Lens unit

Abstract

To provide a lens unit which allows a lens to be easily inserted to a lens barrel and prevents the lens from being tilted in the lens barrel.SOLUTION: A lens unit is provided, comprising: a lens having an optical axis, lens surfaces, and an outer periphery; and a lens barrel having an inner periphery, a seat surface in contact with a peripheral portion of the lens surface, multiple protrusions formed on the inner periphery so as to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction, spaced apart from the seat surface in the optical axis direction, and in contact with the outer periphery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens unit. In the lens unit, a gap is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body of the lens holder and the outer peripheral surface of the first lens. The gap is provided in a portion corresponding to about 2 / 3 of the thickness direction of the outer peripheral surface of the lens (paragraphs 0023, 0031, and FIG. 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the lens unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no structure that prevents the first lens from tilting in the portion where the gap is provided. Therefore, the first lens is likely to tilt.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a lens unit that can, for example, easily insert a lens into a lens barrel and suppress tilting of the lens in the lens barrel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lens unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lens having an optical axis, a lens surface, and an outer peripheral surface, and a lens barrel having an inner peripheral surface and a seating surface that abuts against a peripheral portion of the lens surface, and a plurality of convex portions that are separated from each other in the optical axis direction and are separated from the seating surface in the optical axis direction and abut against the outer peripheral surface are formed on the inner peripheral surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Lens Unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a lens unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the lens unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit according to the first embodiment is cut in a plane including the optical axis. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit according to the first embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line IV-IV drawn in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit according to the first embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line V-V drawn in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit according to the first embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line VI-VI drawn in FIG. 4.

[0010] The lens unit 1 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is provided in a camera module. The lens unit 1 transmits light received by an image sensor provided in the camera module.

[0011] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lens unit 1 includes a lens 11 and a lens barrel 12.

[0012] The lens 11 transmits light received by the image sensor.

[0013] The lens barrel 12 holds the lens 11.

[0014] The lens unit 1 includes a bonding medium (not shown). The bonding medium bonds the lens 11 to the lens barrel 12. Thereby, the lens 11 is fixed to the lens barrel 12. The bonding medium is a cured product of an adhesive or the like. The adhesive is a resin adhesive or the like.

[0015] 1.2 Lens The lens 11 is a biconvex lens. The lens 11 may be a lens other than a biconvex lens.

[0016] The lens 11 has an optical axis 11L.

[0017] The lens 11 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the lens 11 has a first lens surface 11A, a second lens surface 11B, and an outer peripheral surface 11C. The first lens surface 11A and the second lens surface 11B are on opposite sides of each other. The first lens surface 11A is a convex curved surface. The central portion of the second lens surface 11B is a convex curved surface. The peripheral portion of the second lens surface 11B is a flat surface. The outer peripheral surface 11C is a circumferential surface. The first lens surface 11A, the second lens surface 11B, and the outer peripheral surface 11C have a central axis that coincides with the optical axis 11L. The first lens surface 11A and the second lens surface 11B face in a direction intersecting the optical axis 11L. The outer peripheral surface 11C is parallel to the optical axis 11L.

[0018] 1.3 Lens Barrel As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lens barrel 12 includes a first portion 21 and a second portion 22.

[0019] The first portion 21 has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the first portion 21 has an inner peripheral surface 21D. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, it includes one end portion 31 and the other end portion 32. In the first portion 21, a space 21E defined by the inner peripheral surface 21D is formed. The inner peripheral surface 21D has a central axis that coincides with the optical axis 11L. The inner peripheral surface 21D is parallel to the optical axis 11L. The space 21E has a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the lens 11. The space 21E accommodates the lens 11. The space 21E has an insertion port 21F. The insertion port 21F is at one end portion 31. The lens 11 is inserted into the space 21E via the insertion port 21F. At this time, the lens 11 is moved in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction DZ and from one end portion 31 toward the other end portion 32.

[0020] The second part 22 has a shape of a flat annular shape. For this reason, the second part 22 has a first main surface 22A and a second main surface 22B. The first main surface 22A and the second main surface 22B are on opposite sides of each other. The first main surface 22A and the second main surface 22B are flat surfaces. The first main surface 22A and the second main surface 22B have a central axis that coincides with the optical axis 11L. The first main surface 22A and the second main surface 22B are perpendicular to the optical axis 11L. The first main surface 22A faces the space 21E formed in the first part 21.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second part 22 includes an inner peripheral side end portion 42.

[0022] The second part 22 extends radially inward from the other end portion 32. A round hole 22E defined by the inner peripheral side end portion 42 is formed in the second part 22. The round hole 22E has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the lens 11.

[0023] Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the first main surface 22A includes a seating surface 22F that abuts against the peripheral portion of the second lens surface 11B. The seating surface 22F abuts against the lens 11 from the optical axis direction DZ. The seating surface 22F positions the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ. The insertion port 21F of the space 21E formed in the first part 21 is on the side opposite to the side where the seating surface 22F is located.

[0024] The lens barrel 12 can be manufactured by a three-dimensional (3D) printer or the like.

[0025] 1.4 Contact of the Lens Barrel with the Lens at a Plurality of Optical Axis Direction Positions As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a plurality of convex portions 50 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 21D of the first part 21. The plurality of convex portions 50 includes two convex portions consisting of a first convex portion 51 and a second convex portion 52. The plurality of convex portions 50 may include three or more convex portions.

[0026] Each of the plurality of convex portions 50 included in the plurality of convex portions 50 has an annular shape. Each convex portion 50 projects inward in the radial direction. Each convex portion 50 is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12.

[0027] Each convex portion 50 has a facing surface 50G facing the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11. The facing surface 50G has a contact surface 50H that contacts the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 from the outside in the radial direction. The contact surface 50H positions the lens 11 in the radial direction.

[0028] The facing surface 50G of each convex portion 50 is a circumferential surface. The facing surface 50G has a central axis that coincides with the optical axis 11L. The facing surface 50G is parallel to the optical axis 11L. Each convex portion 50 has an inner diameter that conforms to the diameter of the lens 11. For this reason, the contact surface 50H is the entire facing surface 50G.

[0029] The plurality of convex portions 50 are separated from each other in the optical axis direction DZ. As a result, the plurality of contact surfaces 50H respectively included in the plurality of convex portions 50 position the lens 11 at a plurality of optical axis direction positions. As a result, the plurality of convex portions 50 suppress the lens 11 from tilting in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12.

[0030] The first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 are respectively formed at a first optical axis direction position PL1 and a second optical axis direction position PL2 that trisect the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ.

[0031] The longer the distance L from the optical axis direction position closest to the seating surface 22F to the optical axis direction position closest to the insertion port 21F of the plurality of contact surfaces 50H respectively included in the plurality of convex portions 50, the more difficult it is for the lens 11 to tilt in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12. For this reason, the distance L is made longer within the range of the constraint that the distance L and the outer peripheral thickness h of the lens 11 must satisfy h ≧ L.

[0032] 1.5 Generation of dust due to insertion of the lens into the lens barrel The lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12 by press-fitting, fitting, or the like. When the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12 by press-fitting, fitting, or the like, it is difficult to insert the lens 11 into the lens barrel 12 while maintaining the state where the optical axis 11L of the lens 11 completely coincides with the central axis of the lens barrel 12. Therefore, when the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12, the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 rub against each other. For this reason, when the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12, there is a possibility that the components exposed on the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 may fall off from the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and dust may be generated, and there is a possibility that the components exposed on the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 may fall off from the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 and dust may be generated. The components that fall off from the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 are optical materials, antireflection agents for flare prevention, and the like. When the antireflection agent for flare prevention falls off from the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11, the flare prevention effect of the antireflection agent becomes weak. Therefore, flare is likely to occur in the lens unit 1.

[0033] 1.6 Reduction of the contact area between the lens and the lens barrel where they come into contact with each other The total length x = x1 + x2 in the optical axis direction DZ of the plurality of contact surfaces 50H respectively provided on the plurality of convex portions 50 is shorter than the thickness h of the outer peripheral portion of the lens 11. As a result, the total length x in the optical axis direction DZ of the plurality of contact surfaces 50H becomes shorter than the length h in the optical axis direction DZ of the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11. Thereby, the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 contacts only a part of the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11.

[0034] When the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 contacts the entire outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 come into contact with each other becomes large.

[0035] Therefore, when the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12, the friction generated between the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 increases. For this reason, the lens 11 cannot be easily inserted into the lens barrel 12. For this reason, the lens 11 is likely to tilt in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, and the position of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ in the space 21E is likely to deviate from the desired position.

[0036] In addition, the above-mentioned dust is likely to be generated. For this reason, the generated dust is likely to be caught between the peripheral portion of the second lens surface 11B of the lens 11 and the seating surface 22F of the lens barrel 12. In addition, the generated dust is likely to be caught between the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12. For this reason, the lens 11 is likely to tilt in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, and the position of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ in the space 21E is likely to deviate from the desired position.

[0037] These drawbacks become particularly prominent when the lens 11 is a lens having a large outer peripheral thickness, such as the front lens of a telephoto lens.

[0038] On the other hand, when the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12 contacts only a part of the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 contact each other becomes small.

[0039] Therefore, when the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12, the friction generated between the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 decreases. For this reason, the lens 11 can be easily inserted into the lens barrel 12. For this reason, the lens 11 is less likely to tilt in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, and the position of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ in the space 21E is less likely to deviate from the desired position.

[0040] Also, the generation of the above-described dust is reduced. For this reason, the generated dust is less likely to be caught between the peripheral portion of the second lens surface 11B of the lens 11 and the seat surface 22F of the lens barrel 12. Also, the generated dust is less likely to be caught between the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12. For this reason, in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, the lens 11 is less likely to tilt, and the position of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ in the space 21E is less likely to deviate from the desired position.

[0041] These advantages become particularly prominent when the lens 11 is a lens having a large outer peripheral thickness h, such as the front lens of a telephoto lens. In particular, these advantages become particularly prominent when the diameter D and the outer peripheral thickness h of the lens 11 satisfy 0.15 ≦ h / D.

[0042] When the plurality of convex portions 50 are n convex portions and n is an integer of 2 or more, the total length x = x1 + x2 + x3 + ··· + xn in the optical axis direction DZ of the plurality of contact surfaces 50H respectively included in the plurality of convex portions 50 and the outer peripheral thickness h of the lens 11 preferably satisfy 0.05 ≦ x / h ≦ 0.5. When the ratio x / h becomes smaller than this range, there is a tendency that it becomes difficult for the plurality of convex portions 50 to position the lens 11. When the ratio x / h becomes larger than this range, there is a tendency that it becomes difficult to insert the lens 11 into the lens barrel 12.

[0043] 1.7 Existence of a clearance for dust The plurality of convex portions 50 are separated from the seat surface 22F of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction DZ. For this reason, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second convex portion 52 disposed closest to the seat surface 22F faces the seat surface 22F with the first gap 61 interposed therebetween, the first gap 61 being sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the inner peripheral surface 21D of the lens barrel 12.

[0044] The plurality of convex portions 50 are separated from each other in the optical axis direction DZ. Therefore, the first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 are separated from each other in the optical axis direction DZ. For this reason, the first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 face each other with the second gap 62 therebetween, which is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the inner peripheral surface 21D of the lens barrel 12.

[0045] The first gap 61 and the second gap 62 serve as escape spaces for the above-described dust. Therefore, due to the presence of the first gap 61 and the second gap 62, the generated dust is less likely to be sandwiched between the peripheral portion of the second lens surface 11B of the lens 11 and the seating surface 22F of the lens barrel 12. Further, the generated dust is less likely to be sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 and the contact surface 50H of the lens barrel 12. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the lens 11 to tilt in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, and it becomes difficult for the position of the lens 11 in the optical axis direction DZ in the space 21E to deviate from the desired position.

[0046] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the second embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the second embodiment is cut in a plane including the optical axis. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the lens unit of the second embodiment.

[0048] In the lens unit 2 of the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the opposing surfaces 50G of the respective convex portions 50 are curved convexly in the optical axis direction DZ. For this reason, the contact surface 50H of each convex portion 50 is a part of the opposing surface 50G. The contact surface 50H is at the tip of the opposing surface 50G. Thereby, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 come into contact with each other can be further reduced. Thereby, the lens 11 can be inserted into the lens barrel 12 more easily.

[0049] 3 Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For the points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the third embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the third embodiment is cut in a plane including the optical axis. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the third embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line X-X drawn in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an enlarged part of the lens unit of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the third embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line XII-XII drawn in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the third embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line XIII-XIII drawn in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the lens unit of the third embodiment is cut at the position of the cutting line XIV-XIV drawn in FIG. 10.

[0051] In the lens unit 3 of the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 14, the plurality of convex portions 50 include three convex portions consisting of a first convex portion 51, a second convex portion 52, and a third convex portion 53.

[0052] Each convex portion 50 is formed over a half circumference in the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12.

[0053] The first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 are formed at a first circumferential position PC1 in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 12. The third convex portion 53 is formed at a second circumferential position PC2 that is different from the first circumferential position PC1 by a half circumference in the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12.

[0054] The first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 are respectively formed at different first optical axis direction positions PL1 and second optical axis direction positions PL2 with respect to the optical axis direction DZ. The third convex portion 53 is formed at a third optical axis direction position PL3 that is between the first optical axis direction position PL1 and the second optical axis direction position PL2 with respect to the optical axis direction DZ.

[0055] The first contact surface 50H and the second contact surface 50H respectively possessed by the first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 contact the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 from one side. The third contact surface 50H possessed by the third convex portion 53 contacts the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11 from the other side.

[0056] Thereby, while suppressing tilting of the lens 11 in the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 contact each other can be reduced. Thereby, the lens 11 can be more easily inserted into the lens barrel 12 while suppressing tilting of the lens 11.

[0057] The length of the third contact surface 50H of the third convex portion 53 in the optical axis direction DZ may be the same as the length of each of the first contact surface 50H and the second contact surface 50H of the first convex portion 51 and the second convex portion 52 in the optical axis direction DZ, or may be different from the length of each of the first contact surface 50H and the second contact surface 50H in the optical axis direction DZ.

[0058] Each of the first convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 53 is formed closest to the insertion port 21F at the first circumferential direction position PC1 and the second circumferential direction position PC2, respectively. For this reason, each of the first convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 53 faces the insertion port 21F of the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12 without sandwiching other convex portions.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the first convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 53 has a first surface 71, a second surface 72, and a C surface 73.

[0060] The first surface 71 is perpendicular to the optical axis direction DZ and faces the insertion port 21F of the space 21E formed in the lens barrel 12. The second surface 72 is parallel to the optical axis direction DZ and abuts against the outer peripheral surface 11C of the lens 11. The C surface 73 is between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. The C surface 73 faces a direction intermediate between the direction in which the first surface 71 faces and the direction in which the second surface 72 faces.

[0061] Since each of the first convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 53, which are formed closest to the insertion port 21F at the first circumferential position PC1 and the second circumferential position PC2, has the C surface 73, when the lens 11 is inserted into the lens barrel 12, the passage of the lens 11 gradually narrows toward the seating surface 22F of the lens barrel 12 at the first optical axis direction position PL1 and the third optical axis direction position PL3. As a result, the lens 11 can be inserted into the lens barrel 12 more easily. Also, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 contact each other becomes smaller.

[0062] 4 Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the fourth embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a state in which the lens barrel provided in the lens unit of the fourth embodiment is cut in a plane including the optical axis. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lens unit of the fourth embodiment.

[0064] In the lens barrel 12 provided in the lens unit 4 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 15, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, three convex portion groups including a first convex portion group 81, a second convex portion group 82, and a third convex portion group 83 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 21D of the lens barrel 12.

[0065] The first convex portion group 81, the second convex portion group 82, and the third convex portion group 83 are respectively formed at different first circumferential positions PC11, second circumferential positions PC12, and third circumferential positions PC13 with respect to the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12.

[0066] The first circumferential position PC11, the second circumferential position PC12, and the third circumferential position PC13 are positions that divide one circumference of the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12 into three equal parts.

[0067] Each convex portion group 80 included in the first convex portion group 81, the second convex portion group 82, and the third convex portion group 83 includes a plurality of convex portions 50.

[0068] Each convex portion 50 has a semi-cylindrical shape having a central axis parallel to the optical axis direction DZ.

[0069] As a result, the contact area where the lens 11 and the lens barrel 12 come into contact with each other becomes small. As a result, the lens 11 can be inserted more easily into the lens barrel 12.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically showing a state in which a lens barrel provided in a lens unit according to a modification of the fourth embodiment is cut in a plane including the optical axis. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the lens unit according to the modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0071] In the lens barrel 12 provided in the lens unit 4M according to the modification of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, four convex portion groups including a first convex portion group 81, a second convex portion group 82, a third convex portion group 83, and a fourth convex portion group 84 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 21D of the lens barrel 12.

[0072] The first convex portion group 81, the second convex portion group 82, the third convex portion group 83, and the fourth convex portion group 84 are respectively formed at different first circumferential positions PC11, second circumferential positions PC12, third circumferential positions PC13, and fourth circumferential positions PC14 with respect to the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12.

[0073] The first circumferential position PC11, the second circumferential position PC12, the third circumferential position PC13, and the fourth circumferential position PC14 are positions that divide one circumference of the circumferential direction DC of the lens barrel 12 into four equal parts.

[0074] Each convex portion group 80 included in the first convex portion group 81, the second convex portion group 82, the third convex portion group 83, and the fourth convex portion group 84 includes a plurality of convex portions 50.

[0075] Five or more convex portion groups may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 21D.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same object.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1, 2, 3, 4, 4M lens units, 11 lens, 11L optical axis, 11A first lens surface, 11B second lens surface, 11C outer circumferential surface, 12 lens barrel, 21 first portion, 21D inner circumferential surface, 21E space, 21F insertion port, 22 second portion, 22A first main surface, 22B second main surface, 22E round hole, 22F seating surface, 31 one end, 32 the other end, 42 inner circumferential side end, 50 convex portion, 50G opposing surface, 50H contact surface, 51 first convex portion, 52 second convex portion, 53 third convex portion, 61 first gap, 62 second gap, 71 first surface, 72 second surface, 73 C surface, 80 convex portion group, 81 first convex portion group, 82 second convex portion group, 83 third convex portion group, 84 fourth convex portion group, PC1 first circumferential position, PC2 second circumferential position, PC11 first circumferential position, PC12 second circumferential position, PC13 third circumferential position, PC14 fourth circumferential position, PL1 first optical axis direction position, PL2 second optical axis direction position, PL3 third optical axis direction position, DZ optical axis direction, DC circumferential direction.

Claims

1. a lens having an optical axis, a lens surface, and an outer peripheral surface; a lens barrel having an inner peripheral surface and a seating surface that abuts against a peripheral portion of the lens surface, the lens barrel having a plurality of convex portions that are spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction, are spaced apart from the seating surface in the optical axis direction, and abut against the outer peripheral surface, the plurality of convex portions being formed on the inner peripheral surface; A lens unit comprising the above.

2. Each convex portion included in the plurality of convex portions is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel The lens unit according to claim 1.

3. The diameter D and the outer peripheral thickness h of the lens satisfy 0.15 ≦ h / D The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of convex portions each have a plurality of contact surfaces that contact the outer peripheral surface, The sum x of the lengths in the optical axis direction of the plurality of contact surfaces and the outer peripheral thickness h of the lens satisfy 0.05 ≦ x / h ≦ 0.5 The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The plurality of convex portions include two convex portions respectively formed at two positions in the optical axis direction that trisect the outer peripheral surface in the optical axis direction The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of convex portions include convex portions that face the seating surface with a gap sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The plurality of convex portions include two convex portions that face each other with a gap sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Each convex portion included in the plurality of convex portions has an opposing surface that faces the outer peripheral surface and is convexly curved in the optical axis direction The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The plurality of convex portions are a first convex portion formed at a first circumferential position in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel and at a first optical axis direction position in the optical axis direction; a second convex portion formed at the first circumferential position in the circumferential direction and at a second optical axis direction position different from the first optical axis direction position in the optical axis direction; a third convex portion disposed at a second circumferential position different from the first circumferential position in the circumferential direction and formed at a third optical axis direction position between the first optical axis direction position and the second optical axis direction position in the optical axis direction; including The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The inner peripheral surface defines a space for accommodating the lens, The space has an insertion port on the side opposite to the side where the seating surface is located, The plurality of convex portions include a convex portion having a first surface facing the insertion opening, a second surface contacting the lens, and a C surface between the first surface and the second surface. The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 11** Three or more convex portion groups are formed on the inner peripheral surface at three or more circumferential positions different from each other in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel. Each of the three or more convex portion groups includes the plurality of convex portions. The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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