On-vehicle camera

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle camera capable of being produced at low cost while ensuring excellent imaging performance.SOLUTION: The on-vehicle camera includes: a lens unit; a circuit board; an imaging element; a housing; and a ring member having a third face and a fourth face. The ring member has a first layer with a first layer end face with a first thickness and a second layer having a smaller area than that of the first layer and a second layer end face with a second thickness, which is placed closer to the circuit board than the first layer. The first layer includes a first area where the second layer is placed and a second area where the second layer is not placed. The first layer includes a fifth face opposite the third face in the second area. The fifth face of the first layer is fixed to a first flange surface of a lens unit flange and is fixed to the end of the large-diameter cylindrical part of the housing. The second layer end face of the second layer protrudes toward the inner surface of the large-diameter cylindrical part of the housing and has at least one second layer protrusion abutting on the inner surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle camera. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with demands for improved vehicle safety and the introduction of autonomous driving functions, there has been active development of vehicle-mounted cameras that are mounted on vehicles and capture images of the inside and outside of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-197798 A [Patent Document 2] Registered Utility Model No. 3234888 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The level of requirements for vehicle safety, autonomous driving functions, and the like continues to rise, and further improvements in the performance of in-vehicle cameras are also being called for.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing a new vehicle-mounted camera. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a lens unit including a first cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis of the at least one lens around the entire circumference, the flange portion being disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis as a reference, a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an imaging element that is on the optical axis of the lens and disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, and a second cylindrical portion that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, and at least a housing that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; and a planar member that is disposed around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and has a third surface and a fourth surface that is opposite to the third surface and is closer to the circuit board than the third surface, and the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange surface, a second flange surface that is opposite to the first flange surface and is located in an internal space of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and a flange end surface that connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface. The planar member has a first layer disposed around the first cylindrical portion between the third surface and the fourth surface and having a first layer end surface having a first thickness, and a second layer disposed along the first layer, closer to the circuit board than the first layer, smaller in area than the first layer, and having a second layer end surface having a second thickness, the first layer of the planar member being disposed in at least a part of the periphery of the first cylindrical portion between the third surface and the fourth surface, the second layer being disposed along the first layer and closer to the circuit board than the first layer, and having a second layer end surface having a second thickness, and the first layer of the planar member has a first region where the second layer is disposed and a second region where the second layer is not disposed. the first layer of the planar member has a fifth surface in the second region opposite the third surface, the fifth surface of the first layer of the planar member is fixed to the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and is fixed to an end of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member protrudes toward an inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing and has at least one second layer protrusion that abuts against the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an in-vehicle camera is provided that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures excellent imaging performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of connections between an on-board camera, a camera ECU, and a display provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle interior of another example of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera. [Figure 4] Top view of the vehicle in Figure 3 [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of connections between an on-board camera, a camera ECU, and a display device provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a top perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a bottom perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle-mounted camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a top view of a vehicle-mounted camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Bottom view of ring member [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ring member viewed from one direction; [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ring member viewed from the other direction. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 11. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera with only the first layer of the ring member removed; [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment; [Figure 18] 13 is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment; [Figure 20] 13 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cap member and a ring member in a separated state. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cap member viewed from the back side. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a planar member viewed from the back side [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera with the cap member removed; [Figure 26] Cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 25. [Figure 27] Enlarged view of area B in Figure 26 [Figure 28] A bottom view of the cap member and the planar member from the back side. [Figure 29] Sectional view taken along line FF in Figure 28. [Diagram 30] Enlarged view of area D in Figure 28 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, an embodiment specifically disclosing an in-vehicle camera according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Vehicles equipped with on-board cameras) FIG. 1 is an example of a vehicle, and shows a top view of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera. The vehicle V is equipped with on-board cameras 100, including on-board cameras 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. On-board camera 100A is a front camera, on-board camera 100B is a rear camera, on-board camera 100C is a right-side camera, and on-board camera 100D is a left-side camera. On-board cameras 100A to 100D are wide-angle cameras having an angle of view of, for example, about 180°, and are arranged so as to capture an image of the entire circumference of vehicle V.

[0011] For example, vehicle-mounted camera 100A is installed on the front grill of vehicle V and captures an image of the area ahead diagonally downward relative to the ground. Vehicle-mounted camera 100B is installed on the roof spoiler of vehicle V and captures an image of the area behind diagonally downward relative to the ground. Vehicle-mounted camera 100C and vehicle-mounted camera 100D are each installed on the side mirror of vehicle V and capture an image of an area to the side diagonally downward relative to the ground.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of connections between the vehicle-mounted cameras 100A-100D, the camera ECU 110, and the display 7 provided in the vehicle V shown in Fig. 1. The camera Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 110 shown in Fig. 2 combines images captured by the vehicle-mounted cameras 100A-100D, and displays the combined image on a display 7 of a navigation system disposed in, for example, an instrument panel. An occupant can visually check the situation around the vehicle V by viewing the display 7.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cabin of another example of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera, and FIG. 4 is a top view of the vehicle of FIG. 3. The vehicle V is provided with a display 5 (e.g., an electronic rearview mirror) at the mounting position of the rearview mirror in the front part between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat 4 in the cabin. Furthermore, the vehicle V is equipped with an on-board camera 100 at the rear of the vehicle body. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the connection between the on-board camera 100, the camera ECU 111, and the display 5 provided in the vehicle V shown in FIG. 3. The camera ECU 111 shown in FIG. 4 processes the image captured by the on-board camera 100, and the display 5 displays the image. The occupant can visually check the display 5 to confirm the situation behind the vehicle V.

[0014] (First embodiment) FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9. Coordinates including an X-axis along one side of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and along the other side of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and a Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis and along the height direction of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 are defined and will be used in the following description.

[0015] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment includes a ring member 20 which is a planar member, a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an imaging element 50, and a housing 60.

[0016] The ring member 20 is made of a rectangular annular member in a plan view (a line of sight when viewing the vehicle-mounted camera 200 along the Z axis, the same applies below), and is welded to the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 by laser welding. The inner circumferential surface of the ring member 20 faces the outer circumferential surface of a first cylindrical portion 37 constituting the lens barrel 31 of the lens unit 30, which will be described later. The inner diameter of the ring member 20 has a length that allows the first cylindrical portion 37 (lens barrel 31) of the lens unit 30 to be inserted.

[0017] The ring member 20 is formed of a resin material having a predetermined light transmittance. This resin material is made of a material containing a light-transmitting resin. For example, the light-transmitting resin is formed of a polyester resin, a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a fluororesin, or the like. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like can be used as the polyester resin. Polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like can be used as the polyolefin resin. The light-transmitting resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, if a certain level or higher of transmission performance can be realized, a coloring material or a filler, or both, may be contained in the main light-transmitting resin.

[0018] The lens unit 30 constitutes a cylindrical lens barrel 31, and includes a first cylindrical portion 37 having a first cylindrical shape, and at least one lens (not shown) disposed inside the first cylindrical portion 37. The first cylindrical portion 37 is cylindrical, and holds, for example, a lens group consisting of a plurality of lenses inside the first cylindrical portion 37. In the lens group, the lenses are arranged with their respective optical axes L (an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 9 and aligned along the Z axis) aligned with each other, constituting a lens group used for imaging the inside and outside of the vehicle body.

[0019] The lens unit 30 has a brim-shaped flange portion 32 that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 37. The flange portion 32 is disposed outside the first cylindrical portion 37 over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis L, extending outward with the optical axis L as a reference, and has a rectangular cross section along the radial direction. At least a portion of the flange portion 32 is joined to the housing 60 via the ring member 20. The relationship between the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 will be described later.

[0020] In addition, the flange portion 32 has a first flange surface 32a, a second flange surface 32b opposite the first flange surface 32a and located in the internal space of a large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 described later, and a flange end surface 32c connecting the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b.

[0021] At least the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is formed of, for example, a resin having a predetermined light absorption property. This resin is made of a material containing a light-absorbing resin. As the light-absorbing resin, for example, polyamide-based resin, olefin-based resin, vinyl-based resin, styrene-based resin, acrylic-based resin, polyester-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, polyarylate-based resin, polysulfone-based resin, polyphenylene oxide-based resin, polyethersulfone-based resin, polyetherimide-based resin, etc. can be used. The light-absorbing resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, the main light-absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or a coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both.

[0022] By forming the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 from a light absorbing resin, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light into the internal space. That is, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light from the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the inside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent halation of the imaging element 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire flange portion 32 or the entire lens unit 30 may be formed from a light absorbing resin.

[0023] The circuit board 40 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 60, and has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a. However, two or more circuit boards may be provided.

[0024] The imaging element 50 is disposed on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 on the optical axis L of at least one lens of the lens unit 30, and the imaging element 50 can capture an image by guiding light from the outside to the imaging element 50.

[0025] The housing 60 is a cylindrical member having an internal space, and plays a role of directly supporting the lens unit 30, or indirectly in some cases, and accommodating at least the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50. The housing 60 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 61 having a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis L and a small diameter cylindrical portion 62 along the optical axis L. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 constituting the second cylindrical portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the small diameter cylindrical portion 62, and both have rectangular cross sections. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 accommodates at least the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50 inside. The small diameter cylindrical portion 62 accommodates a connector 80 that mainly ensures electrical connection with the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (see FIG. 10). The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 can be integrally molded with a resin to be described later, but the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 may be joined by a method such as welding or screwing, which are prepared separately in advance. In this embodiment, the housing 60 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this, and may be a cylindrical shape of a polygon other than a rectangle, a circular or elliptical shape, or a cylindrical shape of another shape.

[0026] In the housing 60, the end 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 is formed of a resin having light absorption properties. This resin is made of a material containing a light absorbing resin. As the light absorbing resin, for example, polyamide resin, olefin resin, vinyl resin, styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyetherimide resin, etc. can be used. The light absorbing resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, the main light absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or a coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both.

[0027] By forming the housing 60 from a material containing a light absorbing resin, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light into the internal space of the housing 60. In other words, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light from the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the inside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent halation of the imaging element 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire large diameter cylindrical portion 61 or the entire housing 60 may be formed from a light absorbing resin.

[0028] Next, the ring member 20 will be described again. Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the ring member 20, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the ring member 20 viewed from one direction, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the ring member 20 viewed from another direction, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 11.

[0029] The ring member 20 is a planar member, and is disposed around the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30. The ring member 20 has a third surface 20a (see FIG. 9) and a fourth surface 20b (see FIG. 11 or 12) that is opposite the third surface 20a and is closer to the circuit board 40 than the third surface 20a.

[0030] The ring member 20 has a two-layer structure including at least a first layer 21 and a second layer 22 that are laminated together. The first layer 21 has a first layer end surface 21a (see FIG. 12) having a first thickness. The first layer end surface 21a is disposed around the first cylindrical portion 37 between the third surface 20a and the fourth surface 20b. The second layer 22 has a smaller area in a plan view than the first layer 21 and has a second layer end surface 22a (see FIG. 12) having a second thickness. The second layer end surface 22a is disposed along the first layer 21 and closer to the circuit board 40 than the first layer 21, at least a part of the periphery of the first cylindrical portion 37 between the third surface 20a and the fourth surface 20b.

[0031] The first layer 21 includes a first region 23 in which the second layer 22 is disposed, and a second region 24 in which the second layer 22 is not disposed (see FIG. 14). That is, the first region 23 directly faces the second layer 22, and the second region 24 does not face the second layer 22.

[0032] Furthermore, the first layer 21 has a fifth surface 20c opposite to the third surface 20a in the second region 24. The fifth surface 20c is fixed to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, and is also fixed to an end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. Meanwhile, the second layer end surface 22a of the second layer 22 has at least one second layer protrusion 22c that protrudes toward the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 and abuts against the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0033] The ring member 20 is an annular member having an opening 25 at the center, the first layer 21 includes a rectangular first opening 250A at the center in a plan view, and the second layer 22 includes a rectangular second opening 250B at the center in a plan view. The first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 passes through the first opening 250A of the first layer 21 and the second opening 250B of the second layer 22. The area of ​​the first opening 250A of the first layer 21 is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening 250B of the second layer 22, and the area of ​​the first opening 250A of the first layer 21 is smaller than the area of ​​the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30.

[0034] In a typical laser welding method in which the ring member 20, the lens unit 30, and the housing 60 are welded by, for example, laser welding, when a laser is irradiated onto the light-transmitting resin while pressure is being applied to the resin, the laser passes through the light-transmitting resin without being absorbed by it, and is absorbed by the surface of the light-absorbing resin. The absorbed laser energy is converted into heat, and the surface of the light-absorbing resin is heated. Furthermore, the surface of the light-transmitting resin that is in contact with the surface of the light-absorbing resin is also heated by thermal conduction. This causes the resin to melt at the interface between the light-absorbing resin and the light-transmitting resin. When the laser irradiation is stopped, the molten resin solidifies, and both resins are welded together.

[0035] In this embodiment, first, a laser is applied while the fifth surface 20c of the first layer 21 of the ring member 20 is pressed against the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, and the fifth surface 20c of the ring member 20 and the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 are fixed to each other. Then, a laser is applied while the fifth surface 20c of the first layer 21 of the ring member 20 is pressed against the end portion 63 of the housing 60, and the fifth surface 20c of the ring member 20 and the end portion 63 are fixed to each other.

[0036] According to the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment, the ring member 20 arranged around the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 includes a first layer 21 arranged around the first cylindrical portion 37 and a second layer 22 arranged closer to the circuit board 40 than the first layer 21. The fifth surface 20c of the first layer 21 is fixed to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. Furthermore, the second layer end surface 22a of the second layer 22 has at least one second layer protrusion 22c that abuts against the inner surface of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0037] Vehicle-mounted cameras are intended to be a variety of products with various sizes, performance, etc., and in particular, the circuit board 40 is used with specifications such as performance, size, shape, etc. changed according to the product. As the circuit board 40 is changed, the size of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 needs to be changed, and as the size of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 is changed, the size of the lens unit 30, particularly the flange portion 32, needs to be changed in design. However, the lens unit 30 is a precision optical component, and changing the design is not easy, and requires effort, cost, time, etc.

[0038] On the other hand, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the ring member 20, which can be manufactured relatively inexpensively and easily, has a two-layer structure including a first layer 21 and a second layer 22. With this structure, even if the size of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 is changed due to a change in the circuit board 40 for each product of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the gap between the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 and the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 can be filled by changing the size of the second layer 22 without changing the lens unit 30. In addition, the ring member 20 can be easily fixed to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 by the action of the second layer protrusion portion 22c of the second layer 22. As a result, even if the size of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 changes due to a change in the circuit board 40, the design change of the ring member 20 can prevent light from entering the inside of the housing 60 from the outside without changing the lens unit 30. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variety of vehicle-mounted cameras while suppressing labor, cost, time, and the like.

[0039] Further details of the ring member 20 will be described. As shown in Fig. 14, the first thickness T1 (equal to the distance between the third surface 20a and the fifth surface 20c) of the first layer 21 is configured to be thinner than the second thickness T2 (equal to the distance between the fifth surface 20c and the fourth surface 20b) of the second layer 22. This allows the second layer 22 to efficiently prevent light from entering the inside of the housing 60 from the outside.

[0040] As already mentioned, the ring member 20 is made of a resin material having a predetermined light transmittance. Here, regarding the light transmittance of the ring member 20, the first light transmittance of the first layer 21 for light of a predetermined wavelength (e.g., visible light, infrared light, etc.) can be set to be greater than the second light transmittance of the second layer 22 for light of a predetermined wavelength. This allows the first layer 21 to be smoothly fixed to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 by laser welding, and the second layer 22 can efficiently prevent light from entering the inside of the housing 60 from the outside.

[0041] The ring member 20 can be manufactured, for example, by welding (laser welding, bonding with an adhesive, etc.) the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 that are molded separately, or by two-color molding of the resin material of the first layer 21 and the resin material of the second layer 22. This makes it possible to easily manufacture the ring member 20.

[0042] The second layer 22 of the ring member 20 will be described in detail. The second layer 22 has a first rectangle including a first side 220A and a second side 220B facing the first side 220A in a plan view of the ring member 20. The second layer end surface 22a of the second layer 22 has a first second layer end surface 22a1 corresponding to the first side 220A and a second second layer end surface 22a2 corresponding to the second side 220B. At least one second layer protrusion 22c of the second layer 22 includes a first second layer protrusion 22c1 arranged on the first second layer end surface 22a1 of the second layer 22, and a second second layer protrusion 22c2 and a third second layer protrusion 22c3 arranged on the second second layer end surface 22a2 of the second layer 22.

[0043] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the second layer 22, and also allows the second layer 22 to be firmly and stably fixed to the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 by the three second layer protrusions 22c.

[0044] The first second layer protrusion 22c1 of the second layer 22 is disposed at the center (line PP in FIG. 11) of the first second layer end face 22a1 of the second layer 22 (see FIG. 11). The second second layer protrusion 22c2 is disposed at a position spaced a first distance D1 from the center (line PP in FIG. 11) of the second second layer end face 22a2 (see FIG. 11). The third second layer protrusion 22c3 is disposed at a position spaced a second distance D2 from the center (line PP in FIG. 11) of the second second layer end face 22a2 (see FIG. 11).

[0045] This enables the three second layer protrusions 22c to firmly and stably fix the second layer 22 to the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0046] The length of the first distance D1 may be the same as the length of the second distance D2. As a result, the second second layer protrusion 22c2 and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 are formed at equal distances from the center of the second second layer end face 22a2, so that the second layer 22 can be stably fixed to the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0047] Next, the relationship between the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 in a state where only the first layer 21 of the ring member 20 is excluded for the sake of explanation, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 15. The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has a second rectangle including a third side 320A and a fourth side 320B facing the third side 320A in a plan view of the flange portion 32. The flange end surface 32c of the flange portion 32 has a first flange end surface 32c1 corresponding to the third side 320A and a second flange end surface 32c2 corresponding to the fourth side 320B.

[0048] Here, the first flange protrusion 33a is disposed at the center of the first flange end face 32c1 so as to protrude from the first flange end face 32c1 toward and contact the inner surface of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20. The second flange protrusion 33b is disposed at a position on the second flange end face 32c2 that is a third distance D3 away from the center of the second flange end face 32c2 (line QQ in FIG. 15). The third flange protrusion 33c is disposed at a position on the second flange end face 32c2 that is a fourth distance D4 away from the center of the second flange end face 32c2 (line QQ in FIG. 15).

[0049] This enables the three flange protrusions formed on the flange end surface 32c to firmly and stably fix the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0050] The length of the third distance D3 may be the same as the length of the fourth distance D4. This allows the second flange protrusion 33b and the third flange protrusion 33c to be formed at equal distances from the center of the second flange end face 32c2, making it possible to stably fix the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0051] In addition, the fifth distance D5 (= the first distance D1 + the second distance D2) between the second second layer protrusion 22c2 and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 on the second second layer end face 22a2 of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 is greater than the sixth distance (= the third distance D3 + the fourth distance D4) between the second flange protrusion 33b and the third flange protrusion 33c on the second flange end face 32c2 of the flange portion 32.

[0052] As a result, the two second layer protrusions 22c are disposed outward of the two flange protrusions with respect to the optical axis L, and the distance between the two second layer protrusions 22c is greater than the distance between the two flange protrusions. This allows the second layer 22 to be stably fixed to the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60, and allows the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 to be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0053] Furthermore, the inner surface of the second layer 22 has at least a first accommodating portion 22d that accommodates the second flange protrusion 33b and a second accommodating portion 22e that accommodates the third flange protrusion 33c. This allows the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 to be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0054] The first housing portion 22d has a first recess 22d1 in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer 22 toward the second second layer end face 22a2, and the second housing portion 22e has a second recess 22e1 in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer 22 toward the second second layer end face 22a2, and the first recess 22d1 and the second recess 22e1 are separated by a sixth distance (=third distance D3+fourth distance D4). This allows the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 to be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the first rectangle of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 is a rectangle, and the first side 22A of the first rectangle and the second side 22B of the first rectangle are the long sides of the rectangle. However, the "rectangle" includes not only rectangles but also squares, including other members. This makes it easy to manufacture the second layer 22.

[0056] The second layer 22 has a third recess 26 on the fourth surface 20b of the second layer 22 in a direction from the fourth surface 20b to the third surface 20a. The third recess 26 makes a part of the second layer 22 a space rather than a solid body. This allows the weight of the ring member 20 to be reduced.

[0057] The second layer 22 is the fourth surface 20b of the second layer 22, and also has a fourth recess 27 different from the third recess 26 in the direction from the fourth surface 20b to the third surface 20a. The fourth recess 27, like the third recess 26, makes a part of the second layer 22 a space rather than a solid body. This allows the ring member 20 to be lightweight.

[0058] Next, the relationship between the housing 60, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, and the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 will be described in detail. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 includes a first side wall portion 64 having a first inner surface 64a, and a second side wall portion 65 facing the first side wall portion 64 and having a second inner surface 65a. The inner surface of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 includes a first second layer inner surface 22f and a second second layer inner surface 22g.

[0059] The first second layer protrusion 22c1 of the second layer 22 contacts the first inner surface 64a of the first side wall 64 of the housing 60, the second second layer protrusion 22c2 of the second layer 22 contacts the second inner surface 65a of the second side wall 65 of the housing 60, and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 of the second layer 22 contacts the second inner surface 65a of the second side wall 65 of the housing 60. The first flange protrusion 33a of the flange portion 32 contacts the first second layer inner surface 22f of the second layer 22, the second flange protrusion 33b of the flange portion 32 contacts the second second layer inner surface 22g of the second layer 22, and the third flange protrusion 33c of the flange portion 32 contacts the second second layer inner surface 22g of the second layer 22.

[0060] As a result, one second layer protrusion and two second layer protrusions contact each of the two opposing side wall portions of the housing 60, one flange protrusion of the flange portion 32 contacts the first second layer inner surface 22f of the second layer 22, and the two flange protrusions contact the second second layer inner surface 22g of the second layer 22. Therefore, the second layer 22 can be firmly and stably fixed to the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60, and the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 can be firmly and stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer 22.

[0061] In addition, in the laser welding, the first flange protrusion 33a, the second flange protrusion 33b, and the third flange protrusion 33c of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 have a function of positioning with respect to the second layer 22 of the ring member 20. First, the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 is passed through the second opening 250B and the first opening 250A in this order from the side of the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20. Then, while tilting the flange portion 32, first, the first flange protrusion 33a is pressed against the first second layer inner surface 22f of the second layer 22. In the pressed state, the flange portion 32 is pressed into the second opening 250B with the first flange protrusion 33a as the center so that the second flange protrusion 33b is aligned with the first housing portion 22d (first recess 22d1) of the second second layer inner surface 22g of the second layer 22 and the third flange protrusion 33c is aligned with the second housing portion 22e (second recess 22e1). During this process, while the first flange protrusion 33a is crushed, the second flange protrusion 33b is accommodated in the first housing portion 22d (first recess 22d1) and the third flange protrusion 33c is accommodated in the second housing portion 22e (second recess 22e1). As a result, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is positioned on the inner surface of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 (first stage positioning).

[0062] Furthermore, in the laser welding, the first second layer protrusion 22c1, the second second layer protrusion 22c2, and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 have a positioning function with respect to the housing 60. After welding of the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20, while tilting the ring member 20, first, the first second layer protrusion 22c1 of the second layer 22 of the ring member 20 is pressed against the first inner surface 64a of the first side wall portion 64 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. In the pressed state, the ring member 20 is pressed into the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 so that the second second layer protrusion 22c2 and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 of the second layer 22 are aligned along the second inner surface 65a of the second side wall portion 65, with the first second layer protrusion 22c1 as the center. During this process, while the first second layer protrusion 22c1 is crushed, the second second layer protrusion 22c2 and the third second layer protrusion 22c3 come into contact with and are fixed to the second inner surface 65a of the second side wall portion 65. As a result, the ring member 20 is positioned on the first inner surface 64a and the second inner surface 65a of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 (second stage positioning).

[0063] Second embodiment Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 20.

[0064] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment includes a cap member 10, a ring member 20 which is a planar member, a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an imaging element 50, and a housing 60. The lens unit 30, the circuit board 40, and the imaging element 50 may have substantially the same configurations as those of the first embodiment.

[0065] The cap member 10 is provided around the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30, has at least a third cylindrical portion 15, and serves to protect the lens unit 30. The cap member 10 will be described in detail later.

[0066] The ring member 20, which is a planar member, is configured of a rectangular annular member in a planar view, as in the first embodiment, and is welded to the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 by laser welding. However, the ring member 20 does not necessarily have to be an independent member. In this embodiment, the ring member 20 only needs to function as an end surface portion that covers part of the end 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60, and the ring member 20 and the housing 60 may be supplied as an integrated part. The end surface portion supports the lens unit 30.

[0067] Next, the relationship between the cap member 10 and the ring member 20 will be described. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the cap member 10 and the ring member 20 in a separated state. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the cap member 10 viewed from the back side. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the ring member 20 viewed from the back side.

[0068] The third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10 has a cap end portion 16 facing the ring member 20 (the end surface portion of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60), and a leg-like first protruding portion 11, a second protruding portion 12, and a third protruding portion 13 protruding toward the inside of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 (see FIG. 23). The ring member 20 (end surface portion) has a first engaging portion 201 that engages with the first protruding portion 11 of the cap member 10, a second engaging portion 202 that engages with the second protruding portion 12 of the cap member 10, and a third engaging portion 203 that engages with the third protruding portion 13 of the cap member 10 (see FIG. 22). A specific mode of engagement will be described later.

[0069] Furthermore, the ring member 20 has a first convex portion 211, a second convex portion 212, and a third convex portion 213 that protrude in a direction along the optical axis L and away from the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and abut against at least a portion of the cap end 16 of the cap member 10 (see Figure 22).

[0070] Vehicle-mounted cameras are expected to have a variety of sizes, performance, and the like, and the imaging element 50 in particular has its performance changed depending on the product. As the imaging element 50 is changed, it becomes necessary to change the amount of protrusion in the Z-axis direction of the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 from the viewpoint of focus adjustment, etc. If the amount of protrusion of the first cylindrical portion 37 changes, it becomes necessary to change the design of the cap member 10 as well. However, from the viewpoint of reducing costs, labor, and the like, it is desirable to use a common cap member 10 for a plurality of products.

[0071] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to this embodiment, the end surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60, i.e., the ring member 20, has a first engagement portion 201, a second engagement portion 202, and a third engagement portion 203 that engage with the first protrusion 11, the second protrusion 12, and the third protrusion 13 of the cap member 10. The ring member 20 also has a first convex portion 211, a second convex portion 212, and a third convex portion 213 that abut against at least a part of the cap end portion 16 of the cap member 10. With this structure, even if the protrusion amount of the first cylindrical portion 37 changes due to the change in the imaging element 50 for each product of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the position of the cap member 10 in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted by changing the ring member 20 without changing the cap member 10. In particular, by changing the amount of protrusion in the Z-axis direction of the first convex portion 211, the second convex portion 212, and the third convex portion 213 of the ring member 20, it is possible to adjust the position of the cap member 10 in the Z-axis direction and engage the cap member 10 with the ring member 20 while aligning it with the first cylindrical portion 37. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost, labor, and the like required for changing the design of the cap member 10.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 21, according to this embodiment, a gap g is generated between the cap end 16 and the ring member 20 in the Z-axis direction, which may cause a problem in appearance, but there is no problem if the structure is covered by the vehicle body. In particular, when the in-vehicle camera 100C and the in-vehicle camera 100D are installed on the side mirror of the vehicle V as in Fig. 1, the cap member 10 is hidden by the side mirror, so there is no problem.

[0073] In addition, during the manufacturing process of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, it is difficult to determine the difference in the amount of protrusion of the first cylindrical portion 37 for each product and attach different types of cap members 10. This is because the difference in the amount of protrusion is slight. According to this embodiment, the first convex portion 211, the second convex portion 212, and the third convex portion 213 of the ring member 20 are changed in advance for each product, and even if the same cap member 10 is attached, it is attached in an appropriate position, eliminating the hassle of attaching different cap members 10 for each product.

[0074] In the embodiment, the end surface portion of the housing 60 includes the ring member 20, which is a flat plate-like planar member fixed to the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61. This allows the end surface portion of the housing 60 to be easily manufactured from the flat plate-like planar member. The housing 60 and the ring member 20 are fixed to each other by, for example, laser welding, but may also be fixed to each other by an adhesive.

[0075] The ring member 20 has a third surface 20a and a fourth surface 20b opposite to the third surface 20a, and may be welded to the fourth surface 20b over the entire circumference of the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. This allows the end portion 63 of the housing 60 and the ring member 20 to be firmly fixed to each other.

[0076] Additionally, the external shape of the third cylindrical portion of the cap member 10 has a first rectangle having a first corner 15a, a second corner 15b, a third corner 15c, and a fourth corner 15d in a plan view. The ring member 20 has an opening 25 through which the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 penetrates. The opening 25 of the ring member 20 has a second rectangle having a fifth corner 25a, a sixth corner 25b, a seventh corner 25c, and an eighth corner 25d in a plan view.

[0077] The first protrusion 11 of the cap member 10 is formed corresponding to the first corner 15a of the first rectangle, the second protrusion 12 of the cap member 10 is formed corresponding to the second corner 15b of the first rectangle, and the third protrusion 13 of the cap member 10 is formed corresponding to the third corner 15c of the first rectangle. The fourth protrusion 14 further included in the cap member 10 is formed corresponding to the fourth corner 15d of the first rectangle.

[0078] The first engagement portion 201 of the ring member 20 is formed corresponding to the fifth corner 25a of the second rectangle, the second engagement portion 202 of the ring member 20 is formed corresponding to the sixth corner 25b of the second rectangle, and the third engagement portion 203 of the ring member 20 is formed corresponding to the seventh corner 25c of the second rectangle. The fourth engagement portion 204 further included in the ring member 20 is formed corresponding to the eighth corner 25d of the second rectangle.

[0079] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the third tubular portion 15 of the cap member 10 and the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and also makes it possible to easily form the four protrusions of the cap member 10 and the four engagement portions of the ring member 20.

[0080] Next, the relationship between the protruding portion of the cap member and the ring member 20 will be described. Fig. 25 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 with the cap member 10 removed. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is an enlarged view of region B in Fig. 26.

[0081] 22, the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20 has a first side 251, a second side 252 intersecting with the first side 251, a third side 253 intersecting with the second side 252, and a fourth side 254 intersecting with the third side 253. As shown in Fig. 23, the first protruding portion 11 of the cap member 10 has a first leg portion 11a extending from the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10 to penetrate the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a first claw portion 11b extending from a tip portion of the first leg portion 11a.

[0082] As shown in Figures 22, 26, and 27, the first engagement portion 201 of the ring member 20 includes a first upright protrusion 201a that stands from the third surface 20a of the ring member 20 toward the cap end 16 of the cap member 10 at the fifth corner 25a of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20.

[0083] The first protrusion 201a of the ring member 20 includes a first engagement surface 201b (see FIG. 30) that faces the opening 25 of the ring member 20 and engages with the first claw portion 11b of the cap member 10, a first standing surface 201c that stands from a first side 251 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a second standing surface 201d that stands from a second side 252. As shown by the inclination angle θ in FIG. 27, the first standing surface 201c and the second standing surface 201d of the first protrusion 201a of the ring member 20 are inclined in the direction along the optical axis L toward the center of the ring member 20 in a plan view.

[0084] As a result, the first claw portion 11b of the first protrusion 11 of the cap member 10 and the first engagement surface 201b of the first rising ridge 201a of the first engagement portion 201 are firmly and stably engaged with each other. Also, as shown in FIG. 27, during laser welding of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20, the welding laser is irradiated from above along the Z-axis direction and at a position between the first rising ridge 201a and the first convex portion 211. If the first rising ridge 201a is present at a position where the welding laser passes, it may hinder welding. However, since the first rising surface 201c and the second rising surface 201d, which are closest to the welding laser, are inclined in the direction along the optical axis L toward the center of the ring member 20 in a plan view, the welding laser reaches the ring member 20 and the flange portion 32 without coming into contact with the first rising ridge 201a. Therefore, laser welding of the flange portion 32 and the ring member 20 can be carried out smoothly.

[0085] The above description relates to the relationship between the first protrusion 11 of the cap member 10 and the first upright ridge 201a of the ring member 20. However, the other three protrusions and the other three upright ridges have the same configuration and effect.

[0086] That is, the second protruding portion 12 of the cap member 10 includes a second leg portion 12a extending from the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10 to penetrate the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a second claw portion 12b extending from a tip portion of the second leg portion 12a. The third protruding portion 13 of the cap member 10 includes a third leg portion 13a extending from the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10 to penetrate the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a third claw portion 13b extending from a tip portion of the third leg portion 13a. The fourth protruding portion 14 of the cap member 10 includes a fourth leg portion 14a extending from the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10 to penetrate the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a fourth claw portion 14b extending from a tip portion of the fourth leg portion 14a.

[0087] The second engagement portion 202 of the ring member 20 includes a second upright ridge 202a that rises from the third surface 20a of the ring member 20 toward the cap end 16 of the cap member 10 at a sixth corner 25b of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20. The third engagement portion 203 of the ring member 20 includes a third upright ridge 203a that rises from the third surface 20a of the ring member 20 toward the cap end 16 of the cap member 10 at a seventh corner 25c of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20. The fourth engagement portion 204 of the ring member 20 includes a fourth upright ridge 204a that rises from the third surface 20a of the ring member 20 toward the cap end 16 of the cap member 10 at an eighth corner of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20.

[0088] The second protrusion 202a of the ring member 20 includes a second engagement surface 202b with which the second claw portion 12b of the cap member 10 engages while facing the opening 25 of the ring member 20, a third erected surface 202c rising from the second side 252 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a fourth erected surface 202d rising from the third side 253. The third protrusion 203a of the ring member 20 includes a third engagement surface 203b with which the third claw portion 13b of the cap member 10 engages while facing the opening 25 of the ring member 20, a fifth erected surface 203c rising from the third side 253 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a sixth erected surface 203d rising from the fourth side. The fourth upright protrusion 204a of the ring member 20 includes a fourth engagement surface 204b that faces the opening 25 of the ring member 20 and engages with the fourth claw portion 14b of the cap member 10, a seventh upright surface 204c that stands from the fourth side 254 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and an eighth upright surface 204d that stands from the first side 251.

[0089] 27, the third upright surface 202c and the fourth upright surface 202d of the second upright ridge 202a of the ring member 20 are inclined in the direction along the optical axis L toward the center of the ring member 20 in a planar view. The fifth upright surface 203c and the sixth upright surface 203d of the third upright ridge 203a of the ring member 20 are inclined in the direction along the optical axis L toward the center of the ring member 20 in a planar view. The seventh upright surface 204c and the eighth upright surface 204d of the fourth upright ridge 204a of the ring member 20 are inclined in the direction along the optical axis L toward the center of the ring member 20 in a planar view.

[0090] Next, the claw portion of the cap member will be described in detail. Fig. 28 is a bottom view of the cap member 10 and the ring member 20 as viewed from the back side. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of area D in Fig. 28.

[0091] The first claw portion 11b of the cap member 10 includes a first edge portion 11b1 facing a first side 251 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, a second edge portion 11b2 facing a second side 252 of the second rectangle of the opening 25 of the ring member 20, and a third edge portion 11b3 connecting the first edge portion 11b1 and the second edge portion 11b2. The first edge portion 11b1, the second edge portion 11b2, and the third edge portion 11b3 are disposed on the first engagement surface 201b of the first upright protrusion 201a of the ring member 20. The first edge portion 11b1 and the second edge portion 11b2 of the first claw portion 11b are chamfered and are spaced apart from the first side 251 and the second side 252, respectively.

[0092] As a result, the first claw portion 11b has two edges that face the sides of the opening 25 chamfered, allowing the first claw portion 11b to smoothly engage with the first engagement surface 201b of the first upright rib 201a. The other second claw portion 12b, third claw portion 13b, and fourth claw portion 14b may also be chamfered in the same manner as the first claw portion 11b.

[0093] The first protrusion 211 of the ring member 20 abuts against the cap end 16 corresponding to the first corner 15a of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10. The second protrusion 212 of the ring member 20 abuts against the cap end 16 corresponding to the second corner 15b of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10. The third protrusion 213 of the ring member 20 abuts against the cap end 16 corresponding to the third corner 15c of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion 15 of the cap member 10.

[0094] As a result, at least three protrusions of the ring member 20 come into contact with the cap end portion 16 of the cap member 10, so that the cap member 10 can be stably placed on the ring member 20.

[0095] As described in the first embodiment, the lens unit 30 includes a flange portion 32 disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion 37 around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis L of at least one lens and extending outward with respect to the optical axis L. The presence of the flange portion 32 enables the lens unit 30 to be supported by the ring member 20, i.e., the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. When the end surface portion is the ring member 20 separate from the housing 60, the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20 may be supplied as a single unit.

[0096] The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has a first flange surface 32a, a second flange surface 32b opposite to the first flange surface 32a and facing the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, and a flange end surface 32c connecting the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b. The fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is fixed to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. This allows the lens unit 30 to be supported by the end portion 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 via the ring member 20.

[0097] 27 described above, in a cross-sectional view of the ring member 20 and the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 in the direction along the optical axis L, the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is welded to the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 between the first upright ridge 201a and the first convex portion 211 of the ring member 20. This makes it possible to prevent the first upright ridge 201a and the first convex portion 211 from interfering with the application of the welding laser when the ring member 20 and the flange portion 32 are laser welded together.

[0098] Furthermore, the cap member 10 has a second cross section having a smaller cross-sectional area than a first cross section perpendicular to the optical axis L of the third cylindrical portion 15, and includes a fourth cylindrical portion 17 formed continuously with the third cylindrical portion 15. This allows the fourth cylindrical portion 17 of the cap member 10 to be disposed around the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30, and the first cylindrical portion 37 can be protected.

[0099] The ring member 20 further includes a fourth convex portion 214 that protrudes in a direction along the optical axis L and away from the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and abuts against at least a part of the cap end 16 of the cap member 10. The first convex portion 211, the second convex portion 212, the third convex portion 213, and the fourth convex portion 214 of the ring member 20 are, for example, polygonal, and a second cross section of the cap member 10 perpendicular to the optical axis L is, for example, circular.

[0100] As a result, the four convex portions of the ring member 20 come into contact with the cap end portion 16 of the cap member 10, so that the cap member 10 can be stably placed on the ring member 20, and since the cross section of the fourth tubular portion 17 is circular, the fourth tubular portion 17 fits around the cylindrical first tubular portion 37, so that the first tubular portion 37 can be appropriately protected. The polygonal shapes of the first convex portion 211, the second convex portion 212, the third convex portion 213, and the fourth convex portion 214 may be, for example, an octagon as shown in the figure, but are not particularly limited thereto.

[0101] The first protrusion 11, the second protrusion 12, the third protrusion 13, and the fourth protrusion 14 of the cap member 10 have a snap-fit ​​shape. As a result, the first protrusion 11, the second protrusion 12, the third protrusion 13, and the fourth protrusion 14 have elasticity, and the cap member 10 can be easily detached from the ring member 20.

[0102] As a result, the present disclosure includes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiment are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0103] (A1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) including a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 37) having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion (flange portion 32) disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis (optical axis L) of the at least one lens around the entire circumference of the first cylindrical portion, A circuit board (circuit board 40) having a first surface (first surface 40a) and a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface; an imaging element (imaging element 50) disposed on the optical axis of the lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a housing (housing 60) having a second cylindrical portion (large diameter cylindrical portion 61) that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis and that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; a planar member (ring member 20) disposed around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and including a third surface (third surface 20a) and a fourth surface (fourth surface 20b) opposite the third surface and closer to the circuit board than the third surface; the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a), a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) opposite to the first flange surface and positioned in an internal space of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and a flange end surface (flange end surface 32c) connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface, The planar member is a first layer (first layer 21) disposed around the first cylindrical portion between the third surface and the fourth surface and including a first layer end surface (first layer end surface 21a) having a first thickness; a second layer (22) between the third surface and the fourth surface, at least a part of a periphery of the first cylindrical portion, along the first layer, closer to the circuit board than the first layer, having an area smaller than that of the first layer, and including a second layer end surface (22a) having a second thickness; the first layer of the planar member includes a first region (first region 23) in which the second layer is disposed, and a second region (second region 24) in which the second layer is not disposed, The first layer of the planar member has a fifth surface (fifth surface 20c) opposite the third surface in the second region, the fifth surface of the first layer of the planar member is fixed to the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, and is also fixed to an end (end 63) of the second cylindrical portion of the housing; the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has at least one second layer protrusion (second layer protrusion 22c) that protrudes toward an inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing and abuts against the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing; In-car camera.

[0104] In-vehicle cameras are expected to be available in a variety of sizes, performance, etc., and circuit boards in particular are used with specifications such as performance, size, shape, etc. that are changed according to the product. A change in the circuit board requires a change in the size of the second cylindrical part of the housing, but a change in the size of the second cylindrical part also requires a change in the design of the size of the lens unit, particularly the flange part. However, the lens unit is a precision optical component, and changing the design is not easy, and requires effort, cost, time, etc.

[0105] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted camera, the planar member, which can be manufactured relatively inexpensively and easily, has a two-layer structure including a first layer and a second layer. With this structure, even if the size of the second cylindrical part is changed due to a change in the circuit board for each vehicle-mounted camera product, the gap between the second cylindrical part of the housing and the flange part of the lens unit can be filled by changing the size of the second layer without changing the lens unit. In addition, the ring member can be easily fixed to the second cylindrical part of the housing by the action of the second layer protrusion part of the second layer. As a result, even if the size of the second cylindrical part of the housing changes due to a change in the circuit board, the light can be prevented from entering the inside of the housing from the outside by changing the design of the ring member without changing the lens unit. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variety of vehicle-mounted cameras while suppressing labor, cost, time, etc.

[0106] (A2) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), The first thickness of the first layer of the planar member is smaller than the second thickness of the second layer of the planar member. In-car camera.

[0107] This allows the second layer to efficiently prevent light from entering the inside of the housing from the outside.

[0108] (A3) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), a first optical transparency of the first layer for light of a predetermined wavelength is greater than a second optical transparency of the second layer for light of the predetermined wavelength; In-car camera.

[0109] This allows the first layer to be smoothly fixed to the flange portion of the lens unit and the end of the second cylindrical portion of the housing by laser welding, and the second layer to efficiently prevent light from entering the inside of the housing from the outside.

[0110] (A4) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), The planar member is formed by laser welding the first layer and the second layer, or by two-color molding of the resin material of the first layer and the resin material of the second layer. In-car camera.

[0111] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the planar member.

[0112] (A5) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), the second layer of the planar member has a first rectangle including a first side (first side 22A) and a second side (second side 22B) opposed to the first side in a plan view of the planar member, the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has a first second layer end surface (first second layer end surface 22a1) corresponding to the first side, the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has a second second layer end surface (second second layer end surface 22a2) corresponding to the second side, The at least one second layer protrusion portion of the second layer of the planar member includes a first second layer protrusion portion (first second layer protrusion portion 22c1) arranged on the first second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member, a second second layer protrusion portion (second second layer protrusion portion 22c2) and a third second layer protrusion portion (third second layer protrusion portion 22c3) arranged on the second second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member. In-car camera.

[0113] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the second layer, and also allows the second layer to be firmly fixed to the second cylindrical portion of the housing by the three second layer protrusions.

[0114] (A6) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A5), the first second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a center of the first second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member, the second second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a position spaced a first distance from a center of the second second layer end face, the third second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a position spaced a second distance from a center of the second second layer end surface; In-car camera.

[0115] This enables the three second layer protrusions to firmly fix the second layer to the second cylindrical portion of the housing.

[0116] (A7) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), The length of the first distance is the same as the length of the second distance. In-car camera.

[0117] As a result, the second second layer protrusion and the third second layer protrusion are formed at equal distances from the center of the second second layer end face, allowing the second layer to be stably fixed to the second cylindrical portion of the housing.

[0118] (A8) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A1), The flange portion of the lens unit has a second rectangle including a third side (third side 320A) and a fourth side (fourth side 320B) facing the third side in a plan view of the flange portion, the flange end surface of the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange end surface (first flange end surface 32c1) corresponding to the third side, the flange end surface of the flange portion of the lens unit has a second flange end surface (second flange end surface 32c2) corresponding to the fourth side, A first flange protrusion (first flange protrusion 33a) is disposed at the center of the first flange end surface of the flange portion so as to protrude from the first flange end surface toward an inner surface of the second layer and to be in contact with the first flange end surface; a second flange protrusion (second flange protrusion 33b) disposed at a position a third distance away from a center of the second flange end surface of the flange portion on the second flange end surface of the flange portion; and a third flange protrusion (33c) disposed at a fourth distance from the center of the second flange end surface of the flange portion. In-car camera.

[0119] This enables the three flange protrusions formed on the flange end face to firmly fix the flange portion of the lens unit to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0120] (A9) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A8), The length of the third distance is the same as the length of the fourth distance. In-car camera.

[0121] As a result, the second flange protrusion and the third flange protrusion are formed at equal distances from the center of the second flange end face, so that the flange portion of the lens unit can be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0122] The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A10) or (A9), a fifth distance between the second second layer protrusion and the third second layer protrusion on the second second layer end surface of the second layer is greater than a sixth distance between the second flange protrusion and the third flange protrusion on the second flange end surface of the flange portion; In-car camera.

[0123] As a result, the two second layer protrusions are disposed outward of the two flange protrusions with respect to the optical axis, and the distance between the two second layer protrusions is greater than the distance between the two flange protrusions, so that the second layer can be stably fixed to the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and the flange portion of the lens unit can be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0124] (A11) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A10), The inner surface of the second layer has at least a first accommodating portion (first accommodating portion 22d) that accommodates the second flange protrusion and a second accommodating portion (second accommodating portion 22e) that accommodates the third flange protrusion. In-car camera.

[0125] This allows the flange portion of the lens unit to be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0126] (A12) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A11), The first storage portion of the second layer has a first recess (first recess 22d1) in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer toward the second second layer end surface, the second accommodating portion of the second layer has a second recess (a second recess 22e1) in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer toward the second second layer end surface, The first recess and the second recess are spaced apart by the sixth distance. In-car camera.

[0127] This allows the flange portion of the lens unit to be stably fixed to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0128] (A13) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A12), the first rectangle of the second layer is a rectangular shape; The first side of the first rectangle and the second side of the first rectangle are long sides of the rectangle. In-car camera.

[0129] This allows the second layer to be manufactured easily.

[0130] (A14) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A13), the second layer has a third recess (third recess 26) which is the fourth surface of the second layer and is in a direction from the fourth surface to the third surface; In-car camera.

[0131] This allows the planar member to be made lighter.

[0132] (A15) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A14), The second layer is the fourth surface of the second layer, and has a fourth recess (fourth recess 27) different from the third recess in a direction from the fourth surface toward the third surface, in a vehicle-mounted camera.

[0133] This allows the planar member to be made lighter.

[0134] (A16) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (A15), The second cylindrical portion of the housing includes a first side wall portion (first side wall portion 64) having a first inner surface (first inner surface 64a), and a second side wall portion (second side wall portion 65) facing the first side wall portion and having a second inner surface (second inner surface 65a), The inner surface of the second layer includes a first second layer inner surface (first second layer inner surface 22f) and a second second layer inner surface (second second layer inner surface 22g), the first second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the first inner surface of the first side wall of the housing; the second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the second inner surface of the second side wall of the housing; the third second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the second inner surface of the second side wall portion of the housing; the first flange projection of the flange portion contacts the first second layer inner surface of the second layer; the second flange projection of the flange portion contacts the second layer inner surface of the second layer; The third flange protrusion of the flange portion contacts the second layer inner surface of the second layer. In-car camera.

[0135] As a result, one second layer protrusion and two second layer protrusions contact each of two opposing side walls of the housing, one flange protrusion of the flange portion contacts the first second layer inner surface, and the two flange protrusions contact the second second layer inner surface. This makes it possible to firmly and stably fix the second layer to the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and to firmly and stably fix the flange portion of the lens unit to the inner surface of the second layer.

[0136] (B1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) including a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 37) having a first cylindrical shape and at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion; A circuit board (circuit board 40) having a first surface (first surface 40a) and a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface; an imaging element (imaging element 50) disposed on the optical axis (optical axis L) of the lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a housing (housing 60) having a second cylindrical portion (large diameter cylindrical portion 61) that is a second cylindrical portion along the optical axis and an end surface portion (ring member 20) that covers a part of an end of the second cylindrical portion, the housing 60 housing at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion, and the end surface portion of the second cylindrical portion supporting the lens unit; a cap member (cap member 10) provided around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and having a third cylindrical portion (third cylindrical portion 15), the third cylindrical portion of the cap member has a cap end portion (cap end portion 16) facing the end surface portion of the second cylindrical portion, and a first protruding portion (first protruding portion 11), a second protruding portion (second protruding portion 12), and a third protruding portion (third protruding portion 13) protruding toward the inside of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, the end surface portion of the second cylindrical portion of the housing has a first engagement portion (first engagement portion 201) that engages with the first protruding portion of the cap member, a second engagement portion (second engagement portion 202) that engages with the second protruding portion of the cap member, and a third engagement portion (third engagement portion 203) that engages with the third protruding portion of the cap member, The end surface portion of the second cylindrical portion of the housing includes a first convex portion (first convex portion 211), a second convex portion (second convex portion 212), and a third convex portion (third convex portion 213) that protrude in a direction along the optical axis in a direction away from the first surface of the circuit board and abut against at least a part of the cap end portion of the cap member. In-car camera.

[0137] In-vehicle cameras are expected to be available in a variety of sizes, performance, etc., and imaging elements, in particular, are used with performance changes according to the product. As the imaging element is changed, it becomes necessary to change the amount of protrusion of the first cylindrical part of the lens unit in the Z-axis direction from the viewpoint of focus adjustment, etc. If the amount of protrusion of the first cylindrical part changes, it becomes necessary to change the design of the cap member as well. However, from the viewpoint of reducing costs, labor, etc., it is desirable to use a common cap member for multiple products.

[0138] In the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted camera, the end surface of the second cylindrical part of the housing has a first engagement part, a second engagement part, and a third engagement part that engage with the first protrusion part, the second protrusion part, and the third protrusion part of the cap member. Also, the ring member has a first convex part, a second convex part, and a third convex part that abuts at least a part of the cap end part of the cap member. With this structure, even if the protrusion amount of the first cylindrical part changes due to the change of the imaging element for each vehicle-mounted camera product, the position of the cap member in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted by changing the end surface part without changing the cap member. In particular, by changing the protrusion amount in the Z-axis direction of the first convex part, the second convex part, and the third convex part of the ring member, the position of the cap member in the Z-axis direction can be adjusted and the cap member and the end surface part can be engaged while aligning with the first cylindrical part. Therefore, the cost, labor, etc. required for the design change of the cap member can be reduced.

[0139] (B2) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B1), The end surface portion of the housing includes a flat plate-shaped member (ring member 20) fixed to the end portion of the second cylindrical portion of the housing. In-car camera.

[0140] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the end surface portion of the housing using a flat plate-like material.

[0141] (B3) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B2), The planar member has a third surface (third surface 20a) and a fourth surface (fourth surface 20b) opposite the third surface, The planar member is welded to the end of the second cylindrical portion of the housing along the entire circumference of the fourth surface of the planar member. In-car camera.

[0142] This allows the end of the housing and the planar member to be firmly fixed together.

[0143] (B4) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B1), The external shape of the third cylindrical portion of the cap member has a first rectangle having a first corner portion (first corner portion 15a), a second corner portion (second corner portion 15b), a third corner portion (third corner portion 15c), and a fourth corner portion (fourth corner portion 15d) in a plan view, the planar member has an opening (opening 25) through which the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit passes, The opening of the planar member has a second rectangle having a fifth corner (fifth corner 25a), a sixth corner (sixth corner 25b), a seventh corner (seventh corner 25c), and an eighth corner (eighth corner 25d) in a plan view, the first protrusion of the cap member is formed to correspond to the first corner of the first rectangle, the second protrusion of the cap member is formed to correspond to the second corner of the first rectangle, the third protrusion of the cap member is formed to correspond to the third corner of the first rectangle, The cap member further includes a fourth protrusion (fourth protrusion 14) formed in correspondence with the fourth corner of the first rectangle, the first engagement portion of the planar member is formed to correspond to the fifth corner portion of the second rectangle, the second engagement portion of the planar member is formed to correspond to the sixth corner portion of the second rectangle, the third engagement portion of the planar member is formed to correspond to the seventh corner of the second rectangle, The fourth engagement portion (fourth engagement portion 204) further included in the planar member is formed in correspondence with the eighth corner of the second rectangle. In-car camera.

[0144] This makes it possible to easily manufacture the third cylindrical portion of the cap member and the opening of the planar member, and also makes it possible to easily form the four protrusions of the cap member and the four engagement portions of the planar member.

[0145] (B5) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B4), The second rectangle of the opening of the planar member includes a first side (first side 251), a second side (second side 252) intersecting with the first side, a third side (third side 253) intersecting with the second side, and a fourth side (fourth side 254) intersecting with the third side, the first protrusion of the cap member includes a first leg portion (first leg portion 11a) extending from the third cylindrical portion of the cap member so as to penetrate the opening of the planar member, and a first claw portion (first claw portion 11b) extending from a tip portion of the first leg portion, the first engagement portion of the planar member includes a first upright protrusion (first upright protrusion 201a) that stands from the third surface of the planar member toward the cap end of the cap member at the fifth corner of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, The first protrusion of the planar member includes a first engagement surface (first engagement surface 201b) that faces the opening of the planar member and engages with the first claw portion of the cap member, a first standing surface (first standing surface 201c) that stands from the first side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, and a second standing surface (second standing surface 201d) that stands from the second side, The first raised surface and the second raised surface of the first raised protrusion of the planar member are inclined in a direction along the optical axis so as to approach a center of the planar member in a planar view. In-car camera.

[0146] As a result, the first claw portion of the first protrusion of the cap member and the first engagement surface of the first rising ridge of the first engagement portion are firmly engaged. In addition, during laser welding of the flange portion of the lens unit and the ring member, the welding laser is irradiated from above along the Z-axis direction and at a position between the first rising ridge and the first convex portion. If the first rising ridge is present at a position where the welding laser passes, it may hinder welding. However, since the first rising surface and the second rising surface closest to the welding laser are inclined toward the center of the ring member in a plan view in a direction along the optical axis L, the welding laser reaches the ring member and the flange portion without coming into contact with the first rising ridge. Therefore, laser welding of the flange portion and the ring member can be performed smoothly.

[0147] (B6) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B5), The first claw portion of the cap member includes a first edge portion (first edge portion 11b1) facing the first side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, a second edge portion (second edge portion 11b2) facing the second side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, and a third edge portion (third edge portion 11b3) connecting the first edge portion and the second edge portion, the first edge portion, the second edge portion, and the third edge portion are disposed on the first engagement surface of the first upright protrusion of the planar member, The first edge portion and the second edge portion of the first claw portion of the cap member are chamfered. In-car camera.

[0148] As a result, the two edges of the first claw portion that face the sides of the opening are chamfered, allowing the first claw portion to smoothly engage with the first engagement surface of the first upright ridge.

[0149] (B7) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B5), the first protrusion of the planar member abuts against the cap end portion corresponding to the first corner portion of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion of the cap member, the second protrusion of the planar member abuts against the cap end portion corresponding to the second corner portion of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion of the cap member, the third protrusion of the planar member abuts against the cap end portion corresponding to the third corner portion of the first rectangle of the third cylindrical portion of the cap member; In-car camera.

[0150] This allows at least three protrusions of the planar member to abut against the cap end of the cap member, allowing the cap member to be stably placed on the planar member.

[0151] (B8) (B7) The vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention, The lens unit includes a flange portion (flange portion 32) disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outwardly with respect to the optical axis of the at least one lens around the entire circumference of the first cylindrical portion. In-car camera.

[0152] With this, the flange portion makes it possible to support the lens unit at the end portion of the second cylindrical portion of the housing.

[0153] (B9) (B8) The vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention, the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a), a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) opposite the first flange surface and facing the first surface of the circuit board, and a flange end surface (flange end surface 32c) connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface, the fourth surface of the planar member is fixed to the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit; In-car camera.

[0154] This makes it possible for the lens unit to be supported by the end of the second cylindrical portion of the housing via the planar member.

[0155] (B10) (B9) The vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention, In a cross-sectional view of the planar member and the flange portion of the lens unit in a direction along the optical axis, the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is welded to the fourth surface of the planar member between the first upright protrusion and the first convex portion of the planar member. In-car camera.

[0156] This makes it possible to prevent the first upright ridges and the first convex portion from interfering with laser irradiation during laser welding of the planar member and the flange portion.

[0157] (B11) (B6) The vehicle-mounted camera according to the present invention, The cap member has a second cross section having a smaller cross-sectional area than a first cross section of the third cylindrical portion perpendicular to the optical axis, and includes a fourth cylindrical portion formed continuously with the third cylindrical portion. In-car camera.

[0158] This makes it possible to easily dispose the fourth cylindrical portion of the cap member around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit, thereby protecting the first cylindrical portion.

[0159] (B12) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B11), the planar member further includes a fourth protrusion that protrudes in a direction along the optical axis away from the first surface of the circuit board and abuts against at least a portion of the cap end of the cap member, the first convex portion, the second convex portion, the third convex portion, and the fourth convex portion of the planar member are polygonal, The second cross section of the cap member perpendicular to the optical axis is circular. In-car camera.

[0160] As a result, the four convex portions of the planar member abut against the cap ends of the cap member, allowing the cap member to be stably positioned on the planar member, and since the cross section of the fourth tubular portion is circular, the fourth tubular portion fits around the cylindrical first tubular portion, thereby providing adequate protection for the first tubular portion.

[0161] (B13) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B12), The first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion of the cap member have a snap-fit ​​shape. In-car camera.

[0162] As a result, the first protruding portion, the second protruding portion, the third protruding portion and the fourth protruding portion have elasticity, and the cap member can be easily detached from the planar member.

[0163] The vehicle-mounted camera according to (B14) or (B5), The second protruding portion of the cap member includes a second leg portion (second leg portion 12a) extending from the third cylindrical portion of the cap member so as to penetrate the opening of the planar member, and a second claw portion (second claw portion 12b) extending from a tip portion of the second leg portion. The third protrusion of the cap member includes a third leg portion (third leg portion 13a) extending from the third cylindrical portion of the cap member so as to penetrate the opening of the planar member, and a third claw portion (third claw portion 13b) extending from a tip portion of the third leg portion. the fourth protrusion of the cap member includes a fourth leg portion (fourth leg portion 14a) extending from the third cylindrical portion of the cap member so as to penetrate the opening of the planar member, and a fourth claw portion (fourth claw portion 14b) extending from a tip portion of the fourth leg portion, the second engagement portion of the planar member includes a second upright protrusion (second upright protrusion 202a) that stands from the third surface of the planar member toward the cap end of the cap member at the sixth corner of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, the third engagement portion of the planar member includes a third upright protrusion (third upright protrusion 203a) that stands from the third surface of the planar member toward the cap end of the cap member at the seventh corner of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, the fourth engagement portion of the planar member includes a fourth upright protrusion (fourth upright protrusion 204a) that stands from the third surface of the planar member toward the cap end of the cap member at the eighth corner of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, the second protrusion of the planar member includes a second engagement surface (second engagement surface 202b) that faces the opening of the planar member and engages with the second claw portion of the cap member, a third erected surface (third erected surface 202c) that erects from the second side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, and a fourth erected surface (fourth erected surface 202d) that erects from the third side, The third protrusion of the planar member includes a third engagement surface (third engagement surface 203b) that faces the opening of the planar member and engages with the third claw portion of the cap member, a fifth erected surface (fifth erected surface 203c) that erects from the third side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, and a sixth erected surface (sixth erected surface 203d) that erects from the fourth side. the fourth protrusion of the planar member includes a fourth engagement surface (fourth engagement surface 204b) with which the fourth claw portion of the cap member engages while facing the opening of the planar member, a seventh upright surface (seventh upright surface 204c) that stands from the fourth side of the second rectangle of the opening of the planar member, and an eighth upright surface (eighth upright surface 204d) that stands from the first side, the third raised surface and the fourth raised surface of the second raised protrusion of the planar member are inclined in a direction along the optical axis toward a center of the planar member in a plan view, the fifth raised surface and the sixth raised surface of the third raised protrusion of the planar member are inclined in a direction along the optical axis toward a center of the planar member in a planar view, The seventh raised surface and the eighth raised surface of the fourth raised protrusion of the planar member are inclined in a direction along the optical axis toward a center of the planar member in a plan view. In-car camera.

[0164] As a result, the second to fourth claws of the second to fourth protrusions of the cap member and the second to fourth engagement surfaces of the second to fourth rising ridges of the second to fourth engagement parts are firmly engaged. In addition, during laser welding of the flange part of the lens unit and the ring member, the welding laser is irradiated from above along the Z-axis direction and at a position between the second to fourth rising ridges and the second to fourth convex parts. If the second to fourth rising ridges are present at a position where the welding laser passes, there is a risk of impeding welding. However, since each rising surface closest to the welding laser is inclined toward the center of the ring member in a plan view in the direction along the optical axis L, the welding laser reaches the ring member and the flange part without coming into contact with the second to fourth rising ridges. Therefore, laser welding of the flange part and the ring member can be performed smoothly.

[0165] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents may be made within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0166] The present disclosure is useful as an in-vehicle camera that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures excellent imaging performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10 Cap member 11 First protrusion 11a 1st leg 11b 1st claw part 11b1 1st edge 11b2 2nd edge 11b3 3rd edge 12 Second protrusion 12a 2nd leg 12b Second claw 13 Third protrusion 13a Third leg 13b Third claw 14 Fourth protrusion 14a 4th leg 14b 4th claw 15 Third cylindrical section 15a 1st corner 15b 2nd corner 15c 3rd corner 15d Fourth corner 16 Cap end 17 Fourth cylindrical section 20 Ring member (plane member, end surface portion) 20a Side 3 20b Side 4 20c page 5 21 1st layer 21a 1st layer end face 22 2nd layer 22A Side 1 22B Side 2 22a 2nd layer end face 22a1 1st 2nd layer end face 22a2 second layer end surface 22c 2nd layer protrusion 22c1 1st 2nd layer protrusion 22c2 second layer protrusion 22c3 Third second layer protrusion 22d First storage section 22d1 First recess 22e Second storage section 22e1 Second recess 22f 1st 2nd layer inner surface 22g 2nd layer inner surface 23 First area 24 Second area 25 Opening 250A 1st opening 250B 2nd opening 25a 5th corner 25b 6th corner 25c 7th corner 25d 8th corner 26 Third recess 27 4th recess 30 Lens unit 31 Lens barrel 32 Flange section 32A Third Side 32B Side 4 32a First flange surface 32b Second flange surface 32c Flange end face 32c1 First flange end face 32c2 Second flange end face 33a First flange protrusion 33b Second flange protrusion 33c Third flange protrusion 37 First cylindrical section 40 Circuit Board 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 50 Image sensor 60 Case 61 Large diameter cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion) 62 Small diameter cylindrical part 63 End 64 First side wall 64a First inner surface 65 Second side wall 65a Second inner surface 80 Connectors 100 Car Camera 201 First engagement part 201a 1st standing ridge 201b 1st engagement surface 201c 1st standing plane 201d 2nd upright plane 202 Second engagement portion 202a Second standing ridge 202b Second engagement surface 202c 3rd upright plane 202d 4th upright plane 203 Third engagement part 203a Third standing ridge 203b Third engagement surface 203c 5th upright plane 203d 6th upright plane 204 Fourth engagement part 204a 4th standing ridge 204b 4th engagement surface 204c 7th upright plane 204d 8th upright plane 211 First protrusion 212 Second convex part 213 Third convex part 214 4th convex part 251 Side 1 252 Side 2 253 Third Side 254 Side 4

Claims

1. a lens unit including a first cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with the optical axis as a reference, around the entire circumference of the at least one lens; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an imaging element disposed on the optical axis of the lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a housing having a second cylindrical portion that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis and that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; a planar member disposed around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit, the planar member having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface and closer to the circuit board than the third surface; the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange surface, a second flange surface opposite to the first flange surface and positioned in an internal space of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, and a flange end surface connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface, The planar member is a first layer disposed around the first cylindrical portion between the third surface and the fourth surface and including a first layer end surface having a first thickness; a second layer between the third surface and the fourth surface, at least a portion of a periphery of the first cylindrical portion, along the first layer, closer to the circuit board than the first layer, smaller in area than the first layer, and including a second layer end surface having a second thickness; The first layer of the planar member includes a first region in which the second layer is disposed and a second region in which the second layer is not disposed, The first layer of the planar member has a fifth surface opposite the third surface in the second region, the fifth surface of the first layer of the planar member is fixed to the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and is also fixed to an end of the second cylindrical portion of the housing; the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has at least one second layer protrusion portion that protrudes toward an inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing and abuts against the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing; In-car camera.

2. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, The first thickness of the first layer of the planar member is smaller than the second thickness of the second layer of the planar member. In-car camera.

3. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, a first optical transparency of the first layer for light of a predetermined wavelength is greater than a second optical transparency of the second layer for light of the predetermined wavelength; In-car camera.

4. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, The planar member is formed by laser welding the first layer and the second layer, or by two-color molding of a resin material of the first layer and a resin material of the second layer. In-car camera.

5. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the second layer of the planar member has a first rectangle including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in a plan view of the planar member, the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has a first second layer end surface corresponding to the first side, the second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member has a second second layer end surface corresponding to the second side, The at least one second layer protrusion portion of the second layer of the planar member includes a first second layer protrusion portion arranged on the first second layer end face of the second layer of the planar member, and a second second layer protrusion portion and a third second layer protrusion portion arranged on the second second layer end face of the second layer of the planar member. In-car camera.

6. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, the first second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a center of the first second layer end surface of the second layer of the planar member, the second second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a position spaced a first distance from a center of the second second layer end surface, the third second layer protrusion of the second layer of the planar member is disposed at a position spaced a second distance from a center of the second second layer end surface; In-car camera.

7. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 6, The length of the first distance is the same as the length of the second distance. In-car camera.

8. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, the flange portion of the lens unit has a second rectangle including a third side and a fourth side opposite to the third side in a plan view of the flange portion, the flange end surface of the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange end surface corresponding to the third side, the flange end surface of the flange portion of the lens unit has a second flange end surface corresponding to the fourth side, a first flange protrusion disposed at a center of the first flange end surface of the flange portion so as to protrude from the first flange end surface toward an inner surface of the second layer and to be in contact with the inner surface of the second layer; a second flange protrusion disposed on the second flange end surface of the flange portion at a position spaced a third distance from a center of the second flange end surface of the flange portion; and a third flange protrusion disposed at a fourth distance from a center of the second flange end surface of the flange portion. In-car camera.

9. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 8, The length of the third distance is the same as the length of the fourth distance. In-car camera.

10. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 9, a fifth distance between the second second layer projection and the third second layer projection on the second second layer end surface of the second layer is greater than a sixth distance between the second flange projection and the third flange projection on the second flange end surface of the flange portion; In-car camera.

11. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 10, The inner surface of the second layer has at least a first receiving portion that receives the second flange protrusion and a second receiving portion that receives the third flange protrusion. In-car camera.

12. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 11, the first storage portion of the second layer has a first recess in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer toward the second second layer end surface, the second accommodating portion of the second layer has a second recess in a direction from the inner surface of the second layer toward the second second layer end surface, The first recess and the second recess are spaced apart by the sixth distance. In-car camera.

13. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 12, the first rectangle of the second layer is a rectangular shape; the first side of the first rectangle and the second side of the first rectangle are long sides of the rectangular shape; In-car camera.

14. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 13, the second layer is the fourth surface of the second layer and has a third recess in a direction from the fourth surface to the third surface; In-car camera.

15. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 14, the second layer has a fourth recess that is the fourth surface of the second layer and is different from the third recess in a direction from the fourth surface to the third surface; In-car camera.

16. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 15, the second cylindrical portion of the housing includes a first side wall portion having a first inner surface, and a second side wall portion facing the first side wall portion and having a second inner surface, the inner surface of the second layer comprises a first second layer inner surface and a second second layer inner surface; the first second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the first inner surface of the first side wall of the housing; the second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the second inner surface of the second side wall portion of the housing; the third second layer protrusion of the second layer contacts the second inner surface of the second side wall portion of the housing; the first flange projection of the flange portion contacts the first second layer inner surface of the second layer; the second flange projection of the flange portion contacts the second layer inner surface of the second layer; the third flange protrusion of the flange portion contacts the second layer inner surface of the second layer; In-car camera.

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