Camera module and manufacturing method of camera module

Abstract

To provide a configuration capable of easily performing a focusing process in manufacture in a camera module using a curved image pickup device.SOLUTION: An image pickup device 10 is in a curved shape along a first virtual spherical surface S1. Both of a part 43 abutting on a support section 50 in a lens holding section 40 and a part 52 abutting on the lens holding section in the support section 50 are in a shape along a second virtual spherical surface S2. Further, a curved section formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface S2 is provided in at least one of the part 43 abutting on the support section 50 in the lens holding section 40 and the part 52 abutting on the lens holding section in the support section 50. A center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface matches a center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface, and the center of the first virtual spherical surface S1 And the center of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are positioned on a light axis OA of a lens 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera module and a method for manufacturing the camera module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a general camera module, one using a plurality of lenses to form an image plane flat and a planar image sensor is known. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of making an image sensor into a curved shape in order to improve resolution in a camera module with a reduced number of lenses for the purpose of miniaturization and cost reduction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the camera module described in Patent Document 1 above has a problem that adjustment becomes difficult compared to a general camera module during the "focus adjustment process" of aligning the image sensor with the image plane of the lens during manufacturing.

[0005] In the following description, the direction in which the lens and the image sensor are arranged is referred to as the Z-axis direction, and the extending directions of two orthogonal axes on a virtual plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are referred to as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. Also, the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on the XZ plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the first rotation direction, and the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on the YZ plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the second rotation direction. Also, the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are collectively referred to as the two-axis rotation direction.

[0006] Specifically, in a general camera module using a planar image sensor, when the lens shape is a symmetric optical system, if the positional relationship between the lens and the image sensor is adjusted in the Z-axis direction and two rotation axes directions, even if there is a deviation in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, focusing is possible. That is, even if the positional relationship between the lens and the image sensor is deviated in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, only the position of the center pixel of the image sensor changes, and the way the image blurs, that is, the aberration, does not change. Therefore, in a general camera module, during the focusing process, a total of three directions of adjustment, such as the Z-axis direction and two rotation axes directions, may be performed.

[0007] On the other hand, when using a curved image sensor as in the camera module described in Patent Document 1, if the positional relationship between the lens and the image sensor is deviated in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, not only does the position of the center pixel of the image sensor change, but the blurring of the image also increases. Therefore, in a camera module using a curved image sensor, during the focusing process, it is necessary to perform a total of five directions of adjustment, such as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis direction, and two rotation axes directions. Compared with a general camera module, the focusing process becomes difficult.

[0008] In view of the above points, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a configuration and a manufacturing method capable of easily performing the focusing process during manufacturing in a camera module using a curved image sensor.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a camera module includes a curved image sensor (10) along a first virtual spherical surface (S1), a pedestal portion (20) to which the image sensor is fixed, a lens (30) that guides light to the image sensor, a lens holding portion (40) that holds the lens, and a support portion (50) that supports the lens holding portion and is directly or indirectly fixed to the pedestal portion. The portion (43) of the lens holding part that abuts against the support part and the portion (52) of the support part that abuts against the lens holding part are both in a shape along the second virtual spherical surface (S2). At least one of the portion of the lens holding part that abuts against the support part and the portion of the support part that abuts against the lens holding part is provided with a curved portion formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface. The center (O1) of the first virtual spherical surface and the center (O2) of the second virtual spherical surface coincide, and the center of the first virtual spherical surface and the center of the second virtual spherical surface are located on the optical axis (OA) of the lens.

[0010] According to this, by providing a curved portion on at least one of the lens holding part and the support part, during the focusing process in the manufacture of the camera module, focusing in the two rotational axis directions becomes unnecessary, and focusing can be achieved by adjusting in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the focusing process of the camera module using a curved imaging element can be performed with the same or fewer man-hours as in the case of using a planar imaging element. Thus, this camera module can easily perform the focusing process during manufacture. Furthermore, this camera module can reduce the number of lenses compared to a planar imaging element by using a curved imaging element, so the size can be reduced. Also, this camera module can increase the resolution even if the number of lenses is reduced compared to a planar imaging element by using a curved imaging element.

[0011] In the present disclosure, "along the virtual spherical surface" includes not only a state that completely coincides with the virtual spherical surface but also a state that is slightly deviated from the virtual spherical surface due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, that is, a state of substantially coinciding. Also, "the centers of the two virtual spherical surfaces coincide" includes not only a state where the centers of the two virtual spherical surfaces completely coincide but also a state where they are slightly deviated due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, that is, a state of substantially coinciding. Also, "the center of the virtual spherical surface is located on the optical axis of the lens" includes not only a state where the center of the virtual spherical surface is completely located on the optical axis but also a state where it is slightly deviated from the optical axis due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, that is, a state of being substantially located on the optical axis.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a camera module includes: providing a pedestal portion (20) to which an imaging element (10) having a curved shape along a first virtual spherical surface (S1) is fixed, a lens holding portion (40) holding a lens (30) that guides light to the imaging element, and a support portion (50) configured to support a curved portion of the lens holding portion (S100); supporting the lens holding portion by the support portion (S200); after supporting the lens holding portion by the support portion, adjusting the positions of the support portion and the pedestal portion in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, which are the directions in which two axes extend orthogonally on a virtual plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction as the direction in which the lens and the imaging element are aligned, and aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens (S300). A portion (43) of the lens holding portion that abuts against the support portion and a portion (52) of the support portion that abuts against the lens holding portion are both shaped along a second virtual spherical surface (S2). At least one of the portion of the lens holding portion that abuts against the support portion and the portion of the support portion that abuts against the lens holding portion is provided with a curved portion formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface. Aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens includes bringing the center (O1) of the first virtual spherical surface and the center (O2) of the second virtual spherical surface into coincidence and positioning the centers of the first virtual spherical surface and the second virtual spherical surface on the optical axis (OA) of the lens.

[0013] According to this, since at least one of the lens holding portion and the support portion is provided with a curved portion, during the focusing process, adjustment of the position in the two rotational axis directions becomes unnecessary, and focusing can be achieved by adjusting the positions of the support portion and the pedestal portion in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the man-hours of the focusing process of the camera module using a curved imaging element that can be miniaturized to the same or less man-hours as in the case of using a planar imaging element. Thus, this method for manufacturing a camera module can easily perform the focusing process.

[0014] Note that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. indicate an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] (First Embodiment) The camera module of the first embodiment will be described.

[0018] <Configuration of Camera Module> First, the configuration of the camera module will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the camera module of the first embodiment includes an imaging element 10, a pedestal portion 20, a lens 30, a lens holding portion 40, and a support portion 50.

[0019] In the following description, as shown in the coordinate system of each drawing, the direction in which the lens 30 and the imaging element 10 are aligned is referred to as the Z-axis direction, and the extending directions of two axes orthogonal to each other on a virtual plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are referred to as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. Further, the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on the XZ plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the first rotation direction, and the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on the YZ plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis is referred to as the second rotation direction. Also, the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction are collectively referred to as the two-axis rotation direction.

[0020] The imaging element 10 is an element that converts the light guided from the lens 30 into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and is also called an imager. The imaging element 10 is formed in a curved shape along a first virtual spherical surface S1. The imaging element 10 has a concave curved shape when viewed from the lens 30 side. Further, the central pixel 11 of the imaging element 10 is located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30.

[0021] The imaging element 10 is fixed to the surface of the pedestal portion 20 facing the lens 30 side. The pedestal portion 20 is fixed to, for example, a substrate 21. Note that the pedestal portion 20 and the substrate 21 may be integrally formed.

[0022] The lens 30 is an optical element that focuses the incident light and guides it to the imaging device 10. The image plane of the lens 30 coincides with the first virtual spherical surface S1. The shape of the lens 30 is a symmetric optical system. In the first embodiment, the lens 30 is composed of a single lens.

[0023] The lens 30 is held by the lens holding portion 40. The lens holding portion 40 holds the outer peripheral portion of the lens 30. The lens holding portion 40 has an aperture 41 at a portion on the side opposite to the imaging device 10 in the Z-axis direction. The surface 42 of the lens holding portion 40 on the side opposite to the imaging device 10 in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the surface 42 where the aperture 41 is provided) is located farther from the imaging device 10 than the surface 51 of the support portion 50 on the side opposite to the imaging device 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0024] A curved portion is provided at the portion 43 of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion 50. This curved portion will be referred to as the lens holding portion side curved portion 43. The lens holding portion side curved portion 43 has a convex curved shape when viewed from the imaging device 10 side. The lens holding portion side curved portion 43 is formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface S2. Let the radius of the first virtual spherical surface S1 be R 1 and the radius of the second virtual spherical surface S2 be R 2 . Then, there is a relationship of R 1 >R 2 . Note that the radius R 1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 can be referred to as the radius of curvature of the imaging device 10. Also, the radius R 2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 can be referred to as the radius of curvature of the lens holding portion side curved portion 43.

[0025] The lens holding part 40 is supported by the support part 50. The support part 50 supports the lens holding part side curved part 43. A curved part is provided at a part 52 of the support part 50 that abuts on the lens holding part 40. This curved part shall be referred to as the support part side curved part 52. The support part side curved part 52 has a concave curved shape when viewed from the lens holding part 40 side. The support part side curved part 52 is also formed along the second virtual spherical surface S2. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the lens holding part side curved part 43 and the support part side curved part 52 are in surface contact.

[0026] The support part 50 is configured to be able to support the lens holding part side curved part 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 along which the curved imaging element 10 extends coincides with the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 along which the lens holding part side curved part 43 and the support part side curved part 52 extend. Further, the support part 50 is configured to be able to support the lens holding part side curved part 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30.

[0027] The support part 50 is fixed to the substrate 21. That is, the support part 50 is indirectly fixed to the pedestal part 20 via the substrate 21. When the pedestal part 20 and the substrate 21 are integrally formed, it can be said that the support part 50 is directly fixed to the pedestal part 20.

[0028] <Method for manufacturing a camera module> Next, a method for manufacturing a camera module will be described.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the method for manufacturing a camera module includes a preparation step S100, a support step S200, a focusing step S300, a center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, and a fixing step S500.

[0030] First, in the preparation step S100, a pedestal part 20 to which the imaging element 10 is fixed, a lens holding part 40 that holds the lens 30, and a support part 50 are prepared. Note that the pedestal part 20 is in a state of being fixed to the substrate 21 or is integrally formed with the substrate 21.

[0031] Next, in the support step S200, the lens holder side curved portion 43 and the support portion side curved portion 52 are brought into contact with each other, and the lens holder 40 is supported by the support portion 50. At this time, the lens holder side curved portion 43 and the support portion side curved portion 52 are in surface contact.

[0032] Subsequently, in the focusing step S300, as shown by the arrow M1 in FIG. 5, the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 are adjusted in position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the imaging element 10 is aligned with the image plane of the lens 30. As described above, since the image plane of the lens 30 coincides with the first virtual spherical surface S1, the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 may be adjusted in position so that the imaging element 10 coincides with the first virtual spherical surface S1. At this time, since the lens holder side curved portion 43 and the support portion side curved portion 52 are in surface contact with each other in the above-described support step S200, focusing in the two-axis rotation direction is not required, and focusing can be performed by adjusting in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform focusing with a small number of man-hours. As will be described in the third and fourth embodiments below, when the manufacturing tolerances of the respective members are large, adjustment in the Z-axis direction may be performed as necessary.

[0033] Next, in the center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, the positional relationship between the lens holder 40 and the support portion 50 is adjusted in the two-axis rotation direction along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and the center pixel 11 of the imaging element 10 is positioned on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. This center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400 can be easily performed in a focused state. By the center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, the center pixel 11 of the imaging element 10 can be positioned on the optical axis OA of the lens 30.

[0034] Finally, in the fixing step S500, the respective members are fixed to each other. Specifically, the lens holder 40 and the support portion 50 are fixed, and the substrate 21 provided with the pedestal portion 20 and the support portion 50 are fixed. Note that the fixing of the substrate 21 provided with the pedestal portion 20 and the support portion 50 may be performed between the focusing step S300 and the center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400.

[0035] <Comparative Example> Here, for comparison with the camera module of the first embodiment, the camera module of the comparative example will be described.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 15, the camera module of the comparative example forms an image plane in a flat shape using a plurality of lenses 31, 32, and 33, and is configured using a flat image sensor 12. In this case, in the focusing step S300 during manufacturing, focusing can be achieved by adjusting the positional relationship between the lenses 31, 32, 33 and the image sensor 12 in the Z-axis direction and the two rotation axes directions. That is, even if the positional relationship between the lenses 31, 32, 33 and the image sensor 10 is displaced in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, only the position of the center pixel 11 of the image sensor 12 changes, and the way the image blurs, that is, the aberration, does not change. Therefore, the camera module of the comparative example only needs to be adjusted in a total of three directions, such as the Z-axis direction and the two rotation axes directions, during the focusing step S300. However, the camera module of the comparative example has a problem that the size becomes large because a plurality of lenses 31, 32, 33 are used to form the image plane in a flat shape.

[0037] <Operational Effects of the First Embodiment> The camera module of the first embodiment has the following operational effects with respect to the camera module of the comparative example described above. (1) In the camera module of the first embodiment, the image sensor 10 has a curved shape along the first virtual spherical surface S1. Both the lens holder side curved portion 43 provided on the lens holder 40 and the support portion side curved portion 52 provided on the support portion 50 have a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface S2. The center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 coincide, and the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. According to this, by providing the lens holding part side curved part 43 and the support part side curved part 52, at the time of the focusing process S300 during the manufacture of the camera module, focusing in the two rotational axis directions becomes unnecessary, and focusing can be achieved by adjustment in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Although not essential, when the manufacturing tolerances of each member are large, adjustment in the Z-axis direction may be performed as necessary. Therefore, the focusing process S300 of the camera module using the curved imaging element 10 can be performed with the same number of man-hours as or fewer man-hours than in the case of using a planar imaging element 10 as in the comparative example. Thus, this camera module can easily perform the focusing process S300 during manufacture. Furthermore, the camera module of the first embodiment can reduce the number of lenses 30 compared to that of the comparative example by using the curved imaging element 10, so the physical size can be reduced. Also, the camera module of the first embodiment can increase the resolution even when the number of lenses 30 is reduced compared to using a planar imaging element as in the comparative example by using the curved imaging element 10.

[0038] (2) In the first embodiment, the imaging element 10 has a concave curved shape when viewed from the lens 30 side. According to this, if the imaging element 10 has a convex curved shape when viewed from the lens 30 side, part of the light irradiated from the lens 30 may hit a position other than the focus point of the imaging element 10 before reaching the focus point of the imaging element 10, and a shadow may occur in the image. On the other hand, by making the imaging element 10 have a concave curved shape when viewed from the lens 30 side, it is possible to prevent a shadow from occurring in the image.

[0039] (3) In the first embodiment, the center pixel 11 of the imaging element 10 is located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. According to this, the angle of view can be made equal on the left and right, so the imaging element 10 can be miniaturized.

[0040] (4) In the first embodiment, the lens 30 is composed of a single lens. According to this, the physical size of the camera module in the Z-axis direction can be reduced.

[0041] (5) In the first embodiment, the surface 42 of the lens holding portion 40 on the side opposite to the imaging element 10 in the Z-axis direction is located farther from the imaging element 10 than the surface 51 of the support portion 50 on the side opposite to the imaging element 10 in the Z-axis direction. According to this, the physical size of the camera module in the Z-axis direction can be reduced.

[0042] Further, the manufacturing method of the camera module of the first embodiment has the following operational effects. (6) The manufacturing method of the camera module of the first embodiment includes a preparation step S100, a support step S200, and a focusing step S300. In the preparation step S100, each member is prepared. In the support step S200, the lens holding portion 40 is supported by the support portion 50. In the focusing step S300, the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 are position-adjusted in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the imaging element 10 is aligned with the image plane of the lens 30. According to this, at the time of the focusing step S300, since the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 and the support portion side curved portion 52 are in contact with each other, position adjustment in the two-axis rotation direction becomes unnecessary, and by position-adjusting the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, focusing becomes possible. Therefore, the man-hour of the focusing step S300 of the camera module using the curved imaging element 10 whose physical size can be reduced can be made the same as or less than the man-hour in the case of using the planar imaging element 10. Therefore, the manufacturing method of this camera module can easily perform the focusing step S300.

[0043] (7) The manufacturing method of the camera module of the first embodiment performs a center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400 after the focusing step S300. In the center pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, the positional relationship between the lens holding portion 40 and the support portion 50 is adjusted in the two-axis rotation direction along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and the center pixel 11 of the imaging element 10 is positioned on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. According to this, the central pixel - optical axis alignment step S400 can be easily performed in a focused state. By the central pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, by positioning the central pixel 11 of the image sensor 10 on the optical axis OA of the lens 30, the angle of view can be made equal on the left and right, so that the image sensor 10 can be miniaturized.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment describes the case where the central pixel 11 of the image sensor 10 is fixed at a position deviated from the central position of the pedestal portion 20 with respect to the first embodiment. Since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, in the camera module of the second embodiment, due to manufacturing tolerances and the like, the central pixel 11 of the image sensor 10 is fixed at a position deviated from the central position 22 of the pedestal portion 20. Even in this case, the manufacturing method of the camera module is the same as the manufacturing method described in the first embodiment.

[0046] That is, in the support step S200, the lens holding part side curved part 43 and the support part side curved part 52 are brought into contact with each other, and the lens holding part 40 is supported by the support part 50. Subsequently, in the focusing step S300, the support part 50 and the pedestal part 20 are adjusted in position in the X - axis direction and the Y - axis direction to align the image sensor 10 with the image plane of the lens 30. When the manufacturing tolerances of each member are large, adjustment in the Z - axis direction may be performed as necessary.

[0047] After the focusing step S300, in the central pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, as shown by the arrow M2 in FIG. 6, the positional relationship between the lens holding part 40 and the support part 50 is adjusted in the two - axis rotation direction along the second virtual spherical surface S2 to position the central pixel 11 of the image sensor 10 on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. This central pixel - optical axis alignment step S400 can be easily performed in a focused state. By the central pixel - optical axis alignment step S400, the central pixel 11 of the image sensor 10 can be positioned on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. Thereby, the angle of view can be made equal on the left and right, so that the image sensor 10 can be miniaturized.

[0048] The camera module of the second embodiment described above can achieve the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0049] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is obtained by adding an adjustment function in the Z-axis direction to the first embodiment and the like. Since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the differences from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the support portion 50 included in the camera module of the third embodiment has a first support portion 501 and a second support portion 502. The first support portion 501 has a support portion side bending portion 52 at a portion that abuts against the lens holding portion 40. The second support portion 502 is directly or indirectly fixed to the pedestal portion 20. The first support portion 501 and the second support portion 502 are screwed together so as to be relatively movable in the Z-axis direction by a screw portion 53. That is, by rotating the first support portion 501 around the optical axis OA with respect to the second support portion 502, the first support portion 501 moves relative to the second support portion 502 in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the lens 30 and the lens holding portion 40 are movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the imaging element 10.

[0051] In the third embodiment, an infrared cut filter 34 is provided between the lens 30 and the imaging element 10. The infrared cut filter 34 is provided on the first support portion 501.

[0052] In the third embodiment, in the focusing process S300 during the manufacture of the camera module, after adjusting the positions of the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, it is possible to adjust the position in the Z-axis direction as necessary. Note that, after adjusting the positions of the support portion 50 and the pedestal portion 20 in the Z-axis direction, the positions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may be adjusted.

[0053] In the adjustment in the Z-axis direction, the image plane of the lens 30 and the curved shape of the imaging element 10 may be made to coincide. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, let the radius of the first virtual spherical surface S1 be R 1 and let the radius of the second virtual spherical surface S2 be R 2 Also, let the distance between the surface of the lens 30 on the side of the imaging element 10 and the second virtual spherical surface S2 be Z 1 Let the distance between the surface of the lens 30 on the side of the imaging element 10 and the imaging element 10 be Z 2 At this time, by satisfying the relationship of the following formula (1), the aberration can be minimized. R 1 −R 2 =Z 1 −Z 2 ···(1)

[0054] The camera module of the third embodiment described above has the following operational effects. (1) In the third embodiment, the lens 30 is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction with respect to the imaging element 10. Thereby, even when the manufacturing tolerances of the pedestal portion 20, the lens holding portion 40, the support portion 50, etc. are large, it is possible to easily perform the adjustment in the Z-axis direction in the focusing process S300 during manufacturing.

[0055] (2) In the third embodiment, the support portion 50 has a first support portion 501 and a second support portion 502. The first support portion 501 is a portion having a portion 52 that abuts against the lens holding portion 40. The second support portion 502 is a portion that is directly or indirectly fixed to the pedestal portion 20. The first support portion 501 and the second support portion 502 are screwed together so as to be relatively movable in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, even when the manufacturing tolerances of the pedestal portion 20, the lens holding portion 40, the support portion 50, etc. are large, it is possible to easily perform the adjustment in the Z-axis direction in the focusing process S300 during manufacturing. Also, in the third embodiment, even when the infrared cut filter 34 is provided, it is possible to prevent the lens 30 and the infrared cut filter 34 from interfering with each other by the adjustment in the Z-axis direction.

[0056] (3) The manufacturing method of the camera module according to the third embodiment includes adjusting the positional relationship between the lens 30 and the imaging element 10 in the Z-axis direction during the focusing step S300. According to this, even when the manufacturing tolerances of the pedestal portion 20, the lens holding portion 40, the support portion 50, etc. are large, focusing can be achieved by adjusting in the Z-axis direction as necessary.

[0057] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is also one in which an adjustment function in the Z-axis direction is added to the first embodiment etc., and since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment etc., only the parts different from the first embodiment etc. will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 8, the lens holding portion 40 included in the camera module according to the fourth embodiment has a first lens holding portion 401 and a second lens holding portion 402. The first lens holding portion 401 has a lens holding portion side curved portion 43 at a portion that abuts against the support portion 50. The second lens holding portion 402 holds the lens 30. The first lens holding portion 401 and the second lens holding portion 402 are screwed together so as to be relatively movable in the Z-axis direction by a screw portion 44. The screw portion 44 is configured to be movable along the optical axis OA with the lens 30 while maintaining the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2. That is, by rotating the first lens holding portion 401 around the optical axis OA with respect to the second lens holding portion 402, the first lens holding portion 401 moves relative to the second lens holding portion 402 along the optical axis OA. Thereby, the lens 30 and the second lens holding portion 402 are movable in the optical axis direction with respect to the imaging element 10.

[0059] Also in the camera module according to the fourth embodiment described above, when the manufacturing tolerances of the pedestal portion 20, the lens holding portion 40, the support portion 50, etc. are large, it is possible to easily perform adjustment in the Z-axis direction in the focusing step S300 during manufacturing.

[0060] (Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is to explain an example of the fixing method of each member with respect to the first embodiment and the like. Since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, in the fifth embodiment, in the fixing step S500 during the manufacture of the camera module, the lens holding portion 40 and the support portion 50 are fixed with, for example, an adhesive 60. Also, the substrate 21 to which the pedestal portion 20 is fixed and the support portion 50 are fixed with, for example, an adhesive 60. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the positional relationship between the members that have undergone the focusing step and the central pixel - optical axis alignment step from shifting.

[0062] (Sixth Embodiment) The sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment also explains an example of the fixing method of each member with respect to the first embodiment and the like. Since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, in the sixth embodiment, in the fixing step S500 during the manufacture of the camera module, the lens holding portion 40 and the support portion 50 are fixed with, for example, an adhesive 60. Also, the substrate 21 to which the pedestal portion 20 is fixed and the support portion 50 are fixed with, for example, a screw 61. Note that the inner diameter D1 of the screw hole 62 provided in the support portion 50 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the shaft portion 63 of the screw 61. Therefore, a clearance space is provided in the screw hole 62. Thereby, in the focusing step S300, after the substrate 21 to which the pedestal portion 20 is fixed and the support portion 50 are position - adjusted in the X - axis direction and the Y - axis direction, the substrate 21 and the support portion 50 can be fixed with the screw 61. Also in the configuration of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the positional relationship between the members that have undergone the focusing step and the central pixel - optical axis alignment step from shifting.

[0064] (Seventh Embodiment) A description will be given of the seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the shape of the support portion 50 with respect to the first embodiment and the like, and since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, in the seventh embodiment, the portion 52 of the support portion 50 that abuts on the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 is formed at the radially inner peripheral portion of the support portion 50. The portion 52 (i.e., the peripheral portion) of the support portion 50 that abuts on the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 is formed along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and is in line contact or point contact at a plurality of locations with respect to the lens holding portion side curved portion 43.

[0066] Also in the configuration of the seventh embodiment, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 coincide. Further, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. Thus, the portion 52 of the support portion 50 that supports the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 can adopt various shapes.

[0067] (Eighth Embodiment) A description will be given of the eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the shape of the support portion 50 with respect to the first embodiment and the like, and since the other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 12, in the eighth embodiment, the portion 52 of the support portion 50 that supports the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 is constituted by a plurality of protrusions 54. These plurality of protrusions 54 are formed along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and are in line contact or point contact at a plurality of locations with respect to the lens holding portion side curved portion 43.

[0069] Also in the configuration of the eighth embodiment, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 coincide with each other. Further, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. Thus, the portion 52 of the support portion 50 that supports the lens holding portion side curved portion 43 can adopt various shapes.

[0070] (Ninth Embodiment) The ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the shape of the support portion 50 with respect to the first embodiment and the like, and since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 13, in the ninth embodiment, the portion 43 of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion side curved portion 52 is formed at the radially outer peripheral portion of the lens holding portion. The portion 43 (i.e., the peripheral portion) of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion side curved portion 52 is formed along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and is in line contact or point contact with the support portion side curved portion 52 at a plurality of locations.

[0072] Also in the configuration of the ninth embodiment, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion 40 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 along which the curved imaging element 10 extends and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 coincide with each other. Further, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion 40 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. Thus, the portion 43 of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion side curved portion 52 can adopt various shapes.

[0073] (Tenth Embodiment) The tenth embodiment will be described. The tenth embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the shape of the support portion 50 with respect to the first embodiment and the like, and since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment and the like, only the parts different from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 14, in the tenth embodiment, a portion 43 of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion side curved portion 52 is constituted by a plurality of protrusions 45. The plurality of protrusions 45 are formed along the second virtual spherical surface S2, and are in line contact or point contact at a plurality of locations with respect to the support portion side curved portion 52.

[0075] Also in the configuration of the tenth embodiment, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion 40 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 along which the curved imaging element 10 extends and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 coincide. Further, the support portion 50 can support the lens holding portion 40 in a state where the center O1 of the first virtual spherical surface S1 and the center O2 of the second virtual spherical surface S2 are located on the optical axis OA of the lens 30. In this way, the portion 43 of the lens holding portion 40 that abuts against the support portion side curved portion 52 can adopt various shapes.

[0076] (Other Embodiments) (1) In each of the above embodiments, the camera module has been described as including one lens 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the camera module may include a plurality of lenses.

[0077] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the surface 42 on which the aperture 41 is provided in the lens holding portion 40 is located farther from the imaging element 10 than the support portion 50 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the surface 42 on which the aperture 41 is provided in the lens holding portion 40 may be located closer to the imaging element 10 than the surface 51 of the support portion 50 on the side opposite to the imaging element 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0078] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the pedestal portion 20 has been described as being fixed to the substrate 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pedestal portion 20 may be fixed to a member other than the substrate 21. That is, the pedestal portion 20 and the support portion 50 may be fixed via a member other than the substrate 21.

[0079] (4) In the first embodiment, the lens 30 has been described as being composed of a single lens, but it is not limited thereto, and the lens 30 may be composed of a plurality of lenses. In that case, for example, the configuration may be such as lens 1 ⇒ lens 2 ⇒ aperture ⇒ lens 3 ⇒ imaging device from the outdoor scene side (the upper side in FIG. 1 etc.). That is, the number of lenses on the outdoor scene side of the aperture and the number of lenses on the imaging device side of the aperture can both be arbitrarily set.

[0080] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope described in the claims. Also, each of the above embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential except in cases where it is explicitly stated that they are essential and cases where they are considered to be clearly essential in principle. Also, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to that specific number except in cases where it is explicitly stated that they are essential and cases where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., they are not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc. except in cases where it is explicitly stated and cases where they are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0081] 10 Imaging device 20 Pedestal part 30 Lens 40 Lens holding part 43 Curved part on the lens holding part side (curved part) 50 Support part 52 Curved part on the support part side (curved part) OA Optical axis of the lens O1 Center of the first virtual spherical surface O2 Center of the second virtual spherical surface S1 First virtual spherical surface S2 Second virtual spherical surface

Claims

1. In a camera module, an imaging element (10) having a curved shape along a first virtual spherical surface (S1); a pedestal portion (20) to which the imaging element is fixed; a lens (30) that guides light to the imaging element; a lens holding portion (40) that holds the lens; a support portion (50) that supports the lens holding portion and is directly or indirectly fixed to the pedestal portion, wherein a portion (43) of the lens holding portion that contacts the support portion and a portion (52) of the support portion that contacts the lens holding portion both have a shape along a second virtual spherical surface (S2); at least one of a portion of the lens holding portion that contacts the support portion and a portion of the support portion that contacts the lens holding portion is provided with a curved portion formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface; a camera module in which the center (O1) of the first virtual spherical surface and the center (O2) of the second virtual spherical surface coincide and the center of the first virtual spherical surface and the center of the second virtual spherical surface are located on the optical axis (OA) of the lens.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the imaging element has a concave curved shape when viewed from the lens side.

3. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a center pixel (11) of the imaging element is located on the optical axis of the lens.

4. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens is configured to be movable relative to the imaging element in a direction in which the lens and the imaging element are aligned.

5. The support portion has a first support portion (501) having a portion (52) that contacts the lens holding portion and a second support portion (502) that is directly or indirectly fixed to the pedestal portion, and the first support portion and the second support portion are screwed together so as to be relatively movable in a direction in which the lens and the imaging element are aligned. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The lens holding portion has a first lens holding portion (401) having a portion (43) that contacts the support portion and a second lens holding portion (402) that holds the lens, and the first lens holding portion and the second lens holding portion are screwed together so as to be relatively movable in the optical axis direction. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens is composed of a single piece.

8. In the camera module according to claim 1 or 2, a surface (42) on the side opposite to the imaging element in the Z-axis direction which is the direction in which the lens and the imaging element are arranged among the lens holding portions is located at a position farther from the imaging element than a surface (51) on the side opposite to the imaging element in the Z-axis direction among the support portions.

9. The curved portion is provided at a portion (43) of the lens holding portion that abuts on the support portion. In the camera module according to claim 1 or 2, a portion (52) of the support portion that abuts on the lens holding portion is in surface contact, line contact, or point contact at a plurality of locations with the curved portion provided on the lens holding portion.

10. The curved portion is provided at a portion (52) of the support portion that abuts on the lens holding portion. In the camera module according to claim 1 or 2, a portion (43) of the lens holding portion that abuts on the support portion is in surface contact, line contact, or point contact at a plurality of locations with the curved portion provided on the support portion.

11. In a method of manufacturing a camera module, preparing a pedestal portion (20) to which an imaging element (10) having a curved shape along a first virtual spherical surface (S1) is fixed, a lens holding portion (40) that holds a lens (30) that guides light to the imaging element, and a support portion (50) that supports the lens holding portion (S100); supporting the lens holding portion by the support portion (S200); after supporting the lens holding portion by the support portion, adjusting the positions of the support portion and the pedestal portion in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction which are the extending directions of two axes orthogonal to each other on a virtual plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction which is the direction in which the lens and the imaging element are arranged, and aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens (S300), which includes a portion (43) of the lens holding portion that abuts on the support portion and a portion (52) of the support portion that abuts on the lens holding portion are both in a shape along a second virtual spherical surface (S2); at least one of a portion of the lens holding portion that abuts on the support portion and a portion of the support portion that abuts on the lens holding portion is provided with a curved portion formed in a curved shape along the second virtual spherical surface. Aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens includes the state where the center (O1) of the first virtual sphere and the center (O2) of the second virtual sphere coincide, and the centers of the first virtual sphere and the second virtual sphere are located on the optical axis (OA) of the lens. A method for manufacturing a camera module.

12. The method for manufacturing a camera module according to claim 11, further comprising adjusting the positional relationship between the lens and the imaging element in the Z-axis direction and aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens (S300).

13. After aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens, adjusting the positional relationship between the lens holder and the support portion in a first rotation direction as the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on a plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis, and a second rotation direction as the circumferential direction of a virtual circle drawn on a plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis, and positioning the center pixel of the imaging element on the optical axis of the lens (S400). The method for manufacturing a camera module according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The method for manufacturing a camera module according to claim 13, further comprising fixing the pedestal portion and the support portion, and fixing the lens holder and the support portion after aligning the imaging element with the image plane of the lens or after positioning the center pixel of the imaging element on the optical axis of the lens (S500).

15. The method for manufacturing a camera module according to claim 14, wherein the fixing of the pedestal portion and the support portion and the fixing of the lens holder and the support portion are performed with an adhesive (60) or a screw (61).

Images