the housing and the first flange.

[0057] Furthermore, the assembly method may include mounting the image sensor onto an electronic device carrier.

[0058] For example, after the lens assembly and the electronic equipment carrier have been mounted to each other, the step of providing the heater element on the side of the lens body may be performed such that the heater element at least partially surrounds the lens assembly. The heater element may be attached to the lens body by applying an adhesive means to at least one of the inner surface of the heater element and the outer surface of the lens assembly, and wrapping the heater element around the lens assembly so that the inner surface of the heater element adheres properly to the outer surface of the lens assembly. The adhesive means is cured by light, air, or temperature, for example, by introducing the camera module into an oven or climate-controlled chamber.

[0059] Once the heater is correctly positioned around the lens, the subassembly formed by the lens and electronics carrier can be fitted into the camera housing. The front housing is attached to the subassembly. The camera module is assembled by fitting the subassembly, formed by the lens assembly, optional heater, and electronics carrier, until the third flange acts as a stopper.

[0060] The lens assembly can be moved before the adhesive means cures to ensure proper optical alignment between the lens assembly and the image sensor. The heater element is electrically connected to the power unit via the connector member by passing at least a portion of the connector member through a passage in the electronic equipment carrier and attaching the connector member to the electronic equipment carrier.

[0061] The lens assembly may be moved toward each other together with the heater element and electronic equipment carrier, as well as the housing, so that the first flange of the lens assembly contacts the housing, and the lens assembly and housing are permanently bonded to each other by adhesive means.

[0062] The rear housing may be coupled with the front housing. The assembly method may also include arranging the camera housing to enclose the heater, the electronic equipment carrier, the image sensor, and at least a portion of the lens assembly.

[0063] The camera module may be mounted on the vehicle body, with at least a portion of the lens body facing outward outside the vehicle when the camera module is connected to the vehicle. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the camera module may have a transparent cover mounted, for example, on a barrel housing, or at any location on the first housing or front housing, in which case the lens body is the cover and does not extend outside the vehicle.

[0064] This configuration offers many significant advantages.

[0065] In contrast to conventional camera modules, screws and welding are not required for attaching the front and rear housings, or for attaching the electronic equipment carrier to the front housing. Therefore, the thickness of the housing is significantly reduced, resulting in less material being used for the camera module, while still achieving equivalent or higher efficiency. Thus, an effective, cost-effective, and lighter camera module is obtained.

[0066] In addition, by fixing the electronic equipment carrier and lens assembly with adhesive, the camera's focus can be kept constant regardless of changes in ambient temperature. It also appropriately adapts to the shrinkage and expansion of the cured adhesive due to temperature changes. Optimal optical communication between the lens assembly and image sensor is achieved for proper mutual optical alignment. This is accomplished without the use of screws or welding. Furthermore, the first flange of the lens assembly attached to the front housing and the electronic equipment carrier attached to the lens assembly remain optically aligned with the imager within the housing. This is of paramount importance in the design of automotive video cameras where optimal positioning and mounting of the lens assembly relative to the image sensor is required.

[0067] Furthermore, the use of adhesive means in the camera module of the present invention compensates for the movement of the lens assembly and image sensor. This advantage, combined with the advantages mentioned above, enables the camera module of the present invention to meet the safety requirements of modern automobiles, which demand no fluctuation in camera focus and high image quality stability throughout the service life of the camera module.

[0068] It was found that the bending of the electronic device carrier was reduced. This is because the heat generated by the heater is not directly transferred to the lens assembly, so the temperature inside the lens assembly does not rise, and therefore no heat is added to the heat generated by the electronic device carrier itself. As a result, the electronic device carrier is not overheated and therefore does not expand, so bending does not occur or occurs very little. Consequently, it does not affect optical communication, i.e., the alignment between the imager and the lens assembly. In contrast, the heat generated in conventional camera modules leads to bending or twisting of the printed circuit board of the electronic device carrier, resulting in the image sensor being moved or deviated to an undesirable degree, such as on the order of 68 microns. In the camera module of the present invention, it was found that the distortion of the image sensor or imager is advantageously reduced to 11 microns. In this way, loss of optical connection between the lens and the imager contained in the electronic device carrier is avoided.

[0069] In addition to weight reduction through thinning, excellent optical alignment between the lens body and the imager, and heating efficiency due to direct contact between the heater and the lens body, a modular structure is provided. Modularity is advantageously achieved through the mounting of the electronic equipment carrier and the lens assembly, along with the positional and movement relationships between the first and third flanges of the lens assembly and the housing, respectively.

[0070] In the design of the camera module of the present invention, the provision of flanges for mounting the lens assembly, housing, and electronic equipment carrier provides a particularly advantageous first flange that functions as a stopper relative to a third flange, for example, when the housing is mounted from top to bottom or when the lens is mounted from bottom to top. The first and second flanges formed on the lens assembly and the third flange formed on the housing function as stoppers to restrict the relative movement between the lens body and the housing.

[0071] The modularization of the camera module according to the present invention allows the use of housings of the same size with lens assemblies of different sizes. For example, if a 120°×58° lens assembly is required, and then a 190°×150° lens assembly of a different size, particularly a different length (in this particular case, a shorter length), is also required, the same housing size can be provided. In other words, even if the required lens assemblies have different lengths, the same size front and rear housings can be used. As a result, it is possible to provide different camera modules with different resolutions and fields of view for different applications using front and rear housings of the same size for different lens assemblies with different lengths depending on the application, such as front cameras, rear parking cameras, cameras for intelligent rearview mirror systems (IRMS), side cameras for camera monitor systems (CMS), and side cameras for blind spot detection (BSD).

[0072] Regardless of the lens length, the optical positional relationship between the image sensor and the lens assembly can be maintained while keeping a constant predetermined distance between the lens assembly and the electronic carrier. This distance between the lens assembly and the imager, known in this field as "TTL (through-the-lens) metering," can be varied as needed before the assembly process is completed with the same electronic carrier, imager, and front housing. Furthermore, TTL metering becomes constant once the assembly process is complete.

[0073] For completeness, various aspects of this disclosure are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0074] Clause 1: The lens assembly is A lens body having one or more lenses that define the optical axis, Electronic equipment carriers, An image sensor is disposed on the surface of the electronic device carrier and communicates optically with the lens assembly, Equipped with, The lens assembly is A heater element for resistively heating the lens body, comprising an electrically resistant sheet material arranged to surround at least a portion of the lens body so as to enclose the outer surface of the lens body in order to remove water-based obstructions that may adhere to the lens body due to the flow of electric current, Furthermore, it is characterized by the importance of preparing.

[0075] Clause 2: In a lens assembly in accordance with Clause 1, The heater element is arranged to wrap around the outer surface of the lens body at least once, and the overlapping portion is defined by the two opposing ends of the sheet material of the heater element during use.

[0076] Clause 3: In a lens assembly pursuant to Clause 1 or Clause 2, The heater element has a connector member for electrically connecting to a power unit for supplying current.

[0077] Clause 4: In a lens assembly conforming to any of the above clauses, An adhesive means is further provided to be applied between the heater element and the outer surface of the lens body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0078] (Brief explanation of the drawing) Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0079] [Figure 1] Figure 1, along with Figures 2 and 3, is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, corresponding to different embodiments of a camera module with three different lens assemblies of varying lengths. [Figure 2] Figure 2, along with Figures 1 and 3, is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, corresponding to different embodiments of a camera module with three different lens assemblies of varying lengths. [Figure 3]Figure 3, along with Figures 1 and 2, is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4, corresponding to different embodiments of a camera module with three different lens assemblies of varying lengths. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view of the camera module shown in Figures 1 to 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the camera module shown in Figures 1 to 3, along line BB in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-sectional view that better illustrates a portion of the camera module shown in Figures 1 to 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0080] (Detailed description of the examples) In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, the camera module 100 comprises a housing 200 made of, for example, aluminum. An internal space 210 is defined within the housing 200. The internal space 210 of the housing 200 is suitable for receiving a lens assembly or lens barrel 300 comprising a lens body 310, as will be further described below. Lens assemblies 300 having lens bodies 310 of different lengths are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. These are also further described below.

[0081] The internal space 210 of the housing 200 has an inner surface 220. The housing 200 comprises a front housing 250 and a rear housing 255 that can be coupled to each other to form the housing 200, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7. The front housing 250 is configured to at least partially receive a portion of the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300.

[0082] An electronics carrier 400 is provided between the front housing 250 and the rear housing 255. The electronics carrier 400 comprises one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) (not shown) and necessary boards having electronics. The electronics carrier 400 includes an image sensor or imager 500 connected to one side of the electronics carrier 400. The image sensor 500 is positioned to communicate optically with the lens assembly 300. The lens assembly 300 and the electronics carrier 400 define subassemblies 300-400.

[0083] In the sense of this disclosure and according to the drawings, the upper relative position of an element refers to a position where the element is further from the electronic equipment carrier 400 than its lower relative position, while the lower relative position of an element refers to a position where the element is closer to the electronic equipment carrier 400 than its upper relative position.

[0084] The lens assembly 300 comprises a lens body 310 having one or more lenses, as described above. The lens body 310 may have different lengths L1, L2, and L3, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings, depending on the resolution and field of view required for the intended application.

[0085] The lens body 310 is positioned within the internal space 210 of the housing 200, as described above. During use, the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400 are attached to each other directly or indirectly via adhesive means 800, as shown in Figure 1, according to specific specifications.

[0086] The adhesive means 800 for attaching the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400 to each other in order to form the aforementioned subassemblies 300-400 is applied between the bottom of the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400. More specifically, the adhesive means 800 is applied between the positioning portion of the camera module 100, which will be described in detail below, and the electronic equipment carrier 400. The adhesive means 800 in this embodiment includes an adhesive layer 1 mm to 3 mm thick that is applied to form a circular ring which is applied around the bottom portion of the lens assembly 300 in an uncured or at least partially cured state so as to be bonded or joined to the electronic equipment carrier 400.

[0087] The geometric shape of the lens body 310 defines a straight line referred to herein as the optical axis O, which extends longitudinally or vertically through the geometric center of the lens body 310, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the drawings. The optical axis O defines the path through which light propagates through the lens of the lens assembly 300.

[0088] The camera module 100 includes a positioning section. Next, the positioning section includes a positioning element 350 formed on the lens assembly 300, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7. The positioning element 350 is adapted to mount the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400 to each other with a fixed predetermined gap or distance D between them, as shown in Figure 1. In this way, the distance D between the lens body 310 and the image sensor 500 is controlled to remain constant at all times while the image sensor 500 is optically aligned with the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300. The precise and optimal position of the lens body 310 relative to the image sensor 500 is advantageously ensured.

[0089] The positioning element 350 is formed at the bottom of the lens body 310, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the drawings, and protrudes longitudinally toward the electronic equipment carrier 400 along the optical axis O.

[0090] The first and second flanges 600 and 700 are formed on the lens assembly 300 as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7.

[0091] The first flange 600 is formed on the upper part of the lens body 310, that is, the first flange 600 is positioned further away from the electronic equipment carrier 400 than the second flange 700, which will be described later.

[0092] The first flange 600 extends over a portion of the outer circumference of the lens body 310, which defines a flat surface. The first flange 600 projects radially outward from the lens body 310 and perpendicular to the optical axis O. During use, the first flange 600 is mounted in direct or indirect contact with the inner surface 220 of the housing 200, depending on the specific specifications. Mounting of the lens assembly 300 to the housing 200 is done via adhesive means 900, as shown in Figure 6. The adhesive means 900 is applied to the surface of the first flange 600 of the lens assembly 300 that contacts the inner surface 220 of the housing 200, as will be described later. In the illustrated example, the inner surface 220 is on the corresponding upper surface of the third flange 750 formed in the internal space 210 of the housing 200, as will be further described below.

[0093] More specifically, and without referring to Figure 6, the adhesive means 900 is applied between the first flange 600 formed on the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300 and the inner surface 220 of the housing 200. More specifically, and with reference to Figure 6 of the drawings, the adhesive means 900 for attaching the lens assembly 300 to the housing 200 is applied between the upper surface U of the first flange 600 of the lens body 310, as defined below, and the corresponding lower surface of the third flange 750 formed on the housing 200, which is not shown in Figure 6, as will be further described below. As shown in Figure 6, the adhesive means 900 is also applied, if necessary, between the side surface S of the first flange 600, as defined below, which covers at least partially the outer circumference of the first flange 600, and the corresponding side surface of the third flange 750, which is not shown in Figure 6, as will be further described below.

[0094] In the illustrated non-limiting example, the bonding means 900 is a layer of adhesive 2 mm to 3 mm thick applied as described above to form a circular ring of adhesive, which is applied in an uncured or at least partially cured state, suitable for bonding or joining the lens assembly 300 to the housing 200, particularly to the front housing 250.

[0095] The second flange 700 is formed on the bottom of the lens body 310, opposite the first flange 600, extending over at least a portion of the outer circumference of the lens body 310, for the purpose of guiding the assembly of the heater element 1000, which will be described later. As described above, the second flange 700 is located closer to the electronic equipment carrier 400 than the first flange 600, and a distance d is defined between the first flange 600 and the second flange 700. Similar to the first flange 600, the second flange 700 protrudes radially outward from the lens body 310 perpendicular to the optical axis O.

[0096] As described above, a third flange 750 is also provided. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the third flange 750 extends over a portion of the inner circumference of the housing 200, particularly over a portion of the inner circumference of the front housing 250, and defines a flat surface. Similar to the first flange 600 and the second flange 700, the third flange 750 protrudes radially outward from the housing 200. The third flange 750 is configured to function as a stopper when the lens assembly 300 is inserted into the housing 200 from below, i.e., when it moves away from the electronic equipment carrier 400. In use, the first flange 750 is located below the third flange 750 within the internal space 210 of the housing 200.

[0097] The first, second, and third flanges 600, 700, and 750 in the camera module 100 are for facilitating the assembly of the subassemblies 300-400 to the housing 200.

[0098] Refer again to Figure 6. The first, second, and third flanges 600, 700, and 750 each have an upper surface U, a lower surface (bottom surface) B, and a side surface S, as described above. The reference to the first, second, and third flanges 600, 700, and 750 in the drawing is, for clarity, only to the first flange 600. Thus, it is understood that the upper surface U, lower surface B, and side surface S are defined for all flanges of the camera module 100.

[0099] The upper surfaces U and lower surfaces B of flanges 600, 700, and 750 are joined to each other by the side surfaces S described above. As previously stated, the upper surfaces U of the first, second, and third flanges 600, 700, and 750 are located further from the electronic equipment carrier 400 than their lower surfaces B. Next, the lower surfaces B of the first, second, and third flanges 600, 700, and 750 are located on the opposite side of the upper surfaces U and closer to the electronic equipment carrier 400 than the upper surfaces U. When in use, as shown in Figure 6, the upper surface U of the first flange 600 is attached to the lower surface of the third flange 750. Note that the upper and lower surfaces of the third flange 750 are part of the inner surface 220 of the housing 200 described above.

[0100] When the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400 are attached to each other, and the lens assembly 300 and the inner surface 220 of the housing 200 are attached to each other, the upper flange 600 is positioned between the third flange 750 and the second flange 700. That is, the upper surface U of the first flange 600 is positioned between the upper surface of the third flange 750 and the upper surface of the second flange 650. Furthermore, the lower surface of the third flange 750 is positioned between the upper surface of the third flange 750 and the upper surface U of the first flange 600. Furthermore, the lower surface of the first flange 600 is positioned between the lower surface of the third flange 750 and the upper surface of the second flange 700.

[0101] When the lens assembly 300 is positioned such that there is a predetermined distance between the upper surface U of the first flange 600 and the lower surface of the third flange 750, and the upper surface U of the first flange 600 is positioned between the lower surface of the third flange 750 and the lower surface of the first flange 600, relative movement may occur (e.g., begin) between the subassemblies 300-400 and the housing 200. Subsequently, the predetermined distance between the upper surface U of the first flange 600 and the lower surface of the third flange 750 decreases until the upper surface U of the first flange 600 and the lower surface of the third flange 750 are in direct contact or separated by an amount equal to the thickness of the adhesive means that attaches both surfaces together.

[0102] Relative movement between the subassemblies 300-400 and the housing 200 may occur when the lens assembly 300 is positioned below the housing 200 and moves upward away from the electronic equipment carrier 400. In this case, the upper surface U of the first flange 600 moves upward away from the electronic equipment carrier 400 and towards the lower surface of the third flange 750, so that the lower surface of the third flange 750 contacts the adhesive means 900 and the upper surface U of the first flange 600.

[0103] Relative movement between the subassemblies 300-400 and the housing 200 can also occur when the lens assembly 300 is positioned below the housing 200 and the housing 200 moves downward relative to the electronic equipment carrier 400. In this case, the lower surface of the third flange 750 moves downward toward the upper surface U of the first flange 600 so that the upper surface U of the first flange 600 contacts the adhesive means 900 and the lower surface B of the third flange 750.

[0104] As described above, the camera module 100 further comprises a heater element 1000, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 of the drawings. The heater element 1000 serves the purpose of heating the lens body 310 as needed. This is done by converting electrical energy into thermal energy when an electric current flows through the material of the heater element 100. As a result, the lens assembly 300 is heated, and consequently, any frost is removed as needed. Any obstructions and water-borne obstructions that may be adhering to the lens body 310 can also be removed. Optical contamination is efficiently avoided.

[0105] Therefore, the heater element 1000 comprises a malleable thin film made of a conductive material having electrical resistance, so that it functions as a Joule effect heater. Thus, the heater element 1000 can be easily bent. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the heater element 1000 has a diameter of 19.3 mm and a thickness of 0.22 mm, but other values ​​are also possible. The heater element 1000 can accept a bending radius of approximately 10 mm.

[0106] During use, the heater element 1000 is strongly bonded to surround the outer surface of the lens body 310. For this purpose, bonding means 1020, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6, are applied to at least one of the outer surface of the lens body 310 and the inner surface of the heater element 1000.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the heater element 1000 is wound around the outer circumference of the lens body 310 at least once, such that the overlapping portion is defined by the two opposing ends of the thin film material of the heater element 1000.

[0108] Due to its flatness, the heater element 1000 can be suitably brought into close contact with the outer surface of the lens body 310. As a result, there is no gap between the heater element 1000 and the lens body 310 during heating, resulting in high heating efficiency for the lens body. Furthermore, due to the flatness of the heater element 1000 positioned around the lens body 310, the lens body can be heated to a temperature of approximately 40°C in a short time of about 2 minutes. As a result of the heat supplied to the lens body 310 not being directly transferred to the electronic equipment carrier 400, bending of the electronic equipment carrier 400 is prevented, ensuring optical alignment between the lens assembly 300 and the image sensor 500, and obtaining optimal image quality.

[0109] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heater element 1000 is positioned between the first flange 600 and the second flange 700 of the lens assembly 300. The second flange 700 is suitable for guiding or positioning the heater element 1000. In this way, the installation of the heater element 1000 is facilitated.

[0110] Referring here to Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings, the connector member 1010 protrudes from the bottom of the heater element 1000 toward the electronic equipment carrier 400. As shown in detail in the exploded view of Figure 7, the connector member 1010 passes through an opening 450 formed in the electronic equipment carrier 400 when in use. The connector member 1010 is for electrically connecting the heater element 1000 to a power unit (not shown) in order to supply current. The power unit may be a separate element of the camera module 100.

[0111] The assembly of the camera module 100 described above is performed by attaching the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300 to the electronic equipment carrier 400, thereby establishing optical communication between the lens assembly 300 and the image sensor 500 which is pre-attached to the electronic equipment carrier 400. Next, in order to attach the lens assembly 300 to the electronic equipment carrier 400, adhesive means 800 are applied to at least one of the positioning element 350 and the electronic equipment carrier 400.

[0112] Next, the heater element 1000 is attached to the outer side surface of the lens body 310 by applying the corresponding adhesive means 1020 between them. The subassemblies 300-400 are attached to the front housing 250 once the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400 are attached to each other. The first flange 600 of the lens assembly 300 will then act as a stopper for the subassemblies 300-400 until they abut against the third flange 750 of the housing 200.

[0113] The heater element 1000 attached to the lens body 310 is electrically connected to the power unit via the connector member 1010 described above. This is done by passing the connector member 1010 through an opening or passage 450 formed in the electronic equipment carrier 400. The connector member 1010 is attached to the electronic equipment carrier 400.

[0114] It should be noted that the lens assembly 300 may be mounted or fitted either from bottom to top in the drawing, so as to keep the lens assembly 300 away from the electronic equipment carrier 400. Alternatively, the housing 200 may be mounted from bottom to top in the drawing, so as to keep the housing 200 away from the electronic equipment carrier 400, such that the first flange 600 is within the internal space 210 of the front housing 250. The lens assembly 300 is then attached to the housing 200 via adhesive means 900 applied or coated on the first flange 600, particularly between the upper surface U of the first flange 600 and the corresponding lower surface of the third flange 750. As described above, the adhesive means 900 is also applied between the side surface S of the first flange 600 and the corresponding side surface of the third flange 750 for optimal mounting of the lens assembly 300 to the housing 200.

[0115] The lens assembly 300 can be moved before the adhesive means 800, 900 are cured in order to ensure proper optical alignment between the lens assembly 300 and the image sensor 500.

[0116] Subsequently, the rear housing 255 is joined with the front housing 250, and the assembled camera module 100 is finally mounted on the vehicle body (not shown) such that at least a portion of the lens body 310 faces outwards from the vehicle, with the camera module 100 connected to the vehicle.

[0117] Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings show three embodiments of a camera module 100 having three types of lens assemblies 300, each having a corresponding lens body 310 of different lengths L1, L2, and L3. The three embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings illustrate the modular characteristics of the camera module 100 described above, in which the same type of housing 200 used in the camera module 100 of Figures 1, 2, and 3 can be used with lens assemblies 300 having different lengths.

[0118] In Figure 1, the lens assembly 300 has a lens body 310 whose length L1 is longer than the length L2 of the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300 shown in Figure 2. The lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300 shown in Figure 2 is, in turn, longer than the length L3 of the lens body 310 of the lens assembly 300 shown in Figure 3. Thus, the same housing 200 of the camera module 100 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 can accommodate different lens bodies 310 having different lengths L1, L2, and L3.

[0119] The modularity of the camera module 100 is by no means limited to three different lengths L1, L2, and L3; many more different values ​​can be applied to the length of the lens body 310 relative to the same housing 200.

[0120] Since the same front and rear housings 250 and 255 of the same size can be used with different lens assemblies 300 having lens bodies 310 of different lengths L1, L2, and L3 depending on the application, different camera modules 100 with different resolutions and fields of view can be used for different applications, resulting in significant cost savings.

[0121] It should be noted that, with the image sensor 500 optically aligned with the lens assembly 300 by the positioning element 350, the predetermined distance D between the lens assembly 300 and the electronic equipment carrier 400, as shown in Figure 1, can be obtained regardless of the lengths L1, L2, and L3 of the lens body 310. Furthermore, the distance between the lens assembly 300 and the image sensor 500 can be changed as needed using the same electronic equipment carrier 400, image sensor 500, and housing 200.

[0122] Numerous embodiments have been disclosed herein. However, other alternatives, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents of the embodiments described are possible. For example, one or more of the first, second, and third flanges may be formed integrally with the lens assembly and housing, or one or more of them may be separate elements. On the other hand, while flanges have been described as defining corresponding flat surfaces, one or more of the first, second, and third flanges may be arranged to define uneven or non-planar surfaces such as curved surfaces or surfaces with multiple curvatures. Furthermore, the bonding means disclosed herein may consist of any suitable adhesive product, for example, an ultraviolet-curable adhesive that, when cured, provides a strong bond for the lens assembly, electronic equipment carrier, housing, and heater. Generally, any adhesive capable of curing to a first curing level by exposure to a light or UV curing process, and to a second, higher curing level by a thermal curing process, may be used.

[0123] All possible combinations of the embodiments described herein are also covered in this manner. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiment, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the appended claims. Where reference numerals relating to the drawings are placed in parentheses in a claim, this is merely for clarity and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

1. a housing (200) having an interior space (210) including an interior surface (220); a lens assembly (300) disposed at least partially within the interior space (210) of the housing and comprising a lens body (310) including one or more lenses defining an optical axis (O); Electronics carriers (400); an image sensor (500) disposed on a surface of the electronics carrier (400) in optical communication with the lens assembly (300); at least one positioning portion for attaching the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) to one another; and at least one first flange (600) protruding radially outward from the lens assembly (300) perpendicular to the optical axis (O), the first flange (600) and the inner surface (220) of the housing (200) being attachable to each other, the at least one first flange (600) functioning as a stopper when the lens assembly (300) moves into the internal space (210) of the housing; Equipped with A subassembly (300-400) formed by the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) is fixed to the front housing (200) after the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) are attached to each other, and the at least one first flange (600) of the lens assembly (300) functions as a stopper until it abuts against a flange (750) of the housing (200), camera module (100).

2. the positioning portion is part of or attached to the lens assembly (300); the positioning portion includes a positioning element (350) protruding longitudinally toward the optical axis (O) for attaching the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) to each other while optically aligning the image sensor (500) with the lens assembly (300) with a constant predetermined gap (D) between the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400); The camera module (100) of claim 1.

3. the lens assembly (300) further comprises at least one second flange (700) protruding radially outward from the lens assembly (300) perpendicular to the optical axis (O) and positioned a distance (d) from the first flange (600); The camera module (100) of claim 1.

4. the housing (200) comprises a front housing (250) and a rear housing (255) to be coupled to each other, the front housing (250) being configured to at least partially receive a portion of the lens body (310) and including the inner surface (220) for mounting the first flange (600). The camera module (100) of claim 1.

5. A heater element (1000) for resistively heating the lens body (310) Further preparation, the heater element (1000) comprises an electrically resistive sheet material arranged to wrap around the outer surface of the lens body (310) and at least partially surround the lens body (310) to remove aqueous obstacles that may adhere to the lens body (310) when an electric current is passed through the sheet material; The camera module (100) of claim 1.

6. the heater element (1000) is arranged to wrap around the outer circumferential surface of the lens body (310) one or more times, and in use, an overlapping portion is defined by two opposing ends of the sheet material of the heater element (1000). The camera module (100) of claim 5.

7. The heater element (1000) is characterized in that it has a connector member (1010) for electrically connecting with a power unit and passing current therethrough. The camera module (100) of claim 5.

8. Adhesion means (800) applied between the positioning part and the electronic device carrier (400), preferably between the positioning element (350) and the electronic device carrier (400). Further characterized by comprising: The camera module (100) of claim 2.

9. Adhesion means (900) applied between the first flange (600) and the inner surface (220) of the housing (200) Further characterized by comprising: The camera module (100) of claim 1.

10. Adhesion means (1020) applied between the heater element (1000) and the outer peripheral surface of the lens body (310) Further characterized by comprising: The camera module (100) of claim 5.

11. the heater element (1000) is disposed between the first flange (600) and the second flange (700) of the lens assembly (300). The camera module (100) of claim 5.

12. one or more of the first flange (600) and the second flange (700) of the lens assembly (300) are arranged to extend at least partially around the lens body (310). The camera module (100) of claim 3.

13. the first flange (600) is located farther from the electronic device carrier (400) than the second flange (700), The camera module (100) of claim 3.

14. A method of assembling a camera module (100) comprising a housing (200), a lens assembly (300), an electronics carrier (400), and an image sensor (500), comprising: providing the lens assembly (300) including a lens body defining an optical axis (O), the lens assembly (300) having at least one first flange (600) projecting radially outward from the lens assembly (300) perpendicular to the optical axis (O); attaching the lens assembly (300) and the electronics carrier (400) to each other so as to establish optical communication between the lens assembly (300) and the image sensor (500); The lens assembly (300) is attached to the housing (200). providing attachment means on at least one of the inner surface (220) of the housing (200) and the first flange (600); and moving the lens assembly (300) and the housing (200) toward each other until the first flange (600) of the lens assembly (300) abuts against the inner surface (220) of the housing (200), and the lens assembly (300) and the housing (200) are permanently attached to each other by the attachment means; Here, a subassembly (300-400) formed by the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) is fixed to the front housing (200) after the lens assembly (300) and the electronic device carrier (400) are attached to each other, and the at least one first flange (600) of the lens assembly (300) functions as a stopper until it abuts against a flange (750) of the housing (200). and attaching the A method comprising:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, performing one or more of the following steps: The method further comprises: - attaching the image sensor (500) to the electronic device carrier (400); - providing a heater element (1000) on the side of the lens body (310); - providing adhesive means (1020) on at least one of the inner surface of the heater element (1000) and / or the outer surface of said lens assembly (200); - wrapping the heater element (1000) around the lens assembly (200) such that the inner surface of the heater element (1000) is attached to the outer surface of the lens assembly (200); - disposing a camera housing enclosing a heater element (1000), the electronics carrier (400), the image sensor (500), and at least a portion of the lens assembly (300); - hardening the adhesive means (800; 900; 1020) by one or more of the following: temperature, light, air, or by introducing said camera module into an oven or a climate-controlled chamber; - moving the lens assembly (200) before curing the adhesive means (800; 900) to ensure proper optical alignment between the lens assembly (200) and the image sensor (500); - electrically connecting the heater element (1000) to a power unit via a connector member (1010); - passing at least a portion of a connector member (1010) through a passage in the electronic device carrier (400) and attaching the connector member (1010) to the electronic device carrier (400); - moving the lens assembly (300) together with the heater element (1000) and the electronics carrier (400) toward the housing (200) so that the first flange (600) of the lens assembly (300) abuts against the housing (200) and the lens assembly (300) and the housing (200) are permanently attached to each other by adhesive means (800, 900); - coupling the rear housing (255) to the front housing (250); and - The camera module (100) is attached to the body of the vehicle so that a portion of the lens body (310) faces outward from the vehicle, and the camera module (100) is connected to the vehicle.

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