Lens unit, lens barrel, and imaging device

Abstract

To improve positioning accuracy of a lens during lens assembly.SOLUTION: A lens unit includes a first lens, and a second lens to be superimposed on the first lens. The first lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second lens, and the second lens has a first concave portion capable of fitting with the first convex portion on a surface facing the first lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens unit, a lens barrel, and an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] With the advancement of high-precision imaging elements and communication technology, imaging devices are installed inside various devices, and the demand for small lenses is increasing. In particular, lens units in which small lenses are stacked are preferable in terms of space saving. However, when aligning the lenses in a lens unit, there are cases where the alignment cannot be performed properly due to the dimensional difference between the lenses.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which three convex portions are provided in the first single lens and three groove portions are provided in the second single lens as positioning portions, and at least two of the positioning portions have inherent limiting directions different from each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 111703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can further improve the positioning accuracy of a lens during lens assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The means for solving the above problem is a lens unit comprising a first resin lens and a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, wherein the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, and the second resin lens has a first concave portion on a surface facing the first resin lens that can engage with the first convex portion, and wherein regardless of which of the first concave portions the first convex portion is engaged with, the gate position of the first resin lens and the gate position of the second resin lens do not overlap in the rotational direction around the optical axis.

[0007] Furthermore, a means for solving the above problem is a lens unit comprising a first resin lens, a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, and a third resin lens superimposed on the second resin lens on the side opposite to the first resin lens, wherein the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second resin lens has a first concave portion on a surface facing the first resin lens that can engage with the first convex portion, and the number of the first concave portions is greater than the number of the first convex portions, the second resin lens has a second convex portion on a surface facing the third resin lens, and the third resin lens has a second concave portion on a surface facing the second resin lens that can engage with the second convex portion, and the number of the second concave portions is greater than the number of the second convex portions. Effect of the Invention

[0008] To provide a technique that is advantageous in improving the positioning accuracy of a lens during lens assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lens unit according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lens unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lens unit taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first lens. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a top view of the second lens. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a top view of the third lens. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a top view of a lens unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a multi-cavity lens molding method. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lens unit of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lens unit of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 taken along line B-B. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a top view of a second lens of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 13] 11 is a top view of a third lens of Comparative Example 2. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an imaging device as an example of a device using a lens unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lens unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first lens. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a top view of the second lens. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a top view of the third lens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. Then, common configurations will be described with mutual reference to multiple drawings, and the description of configurations with common symbols will be omitted as appropriate. Items with the same name but different can be distinguished by adding "No. 0", such as the first item and the second item.

[0011] First Embodiment A lens unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the lens unit 100. Fig. 2 is a top view of the lens unit 100. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lens unit 100 taken along line AA in Fig. 2. The lens unit 100 is assembled by overlapping a lens 1 (first lens), a lens 2 (second lens), and a lens 3 (third lens) provided on the opposite side of the lens 2 from the lens 1. The lens 1 is on the objective side, and the lens 3 is on the imaging element 10 side. The lens unit 100 does not necessarily have to be assembled from three lenses, but may be one in which two or more lenses are overlapped.

[0012] Resin lenses manufactured by injection molding, particularly resin injection molding, may have astigmatism based on the gate direction, which is the entrance for pouring resin from the injection molding machine into the mold. When assembling multiple lenses having astigmatism based on the gate direction, the astigmatism of the entire lens unit can be offset and optical performance can be improved by stacking and assembling the lenses in the orthogonal direction.

[0013] 3, lens 1 includes a surface 1a on the objective side and a surface 1b on the imaging element 10 side. Lens 2 includes a surface 2a on the objective side and a surface 2b on the imaging element 10 side. Similarly, lens 3 includes a surface 3a on the objective side and a surface 3b on the imaging element 10 side. Lenses 1 and 3 are, for example, lenses whose center is thinner than their outer periphery (bump portion), and lens 2 is, for example, a lens whose center is thicker than their outer periphery.

[0014] Next, the lens 1, the lens 2, and the lens 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a top view of the lens 1, Fig. 5 is a top view of the lens 2, and Fig. 6 is a top view of the lens 3. The lens 1, the lens 2, and the lens 3 each have a gate 6, a gate 7, and a gate 8, which are gate positions obtained by chamfering a portion of the gate used during injection molding. The gate positions of adjacent upper and lower lenses assembled as the lens unit 100 are shifted to positions rotated 90° around the optical axis C0. The gate of the lens is an entrance when filling a resin into a mold for molding a resin lens by injection molding, and a part of the gate may be cut or polished after the lens is molded. Such a place is also referred to as a gate (gate position) in this embodiment.

[0015] A plurality of convex portions 4 are provided on the surface 1b of the lens 1. Here, three convex portions 4 are shown, but one or more may be provided. When a plurality of convex portions 4 are provided, they are provided on one circle centered on the optical axis C0. In addition, the angle formed by the line segments connecting each convex portion 4 and the optical axis C0 is preferably a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions. However, it is not necessary to be a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions exactly, and it is preferable that the angle is ±10°. The convex portion 4 is preferably provided near the outer periphery of the lens 1, and more specifically, it is preferably provided on the outer periphery side of the lens 1 from the midpoint between the optical axis C0 and the outer periphery of the lens 1. In particular, it is preferable that the convex portion 4 is provided on the flange portion of the lens 1 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] A plurality of grooves 5 are provided on the surface 2a of the lens 2. Here, the grooves 5 are shown as 12 grooves, but it is sufficient that the number of grooves is at least more than the number of the convex portions 4. In particular, it is more preferable that the number of grooves 5 is an integer multiple of the number of the convex portions 4. The convex portions 4 are preferably spherical, but may be conical or pyramidal. The grooves 5 are shaped so as to be able to fit into the convex portions 4, and for example, V-shaped grooves are preferable, but may be U-shaped or rectangular. As shown in the figure, the convex portions 4 and the grooves 5 may be configured so as to have different shapes on the surfaces. The convex portions 4 fit into the grooves 5, so that the lens 1 and the lens 2 can be positioned. Furthermore, the number of grooves 5 on the lens 2 is greater than the number of the convex portions 4, so that the degree of freedom in positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2 is improved, and the positioning accuracy can be improved. The number of options for positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2 is the same as the number of grooves 5, so that in the case of FIG. 5, there are 12 options for positioning.

[0017] In the lens unit 100 according to this embodiment, the number of grooves 5 is greater than the number of convex portions 4, and therefore, when positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2, there are grooves 5 that fit with the convex portions 4 and grooves 5 that do not fit with the convex portions 4. By switching between the grooves 5 that fit with the convex portions 4 and the grooves 5 that do not fit with the convex portions 4, the desired positioning can be achieved.

[0018] The grooves 5 are arranged on one circle centered on the optical axis C0. It is preferable that the convex portions 4 are also arranged on the same circle. It is also preferable that the angle formed by the line segments connecting each of the convex portions 4 and the optical axis C0 is a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions. However, it is not necessary for the angle to be exactly a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions, and it is preferable if it is ±10°.

[0019] The groove 5 is preferably provided near the outer periphery of the lens 2, and more specifically, is preferably provided on the outer periphery side of the lens 1 from the midpoint between the optical axis C0 and the outer periphery of the lens 1. In particular, it is preferably provided on the flange portion of the lens 2, as shown in FIG.

[0020] A plurality of convex portions 40 (second convex portions) are provided on the surface 2b of the lens 2. Here, three convex portions 40 are shown, but one or more may be provided. When a plurality of convex portions 40 are provided, they are provided on one circle centered on the optical axis C0. In addition, the angle formed by the line segments connecting each convex portion 40 and the optical axis C0 is preferably a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions. However, it is not necessary to be a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions exactly, and it is preferable that the angle is ±10°. The convex portion 40 is preferably provided near the outer periphery of the lens 2, and more specifically, it is preferably provided on the outer periphery side of the lens 2 from the midpoint between the optical axis C0 and the outer periphery of the lens 2. In particular, it is preferable that the convex portion 40 is provided on the flange portion of the lens 2 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0021] A plurality of grooves 50 (second recesses) are provided on the surface 3a of the lens 3. Here, the grooves 50 are shown as 12 grooves, but it is sufficient that the number of grooves is at least more than the number of the convex portions 40. In particular, it is more preferable that the number of the grooves 50 is an integer multiple of the number of the convex portions 40. The grooves 50 are shaped to fit with the convex portions 40, and for example, a V-shaped groove is preferable, but a U-shaped or rectangular shape is also acceptable. The convex portions 40 fit into the grooves 50, thereby enabling the positioning of the lens 1 and the lens 2. Furthermore, since the number of the grooves 50 of the lens 2 is greater than the number of the convex portions 40, the degree of freedom in positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2 is improved, and the positioning accuracy can be improved. The number of options for positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2 is the same as the number of the grooves 50, so in the case of FIG. 6, there are 12 positioning options.

[0022] In the lens unit 100 according to this embodiment, the number of grooves 50 is greater than the number of convex portions 40, and therefore, when positioning the lens 2 and the lens 3, there are grooves 50 that engage with the convex portions 40 and grooves 50 that do not engage with the convex portions 40. By switching between the grooves 50 that engage with the convex portions 40 and the grooves 50 that do not engage with the convex portions 40, the desired positioning can be achieved.

[0023] The grooves 50 are arranged on one circle centered on the optical axis C0. It is preferable that the convex portions 40 are also arranged on the same circle. It is also preferable that the angle formed by the line segments connecting each of the convex portions 40 and the optical axis C0 is a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions. However, it is not necessary for the angle to be exactly a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions, and it is preferable if it is ±10°.

[0024] The groove 50 is preferably provided near the outer periphery of the lens 3, and more specifically, is preferably provided on the outer periphery side of the lens 3 from the midpoint between the optical axis C0 and the outer periphery of the lens 3. In particular, it is preferably provided on the flange portion of the lens 3, as shown in FIG.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, the lens 2 is disposed at a position where the gate 7 is in phase with one of the grooves 5 in the rotation direction about the optical axis C0, i.e., the position in the optical axis direction coincides. In Fig. 6, the lens 3 is disposed at a position where the gate 8 is in phase with the grooves 50 in the rotation direction about the optical axis C0, i.e., the position in the optical axis direction does not coincide. In other words, the groove 5 of the lens 2 and the groove 50 of the lens 3, which are superimposed one above the other, are disposed at different positions (phases) in the rotation direction about the optical axis C0.

[0026] In lenses 3 where the thickness at the center is thinner than at the periphery, the flow resistance of the resin from the gate 8 toward the center of the lens increases. The flow at the center of the lens is delayed compared to the periphery, which increases the pressure distribution during the pressure holding process and causes asperities. By arranging the gate 8 at a phase between the grooves 50 as in lens 3, the resin is allowed to flow preferentially toward the center of the lens, making it possible to reduce the amount of asperities that occur.

[0027] In lens 2, which is thicker at the center than at the periphery, the flow resistance of the resin from gate 7 toward the center of the lens is smaller, so the flow is faster at the center of the lens than at the periphery, causing astigmatism. By arranging gate 7 in the same phase as groove 5 as in lens 2, the resin resistance toward the center of the lens is increased, making it possible to reduce the astigmatism that occurs.

[0028] In this embodiment, the lens unit 100 in which the lens 1, the lens 2, and the lens 3 are laminated has been described, but the lens unit 100 may be composed of only the lens 1 and the lens 2. The lens unit 100 may also be composed of the lens 2 and the lens 3, or any lenses may be laminated together.

[0029] As described above, in the lens unit 100, by providing convex portions and more grooves than convex portions on the surfaces of the lenses facing each other, the positioning accuracy can be improved.

[0030] <Second embodiment> The lens unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a top view of the lens unit 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0031] The lens unit 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the assembly angle has been changed. Specifically, the gate 7 of lens 2 is provided at a position rotated 60° in the rotation direction of the optical axis C0 relative to the gate 6 of lens 1. Also, the gate 8 of lens 3 is provided at a position rotated 120° in the rotation direction of the optical axis C0 relative to the gate 7 of lens 2.

[0032] With this arrangement, if astigmatism occurs in a direction different from the gate direction due to various factors during injection molding, it is possible to adjust the assembly rotation angle as in this example according to the astigmatism direction.For example, in the case of multiple lens molding with a cavity layout such as that shown in Figure 8, even if the astigmatism direction differs depending on the cavity, it can be easily managed by specifying the combination of the cavity number and assembly rotation angle for each lens.

[0033] (Example) EXAMPLES Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0034] In this example, a lens unit 100 was produced as shown in Figures 1 to 6. The lens unit 100 was produced by multi-lens resin molding as shown in Figure 8.

[0035] The astigmatism of surface 3a of lens 3 was within the standard due to the effect of the phase of gate 8 and groove 50. The lens of this example was stacked and assembled by a robot with an assembly angle adjustment capability of ±1.5°. The variation in the optical axis rotation position of the lens was determined by the shape accuracy of convex portion 40 and groove 50, and the variation was within ±1°.

[0036] Comparative Example 1 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of three lens units 100A (lens 1A, lens 2A, and lens 3A) shown in Comparative Example 1 assembled by stacking them together, FIG. 10 is a top view, and FIG. 11 is a BB cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0037] Lens unit 100A has image sensor 10A, and the lenses are arranged such that lens 1A is on the objective side and lens 3A is on the image sensor 10A side.

[0038] The above assembly diagram focuses on only a portion of the manufacturing process of the lens unit 100A, and omits the lens barrel, spacers, aperture, and other associated parts. The difference from the embodiment is the contact shape of each lens.

[0039] A tapered shape 9A centered on the optical axis C1 is formed on the surface of the lens 1A facing the image sensor 10A. A tapered shape 9B centered on the optical axis C1 is formed on the surface of the lens 2A facing the objective. The tapered shapes 9A and 9B are formed around the entire circumference of the lens unit 100 and are configured to be able to fit together. That is, one convex portion 4A is formed on the lens 1A and one groove 5A is formed on the lens 2A.

[0040] Lenses 1A and 2A have their tapered shapes abutting against each other, so that the relative radial positions of the lenses can be controlled with high precision, but the positional precision in the rotational direction of optical axis C1 depends on the angle adjustment capability of the robot.

[0041] Similarly, by abutting the tapered shapes of lenses 2 and 3, the relative radial positions of lenses 1A and 2A can be precisely controlled, but the positional accuracy in the rotational direction of optical axis C1 depends on the angle adjustment capability of the robot.

[0042] The lens shown in Comparative Example 1 was stacked and assembled by a robot with an assembly angle adjustment capability of ±1.5°. The variation in the optical axis rotation position of the lens at that time was ±3°, which was a larger variation in assembly quality compared to the Example.

[0043] Comparative Example 2 Fig. 12 is a top view of lens 2A in Comparative Example 2, and Fig. 13 is a top view of lens 3A in Comparative Example 2. In Comparative Example 2, unlike the Example, lens 2A was provided with three grooves 5A, the same number as the number of convex portions 4A of lens 1A. Similarly, lens 3A was provided with three grooves 50A, the same number as the number of convex portions 40A of lens 2A. The rest of the configuration was the same as in the Example.

[0044] The lens of Comparative Example 2 was stacked and assembled by a robot with an assembly angle adjustment capability of ±1.5°. The variation in the optical axis rotation position of the lens at that time was good, being within ±1°. However, since the same number of grooves 5A and grooves 50A were provided, three each, there were only three possible positions for the lens unit 100A, making it difficult to adjust the desired position.

[0045] In the example, by making the number of grooves 5 greater than the number of protrusions 4, the lens could be positioned with higher accuracy than in the comparative examples 1 and 2.

[0046] <Third embodiment> Next, an imaging device 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 as an example of an electronic device in which the lens unit 100 described in the first and second embodiments can be mounted.

[0047] The imaging device 600 is made up of a lens unit including three lenses (lens 1, lens 2, and lens 3), an imaging element 10, a filter 11, a holder 12, and an external circuit 13.

[0048] Three lenses (lens 1, lens 2, lens 3) are assembled by stacking them together, with lens 1 facing the objective side and lens 3 facing the image sensor 10 side in terms of the lens arrangement.

[0049] The image sensor 10 detects a subject image formed by three lenses (lens 1, lens 2, and lens 3), converts the detected light into an electric charge, and outputs the electric charge to the image processor 13.

[0050] The filter 11 is provided between the lens 3 and the imaging element 10. The filter 11 is, for example, an infrared cut filter, and has a function of reflecting infrared rays.

[0051] The holder 12 is a member that assembles and holds three lenses (lens 1, lens 2, and lens 3), the imaging element 10, and the filter 11.

[0052] The lens unit including the three lenses is preferably stored inside the lens barrel, and an image sensor 10 that receives light that has passed through the lens barrel is provided in a housing connected to the lens barrel.

[0053] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the lens unit 100 that differs from the first embodiment. Here, the description will be centered on the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and a description of the same contents will be omitted.

[0054] The lens unit 100 of this embodiment is different from the lens unit 100 of the first embodiment in the positions of the groove 5 of the lens 2 and the groove 50 of the lens 3. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an example of the lens unit 100 assembled from three lenses.

[0055] Lens 1, lens 2, and lens 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Fig. 16 is a top view of lens 1, Fig. 17 is a top view of lens 2, and Fig. 18 is a top view of lens 3. Lens 1, lens 2, and lens 3 each have gate 6, gate 7, and gate 8, which are gate positions obtained by chamfering the gate portion used during injection molding. The gate positions of the upper and lower lenses assembled as lens unit 100 are set so as not to overlap in the direction of rotation about the optical axis. Specifically, the adjustment can be made by adjusting the positional relationship between the grooves and convex portions of the upper and lower lenses assembled as the lens unit.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 15, the grooves and protrusions of the upper and lower lenses are arranged so as to be shifted at positions rotated at least 15° or more around the optical axis C0.

[0057] A plurality of convex portions 4 are provided on the surface 1b of the lens 1. Here, three convex portions 4 are shown, but the number may be one or more. When a plurality of convex portions 4 are provided, they are provided on a circle centered on the optical axis C0. In addition, it is preferable that the angle formed by the line segments connecting each convex portion 4 and the optical axis C0 is a value obtained by dividing 360° by the number of convex portions. However, it is not necessary for the angle to be exactly 360° divided by the number of convex portions, and it is preferable if it is ±10°.

[0058] A plurality of grooves 5 are provided on the surface 2a of the lens 2. In this example, the number of grooves 5 is 12.

[0059] In the lens unit 100 according to this embodiment, the number of grooves 5 is greater than the number of convex portions 4, and therefore, when positioning the lens 1 and the lens 2, there are grooves 5 that fit with the convex portions 4 and grooves 5 that do not fit with the convex portions 4. By switching between the grooves 5 that fit with the convex portions 4 and the grooves 5 that do not fit with the convex portions 4, the desired positioning can be achieved.

[0060] Furthermore, the positions of the convex portion 4 and the groove 5 of the lens 1 and the lens 2 are arranged so that, regardless of which convex portion 4 and groove 5 are engaged with each other, the gate 6 of the lens 1 and the gate 7 of the lens 2 do not overlap in the rotational direction around the optical axis C0.

[0061] A plurality of convex portions 40 (second convex portions) are provided on the surface 2b of the lens 2. Here, three convex portions 40 are shown, but the number may be one or more.

[0062] A plurality of grooves 50 (second recesses) are provided on the surface 3a of the lens 3. Here, twelve grooves 50 are shown, but it is sufficient that at least more grooves than the protrusions 40 are formed.

[0063] In the lens unit 100 according to this embodiment, the number of grooves 50 is greater than the number of convex portions 40, and therefore, when positioning the lens 2 and the lens 3, there are grooves 50 that engage with the convex portions 40 and grooves 50 that do not engage with the convex portions 40. By switching between the grooves 50 that engage with the convex portions 40 and the grooves 50 that do not engage with the convex portions 40, the desired positioning can be achieved.

[0064] Furthermore, the positions of the convex portion 4 and the groove 5 of the lens 2 and the lens 3 are arranged so that, regardless of which convex portion 40 and groove 50 are engaged with each other, the gate 7 of the lens 2 and the gate 8 of the lens 3 do not overlap in the rotational direction around the optical axis C0.

[0065] As described above, by arranging the lens gates located above and below when assembled into lens unit 100 so that they do not overlap in the rotational direction around the optical axis C0, the effects of distortion occurring in the lenses due to injection molding can be reduced.

[0066] In cases where a larger number of lenses are assembled into a lens unit, the gate positions may coincide between some of the lenses, as long as the gate positions are set so as not to overlap between lenses that are significantly affected by distortion.

[0067] The above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical concept.

[0068] For example, a plurality of embodiments may be combined, or part of at least one embodiment may be deleted or replaced.

[0069] In addition, new matters may be added to at least one embodiment. The disclosure of this specification includes not only what is explicitly described in this specification, but also all matters that can be understood from this specification and the drawings attached to this specification.

[0070] Furthermore, the disclosure of this specification includes the complement of each concept described in this specification. In other words, if this specification contains a statement that "A is greater than B," for example, even if the statement that "A is not greater than B" is omitted, this specification can be said to disclose that "A is not greater than B." This is because when a statement that "A is greater than B" is made, it is assumed that the case in which "A is not greater than B" is taken into consideration.

[0071] The following is the disclosure of the present invention.

[0072] (Configuration 1) A lens unit including a first resin lens and a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second resin lens has a first concave portion that can be fitted into the first convex portion on a surface facing the first resin lens, Regardless of the state in which the first protrusion is fitted into any of the first recesses, a gate position of the first resin lens and a gate position of the second resin lens do not overlap in a rotation direction about an optical axis; A lens unit characterized by:

[0073] (Configuration 2) Regardless of the state in which the first protrusion is fitted into any of the first recesses, a gate position of the second resin lens is a position rotated by 15° or more in a rotation direction about an optical axis with respect to a gate position of the first resin lens; 2. The lens unit according to claim 1,

[0074] (Configuration 3) 3. The lens unit according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the first convex portions are provided.

[0075] (Configuration 4) 4. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the number of the first concave portions is an integer multiple of the number of the first convex portions.

[0076] (Configuration 5) 5. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein a shape of a surface of the first convex portion and a shape of a surface of the first concave portion are different from each other.

[0077] (Configuration 6) 6. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first convex portion is spherical, and the first concave portion is V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0078] (Configuration 7) The lens unit described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the first recess is a rectangle extending in a radial direction of an axis that corresponds to the direction in which the first resin lens and the second resin lens are overlapped.

[0079] (Configuration 8) The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein three first convex portions are provided.

[0080] (Configuration 9) 9. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first resin lens and the second resin lens are superimposed in a direction in which an optical axis of the lens unit extends.

[0081] (Configuration 10) The second resin lens is a lens having a thickness greater at the center than at the outer periphery of the lens, The lens unit described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the gate position of the second resin lens is provided at a position that is in phase with respect to the rotational direction of the optical axis of the lens unit and does not coincide with the first recess.

[0082] (Configuration 11) the lens unit includes a third resin lens that is superimposed on the second resin lens on the side opposite to the first resin lens, the second resin lens has a second convex portion on a surface facing the third resin lens, the third resin lens has a second concave portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second concave portion being engageable with the second convex portion; 11. The lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0083] (Configuration 12) No matter which of the first recesses the first protrusions are fitted into, and no matter which of the second recesses the second protrusions are fitted into, a gate position of the first resin lens, a gate position of the second resin lens, and a gate position of the third resin lens do not overlap in a rotation direction about an optical axis; 12. The lens unit according to claim 11,

[0084] (Configuration 13) No matter which of the first recesses the first protrusions are fitted into, and no matter which of the second recesses the second protrusions are fitted into, a gate position of the first resin lens, a gate position of the second resin lens, and a gate position of the third resin lens are rotated by 15° or more relative to each other in a rotation direction about an optical axis. 13. The lens unit according to claim 12,

[0085] (Configuration 14) 14. The lens unit according to configuration 12 or 13, wherein the number of the first convex portions is the same as the number of the second convex portions.

[0086] (Configuration 15) The lens unit described in any one of configurations 11 to 14, characterized in that the third resin lens is a lens whose center is thinner than its outer periphery, and the gate position of the third resin lens is arranged to be located between the second recess and the recess adjacent to the second recess in a rotational direction about the optical axis of the lens unit.

[0087] (Configuration 16) A lens unit including a first resin lens, a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, and a third resin lens superimposed on the second resin lens on a side opposite to the first resin lens, the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second resin lens has a first concave portion that can be fitted into the first convex portion on a surface facing the first resin lens, the number of the first recesses is greater than the number of the first protrusions, the second resin lens has a second convex portion on a surface facing the third resin lens, the third resin lens has a second concave portion, the second convex portion being engageable with the second concave portion, on a surface facing the second resin lens; The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the number of the second concave portions is greater than the number of the second convex portions.

[0088] (Configuration 17) the second resin lens is a lens having a thickness greater at the center than at an outer periphery of the lens, and a gate position of the second resin lens is provided so as not to coincide with the first recess in a rotation direction of an optical axis of the lens unit; The lens unit described in configuration 16, characterized in that the third resin lens is a lens whose center is thinner than its outer periphery, and the gate position of the third resin lens is arranged to be located between the second recess and the recess adjacent to the second recess in a rotational direction about the optical axis of the lens unit.

[0089] (Telescope tube 1) 18. A lens barrel housing the lens unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 17.

[0090] (device 1) An imaging device comprising: a lens barrel described in Lens Barrel 1; and an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the lens barrel.

[0091] (device 2) The imaging device described in Device 1, wherein the imaging element is provided inside a housing connected to the lens barrel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 First lens 2 Second lens 4 First protrusion 5 First recess 100 Lens unit

Claims

1. A lens unit including a first resin lens and a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second resin lens has a first concave portion on a surface facing the first resin lens, the first concave portion being engageable with the first convex portion, Regardless of the state in which the first protrusion is fitted into any of the first recesses, a gate position of the first resin lens and a gate position of the second resin lens do not overlap in a rotation direction about an optical axis; A lens unit characterized by:

2. Regardless of the state in which the first protrusion is fitted into any of the first recesses, a gate position of the second resin lens is a position rotated by 15° or more in a rotation direction about an optical axis with respect to a gate position of the first resin lens; 2. The lens unit according to claim 1.

3. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the first convex portions are provided.

4. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the first concave portions is an integer multiple of the number of the first convex portions.

5. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein a surface shape of the first convex portion and a surface shape of the first concave portion are different from each other.

6. 2. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the first convex portion is spherical, and the first concave portion is V-shaped or U-shaped.

7. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first recess is rectangular extending in a radial direction of an axis along a direction in which the first resin lens and the second resin lens are superimposed.

8. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the first convex portions is three.

9. The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first resin lens and the second resin lens are superimposed in a direction in which an optical axis of the lens unit extends.

10. The second resin lens is a lens having a thickness greater at the center than at the outer periphery of the lens, The lens unit according to claim 1 , wherein a gate position of the second resin lens is provided so as not to coincide with the first recess in a rotation direction of an optical axis of the lens unit.

11. the lens unit has a third resin lens superimposed on the second resin lens on the side opposite to the first resin lens, the second resin lens has a second convex portion on a surface facing the third resin lens, the third resin lens has a second concave portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second concave portion being engageable with the second convex portion; 2. The lens unit according to claim 1.

12. No matter which of the first recesses the first protrusions are fitted into, and no matter which of the second recesses the second protrusions are fitted into, a gate position of the first resin lens, a gate position of the second resin lens, and a gate position of the third resin lens do not overlap in a rotation direction about an optical axis; 12. The lens unit according to claim 11.

13. No matter which of the first recesses the first protrusions are fitted into, and no matter which of the second recesses the second protrusions are fitted into, a gate position of the first resin lens, a gate position of the second resin lens, and a gate position of the third resin lens are rotated by 15° or more relative to each other in a rotation direction about an optical axis.

13. The lens unit according to claim 12.

14. The lens unit according to claim 12 , wherein the number of the first convex portions is the same as the number of the second convex portions.

15. The third resin lens is a lens having a thickness smaller at the center than at the outer periphery of the lens, The lens unit according to claim 11, characterized in that a gate position of the third resin lens is arranged to be located between the second recess and a recess adjacent to the second recess in a rotational direction about an optical axis of the lens unit.

16. A lens unit including a first resin lens, a second resin lens superimposed on the first resin lens, and a third resin lens superimposed on the second resin lens on a side opposite to the first resin lens, the first resin lens has a first convex portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second resin lens has a first concave portion on a surface facing the first resin lens, the first concave portion being engageable with the first convex portion, the number of the first recesses is greater than the number of the first protrusions, the second resin lens has a second convex portion on a surface facing the third resin lens, the third resin lens has a second concave portion on a surface facing the second resin lens, the second concave portion being engageable with the second convex portion; The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the number of the second concave portions is greater than the number of the second convex portions.

17. the second resin lens is a lens having a thickness greater at the center than at an outer periphery of the lens, and a gate position of the second resin lens is provided so as not to coincide with the first recess in a rotation direction of an optical axis of the lens unit; The lens unit described in claim 16, characterized in that the third resin lens is a lens whose thickness is thinner at the center of the lens than at its outer periphery, and the gate position of the third resin lens is arranged to be located between the second recess and a recess adjacent to the second recess in a rotational direction about the optical axis of the lens unit.

18. A lens barrel housing a lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. 20. An imaging device comprising: the lens barrel according to claim 18; and an imaging element that receives light that has passed through the lens barrel.

20. 20. The imaging apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the imaging element is provided inside a housing connected to the lens barrel.

Images