On-vehicle camera

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle camera capable of ensuring excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle camera has a groove formed between a flange part of a lens unit and a housing protrusion at a first end of a housing, and around the entire circumference of the optical axis and includes a bottom face part, a first side face part, and a second side face part. The bottom face part has at least a part of a first flange protruding face of a flange protruding part of the flange part. The first side face part has at least a part of a flange end face of the flange part. The second side face part has at least a second part that is further away than the first part, with reference to the second end of the housing of the inner surface of the housing protrusion. The flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding part is welded to the first part of the inner surface of the housing protrusion, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding part is welded to the first housing end face of the housing protrusion. The on-vehicle camera includes a resin member that covers at least the bottom face part, a part of first side face part, and a part of second side face part all around the optical axis.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] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 360691 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 1,097,9611 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 1,161,7021 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 arranged inside the first cylindrical portion on an optical axis, and a metallic flange portion arranged on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an imaging element located on the optical axis and arranged on the first surface of the circuit board, and a metallic casing including a second cylindrical portion that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element and has a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis. and a body, wherein the second cylindrical portion of the housing has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end and disposed at a position farther than the first end with respect to the lens unit in the direction of the optical axis, and the flange portion of the lens unit has a first flange surface disposed along the first surface of the circuit board, and a second flange surface disposed along the first surface of the circuit board and disposed at a position closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange surface with respect to the first surface of the circuit board in the direction of the optical axis. the first flange surface and the second flange surface are connected to each other; and a flange protruding portion arranged so as to extend outward from the flange end surface with the optical axis as a reference, around the entire circumference of the optical axis, the flange protruding portion of the flange portion of the lens unit having a first flange protruding surface arranged along the first surface of the circuit board and a second flange protruding surface arranged along the first surface of the circuit board and located closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange protruding surface in the direction of the optical axis, with the first surface of the circuit board as a reference. the first end of the housing has a first housing end face arranged along the first surface of the circuit board and a housing protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the first housing end face with respect to the second end of the housing, the housing protrusion has a second housing end face at a top, the flange protruding end face of the flange protrusion of the flange portion faces a first portion of an inner side surface of the housing protrusion of the housing, and the second flange protruding surface of the flange protrusion of the flange portion isThe vehicle-mounted camera has a groove portion that faces the first housing end surface of the housing, is disposed between the flange portion and the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, and is disposed around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, and has a bottom surface portion, a first side surface portion, and a second side surface portion, the bottom surface portion of the groove portion having at least a portion of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion, the first side surface portion of the groove portion having at least a portion of the flange end surface of the flange portion, and the second side surface portion of the groove portion is a bottom surface portion of the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, and a resin member is provided covering at least the bottom surface of the groove portion, a portion of the first side surface of the groove portion, and a portion of the second side surface of the groove portion around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis.

[0007] The present disclosure provides an in-vehicle camera comprising: a first housing having a cylindrical lens barrel with at least one lens; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an imaging element arranged on the optical axis of the at least one lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a second housing accommodating at least the circuit board and the imaging element; and a welded portion at which a portion of the first housing and a portion of the second housing are welded, the welded portion being covered with resin. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the vehicle-mounted camera employs a lens unit with a metal flange and a metal housing, thereby improving performance such as heat dissipation and noise resistance. In addition, the resin member covers the entire periphery of at least a portion of the groove formed between the flange and the housing protrusion of the housing, thereby ensuring excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [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] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle-mounted camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a top view of a vehicle-mounted camera according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of a first cylindrical portion of the lens unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the frame in FIG. 9, showing an example of a method for irradiating with a laser. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the frame in FIG. 9, showing another example of a method for irradiating a laser beam. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment; [Figure 14] 13 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 16] Enlarged view of the boxed area in Figure 15 [Figure 17] 14. A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 18] Enlarged view of the boxed area in Figure 17 [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the third embodiment; [Figure 20]13 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 22] Enlarged view of the box in Figure 21 [Diagram 23] Cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 20. [Figure 24] Enlarged view of the boxed area in Figure 23 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] (Vehicles equipped with on-board cameras) 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 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. The on-board camera 100A is a front camera, the on-board camera 100B is a rear camera, the on-board camera 100C is a right-side camera, and the on-board camera 100D is a left-side camera. The 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 the vehicle V.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 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.

[0014] FIG. 3 is another example of a vehicle, and is a schematic diagram of a vehicle cabin equipped with an on-board camera, and FIG. 4 is a top view of the vehicle in FIG. 3. The vehicle V is provided with a display 5 (e.g., an electronic rearview mirror) at a mounting position of the rearview mirror in a front portion between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat 4 in the vehicle cabin 2. 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 (Electronic Control Unit) 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 check the situation behind the vehicle V by visually checking the display 5.

[0015] (First embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30. Note that 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.

[0016] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment includes a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an imaging element 50, a housing 60, and a resin member 90.

[0017] 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 38 arranged inside the first cylindrical portion 37 on an optical axis L. The first cylindrical portion 37 is cylindrical, and holds, for example, a lens group consisting of a plurality of lenses 38 inside the first cylindrical portion 37, as shown in Fig. 10. In the lens group, the lenses 38 are arranged with their respective optical axes L aligned, and constitute a lens group used for imaging the inside and outside of the body of the vehicle V.

[0018] Furthermore, the lens unit 30 has a flange portion 32 arranged on the outside of the first cylindrical portion 37, extending around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis L and outward with the optical axis L as a reference, and the flange portion 32 is made of metal.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the circuit board 40 are disposed so as to be approximately parallel to each other. That is, the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 is disposed along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. The second flange surface 32b is also disposed along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, and is located closer to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 than the first flange surface 32a in the direction of the optical axis L, with the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 being used as a reference.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The housing 60 is a cylindrical member having an internal space, supports the lens unit 30, and accommodates 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. In the XY plane, 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 an electrical connector 80 that exclusively ensures electrical connection with the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 can be integrally molded with a resin 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.

[0024] The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 has a first end 63 and a second end 64 that is opposite to the first end 63 and is located farther than the first end 63 with respect to the lens unit 30 in the direction of the optical axis L. At least the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 is made of metal.

[0025] Next, a description will be given again of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. The flange portion 32 has a flange protrusion 33 arranged so as to extend outward from a flange end surface 32c with the optical axis L as the reference, all around the circumference.

[0026] The flange protruding portion 33 has a first flange protruding surface 33a, a second flange protruding surface 33b, and a flange protruding end surface 33c (see FIG. 11). The first flange protruding surface 33a is disposed along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. The second flange protruding surface 33b is disposed along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and is located closer to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 than the first flange protruding surface 33a in the direction of the optical axis L, with the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 as a reference. The flange protruding end surface 33c connects the first flange protruding surface 33a and the second flange protruding surface 33b.

[0027] Next, the first end 63 of the housing 60 will be described again. The first end 63 has a first housing end surface 63a and a housing protrusion 65 (see FIG. 11). The first housing end surface 63a is disposed along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. The housing protrusion 65 protrudes in a direction away from the first housing end surface 63a, based on the second end 64 of the housing 60. The housing protrusion 65 has a second housing end surface 63b at its top.

[0028] The relationship between the flange protruding portion 33 of the flange portion 32 and the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 will be described. The flange protruding end surface 33c of the flange protruding portion 33 is the inner surface of the housing protruding portion 65 and faces a first portion 65a that is a part of the inner surface. In addition, the second flange protruding surface 33b of the flange protruding portion 33 faces the first housing end surface 63a, and at least a part of the flange protruding portion 33 is placed on the first housing end surface 63a.

[0029] Next, the welding of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 will be described. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the inside of the framed line in Fig. 9, and shows an example of a method of irradiating a laser. The flange portion 32 and the first end portion 63 are welded by, for example, a laser.

[0030] 11, specifically, a laser is applied between the flange protruding end surface 33c of the flange protruding portion 33 and the first portion 65a of the inner surface of the opposing housing protruding portion 65, and the flange protruding end surface 33c and the first portion 65a are welded to form a welded portion 20. Since the flange protruding end surface 33c and the housing protruding portion 65 are both made of metal, the laser melts them and allows the two to be firmly welded together.

[0031] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame in FIG. 9, and shows another example of a method of irradiating a laser. In this example, the laser passes through the flange protruding portion 33 and reaches the second flange protruding surface 33b and the first housing end surface 63a facing the second flange protruding surface 33b. As a result, while the flange protruding portion 33 melts, at least the second flange protruding surface 33b and the first housing end surface 63a are welded to form the welded portion 20. Since both the second flange protruding surface 33b and the first housing end surface 63a are made of metal, the laser melts them and can firmly weld them together. The method in FIG. 11 and the method in FIG. 12 may be used together.

[0032] In this embodiment, a metal flange portion 32 and a metal housing 60 (at least the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 is made of metal) are employed, and the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 are welded together by welding them together, specifically by laser welding. Because the flange portion 32 and the housing 60 are made of metal, it is possible to improve the performance required of the vehicle-mounted camera 100, such as the ability to dissipate heat generated from the circuit board 40 and the like, and noise resistance that blocks external noise.

[0033] However, metal members may cause problems such as environmental resistance, including corrosion at the welded portion, and appearance quality. In this embodiment, therefore, the groove portion 70 is provided near the welded portion 20, and a resin member 90 is disposed in the groove portion 70, thereby solving such problems.

[0034] The groove 70 is formed between the flange 32 and the housing protrusion 65 of the first end 63 so as to be disposed over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis L, and includes a bottom surface 71, a first side surface 72, and a second side surface 73. The bottom surface 71 corresponds to a bottom surface facing the opening of the groove 70, and has at least a part of the first flange protruding surface 33a of the flange protrusion 33 of the flange 32. The first side surface 72 corresponds to an inner side surface of the groove 70, and has at least a part of the flange end surface 32c of the flange 32. The second side surface 73 corresponds to an outer side surface of the groove 70, and has at least a second portion 65b on the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65 of the first end 63, which is farther from the second end 64 of the housing 60 than the first portion 65a. The second portion 65b of the housing protrusion 65 is located between the first portion 65a of the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65 and the second housing end surface 63b in the optical axis L direction.

[0035] The resin member 90 is disposed around the entire circumference of the groove portion 70, centered on the optical axis L. Specifically, the resin member 90 is disposed so as to cover at least the bottom surface portion 71, a portion of the first side surface portion 72, and a portion of the second side surface portion 73 of the groove portion 70.

[0036] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment, the resin member 90 covers at least a part of the groove 70 formed between the flange portion 32 and the housing protrusion 65 over the entire circumference. Therefore, even if the flange portion 32 and the housing 60 are made of metal, the resin member 90 prevents foreign matter such as moisture from entering the inside of the housing 60, ensuring excellent environmental resistance. In addition, even if the welded portion 20 discolors due to welding, the resin member 90 covers the welded portion 20, so that the appearance quality can be ensured. For example, the resin member 90 may be selected so that the color of the resin member 90 matches the color of the flange portion 32 and the housing 60.

[0037] The resin member 90 may be formed by filling the groove portion 70 with potting resin and hardening it after welding the flange portion 32 and the housing 60, or, as shown in FIG. 7, a pre-formed resin member 90 may be placed and adhered to the groove portion 70 with an adhesive or the like.

[0038] Second embodiment Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame in Fig. 17.

[0039] The configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the shapes of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the first end portion 63 of the housing 60. First, the shape of the first end portion 63 will be described.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the first portion 65a and the second portion 65b of the inner side surface of the housing protrusion 65 are on the same plane parallel to the optical axis L. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first portion 65a of the inner side surface of the housing protrusion 65 is located closer to the optical axis L than the second portion 65b (the second side portion 73 of the groove 70) of the inner side surface of the housing protrusion 65 in the direction along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 (see FIG. 16). Furthermore, the housing 60 has a third housing end surface 63c connecting the first portion 65a and the second portion 65b. The third housing end surface 63c may be along the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. As a result, the first end portion 63 has a step shape including the first housing end surface 63a, the first portion 65a, the third housing end surface 63c, the second portion 65b, and the second housing end surface 63b.

[0041] The above configuration can also be explained as follows. The second housing end surface 63b of the housing protrusion 65 is a surface that intersects with the second portion 65b of the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65. The second portion 65b is a surface that intersects with the third housing end surface 63c. The third housing end surface 63c is a surface that intersects with the first portion 65a of the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65. The first portion 65a is a surface that intersects with the first housing end surface 63a.

[0042] Therefore, the bottom surface portion 71 of the groove portion 70 comprises a part of the first flange protruding surface 33a of the flange protruding portion 33 of the flange portion 32, and also comprises the third housing end surface 63c.

[0043] That is, the bottom surface 71 of the groove 70 has a part of the first flange protruding surface 33a and a third housing end surface 63c that connects the first portion 65a and the second portion 65b of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion 65. Therefore, the resin member 90 covers both the first flange protruding surface 33a on the flange portion 32 side and the third housing end surface 63c on the housing 60 side at the bottom surface 71 of the groove 70, so that it is possible to appropriately prevent intrusion of foreign matter from the outside.

[0044] The second portion 65b is disposed along the optical axis L, similarly to the first embodiment. This allows the resin member 90 to stably cover the second portion 65b and a part of the second side surface portion 73 of the groove portion 70. However, the second portion 65b may be inclined with respect to the optical axis L.

[0045] Next, the shape of the flange portion 32 will be described. In the first embodiment, the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 is formed in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a part of the first flange surface 32a is located away from the second housing end surface 63b of the housing protruding portion 65 of the first end 63 of the housing 60 in the direction of the optical axis L with the second end 64 of the housing 60 as a reference (in other words, it protrudes). Specifically, the part of the first flange surface 32a is a cylindrical convex portion 34 protruding from the first flange surface 32a as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18. The position P1 of the top surface of the convex portion 34 is located away from the position P2 of the second housing end surface 63b in the direction of the optical axis L with the second end 64 of the housing 60 as a reference. However, the protruding part of the first flange surface 32a is not limited to a circular convex portion.

[0046] A portion of the first flange surface that protrudes in this manner can be used for positioning the vehicle V relative to the body.

[0047] 16 and 18, a position P2 of the second housing end surface 63b of the housing protrusion 65 is located away from the exposed surface of the resin member 90 with the second end 64 of the housing 60 as the reference in the direction along the optical axis L. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 18, a position P2 of the second housing end surface 63b is located away from the exposed surface of the resin member 90 with the second end 64 of the housing 60 as the reference in the direction of the optical axis L.

[0048] This allows a portion of the first flange surface 32a to be used for positioning with respect to the body of the vehicle V, while preventing the resin member 90 from protruding and deteriorating the appearance quality.

[0049] However, the exposed surface of the resin member 90 may be located away from the second housing end surface 63b of the first end 63 of the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L, with the second end 64 of the housing 60 as the reference. In this case, in Figures 16 and 18, position P3 of the exposed surface of the resin member 90 is closer to position P1 of the top surface of the protrusion 34 than position P2 of the second housing end surface 63b. Such a configuration may be acceptable as long as it does not pose a problem in practical use.

[0050] As described above, the flange portion 32 has at least three convex portions 34, and in this embodiment, four convex portions 34, on the first flange surface 32a (see FIG. 14). Specifically, the three convex portions 34 include a first convex portion 34a, a second convex portion 34b, and a third convex portion 34c, and the first convex portion 34a, the second convex portion 34b, and the third convex portion 34c are disposed around the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30. In this embodiment, the fourth convex portion 34d is also disposed around the first cylindrical portion 37 (see FIG. 14).

[0051] This allows the three protrusions 34 of the first flange surface 32a to be used for positioning relative to the body of the vehicle V, and allows stable positioning. Of course, four protrusions 34 may be provided as in the embodiment.

[0052] The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion 32 (a plan view seen from the direction of the optical axis L, the same applies below), and this first rectangle has at least a first corner 35a, a second corner 35b, a third corner 35c, and a fourth corner 35d. The first convex portion 34a is located at a position corresponding to the first corner 35a, the second convex portion 34b is located at a position corresponding to the second corner 35b, and the third convex portion 34c is located at a position corresponding to the third corner 35c.

[0053] As a result, the three protrusions 34 are formed in the flange portion 32 at positions corresponding to the three corners, making it possible to more stably position the vehicle V relative to the body.

[0054] Third embodiment Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 20 is a top view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame in Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 20. Fig. 24 is an enlarged view of the area within the frame in Fig. 23.

[0055] The configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the first and second embodiments. In this embodiment, the second portion 65b of the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65 is tapered so as to gradually expand away from the optical axis L from the first portion 65a toward the second housing end surface 63b. The second portion 65b is located between the first portion 65a of the inner surface of the housing protrusion 65 and the second housing end surface 63b of the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L.

[0056] The above configuration can also be explained as follows. Second housing end surface 63b of housing protrusion 65 is a surface that intersects with second portion 65b of the inner surface of housing protrusion 65. Second portion 65b is a surface that intersects with first portion 65a. First portion 65a is a surface that intersects with first housing end surface 63a.

[0057] This makes it possible to easily place the lens unit 30 in the housing 60 when manufacturing the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and also makes it easy to prevent the resin member 90 from spilling out of the groove portion 70 when pouring in the raw material for the resin member 90, such as potting resin.

[0058] The following description applies to all the embodiments.

[0059] The first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 and the metallic flange portion 32 may be configured separately, and the lens unit 30 may be configured by combining at least the first cylindrical portion 37 and the flange portion 32. This allows an appropriate first cylindrical portion 37 to be manufactured as needed, separate from the metallic flange portion 32. In this case, the first cylindrical portion 37 and the flange portion 32 may be combined with an adhesive. The first cylindrical portion 37 may be a resin member.

[0060] On the other hand, the first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 may be made of metal, and the first cylindrical portion 37 and the metal flange portion 32 may be integrally molded. This allows the metal flange portion 32 and the first cylindrical portion 37 to be manufactured integrally, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0061] 9, 15, and 21, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has at least a first protrusion 36a, a second protrusion 36b, and a third protrusion 36c that protrude from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. The third protrusion 36c is located on the Y-axis rear side of the second protrusion 36b.

[0062] The first protrusion 36a and the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 are fixed by a first adhesive 37a, the second protrusion 36b and the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 are fixed by a second adhesive 37b, and the third protrusion 36c and the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 are fixed by a third adhesive 37c. The third adhesive 37c is present on the rear side of the second adhesive 37b in the Y axis direction.

[0063] As a result, the flange portion 32 is supported not only by the housing 60 but also by the circuit board 40 via at least three protrusions, allowing for a more stable arrangement of the lens unit 30. In this embodiment, the fourth protrusion 36d and the fourth adhesive 37d are located on the Y-axis inner side of the first protrusion 36a and the first adhesive 37a, respectively, and the flange portion 32 is supported by the circuit board 40 via the four protrusions.

[0064] The number of pixels of the imaging element 50 is, for example, 3 megabytes or more and 15 megabytes or less, specifically, 3 megabytes, 5 megabytes, 8 megabytes, etc. The housing 60 has four side walls 66 formed continuously with the second end 64 of the housing 60 and extending from the second end 64 toward the second flange surface 32b of the lens unit 30. The four side walls 66 are a first side wall 66a, a second side wall 66b, a third side wall 66c, and a fourth side wall 66d. The first side wall 66a is connected to the second side wall 66b, the second side wall 66b is connected to the third side wall 66c, the third side wall 66c is connected to the fourth side wall 66d, and the fourth side wall 66d is connected to the first side wall 66a. The vehicle-mounted camera 100 is provided with a heat conductive member 95 located inside the second cylindrical portion (large diameter cylindrical portion 61) of the housing 60 and disposed between the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 and the second end portion 64 of the housing 60.

[0065] This allows heat from the imaging element 50, which has a high pixel count and is prone to generating heat, to be efficiently dissipated to the housing 60 via the heat conductive member 95. The heat conductive member 95 can be formed of, for example, silicone resin. The heat conductive member 95 in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 7 shows the shape of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 before it is manufactured, and by applying heat during manufacturing, the heat conductive member 95 is disposed between the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 and the second end portion 64 of the housing 60 after manufacturing.

[0066] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 further includes an electrical connector 80 having a first connector end 81 and a second connector end 82 opposite to the first connector end 81, and a connector connection portion 41 disposed on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. The electrical connector 80 is disposed inside the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0067] The first connector end 81 of the electrical connector 80 is electrically connected to the connector connection portion 41 on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40, and the second connector end 82 of the electrical connector 80 is electrically connected to a cable of the vehicle V when the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is placed in the vehicle V.

[0068] This makes it possible to electrically connect the circuit board 40 and the cable of the vehicle V with a simple configuration using the electrical connector 80.

[0069] The first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 is circular in a plan view of the first cylindrical portion 37. The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion 32. The flange protruding portion 33 of the lens unit 30 is a second rectangle having a larger area than the first rectangle of the flange portion 32 in a plan view of the flange protruding portion 33. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 is a third rectangle having a larger area than the first rectangle of the flange portion 32 in a plan view of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61.

[0070] This allows the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 to be manufactured in a simple shape.

[0071] The lens unit 30 is cylindrical and can be understood as a first housing having a lens barrel 31 with at least one lens 38. The housing 60 can be understood as a second housing that houses at least the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment includes a welded portion 20 at which a part of the first housing and a part of the second housing are welded, and the welded portion 20 is covered with a resin made of a resin member 90. Since the resin covers the welded portion 20 between the first housing having the lens barrel 31 and the second housing that houses the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50, excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality can be ensured.

[0072] 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.

[0073] (1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) including a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 37) having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens (lens 38) arranged inside the first cylindrical portion on an optical axis (optical axis L), and a metal flange portion (flange portion 32) arranged on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis; 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 and on the first surface of the circuit board; A vehicle-mounted camera (vehicle-mounted camera 100) including a metal housing (housing 60) that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element and has a second cylindrical portion (large diameter cylindrical portion 61) that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, The second cylindrical portion of the housing is A first end portion (first end portion 63), a second end (second end 64) that is opposite to the first end and is disposed at a position farther away from the lens unit in the direction of the optical axis than the first end, The flange portion of the lens unit is a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a) disposed along the first surface of the circuit board; a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) that is disposed along the first surface of the circuit board and is located closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange surface in the direction of the optical axis, with the first surface of the circuit board as a reference; a flange end surface (flange end surface 32c) connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface; a flange protrusion (flange protrusion 33) arranged so as to extend outward from the flange end surface with respect to the optical axis, around the entire circumference of the optical axis; The flange protrusion of the flange portion of the lens unit is a first flange protruding surface (first flange protruding surface 33a) disposed along the first surface of the circuit board; a second flange protruding surface (second flange protruding surface 33b) that is disposed along the first surface of the circuit board and is located closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange protruding surface in the direction of the optical axis, with the first surface of the circuit board as a reference; a flange protruding end surface (flange protruding end surface 33c) connecting the first flange protruding surface and the second flange protruding surface, The first end of the housing includes: a first housing end surface (first housing end surface 63a) disposed along the first surface of the circuit board; a housing protrusion (housing protrusion 65) protruding in a direction away from the first housing end surface based on the second end of the housing, The housing protrusion has a second housing end surface (second housing end surface 63b) at a top portion, The flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion faces a first portion (first portion 65a) of an inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the housing, the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion faces the first housing end surface of the housing, The vehicle-mounted camera has a groove portion (groove portion 70) that is disposed between the flange portion and the housing protruding portion at the first end portion of the housing and around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, and has a bottom surface portion (bottom surface portion 71), a first side surface portion (first side surface portion 72), and a second side surface portion (second side surface portion 73); The bottom surface of the groove portion has at least a part of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion, The first side surface portion of the groove portion has at least a part of the flange end surface of the flange portion, The second side surface of the groove has at least a second portion (second portion 65b) on the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, the second portion being farther from the first portion with respect to the second end of the housing; the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first housing end surface of the first end portion of the housing; A resin member (90) is provided that covers at least the bottom surface of the groove portion, a part of the first side surface of the groove portion, and a part of the second side surface of the groove portion around the entire circumference of the optical axis. In-car camera.

[0074] The vehicle-mounted camera of the present disclosure improves performance such as heat dissipation and noise resistance by adopting a lens unit with a metal flange and a metal housing. However, these metal members may cause problems such as environmental resistance, including corrosion at the welded parts, and appearance quality. However, in the vehicle-mounted camera of the present disclosure, the resin member covers at least a part of the groove formed between the flange and the housing protrusion of the housing over the entire circumference, so that excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality can be ensured.

[0075] (2) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is located closer to the optical axis than the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing in a direction along the first surface of the circuit board, the housing has a third housing end surface (third housing end surface 63c) connecting the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion and the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion, The bottom surface of the groove portion includes a part of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion, and includes the third housing end surface of the first end portion of the housing. In-car camera.

[0076] As a result, the bottom surface of the groove has a portion of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protrusion of the flange portion and a third housing end surface connecting the first and second portions of the inner surface of the housing protrusion, thereby allowing the resin member to stably cover at least a portion of the groove.

[0077] (3) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is disposed along the optical axis; In-car camera.

[0078] As a result, the resin member covers both the first flange protruding surface on the flange portion side and the third housing end surface on the housing side at the bottom surface of the groove, thereby providing a high level of protection against the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside.

[0079] (4) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), The second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is tapered, widening away from the optical axis from the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion toward the second housing end face of the housing protrusion. In-car camera.

[0080] This makes it possible to easily place the lens unit in the housing when manufacturing the vehicle-mounted camera, and also makes it possible to easily prevent the resin member from spilling out of the groove when the raw material for the resin member is poured in.

[0081] (5) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion of the lens unit is welded by a laser to the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded by a laser to the first housing end surface of the first end portion of the housing. In-car camera.

[0082] This allows the flange protruding end surface and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange portion to be firmly welded to the housing.

[0083] (6) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), a part of the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is located farther away from the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing in the direction of the optical axis than the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, with the second end of the housing as a reference; In-car camera.

[0084] This allows a portion of the first flange surface to be used for positioning relative to the vehicle body.

[0085] (7) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (6), the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing is located away from the second end of the housing in a direction along the optical axis from a reference point of the second end of the housing, further away from an exposed surface of the resin member; In-car camera.

[0086] This allows a portion of the first flange surface to be used for positioning relative to the vehicle body, while preventing the resin member from protruding and deteriorating the appearance quality.

[0087] (8) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), The flange portion of the lens unit has at least three convex portions (convex portions 34) on the first flange surface, the at least three convex portions of the flange portion include a first convex portion (first convex portion 34a), a second convex portion (second convex portion 34b), and a third convex portion (third convex portion 34c), The first convex portion, the second convex portion, and the third convex portion are arranged around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit. In-car camera.

[0088] This allows the three protruding portions on the first flange surface to be used for positioning relative to the vehicle body, and allows stable positioning.

[0089] (9) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (8), the flange portion of the lens unit has a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion, The first rectangle of the flange portion has at least a first corner portion (first corner portion 35a), a second corner portion (second corner portion 35b), a third corner portion (third corner portion 35c), and a fourth corner portion (fourth corner portion 35d), the first protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the first corner of the flange portion, the second protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the second corner of the flange portion, The third protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the third corner portion of the flange portion. In-car camera.

[0090] As a result, the three protrusions are formed in the flange at positions corresponding to the three corners, making it possible to more stably position the flange relative to the vehicle body.

[0091] (10) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the flange portion of the lens unit are separate bodies, The lens unit is configured by at least combining the first cylindrical portion and the flange portion. In-car camera.

[0092] This makes it possible to manufacture an appropriate first tubular portion as required, separately from the metallic flange portion.

[0093] (11) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), The first cylindrical portion of the lens unit is made of metal, and the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the flange portion are integrally molded. In-car camera.

[0094] This allows the metallic flange portion and the first cylindrical portion to be manufactured integrally, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0095] (12) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), the flange portion of the lens unit has at least a first protrusion (first protrusion 36a), a second protrusion (second protrusion 36b), and a third protrusion (third protrusion 36c) that protrude from the second flange surface of the flange portion toward the first surface side of the circuit board, the first protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a first adhesive (first adhesive 37a); the second protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a second adhesive (second adhesive 37b); the third protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a third adhesive (third adhesive 37c); In-car camera.

[0096] With this, the flange portion is supported by at least three protrusions, not only by the housing but also by the circuit board, so that the lens unit can be positioned more stably.

[0097] (13) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), The number of pixels of the imaging element is 3 megapixels or more and 15 megapixels or less, the housing has four sidewalls (sidewalls 66) that are formed continuously with the second end of the housing and extend from the second end toward the second flange surface of the lens unit; The four side wall portions are a first side wall portion (first side wall portion 66a), a second side wall portion (second side wall portion 66b), a third side wall portion (third side wall portion 66c), and a fourth side wall portion (fourth side wall portion 66d), the first side wall portion of the housing is connected to the second side wall portion of the housing, the second side wall portion of the housing is connected to the third side wall portion of the housing, the third side wall portion of the housing is connected to the fourth side wall portion of the housing, a fourth side wall portion of the housing is connected to the first side wall portion of the housing, a thermally conductive member (thermal conductive member 95) disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing and between the second surface of the circuit board and the second end of the housing; In-car camera.

[0098] This allows heat from the image sensor, which has a high pixel count and is prone to generating heat, to be efficiently dissipated to the housing via the heat conductive member.

[0099] (14) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (13), an electrical connector (electrical connector 80) having a first connector end (first connector end 81) and a second connector end (second connector end 82) opposite to the first connector end, and a connector connection portion (connector connection portion 41) disposed on the second surface of the circuit board; the electrical connector is disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing, the first connector end of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the connector mating portion on the second surface of the circuit board; the second connector end of the electrical connector is electrically connected to a cable of the vehicle when the vehicle-mounted camera is disposed in the vehicle; In-car camera.

[0100] This makes it possible to electrically connect the circuit board and the vehicle cable with a simple configuration using an electrical connector.

[0101] (15) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (14), the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit is circular in a plan view of the first cylindrical portion, the flange portion of the lens unit has a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion, the flange protrusion of the lens unit is a second rectangle having an area larger than the first rectangle of the flange portion in a plan view of the flange protrusion, The second cylindrical portion of the housing has a third rectangle having an area larger than that of the first rectangle of the flange portion in a plan view of the second cylindrical portion. In-car camera.

[0102] This allows the lens unit and the housing to be manufactured in a simple shape.

[0103] (16) A first housing (lens unit 30) having a cylindrical lens barrel (lens barrel 31) including at least one lens (lens 38); 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 first surface of the circuit board on the optical axis (optical axis L) of the at least one lens; a second housing (housing 60) that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element; a welded portion (welded portion 20) at which a part of the first housing and a part of the second housing are welded to each other, The welded portion is covered with resin (resin member 90). In-car camera.

[0104] In the vehicle-mounted camera of the present disclosure, the resin covers the welded joint between the first housing, which includes the lens barrel, and the second housing, which houses the circuit board and image sensor, thereby ensuring excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality.

[0105] 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]

[0106] The present disclosure is useful as an in-vehicle camera that ensures excellent environmental resistance and appearance quality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 20 Welding 30 Lens unit (first housing) 31 Lens barrel 32 Flange section 32a First flange surface 32b Second flange surface 32c Flange end face 33 Flange protrusion 33a First flange protruding surface 33b Second flange protruding surface 33c Flange protruding end face 34 Convex 34a First protrusion 34b Second convex part 34c Third convex part 34d 4th convex part 35a 1st corner 35b 2nd corner 35c 3rd corner 35d 4th corner 36a 1st protrusion 36b 2nd protrusion 36c 3rd protrusion 36d 4th protrusion 37a First adhesive 37b Second adhesive 37c Third adhesive 37d Fourth adhesive 37 First cylindrical section 38 Lenses 40 Circuit Board 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 41 Connector connection part 50 Image sensor 60 Case (2nd Case) 61 Large diameter cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion) 62 Small diameter cylindrical part 63 First end 63a First housing end face 63b Second housing end face 63c Third housing end face 64 Second end 65 Housing protrusion 65a Part 1 65b Part 2 66 Side wall 66a First side wall part 66b 2nd side wall part 66c 3rd side wall part 66d 4th side wall part 70 Groove 71 Bottom part 72 First side part 73 Second side part 80 Electrical Connectors 81 First connector end 82 Second connector end 90 Resin parts (resin) 95 Thermal Conductive Materials 100 Car Camera

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 on an optical axis, and a metal flange portion disposed outside the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an imaging element disposed on the optical axis and on the first surface of the circuit board; A vehicle-mounted camera including: a metal housing that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element and has a second cylindrical portion that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, The second cylindrical portion of the housing is A first end portion; a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion and is disposed at a position farther from the first end portion in the direction of the optical axis relative to the lens unit; The flange portion of the lens unit is a first flange surface disposed along the first surface of the circuit board; a second flange surface that is disposed along the first surface of the circuit board and is located closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange surface in the direction of the optical axis, with the first surface of the circuit board as a reference; a flange end surface connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface; a flange protrusion disposed so as to extend outward from the flange end surface with respect to the optical axis, the flange protrusion being disposed around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The flange protrusion of the flange portion of the lens unit is a first flange protruding surface disposed along a first surface of the circuit board; a second flange protruding surface that is disposed along the first surface of the circuit board and is located closer to the first surface of the circuit board than the first flange protruding surface in the direction of the optical axis, with the first surface of the circuit board as a reference; a flange protruding end surface connecting the first flange protruding surface and the second flange protruding surface, The first end of the housing includes: a first housing end surface disposed along a first surface of the circuit board; a housing protrusion protruding in a direction away from the first housing end surface with respect to the second end of the housing, the housing protrusion has a second housing end surface at a top thereof, the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion faces a first portion of an inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the housing, the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion faces the first housing end surface of the housing, the vehicle-mounted camera has a groove portion disposed between the flange portion and the housing protruding portion at the first end portion of the housing and around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, the groove portion having a bottom surface portion, a first side surface portion, and a second side surface portion; The bottom surface of the groove portion has at least a part of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion, The first side surface portion of the groove portion has at least a part of the flange end surface of the flange portion, the second side surface portion of the groove portion has at least a second portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, the second portion being farther from the second end portion of the housing than the first portion; the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded to the first housing end surface of the first end of the housing; a resin member covering at least the bottom surface of the groove portion, a part of the first side surface of the groove portion, and a part of the second side surface of the groove portion around the entire circumference of the optical axis; In-car camera.

2. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is located closer to the optical axis than the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing in a direction along the first surface of the circuit board, the housing has a third housing end surface connecting the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion and the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion, The bottom surface of the groove portion includes a part of the first flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion, and includes the third housing end surface of the first end portion of the housing. In-car camera.

3. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is disposed along the optical axis; In-car camera.

4. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the second portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion at the first end of the housing is tapered to widen away from the optical axis from the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protrusion toward the second housing end surface of the housing protrusion, In-car camera.

5. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the flange protruding end surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion of the lens unit is welded by a laser to the first portion of the inner surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end portion of the housing, and / or the second flange protruding surface of the flange protruding portion of the flange portion is welded by a laser to the first housing end surface of the first end portion of the housing. In-car camera.

6. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, a part of the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is located farther from the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing in the direction of the optical axis than the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing, with the second end of the housing as a reference; In-car camera.

7. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 6, the second housing end surface of the housing protruding portion of the first end of the housing is located away from the second end of the housing in a direction along the optical axis with respect to the exposed surface of the resin member; In-car camera.

8. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the flange portion of the lens unit has at least three convex portions on the first flange surface, the at least three convex portions of the flange portion include a first convex portion, a second convex portion, and a third convex portion, the first convex portion, the second convex portion, and the third convex portion are disposed around the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit; In-car camera.

9. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 8, the flange portion of the lens unit has a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion, The first rectangle of the flange portion has at least a first corner portion, a second corner portion, a third corner portion, and a fourth corner portion, the first protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the first corner of the flange portion, the second protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the second corner of the flange portion, The third protrusion of the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to the third corner portion of the flange portion. In-car camera.

10. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the flange portion of the lens unit are separate bodies, The lens unit is configured by at least connecting the first cylindrical portion and the flange portion. In-car camera.

11. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, The first cylindrical portion of the lens unit is made of metal, and the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the flange portion are integrally molded. In-car camera.

12. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, the flange portion of the lens unit has at least a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion protruding from the second flange surface of the flange portion toward the first surface side of the circuit board, the first protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a first adhesive; the second protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a second adhesive; the third protrusion of the flange portion and the first surface of the circuit board are fixed to each other by a third adhesive. In-car camera.

13. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, The number of pixels of the imaging element is 3 megapixels or more and 15 megapixels or less, the housing has four sidewall portions formed continuously with the second end portion of the housing and extending from the second end portion toward the second flange surface of the lens unit; the four side wall portions are a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion, a third side wall portion, and a fourth side wall portion, the first side wall portion of the housing is connected to the second side wall portion of the housing, the second side wall portion of the housing is connected to the third side wall portion of the housing, the third side wall portion of the housing is connected to the fourth side wall portion of the housing, a fourth side wall portion of the housing is connected to the first side wall portion of the housing, a thermally conductive member disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing and between the second surface of the circuit board and the second end of the housing; In-car camera.

14. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 13, an electrical connector having a first connector end and a second connector end opposite the first connector end; and a connector mating portion disposed on the second surface of the circuit board; the electrical connector is disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing, the first connector end of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the connector mating portion on the second surface of the circuit board; the second connector end of the electrical connector is electrically connected to a cable of the vehicle when the vehicle-mounted camera is disposed in the vehicle; In-car camera.

15. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 14, the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit is circular in a plan view of the first cylindrical portion, the flange portion of the lens unit has a first rectangle in a plan view of the flange portion, the flange protrusion of the lens unit is a second rectangle having an area larger than the first rectangle of the flange portion in a plan view of the flange protrusion, The second cylindrical portion of the housing has a third rectangle having an area larger than the first rectangle of the flange portion in a plan view of the second cylindrical portion. In-car camera.

16. A first housing having a cylindrical lens barrel including 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 first surface of the circuit board and on an optical axis of the at least one lens; a second housing that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element; a welded portion at which a part of the first housing and a part of the second housing are welded to each other, The welded portion is coated with a resin. In-car camera.

Images