In-vehicle camera

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle camera with a simple structure capable of reducing the manufacturing cost of the in-vehicle camera by electrically connecting a circuit board connector connection part and a connector terminal.SOLUTION: The in-vehicle camera includes: a lens unit; a circuit board; an image pickup device; multiple electronic components placed on a first surface a and second surface of the circuit board; a circuit board connector connection part that is placed on the second surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit on the circuit board; a housing for housing at least the circuit board and an image pickup device; a first planar member made of metal that covers at least part of multiple electronic components placed on the second surface of the circuit board adn is connected to the circuit on the circuit board; a connector that includes at least one terminal extending across the inside and outside of the housing; and acylindrical member made of metal that encloses at least one terminal of the connector with an optical axis as its center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the demands for improving vehicle safety and introducing autonomous driving functions, the development of in-vehicle cameras mounted on vehicles for photographing the inside and outside of the vehicle has been active (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] While the required levels regarding vehicle safety, autonomous driving functions, etc. are on the rise, further performance improvement of in-vehicle cameras is also demanded.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing a new in-vehicle camera.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure includes a lens unit including a first cylindrical portion that is first cylindrical, and at least one lens disposed on the optical axis inside the first cylindrical portion; a circuit board including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an imaging element disposed on the optical axis and on the first surface of the circuit board; a plurality of electronic components disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board; a circuit board connector connection portion disposed on the second surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board; a second cylindrical portion that is second cylindrical and houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element along the optical axis; a first end portion disposed between the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the circuit board in the direction along the optical axis; a housing including a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis; a first planar member made of metal disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing, covering at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the second surface of the circuit board, and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board; a connector disposed at the second end portion of the housing and including at least one terminal extending across the inside and the outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis; a cylindrical member made of metal disposed at the second end portion of the housing, extending across the inside and the outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis, and surrounding at least a part of the at least one terminal of the connector in a cylindrical shape; the first planar member is disposed to face the second surface of the circuit board, has a first shape in a plan view, and includes a first planar portion including a first hole disposed to include the central portion of the first shape; and at least one wall portion extending from the end portion of the first shape of the first planar portion toward the lens unit. The cylindrical member is electrically connected to the first planar member in a state where at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member is held by the central portion including the first hole of the first shape of the first planar portion. The at least one terminal of the connector passes through the first hole including the central portion of the first shape of the first planar portion of the first planar member, and has a first end portion disposed inside the housing in the direction along the optical axis and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis.It has a second end portion disposed outside the housing, the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion has a spherical concave portion, the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector has a spherical convex portion, and the convex portion of the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector is electrically connected to the concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion, providing an in-vehicle camera.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the circuit board connector connection portion and the terminals of the connector can be electrically connected with a simple configuration, reducing the manufacturing cost of the in-vehicle camera. In addition, since the metal first planar member covers at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the second surface of the circuit board and the metal cylindrical member surrounds the connector, noise can also be shielded.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

[0011] For example, the in-vehicle camera 100A is installed in the front grille of the vehicle V and images the front area in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground. The in-vehicle camera 100B is installed on the roof spoiler of the vehicle V and images the rear area in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground. The in-vehicle cameras 100C and 100D are installed on the side mirrors of the vehicle V respectively and image the side areas in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection example of the in-vehicle cameras 100A to 100D, the camera ECU 110, and the display 7 provided in the vehicle V shown in FIG. 1. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110 shown in FIG. 2 synthesizes the images captured by the in-vehicle cameras 100A to 100D and displays the synthesized image on the display 7 of a navigation system arranged, for example, on the instrument panel. The occupant can view the display 7 to check the situation around the vehicle V.

[0013] FIG. 3 is another example of a vehicle, which is a schematic view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle camera, and FIG. 4 is a top view of the vehicle in FIG. 3. The vehicle V is a front part between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat 4 in the passenger compartment 2 and is provided with a display 5 (for example, an electronic rearview mirror) at the mounting position of the rearview mirror. Further, the vehicle V is equipped with an in-vehicle camera 100 at the rear of the vehicle body. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a connection example of the in-vehicle camera 100, the camera ECU 111, and the display 5 provided in the vehicle V shown in FIG. 3. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 111 shown in FIG. 4 processes the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 100, and the display 5 displays the image. The occupant can view the display 5 to check the situation behind the vehicle V.

[0014] (Embodiments of In-Vehicle Cameras) FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 9. Note that a coordinate system including an X-axis along one side of the in-vehicle camera 100, a Y-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and along the other side of the in-vehicle camera 100, and a Z-axis orthogonal to the X-axis and the Y-axis and along the height direction of the in-vehicle camera 100 is defined and utilized in the following description.

[0015] The in-vehicle camera 100 of this embodiment includes a ring member 20, a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an imaging element 50, a housing 60, a first planar member 70, a connector 80, a cylindrical member 90, and a second planar member 110.

[0016] The ring member 20 is composed of a flat plate-like member having a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b opposite to the first surface 20a. The second surface 20b of the ring member 20 is welded to the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 by laser welding. The inner peripheral surface of the ring member 20 faces the outer peripheral surface of a first cylindrical portion 31 (to be described later) that constitutes the lens barrel of the lens unit 30. The inner diameter of the ring member 20 has a length into which the first cylindrical portion 31 (to be described later) of the lens unit 30 can be inserted.

[0017] The ring member 20 can be formed of a first resin having a predetermined light transmissibility. Thereby, the ring member 20 can be formed easily and at low cost.

[0018] The lens unit 30 constitutes a cylindrical lens barrel and includes a first cylindrical portion 31 that is a first cylinder, and at least one lens that is housed inside the first cylindrical portion 31 and is arranged on the optical axis L (an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 9 and along the Z axis). The first cylindrical portion 31 is cylindrical and holds, inside, a lens group composed of, for example, a plurality of lenses. In the lens group, each lens is arranged with their respective optical axes L aligned, and constitutes a lens group used for imaging inside and outside the vehicle body of the vehicle V.

[0019] Furthermore, the lens unit 30 has, outside the first cylindrical portion 31, a flange portion 32 that is arranged to extend outward with respect to the optical axis L over the entire circumference around the optical axis L. The flange portion 32 has a first flange surface 32a that faces at least a part of the second surface 20b of the ring member 20, and a second flange surface 32b that is opposite to the first flange surface 32a and faces at least a part of the first surface 40a (see below) of the circuit board 40.

[0020] At least the second flange surface 32b of the lens unit 30 can be formed of a second resin having first light absorption properties. The entire lens unit 30 may be formed of the second resin. Thereby, the lens unit 30 can be formed easily and at low cost.

[0021] The circuit board 40 is arranged between the lens unit 30 and a second end portion 64 of the housing 60 (described below) in the internal space of the housing 60, particularly in the direction along the optical axis L, and has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a. However, two or more circuit boards may be provided.

[0022] Further, the circuit board connector connection portion 47 is disposed on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 and is electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board 40. The circuits are respectively disposed on the first surface 40a and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. The circuit disposed on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and the circuit disposed on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 are electrically connected. Further, a plurality of electronic components 45 are disposed on the first surface 40a and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40.

[0023] The imaging element 50 is on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and is disposed on the optical axis L of at least one lens of the lens unit 30. The imaging element 50 is electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board 40, and by guiding external light to the imaging element 50, the imaging element 50 can capture an image. The imaging element 50 may be, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Meta-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor.

[0024] The housing 60 is a cylindrical member having an internal space and serves to accommodate at least the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50. The housing 60 has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 having a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis L, a first end portion 63, and a second end portion 64. The first end portion 63 is disposed between the first cylindrical portion 31 of the lens unit 30 and the circuit board 40 in the direction along the optical axis L, and the second end portion 64 is opposite to the first end portion 63 in the direction along the optical axis L. The direction along the optical axis L here may include a direction inclined at an angle within ±10 degrees with respect to the optical axis L.

[0025] The housing 60 further has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 that is continuously formed with the second end portion 64, protrudes in a direction away from the circuit board 40 in the direction along the optical axis L, and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 constitutes the second cylindrical portion, and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 constitutes the third cylindrical portion.

[0026] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 can be integrally formed, or the separately prepared individual large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 and small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 may be joined by a method such as welding or screwing. Note that the housing 60 is rectangular cylindrical in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and may be a cylindrical shape of a polygon other than a rectangle, a circular or elliptical cylindrical shape, or a cylindrical shape of other shapes.

[0027] The connector 80 is disposed at the second end portion 64 of the housing 60 and includes at least one terminal 80a that extends across the inside and outside of the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L. The terminal 80a of the connector 80 is electrically connected to the circuit board connector connection portion 47 of the circuit board 40.

[0028] With the housing 60 accommodating at least the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50, the ring member 20 is welded to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 on the radially inner side over the entire circumference and welded to the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 on the radially outer side. This welding is performed, for example, by laser welding.

[0029] General laser welding is used, for example, for welding a first resin having a predetermined light transmittance at the wavelength of laser light and a second resin or a third resin having a lower light transmittance than the light transmittance of the first resin. When laser light is irradiated onto the first resin with pressure applied to both resins, the laser light passes through the first resin without being absorbed. The transmitted laser light is absorbed on the surface of the second resin or the third resin having a lower light transmittance than the first resin. The absorbed laser energy is converted into heat, and the surface of the second resin or the third resin is heated. Further, by heat conduction, the surface of the first resin in contact with the surface of the second resin or the third resin is also heated. Thereby, both resins are melted at the interface between the first resin and the second resin or the third resin. When the irradiation of the laser is stopped, the melted resin solidifies, and both resins are welded.

[0030] The ring member 20 is molded from a first resin, and at least the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is molded from a second resin having a first light absorption property. Further, the end surface 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 is molded from a third resin having a second light absorption property.

[0031] In laser welding, first, with the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 pressed against the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, a laser is irradiated to weld the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 and the first flange surface 32a. Thereafter, with the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 pressed against the end surface 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60, a laser is irradiated to weld the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 and the first end portion 63. Before welding, four protrusions 33 (see FIG. 13) of the lens unit 30 are fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via an adhesive, and the lens unit 30 and the circuit board 40 are integrated. After the completion of laser welding, the connector 80 is inserted into the housing 60 and connected to the circuit board 40.

[0032] Assembly errors inevitably occur in welding including laser welding, and the position and orientation of the circuit board 40 integrated with the lens unit 30 do not necessarily match the design ideal in all products. For this reason, even if the connector 80 is inserted into the housing 60 after welding, the circuit board 40 is not necessarily arranged at a position and orientation that matches the design, so the connector 80 is not necessarily connected to the circuit board 40 as designed, and there may be a problem with the conduction of electrical signals.

[0033] To address such problems, conventionally, a connector having a floating structure including a spring capable of absorbing assembly errors is adopted as the connector 80, and a method of absorbing the assembly errors of the circuit board 40 is adopted. However, a connector having such a floating structure has a complicated structure, leading to an increase in the cost of the in-vehicle camera 100.

[0034] In view of the above situation, in the present embodiment, the connection between the circuit board 40 and the connector 80 is made simple. That is, the connector 80 has a first end portion 81 disposed inside the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L, and a second end portion 82 disposed outside the housing 60 and opposite to the first end portion 81 in the direction along the optical axis L. The first end portion 81 has a spherical convex portion. Also, the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion 47 provided on the circuit board 40 has a spherical concave portion. And the convex portion of the first end portion 81 of at least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 can be electrically connected to the concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion 47.

[0035] Under the above configuration, in the laser welding of the present embodiment, the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 and the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 integrated with the circuit board 40 are welded to form a module, and the portion of the ring member 20 of this module (ring member 20, lens unit 30, and circuit board 40) is placed on the end surface 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60. After accurately aligning the module with respect to the housing 60 while shifting it along the XY plane using a predetermined chart or the like, with the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 pressed against the end surface 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60, a laser is irradiated from the side of the first surface 20a of the ring member 20 to weld the second surface 20b of the ring member 20 and the first end portion 63.

[0036] After the position and orientation of the circuit board 40 are adjusted through the above process, the connector 80 is inserted into the housing 60 and connected to the circuit board 40. In the present embodiment, the spherical convex portion of the first end portion 81 of the terminal 80a of the connector 80 and the spherical concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion 47 provided on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 are electrically connected. This connection structure is a so-called ball joint type connector.

[0037] The spherical convex portion of the first end portion 81 of the connector 80 and the spherical concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion 47 are spherical surfaces that are electrically connected to each other with a wide surface. As a result, the circuit board 40 and the connector 80 can be electrically connected with a simple configuration, and the manufacturing cost of the in-vehicle camera 100 can be reduced.

[0038] Further, in a conventional connector having a floating structure, even if the electrical connection between the circuit board and the connector is ensured, the spring portion of the floating structure may be distorted. In such a state, there was a possibility that the smooth propagation of the electrical signal between the circuit board and the connector was hindered. In the present embodiment, a simple connection structure that does not employ a spring is adopted, and it is possible to prevent the smooth propagation of the electrical signal from being hindered.

[0039] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit board 40, the first planar member 70, and the cylindrical member 90 as viewed from below. The in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment further includes a first planar member 70 and a cylindrical member 90. The first planar member 70 is disposed between the first end portion 63 and the second end portion 64 of the housing 60, covers at least a part of the plurality of electronic components 45 disposed on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40, and is a metal member electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board 40.

[0040] The first planar member 70 includes a first planar portion 71 and at least one wall portion 72. The first planar portion 71 is disposed so as to face the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40, has a first shape in a plan view of the first planar member 70 (viewed from the direction along the optical axis L, and the same applies hereinafter), and includes a first hole 73 disposed so as to include the central portion of the first shape. The wall portion 72 extends from the end portion of the first shape of the first planar portion 71 toward the lens unit 30. The first planar member 70 has a first hole 73 including the central portion of the first planar portion 71, but may cover at least a part of the plurality of electronic components 45 except for the portion of the first hole 73. The first shape of the first planar portion 71 is, for example, a quadrangular shape, but may also be a triangular shape, a polygon having five or more sides, or a circular shape.

[0041] The cylindrical member 90 is disposed at the second end portion 64 of the housing 60, extends across the inside and outside of the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L, and surrounds at least a part of at least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 with the direction along the optical axis L as the center, and is a cylindrical metal member. In FIG. 11, the illustration of the connector 80 is omitted.

[0042] The cylindrical member 90 is electrically connected to the first planar member 70 in a state where at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member 90 is held by the central portion including the first hole 73 of the first shape of the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70. At least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 penetrates through the first hole 73 including the central portion of the first shape of the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70. Note that a packing 93 for preventing moisture intrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 90.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the metal first planar member 70 directly covers at least a part of the plurality of electronic components 45 disposed on the second surface of the circuit board 40, and the metal cylindrical member 90 directly surrounds the connector 80. Thereby, the first planar member 70 and the cylindrical member 90 can efficiently shield noise from the plurality of electronic components 45 and the connector 80. By connecting the wall portion 72 of the first planar member 70 to the ground of the circuit board 40, the first planar member 70 and the cylindrical member 90 function as a ground.

[0044] The cylindrical member 90 includes a first end portion 91 disposed inside the housing 60 in the direction along the optical axis L, and a second end portion 92 that is opposite to the first end portion 91 in the direction along the optical axis L and is disposed outside the housing 60. As shown in FIG. 10, in the direction along the optical axis L, a first distance D1 between the first end portion 91 of the cylindrical member 90 and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 is longer than a second distance D2 between the first end portion 81 of at least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40.

[0045] This prevents the first end portion 91 of the cylindrical member 90 from contacting the circuit board 40 and the cylindrical member 90 and the circuit board 40 from being electrically connected, while ensuring that the cylindrical member 90 does not become an obstacle and that the connection between the circuit board connector connection portion 47 provided on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 and the terminal 80a of the connector 80 can be secured.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, in the direction along the optical axis L, the first distance D1 between the first end portion 91 of the cylindrical member 90 and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 is shorter than the third distance D3 between the first planar member 70 of the first planar member 70 and the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40.

[0047] Thereby, since the first planar member 70 covers the first end portion 91 of the cylindrical member 90, a shield can be more reliably ensured.

[0048] Note that the first end portion 91 of the cylindrical member 90 is not connected to the circuit board connector connection portion 47. This can prevent the cylindrical member 90 and the circuit board 40 from being electrically connected.

[0049] Also, there is a space between the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70 and the second end portion 64 of the housing 60, and there is a space between at least one wall portion 72 of the first planar member 70 and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. Thereby, the first planar member 70 can be easily arranged inside the housing 60.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the circuit board 40 and the first planar member 70 as viewed from the second surface 40b side of the circuit board 40. A plurality of cuts 73a are formed on the entire circumference of the central portion including the first hole 73 of the first shape of the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70. Thereby, the outer surface of the cylindrical member 90 can be easily attached to the first hole 73 of the first planar member 70.

[0051] Specifically, at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member 90 is held by the biasing force of a plurality of elastic pieces 73b defined by a plurality of cuts 73a in the central portion including the first hole of the first planar member 70 of the first planar member 70, and is electrically connected to the first planar member 70.

[0052] Thereby, the plurality of elastic pieces 73b can hold the outer surface of the cylindrical member 90 in the first hole 73 of the first planar member 70 and ensure electrical continuity between the first planar member 70 and the cylindrical member 90.

[0053] At least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 may be a metal pin. The pins constituting the terminal 80a are electrically connected to the cable of the vehicle V and transmit signals related to images, etc. between the circuit of the circuit board 40 and the cable of the vehicle V. Thereby, the configuration of the connector 80 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0054] When the in-vehicle camera 100 is disposed on the vehicle V, the second end portion 82 of at least one terminal 80a of the connector 80 is electrically connected to the cable of the vehicle. Thereby, an electrical signal can be transmitted between the vehicle V.

[0055] Also, as described above, the housing 60 is continuously formed with the second end portion 64 of the housing 60 and has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 that protrudes in a direction away from the circuit board 40 in the direction along the optical axis L and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60. The second end portion 92 of the cylindrical member 90 is disposed inside the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62. Thereby, the cylindrical member 90 can be stably disposed in the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 having a small diameter.

[0056] The connector 80 may be integrated with the cylindrical member 90, and the connector 80 and the cylindrical member 90 may be integrally formed with the second end portion 64 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 of the housing 60. For example, the connector 80 and the cylindrical member 90 are insert-molded with the second end portion 64 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 of the housing 60. Thereby, the connector 80, the cylindrical member 90, and the housing 60 can be easily assembled.

[0057] The relationship among the ring member 20, the lens unit 30, and the housing 60 will be described. As described above, the ring member 20 is formed of a first resin having a predetermined light transmissivity. The second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is formed of a second resin having a first light absorbency. The end face 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 is formed of a third resin having a second light absorbency.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is disposed inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 in the radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis L. The ring member 20 projects outward in the radial direction from the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 over the entire circumference centered on the optical axis L.

[0059] The second surface 20b of the ring member 20 is welded to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the end face 63a of the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 by laser irradiation from the side of the first surface 20a of the ring member 20.

[0060] After the first laser welding of the ring member 20 and the lens unit 30, the ring member 20 is placed on the first end portion 63 of the housing 60, and the second laser welding of the ring member 20 and the housing 60 is performed. Here, since the ring member 20 projects outward in the radial direction from the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 over the entire circumference, at the time of the second welding, the ring member 20 and the lens unit 30 welded to each other can be accurately aligned while being shifted along the XY plane. Therefore, highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0061] The protruding length A (see FIG. 10) by which the ring member 20 projects outward from the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 in the radial direction may vary according to the position of the entire circumference of the ring member 20. Thereby, after moving the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20 welded to each other to a suitable position with respect to the housing 60 along the XY plane, the second laser welding can be performed, and highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0062] In an embodiment, a cross-section along the radial direction of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is a first quadrilateral shape, a cross-section along the radial direction of the ring member 20 is a second quadrilateral shape, and a cross-section along the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion of the housing 60 is a third quadrilateral shape. The ring member 20 has at least a first side 21, a second side 22, a third side 23, and a fourth side 24.

[0063] For example, a first protruding length by which the first side 21 of the ring member 20 protrudes outward from the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 in the radial direction may be a length different from a second protruding length by which the second side 22 of the ring member 20 protrudes outward from the first end portion 63 of the housing 60 in the radial direction.

[0064] Thereby, the in-vehicle camera 100 can be easily manufactured using members having a general shape. Further, along the XY plane, after moving the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20 welded to each other to a suitable position with respect to the housing 60, second laser welding can be performed, and highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a fixed state of the lens unit 30 and the circuit board 40. The lens unit 30 includes at least four protruding portions 33 that protrude from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. The at least four protruding portions 33 include a first protruding portion 33a, a second protruding portion 33b, a third protruding portion 33c, and a fourth protruding portion 33d. The first protruding portion 33a is fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via a first adhesive 34a, the second protruding portion 33b is fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via a second adhesive 34b, the third protruding portion 33c is fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via a third adhesive 34c, and the fourth protruding portion 33d is fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via a fourth adhesive 34d. In FIG. 13, the third protruding portion 33c and the third adhesive 34c are behind the second protruding portion 33b and the second adhesive 34b, and the fourth protruding portion 33d and the fourth adhesive 34d are behind the first protruding portion 33a and the first adhesive 34a.

[0066] As a result, the circuit board 40 can be fixed to the lens unit 30 by the four protrusions 33, and the circuit board 40 can be stably arranged inside the housing 60. Further, the ring member 20 is welded to the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 in FIG. 13 in the first laser welding. When performing the second laser welding between the ring member 20 and the housing 60, along the XY plane, together with the ring member 20 and the lens unit 30, the circuit board 40 can also be moved, aligned, and then the second laser welding can be performed. Therefore, highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0067] In the embodiment, the first hole 73 including the central portion of the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70 is circular, and the cylindrical member 90 is cylindrical. As a result, the in-vehicle camera 100 can be easily manufactured using members having a general shape.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 12, the first planar member 70 has at least a fifth side 71a, a sixth side 71b, a seventh side 71c, and an eighth side 71d in a plan view of the first planar portion 71. The first planar member 70 further includes a first wall portion 72a extending toward the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the fifth side 71a of the first planar portion 71, a second wall portion 72b extending toward the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the sixth side 71b of the first planar portion 71, a third wall portion 72c extending toward the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the seventh side 71c of the first planar portion 71, and a fourth wall portion 72d extending toward the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the eighth side 71d of the first planar portion 71.

[0069] As a result, the in-vehicle camera 100 can be easily manufactured using the first planar member 70 having a general shape like a box shape.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the circuit board 40 and the housing 60 as viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the circuit board 40 as viewed from the first surface 40a side. The in-vehicle camera 100 further includes a second planar member 110. The second planar member 110 is disposed on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and is a metal member disposed so as to cover at least a part of a plurality of electronic components disposed on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and the imaging element.

[0071] The second planar member 110 has a second shape having at least a ninth side 111a, a tenth side 111b, an eleventh side 111c, and a twelfth side 111d in a plan view, and includes a second planar portion 111 in which a second hole 113 corresponding to the imaging element 50 is formed. The second planar member 110 further includes a fifth wall portion 112a extending toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the ninth side 111a of the second planar portion, a sixth wall portion 112b extending toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the tenth side 111b of the second planar portion, a seventh wall portion 112c extending toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the eleventh side 111c of the second planar portion, and an eighth wall portion 112d extending toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 corresponding to the twelfth side 111d of the second planar portion. Note that the second planar portion 111 of the second planar member 110 has the second hole 113, but may cover at least a part of the plurality of electronic components 45 and at least a part of the plurality of electronic components 45 and the imaging element 50 excluding the second hole 113.

[0072] Thereby, while ensuring shielding of the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, the in-vehicle camera 100 can be easily manufactured using the second planar member 110 having a general box-like shape.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the area of the second planar portion 111 of the second planar member 110 is set to be smaller than the area of the first planar portion 71 of the first planar member 70 and the area of the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. Thereby, the second planar member 110 can cover only the inevitable portions for shielding.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, the first wall portion 72a of the first planar member 70 can be fixed to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 by the first clip 74a, the second wall portion 72b of the first planar member 70 can be fixed to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 by the second clip 74b, the third wall portion 72c of the first planar member 70 can be fixed to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 by the third clip 74c, and the fourth wall portion 72d of the first planar member 70 can be fixed to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 by the fourth clip 74d.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12, the fifth wall portion 112a of the second planar member 110 can be fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 by the fifth clip 114a, the sixth wall portion 112b of the second planar member 110 can be fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 by the sixth clip 114b, the seventh wall portion 112c of the second planar member 110 can be fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 by the seventh clip 114c, and the eighth wall portion 112d of the second planar member 110 can be fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 by the eighth clip 114d.

[0076] Thereby, the first planar member 70 and the second planar member 110 can be easily fixed to the circuit board 40. The clip here is a kind of fastener.

[0077] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lens unit 30 according to another embodiment as viewed from below. In this embodiment, unlike FIGS. 14 and 15, the second planar member 110 is attached to the lens unit 30. The second planar member 110 is attached to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 by, for example, a mounting spring 115.

[0078] As described above, the present disclosure describes at least the following matters. In the parentheses, the corresponding components and the like in the above-described embodiments are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] (1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) including a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 31) that is first cylindrical, and at least one lens disposed on the optical axis inside the first cylindrical portion. A circuit board (circuit board 40) including a first surface (first surface 40a) and a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface, An image sensor (image sensor 50) disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and on the optical axis, A plurality of electronic components (electronic components 45) disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board, A circuit board connector connection portion (circuit board connector connection portion 47) disposed on the second surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board, A second cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion 61) that is second cylindrical and houses at least the circuit board and the image sensor along the optical axis, a first end portion (first end portion 63) disposed between the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the circuit board in the direction along the optical axis, and a second end portion (second end portion 64) opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis, and a housing (housing 60) including the second end portion, A first planar member (first planar member 70) made of metal, disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing, covering at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the second surface of the circuit board, and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board, A connector (connector 80) disposed at the second end portion of the housing and including at least one terminal (terminal 80a) extending across the inside and the outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis, A cylindrical member (cylindrical member 90) made of metal, disposed at the second end portion of the housing, extending across the inside and the outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis, and surrounding at least a part of the at least one terminal of the connector around the direction along the optical axis, and having a cylindrical shape, The first planar member, A first planar portion (first planar portion 71) disposed to face the second surface of the circuit board, having a first shape in a plan view of the first planar member, and including a first hole (first hole 73) disposed so as to include a central portion of the first shape, And at least one wall portion (wall portion 72) extending from an end portion of the first shape of the first planar portion toward the lens unit. The cylindrical member is electrically connected to the first planar member in a state where at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member is held by a central portion including the first hole having the first shape of the first planar portion of the first planar member, the at least one terminal of the connector penetrates through the first hole including the central portion having the first shape of the first planar portion of the first planar member, the connector, a first end portion (first end portion 81) disposed inside the housing in the direction along the optical axis, a second end portion (second end portion 82) disposed outside the housing and opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis, the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion has a spherical concave portion, the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector has a spherical convex portion, the convex portion of the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector is electrically connected to the concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion, an in-vehicle camera (in-vehicle camera 100). Thereby, the circuit board connector connection portion and the terminals of the connector can be electrically connected with a simple configuration, and the manufacturing cost of the in-vehicle camera can be reduced. Further, the first planar member and the cylindrical member can efficiently shield noise from a plurality of electronic components and connectors.

[0080] (2) The in-vehicle camera according to (1), wherein the cylindrical member, has a first end portion (first end portion 91) disposed inside the housing in the direction along the optical axis, and a second end portion (second end portion 92) disposed outside the housing and opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis, in the direction along the optical axis, a first distance between the first end portion of the cylindrical member and the second surface of the circuit board is longer than a second distance between the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector and the second surface of the circuit board, an in-vehicle camera. This prevents the first end portion of the cylindrical member from coming into contact with the circuit board and short - circuiting between the cylindrical member and the circuit board, while ensuring the connection between the circuit board connector connection portion and the terminals of the connector without the cylindrical member becoming an obstacle.

[0081] (3) The in - vehicle camera according to (2), In the direction along the optical axis, the first distance between the first end portion of the cylindrical member and the second surface of the circuit board is shorter than the third distance between the first planar portion of the first planar member and the second surface of the circuit board. In - vehicle camera. This enables the first planar member to cover the first end portion of the cylindrical member, thus more reliably ensuring shielding.

[0082] (4) The in - vehicle camera according to (3), The first end portion of the cylindrical member is not connected to the circuit board connector connection portion. In - vehicle camera. This can prevent the cylindrical member and the circuit board from being short - circuited.

[0083] (5) The in - vehicle camera according to (4), There is a space between the first planar portion of the first planar member and the second end portion of the housing. There is a space between at least one wall portion of the first planar member and the second cylindrical portion of the housing. In - vehicle camera. This enables the first planar member to be easily arranged inside the housing.

[0084] (6) The in - vehicle camera according to (1), A plurality of cuts (cuts 73a) are formed on the entire circumference of the central portion including the first hole of the first shape of the first planar portion of the first planar member. In - vehicle camera. This enables the outer surface of the cylindrical member to be easily attached to the first hole of the first planar member.

[0085] The in-vehicle camera according to (7)(6), wherein at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member is held by the biasing force of a plurality of elastic pieces (elastic piece 73b) defined by a plurality of cuts at the central portion including the first hole of the first planar portion of the first planar member, and is electrically connected to the first planar member, In-vehicle camera. Thereby, a plurality of elastic pieces 73b can hold the outer surface of the cylindrical member in the first hole of the first planar member and ensure electrical continuity between the first planar member and the cylindrical member.

[0086] The in-vehicle camera according to (8)(1), wherein at least one terminal of the connector is a metal pin, In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the structure of the connector can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0087] The in-vehicle camera according to (9)(8), when the in-vehicle camera is disposed in a vehicle, a second end portion of at least one terminal of the connector is electrically connected to a cable of the vehicle, In-vehicle camera. Thereby, an electrical signal can be transmitted between the vehicle and the camera.

[0088] The in-vehicle camera according to (10)(1), wherein the housing is integrally formed with a second end portion of the housing, protrudes in a direction away from the circuit board in a direction along the optical axis, and has a third cylindrical portion (small-diameter cylindrical portion 62) having a diameter smaller than a diameter of a second cylindrical portion of the housing, a second end portion of the cylindrical member is disposed inside the third cylindrical portion of the housing, In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the cylindrical member can be stably disposed in the third cylindrical portion having a small diameter.

[0089] The in-vehicle camera according to (11)(10), the connector is integrated with the cylindrical member, the connector and the cylindrical member are integrally formed with the second end portion and the third cylindrical portion of the housing, in-vehicle camera. Thereby, the connector, the cylindrical member, and the housing can be easily assembled.

[0090] (12)(1) The in-vehicle camera according to, further comprising a flat ring member (ring member 20) formed of a first resin having a predetermined light transmissivity and including a first surface (first surface 20a) and a second surface (second surface 20b) opposite to the first surface, the lens unit has a flange portion (flange portion 32) disposed outside the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference around the optical axis, the flange portion of the lens unit, a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a) facing at least a part of the second surface of the ring member, a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) opposite to the first flange surface and facing at least a part of the first surface of the circuit board and formed of a second resin having a first light absorbency, is disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing in a radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the end surface (end surface 63a) of the first end portion of the housing is formed of a third resin having a second light absorbency, the ring member projects outward in the radial direction from the first end portion of the housing over the entire circumference around the optical axis, welded to the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and the end surface of the first end portion of the housing, in-vehicle camera. As a result, after the first laser welding of the ring member and the lens unit, the ring member is placed on the first end portion of the housing, and the second laser welding between the ring member and the housing is performed. Here, since the ring member protrudes outward in the radial direction from the first end portion of the housing over the entire circumference, during the second laser welding, the ring member and the lens unit welded to each other can be accurately aligned while being shifted along the XY plane. Therefore, highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0091] (13)(12) The in-vehicle camera according to, The protruding length by which the ring member protrudes outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction varies according to the position of the entire circumference of the ring member. In-vehicle camera. As a result, the second laser welding can be performed while moving the lens unit and the ring member welded to each other to a suitable position with respect to the housing, and highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0092] (14)(13) The in-vehicle camera according to, The cross section along the radial direction of the flange portion of the lens unit is a first rectangular shape. The cross section along the radial direction of the ring member is a second rectangular shape. The cross section along the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion of the housing is a third rectangular shape. The ring member has at least a first side (first side 21), a second side (second side 22), a third side (third side 23), and a fourth side (fourth side 24). The first protruding length by which the first side of the ring member protrudes outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction is different from the second protruding length by which the second side of the ring member protrudes outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction. In-vehicle camera. As a result, the in-vehicle camera can be easily manufactured using a member having a general shape. Further, after moving the lens unit and the ring member welded to each other to a suitable position with respect to the housing, second laser welding can be performed, and highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0093] (15)(12) The in-vehicle camera according to, The lens unit includes at least four protrusions (protrusion 33) protruding from the second flange surface of the flange portion toward the first surface of the circuit board. The at least four protrusions include a first protrusion (first protrusion 33a), a second protrusion (second protrusion 33b), a third protrusion (third protrusion 33c), and a fourth protrusion (fourth protrusion 33d). The first protrusion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a first adhesive (first adhesive 34a). The second protrusion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a second adhesive (second adhesive 34b). The third protrusion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a third adhesive (third adhesive 34c). The fourth protrusion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a fourth adhesive (fourth adhesive 34d). In-vehicle camera. As a result, the circuit board can be fixed to the lens unit by the four protrusions, and the circuit board can be stably arranged inside the housing. Further, the ring member is welded in the first laser welding to the second flange surface of the flange portion, and when performing the second laser welding between the ring member and the housing, along the XY plane, together with the ring member and the lens unit, the circuit board is also moved, aligned, and then the second laser welding can be performed. Therefore, highly accurate assembly can be performed.

[0094] (16)(1) The in-vehicle camera according to, The first hole including the central portion of the first planar portion of the first planar member is circular, The cylindrical member has a cylindrical shape. In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the in-vehicle camera can be easily manufactured using a member having a general shape.

[0095] (17) The in-vehicle camera according to (1), The first planar member, In a plan view of the first planar portion, it has at least a fifth side (fifth side 71a), a sixth side (sixth side 71b), a seventh side (seventh side 71c), and an eighth side (eighth side 71d), Corresponding to the fifth side of the first planar portion, a first wall portion (first wall portion 72a) extending toward the second surface of the circuit board, Corresponding to the sixth side of the first planar portion, a second wall portion (second wall portion 72b) extending toward the second surface of the circuit board, Corresponding to the seventh side of the first planar portion, a third wall portion (third wall portion 72c) extending toward the second surface of the circuit board, Corresponding to the eighth side of the first planar portion, a fourth wall portion (fourth wall portion 72d) extending toward the second surface of the circuit board, and having the fourth wall portion. In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the in-vehicle camera can be easily manufactured using a first planar member having a general shape like a box shape.

[0096] (18) The in-vehicle camera according to (17), Further provided is a second planar member (second planar member 110) made of metal, which is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and covers at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and the imaging element. The second planar member, It has a second shape having at least a ninth side (ninth side 111a), a tenth side (tenth side 111b), an eleventh side (eleventh side 111c), and a twelfth side (twelfth side 111d) in a plan view of the second planar member, and a second planar portion (second planar portion 111) in which a second hole (second hole 113) corresponding to the imaging element is formed. Corresponding to the ninth side of the second planar portion, a fifth wall portion (fifth wall portion 112a) extending toward the first surface of the circuit board. Corresponding to the tenth side of the second planar portion, a sixth wall portion (sixth wall portion 112b) extending toward the first surface of the circuit board. Corresponding to the eleventh side of the second planar portion, a seventh wall portion (seventh wall portion 112c) extending toward the first surface of the circuit board. Corresponding to the twelfth side of the second planar portion, an eighth wall portion (eighth wall portion 112d) extending toward the first surface of the circuit board. In-vehicle camera. Thereby, shielding of the first surface of the circuit board is ensured, and the in-vehicle camera can be easily manufactured using a second planar member having a general shape like a box shape.

[0097] (19)(18) The in-vehicle camera according to, The area of the second planar portion of the second planar member is smaller than the area of the first planar portion of the first planar member and the area of the first surface of the circuit board. In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the second planar member can cover only the inevitable portions for shielding.

[0098] (20)(19) The in-vehicle camera according to, The first wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a first clip (first clip 74a). The second wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a second clip (second clip 74b). The third wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a third clip (third clip 74c). The fourth wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by the fourth clip (fourth clip 74d). The fifth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by the fifth clip (fifth clip 114a). The sixth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by the sixth clip (sixth clip 114b). The seventh wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by the seventh clip (seventh clip 114c). The eighth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by the eighth clip (eighth clip 114d). In-vehicle camera. Thereby, the first planar member and the second planar member can be easily fixed to the circuit board.

[0099] As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can correspond to various modification examples, correction examples, substitution examples, addition examples, deletion examples, and equivalent examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

Industrial Applicability

[0100] The present disclosure is useful as an in-vehicle camera that can exhibit excellent shielding performance.

Explanation of Signs

[0101] 20 Ring member 20a First surface 20b Second surface 21 First side 22 Second side 23 Third side 24 Fourth side 30 Lens unit 31 First cylindrical part 32 Flange part 32a First flange surface 32b Second flange surface 33 Protrusion part 33a First protrusion 33b Second protrusion 33c Third protrusion 33d Fourth protrusion 34a First adhesive 34b Second adhesive 34c Third adhesive 34d Fourth adhesive 40 Circuit board 40a First surface 40b Second surface 45 Electronic component 47 Circuit board connector connection part 50 Image sensor 60 Housing 61 Large-diameter cylindrical part (second cylindrical part) 62 Small-diameter cylindrical part (third cylindrical part) 63 First end 63a End face 64 Second end 70 First planar member 71 First planar part 71a Fifth side 71b Sixth side 71c Seventh side 71d Eighth side 72 Wall part 72a First wall 72b Second wall 72c Third wall 72d Fourth wall 73 First hole 73a Notch 73b Elastic piece 74a First clip 74b Second clip 74c Third clip 74d Fourth clip 80 Connector 80a Terminal 81 First end 82 Second end 90 Cylindrical member 91 First end 92 Second end 100 In-vehicle camera 110 Second planar member 111 Second planar part 111a Ninth side 111b Tenth side 111c Eleventh side 111d Twelfth side 112a Fifth wall part 112b Sixth wall part 112c Seventh wall part 112d Eighth wall part 113 Second hole 114a Fifth clip 114b Sixth clip 114c Seventh clip 114d Eighth clip 115 Mounting spring

Claims

1. A lens unit including a first cylindrical portion that is first cylindrical, and at least one lens disposed on the optical axis inside the first cylindrical portion; A circuit board including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; An imaging element disposed on the optical axis and on the first surface of the circuit board; A plurality of electronic components disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board; A circuit board connector connection portion disposed on the second surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board; A second cylindrical portion that is second cylindrical and houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element, a first end portion disposed between the first cylindrical portion of the lens unit and the circuit board in the direction along the optical axis, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis, the housing comprising; A first planar member made of metal disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the housing, covering at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the second surface of the circuit board, and electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board; A connector disposed at the second end portion of the housing and including at least one terminal extending across the inside and outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis; A cylindrical member made of metal disposed at the second end portion of the housing, extending across the inside and outside of the housing in the direction along the optical axis, and surrounding at least a part of the at least one terminal of the connector around the direction along the optical axis, the cylindrical member being cylindrical; The first planar member is: A first planar surface disposed to face the second surface of the circuit board, having a first shape in plan view, and including a first hole disposed so as to include the central portion of the first shape; At least one wall portion extending from an end portion of the first shape of the first planar surface toward the lens unit; The cylindrical member is electrically connected to the first planar member in a state where at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member is held by the central portion including the first hole of the first shape of the first planar surface of the first planar member; The at least one terminal of the connector passes through the first hole including the central portion of the first shape of the first planar surface of the first planar member; The connector is: A first end portion disposed inside the housing in the direction along the optical axis; It has a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis and is disposed outside the housing. The end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion has a spherical concave portion. The first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector has a spherical convex portion. The convex portion of the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector is electrically connected to the concave portion of the end portion of the circuit board connector connection portion. In-vehicle camera.

2. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein The cylindrical member has a first end portion disposed inside the housing in the direction along the optical axis, and has a second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion in the direction along the optical axis and is disposed outside the housing. In the direction along the optical axis, a first distance between the first end portion of the cylindrical member and the second surface of the circuit board is longer than a second distance between the first end portion of the at least one terminal of the connector and the second surface of the circuit board. In-vehicle camera.

3. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 2, wherein In the direction along the optical axis, the first distance between the first end portion of the cylindrical member and the second surface of the circuit board is shorter than a third distance between the first planar portion of the first planar member and the second surface of the circuit board. In-vehicle camera.

4. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 3, wherein The first end portion of the cylindrical member is not connected to the circuit board connector connection portion. In-vehicle camera.

5. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 4, wherein There is a space between the first planar portion of the first planar member and the second end portion of the housing, and There is a space between at least one wall portion of the first planar member and the second cylindrical portion of the housing. In-vehicle camera.

6. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of cuts are formed on the entire circumference of the central portion including the first hole of the first shape of the first planar portion of the first planar member. In-vehicle camera.

7. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 6, wherein The cylindrical member is electrically connected to the first planar member while being held by the biasing force of a plurality of elastic pieces defined by the plurality of cuts in the central portion including the first hole of the first planar portion of the first planar member, at least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical member. In-vehicle camera.

8. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the terminals of the connector is a metal pin. In-vehicle camera.

9. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 8, When the in-vehicle camera is disposed in a vehicle, the second end portion of at least one of the terminals of the connector is electrically connected to a cable of the vehicle. In-vehicle camera.

10. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The housing has a third cylindrical portion that is integrally formed with the second end portion of the housing, projects in a direction away from the circuit board in a direction along the optical axis, and has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second cylindrical portion of the housing. The second end portion of the cylindrical member is disposed inside the third cylindrical portion of the housing. In-vehicle camera.

11. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 10, The connector is integrated with the cylindrical member. The connector and the cylindrical member are integrally formed with the second end portion and the third cylindrical portion of the housing. In-vehicle camera.

12. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The in-vehicle camera further includes a flat ring member formed of a first resin having a predetermined light transmissivity and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The lens unit has a flange portion disposed outside the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference around the optical axis. The flange portion of the lens unit, A first flange surface facing at least a part of the second surface of the ring member, A second flange surface that is opposite to the first flange surface and faces at least a part of the first surface of the circuit board and is formed of a second resin having a first light absorptivity. The lens unit is disposed inside the second cylindrical portion of the housing in a radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis. An end surface of the first end portion of the housing is formed of a third resin having a second light absorptivity. The ring member projects outward in the radial direction from the first end portion of the housing over the entire circumference around the optical axis. The first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and the end surface of the first end portion of the housing are welded. In-vehicle camera.

13. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 12, A protruding length by which the ring member projects outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction varies according to positions over the entire circumference of the ring member. In-vehicle camera.

14. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 13, wherein a cross-section of the flange portion of the lens unit along the radial direction is a first rectangular shape, a cross-section of the ring member along the radial direction is a second rectangular shape, a cross-section of the second cylindrical portion of the housing along the radial direction is a third rectangular shape, the ring member has at least a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, a first protruding length by which the first side of the ring member protrudes outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction is different from a second protruding length by which the second side of the ring member protrudes outward from the first end portion of the housing in the radial direction, an in-vehicle camera.

15. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 12, wherein the lens unit includes at least four protruding portions that protrude from the second flange surface of the flange portion toward the first surface of the circuit board, the at least four protruding portions have a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, a third protruding portion, and a fourth protruding portion, the first protruding portion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a first adhesive, the second protruding portion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a second adhesive, the third protruding portion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a third adhesive, the fourth protruding portion of the lens unit is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board via a fourth adhesive, an in-vehicle camera.

16. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein the first hole including the central portion of the first planar portion of the first planar member is circular, the cylindrical member is cylindrical, an in-vehicle camera.

17. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, wherein the first planar member has at least a fifth side, a sixth side, a seventh side, and an eighth side in a plan view of the first planar portion, a first wall portion extending toward the second surface of the circuit board corresponding to the fifth side of the first planar portion, a second wall portion extending toward the second surface of the circuit board corresponding to the sixth side of the first planar portion, a third wall portion extending toward the second surface of the circuit board corresponding to the seventh side of the first planar portion, a fourth wall portion extending toward the second surface of the circuit board corresponding to the eighth side of the first planar portion, an in-vehicle camera.

18. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 17, wherein Further provided is a metallic second planar member disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and disposed so as to cover at least a part of the plurality of electronic components disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and the imaging element. The second planar member is a second planar portion having a second shape having at least a ninth side, a tenth side, an eleventh side, and a twelfth side in a plan view of the second planar member, and having a second hole corresponding to the imaging element; a fifth wall portion extending toward the first surface of the circuit board corresponding to the ninth side of the second planar portion; a sixth wall portion extending toward the first surface of the circuit board corresponding to the tenth side of the second planar portion; a seventh wall portion extending toward the first surface of the circuit board corresponding to the eleventh side of the second planar portion; and an eighth wall portion extending toward the first surface of the circuit board corresponding to the twelfth side of the second planar portion. An in-vehicle camera.

19. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 18, wherein the area of the second planar portion of the second planar member is smaller than the area of the first planar portion of the first planar member and the area of the first surface of the circuit board. An in-vehicle camera.

20. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 19, wherein the first wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a first clip; the second wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a second clip; the third wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a third clip; the fourth wall portion of the first planar member is fixed to the second surface of the circuit board by a fourth clip; the fifth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by a fifth clip; the sixth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by a sixth clip; the seventh wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by a seventh clip; and the eighth wall portion of the second planar member is fixed to the first surface of the circuit board by an eighth clip. An in-vehicle camera.

Images