Camera modules, in-vehicle systems, and mobile devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera module, an in-vehicle system, and a mobile device that can prevent the lens from cracking while ensuring the desired vibration performance through the vibration mechanism, regardless of the material or shape of the optical elements. [Solution] The camera module 300 of the present invention comprises a cylindrical first housing that forms an internal housing space for receiving a lens barrel, and a vibration mechanism provided inside the first housing and having an internal vibrator 62. The first housing has metallic external vibrators 23d, 23e that are coupled to the internal vibrator 62 and receive vibrations from the internal vibrator 62. The first lens 31 is held by a resin annular guide member 70 interposed between the first lens 31 and the external vibrator 23e and receiving vibrations from the internal vibrator 62.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module constituting an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, an on-vehicle system, and a mobile body equipped with the on-vehicle system. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, on-vehicle cameras have been mounted on automobiles to support parking, prevent collisions through image recognition, and attempts have also been made to apply this technology to autonomous driving. In general, a camera module such as such an on-vehicle camera includes a lens unit including a lens group formed by arranging a plurality of lenses along an optical axis, a lens barrel that accommodates and holds the lens group, and a diaphragm member disposed between at least one pair of lenses in the lens group (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, such a lens unit is attached to a mounting portion such as a front grille of a vehicle (automobile), and the lens located closest to the object side may be exposed to the outside in some cases. In such a case, foreign matter such as water droplets, muddy water, ice and snow, and frost easily adheres to the surface (lens surface) of the lens, and when such foreign matter adheres, it is necessary to remove the foreign matter to secure a clear observation field of view by the lens unit.

[0004] Regarding the removal of foreign matter adhering to the surface of a lens (or lens cover), in recent years, foreign matter has also been removed by vibrating (ultrasonically vibrating) the lens (or lens cover) with a vibrating body. For example, in Patent Document 2, a vibrating device for removing foreign matter such as water droplets and dust adhering to a dome-shaped cover (lens cover) is provided in a camera including a lens unit.

[0005] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, such a vibrating device 102 is installed in a camera that has an imaging optical system 105 with a built-in lens 106 and an image sensor located on the top of the camera body 103, and comprises a dome-shaped transparent cover 111, a cylindrical vibrating body 112 to which the cover 111 is fixed, and a piezoelectric element 113 fixed to the vibrating body 112 that vibrates the cover 111 via the vibrating body 112. The vibrating body 112 has a cylindrical portion 114 having a first end 114a located on the cover 111 side and a second end 114b located on the opposite side of the cover 111; a tubular first connecting portion 115 connected to the first end 114a of the cylindrical portion 114 and made of a cylinder with a larger inner diameter than the cylindrical portion 114; a first ring-shaped portion 116 interposed between the first connecting portion 115 and the cover 111 and having a smaller inner diameter than the first connecting portion 115; a second connecting portion 117 connected to the second end 114b of the cylindrical portion 114 and made of a cylinder with a smaller outer diameter than the cylindrical portion 114; and a second ring-shaped portion 118 interposed between the second connecting portion 117 and the piezoelectric element 113 and having a larger outer diameter than the second connecting portion 117. Furthermore, all components of this small camera module, including the camera body 103 and the vibration device 102, are housed within the housing 130.

[0006] In such a vibrating device 102, the piezoelectric element 113 is driven to cause ultrasonic vibration of the cover 111 via the vibrating body 112, thereby more effectively moving and atomizing the droplets, or removing foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cover 111. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-231993 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6977784 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, in a vibration device in which optical elements such as lenses and covers vibrated by the vibrating body 112 are held so as to be directly pressed by a holding part at the object-side end of the housing 130, and such a holding part also vibrates together with the vibrating body 112, if the holding part is made of a hard material such as metal from the viewpoint of improving vibration transmission, depending on the material and shape of the optical element to be vibrated, the stress acting on the optical element during vibration may increase, potentially causing cracks in the optical element. Such cracks are particularly likely to occur when the optical element to be vibrated is a glass lens, and the length of the camera neck, which consists of a holding part that protrudes in a stepped manner from the housing 130 and the optical element held by the holding part, increases.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a camera module, an in-vehicle system, and a mobile device that can prevent cracking of the lens to be vibrated by the vibration mechanism, while ensuring the desired vibration performance by the vibration mechanism, regardless of the material and shape of the optical elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a camera module comprising: a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lenses; a lens barrel that houses and holds the lenses of the lens group except for the first lens located closest to the object; and an image sensor that converts the light collected through the lens group into an electrical signal. A cylindrical first housing having an internal housing space for receiving the aforementioned lens barrel, A vibration mechanism provided within the first housing includes a vibration source that vibrates ultrasonically, and an internal vibrator connected to the vibration source and the first lens, which transmits the ultrasonic vibrations of the vibration source to the first lens. Equipped with, The first housing has a metal external vibrator that is coupled to the internal vibrator and receives vibrations from the internal vibrator, The first lens is characterized in that it is held by a resin annular guide member interposed between the first lens and the external vibrator, which receives vibrations from the internal vibrator.

[0011] According to the above configuration of the present invention, the first lens is not held by pressing it with an external metal vibrator, but rather held from the outside by an annular resin guide member. Therefore, regardless of the material or shape of the optical elements including the first lens to be vibrated, the stress acting on the first lens during vibration can be mitigated by the resin guide member, preventing the first lens from cracking. In this case, the desired vibration performance of the vibration mechanism is effectively ensured by the external metal vibrator. That is, the presence of the external metal vibrator allows the internal vibrator to effectively vibrate the first lens ultrasonically without any loss of vibration.

[0012] In the above configuration, it is desirable that the guide member, as a buffer, has a softness that does not hinder the vibration performance of the vibration mechanism (i.e., does not absorb vibrations) while having a hardness that can alleviate the stress acting on the first lens. As for the material of such a guide member, if the material of the first lens is glass, a resin material (PPS) can be used. Furthermore, if the hardness of the first lens is 600 or more (Knoop hardness), it is preferable that the hardness of such a guide member be M100 or more (Rockwell hardness). In addition, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the guide member be fixed to the internal vibrator, the external vibrator, and the first lens by, for example, an adhesive (such as a thermosetting adhesive).

[0013] Furthermore, if the guide member is inserted between the first lens and the external vibrator by press-fitting or the like, if the guide member is not inserted completely, and as a result the guide member is tilted from its proper, fully inserted position, or if the guide member is making uneven contact with the first lens (or if there is any gap in the guide member), the stress acting on the first lens during ultrasonic vibration will increase, which may cause the first lens to crack.

[0014] Therefore, in the above configuration of the present invention, when the guide member has a radially inward inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the first lens and a radially outward outer surface that contacts the external vibrator, it is preferable that the outer surface of the guide member and the contact surface of the external vibrator that contacts this outer surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis direction. In addition to or instead of this, it is preferable that the inner surface of the guide member and the outer surface of the first lens that contacts this inner surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

[0015] With this configuration, the presence of a tapered surface makes it easier to insert (guide) the guide member between the first lens and the external vibrator, allowing the guide member to be fully inserted between the first lens and the external vibrator. This prevents uneven contact of the guide member with the first lens, and therefore prevents cracking of the first lens.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above configuration of the present invention, it is preferable that the guide member has a crimped portion that fixes the first lens by being thermally crimped radially inward.

[0017] By providing such a crimped portion on the guide member, the first lens can be firmly held in place, and good vibration transmission to the first lens can be ensured.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an in-vehicle system having the aforementioned camera module, and a mobile body equipped with the in-vehicle system. The same effects and advantages as those of the aforementioned camera module can be obtained with such an in-vehicle system and mobile body. The term "mobile body" refers to all objects that can be moved, such as vehicles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the camera module of the present invention, regardless of the material and shape of the optical elements including the first lens, it is possible to prevent cracking of the lens that is to be vibrated by the vibration mechanism while ensuring the desired vibration performance by the vibration mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module having a lens unit with the basic structure of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a resin annular guide member is interposed between a first lens and an external vibrating body. [Figure 4] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part according to a first modified example of a camera module in which the guide member has a tapered surface. [Figure 5] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part according to a second modified example of a camera module in which the guide member has a tapered surface. [Figure 6] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part according to a third modified example of a camera module in which the guide member has a tapered surface. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle as a moving body on which an imaging system (in-vehicle system) including the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging apparatus constituting the imaging system of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional camera module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment contributes to "9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and cross-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all people" under "9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals) proposed by the United Nations.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a camera module equipped with a lens unit having the basic structure of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of this camera module. The lens units described below are specifically for camera modules such as in-vehicle cameras. For example, they are fixedly installed on the exterior surface of a vehicle, with wiring routed into the vehicle and connected to displays and other devices.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the camera module 300 includes a lens unit 20. This lens unit 20 comprises a cylindrical lens barrel 22, for example, made of resin (it may, of course, be made of metal), and a rectangular tubular first housing 23 in which the lens barrel 22 is housed. That is, the first housing 23 has an internal housing space for receiving the lens barrel 22.

[0024] Furthermore, the image-side (lower side in Figure 1) ends of the lens barrel 22 and the first housing 23 are supported by a rectangular tubular resin second housing 24 (which may, of course, be made of metal). The second housing 24 is shorter than the first housing 23 in the optical axis direction, but its outer and inner diameters are longer than those of the first housing 23. The optical axis is indicated by O, and the direction perpendicular to this optical axis O is the radial direction.

[0025] The first housing 23 is positioned radially outward from the lens barrel 22, and the second housing 24 is positioned on the image side (lower side in Figure 1) than the first housing 23. The lens barrel 22, the first housing 23, and the second housing 24 are arranged coaxially. A rectangular plate-shaped inner flange portion 24a is formed at the upper end of the second housing 24. A protrusion 24b is formed at the radial center of this inner flange portion 24a, projecting toward the object side (upward in Figure 1), and a through hole 24c is formed at the radial center of this protrusion 24b. The inner flange portion 24a forms a partition wall portion that separates the inner space S1 of the first housing 23 from the inner space S2 of the second housing 24.

[0026] Furthermore, a stepped portion 24d is formed on the upper surface of the inner flange portion 24a, and the lower end of the first housing 23 is fitted into this stepped portion 24d. This positions the first housing 23 relative to the second housing 24 in the radial and optical axis directions.

[0027] Furthermore, the lens unit 20 includes a plurality (for example, six) of lenses 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 arranged in order from the object side. Lens 31 is the first lens 31 located closest to the object, and this first lens 31 is held in the first housing 23 by a lens holding part 50, which will be described later. The five lenses 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36, which are positioned closer to the image than the first lens 31, are located (housed and held) within the lens barrel 22.

[0028] Furthermore, a cylindrical projection 27 is formed at the lower end of the lens barrel 22, projecting toward the image side (downward in Figure 1). This projection 27 is inserted into and connected to the through hole 24c provided in the second housing 24. As a result, the lens barrel 22 and the second housing 24 are positioned coaxially with each other and coaxially with the optical axis O.

[0029] Furthermore, the first lens 31, which is located closest to the object, is a glass lens, and lenses 32-36 are resin lenses, but this is not limited to them (for example, lens 31 may also be a resin lens). Furthermore, the surfaces of lenses 31-36 may be coated with an anti-reflective coating, a hydrophilic coating, a water-repellent coating, or the like, as needed.

[0030] Multiple lenses 31-36, fixed and supported by the first housing 23 and lens barrel 22, are arranged so that their optical axes align, and the lenses 31-36 are lined up along a single optical axis O to form a lens group L used for imaging. In other words, the lens barrel 22 houses and holds the lenses 32-36 of the lens group L, excluding the first lens 31 which is located closest to the object, and holds the first lens 31 and the second lens 32 adjacent to it on the image side at its end closest to the object.

[0031] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first housing 23 is positioned radially outward from the lens barrel 22. The first housing 23 is made of a metal such as SUS or aluminum, and comprises a rectangular cylindrical housing body 23a, a rectangular plate-shaped top plate portion 23b integrally formed with the housing body 23a at the upper end of the housing body 23a, and a locking portion 23c integrally formed with the top plate portion 23b at the inner edge of the top plate portion 23b. The thickness of the top plate 23b (thickness in the optical axis direction) is thinner than the thickness of the housing body 23a (thickness in the radial direction).

[0032] The locking portion 23c comprises a substantially cylindrical projection 23d formed projecting from the inner circumferential edge of the top plate portion 23b toward the object side (upward in Figure 1), and a pressing portion 23e bent radially inward from the upper end of the projection 23d. An inclined surface 23f, which is inclined with respect to the optical axis O, is formed along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the radially inward end of the pressing portion 23e. The first lens 31 is then fixed in place by pressing its surface edge against the inclined surface 23f. In other words, with the lens group L assembled and housed within the first housing 23 and lens barrel 22, the inclined surface 23f of the pressing portion 23e presses against the first lens 31, which is located closest to the object in the lens group L, fixing it to the object-side end of the first housing 23 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0033] Furthermore, an inner flange portion 26 is provided at the image-side end (lower end in Figure 1) of the lens barrel 22, having an opening smaller in diameter than the sixth lens 36. The multiple lenses 31 to 36 constituting the lens group L are held and fixed in the optical axis direction within the first housing 23 and the lens barrel 22 by this inner flange portion 26 and the inclined surface 23f of the retaining portion 23e. Furthermore, a filter 99, such as an infrared cut filter, is provided on the lower surface of the inner flange portion 26.

[0034] Furthermore, this structure includes a ring-shaped lens holder 50 for holding the first lens 31. The lens holder 50 is manufactured by forming a thin ring shape from a metal such as SUS by turning. The lens holder 50 has a cylindrical first inner surface 50a and an annular surface 50b perpendicular to the inner surface 50a on its inner circumference side, and the first inner surface 50a and the annular surface 50b are formed in an L-shape in cross-section. The first inner surface 50a is arranged coaxially with the optical axis O, and the annular surface 50b is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis O. Furthermore, the lens holder 50 has a second inner circumferential surface 50c that is perpendicular to the annular surface 50b and coaxial with the optical axis O. This second inner circumferential surface 50c is positioned closer to the image (lower side in Figure 1) than the second inner circumferential surface 50a, and has a smaller inner diameter than the first inner circumferential surface 50a.

[0035] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second inner surface 50c of the ring-shaped lens holder 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the lens barrel 22, so that the upper end of the lens barrel 22 is positioned inside the second inner surface 50c of the lens holder 50. Furthermore, the lens holder portion 50 is joined to the first housing 23 in a fitted state. That is, the outer peripheral surface 50d and the upper surface 50e of the lens holder portion 50 are in contact with the inner circumference of the retaining portion 23e of the first housing 23 with virtually no gap on the radially outer side of the inclined surface 23f, and in this way the lens holder portion 50 is fitted to the retaining portion 23e of the first housing 23 from the inside. In this way the lens holder portion 50 is joined to the first housing 23 having the retaining portion 23e in a fitted state. The lens holder 50, which is joined to the first housing 23 in a fitted state, has its axis aligned with the optical axis O and is positioned in the direction of the optical axis.

[0036] Furthermore, the lens holder 50 holds the first lens 31. Specifically, the first inner surface 50a of the lens holder 50 is in close contact with the outer surface of the first lens 31, thereby positioning the first lens 31 radially and aligning it coaxially with the optical axis O. In addition, the annular surface 50b of the lens holder 50 is in close contact with the flat bottom surface 31e of the first lens 31 facing the image side, thereby positioning the first lens 31 in the direction of the optical axis. Furthermore, the lenses 32-36, which are positioned closer to the image than the first lens 31, are held by the lens barrel 22 so that their optical axes align. Since the lens barrel 22 is provided coaxially with the second housing 24 and aligned with the optical axis O, the first lens 31 and the lenses 32-36, which are positioned closer to the image than the first lens 31, are positioned coaxially or with an eccentricity of less than a predetermined amount.

[0037] Furthermore, this structure is provided with a vibration mechanism 60 that vibrates the first lens 31. The vibration mechanism 60 comprises a transducer 61 as a vibration source that vibrates ultrasonically, and a vibrating body 62 that transmits the ultrasonic vibrations of the transducer 61 to the first lens 31. This vibration mechanism 60 is positioned radially inward from the first housing 23 and radially outward from the lens barrel 22. In other words, the first housing 23 houses the lens group L and the vibration mechanism internally. The vibrator 61 is formed in the shape of an annular plate and is provided inside the housing body 23a of the first housing 23. The vibrator 61 is formed, for example, by a piezoelectric element.

[0038] The vibrating body 62 is formed from, for example, metal (such as SUS), and comprises a donut-shaped mounting portion 62a as one end connected to the transducer 61, a roughly cylindrical body portion 62b extending from the mounting portion 62a toward the object side (upward side in Figure 1), with a bulge and constriction due to the continuously changing outer and inner diameters in the axial direction (optical axis direction), and an S-shaped cross-section, and a ring-shaped joint portion 62c formed at the upper end of the body portion 62b. The transducer 61 is attached and fixed to the lower surface of the mounting portion 62a, and the upper surface of the joint portion 62c is bonded to the lower surface (image-facing surface) of the lens holder portion 50 with adhesive. In this way, the vibrating body 62 is positioned to surround the lens barrel 22 from the outside so as not to come into contact with the lens barrel 22, and is connected to the transducer 61 and the first lens 31 (via the lens holder portion 50) to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations of the transducer 61 to the first lens 31.

[0039] In this type of vibration mechanism 60, the vibrator 61 vibrates ultrasonically at a predetermined frequency, causing the vibrating body 62 to vibrate ultrasonically. When the vibrating body 62 vibrates, since the vibrating body 62 is joined to the lens holder 50, the first lens 31 vibrates ultrasonically at the same frequency via the lens holder 50, thereby removing foreign matter such as water droplets, mud, ice, snow, and frost from the lens surface of the first lens 31.

[0040] The lens holder 50 is fitted into the retaining portion 23e of the first housing 23. However, the thickness of the top plate portion 23b that forms the retaining portion 23e is thinner than the thickness of the housing body 23a, and the top plate portion 23b (retaining portion 23e) functions as a damper, so that vibrations from the lens holder 50 are less likely to be transmitted to the housing body 23a. As a result, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the second housing 24 fitted into the housing body 23a, and consequently, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the lens barrel 22 fitted into the second housing 24, and consequently, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the lenses 32-36, thereby suppressing the deterioration of optical performance caused by displacement of the lenses 32-36 due to vibration. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the vibrating body 62 and the first housing 23 are fitted together, and the first housing 23 holds down the vibrating body 62 together with the first lens 31. As a result, the vibrating body 62 acts as an internal vibrating body, and the top plate portion 23b and locking portion 23c (protruding portion 23d and pressing portion 23e) of the first housing 23 act as external vibrating bodies, allowing the first lens 31 to be effectively ultrasonically vibrated without any loss of vibration.

[0041] Furthermore, in this structure, the lens barrel 22 and the lenses 32-36 held in the lens barrel 22, which are arranged radially inward of the vibrating body 62, together with the package sensor (image sensor) 304 provided inside the second housing 24, constitute an imaging optical system. The lens unit 20 is composed of the first housing 23, the first lens 31 held in the first housing 23, the lens barrel 22, the lenses 32-36 held in the lens barrel 22, the lens holder 50, the vibration mechanism 60, etc. The camera module 300 is composed of this lens unit 20 and the second housing 24 which is fitted into the first housing 23 of the lens unit 20.

[0042] The package sensor 304 is positioned inside the second housing 24, facing the filter 99, and is located in a position to receive the image of an object formed by the lens unit 20. The package sensor 304 is equipped with a CCD or CMOS sensor, and converts the light that is focused and reaches it through the lens unit 20 (lens group L) into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is then converted into analog data or digital data, which are components of the image data captured by the camera.

[0043] Furthermore, the second housing 24 is equipped with a drive circuit board 305 inside. The drive circuit board 305 is a board having a drive circuit that drives the piezoelectric element 61 of the vibration mechanism 60 by applying a voltage of a predetermined frequency (applying a drive signal). This drive circuit board 305 and the vibrator (piezoelectric element) 61 are connected by wiring 306 formed by FPC or the like and passed through wiring holes 24f formed in the inner flange portion 24a of the second housing 24. In this way, the second housing 24 is coupled to the image side of the first housing 23 by forming a recess 24g that receives the board 305 on which the package sensor 304 is mounted so that the package sensor 304 faces the lens group L. In this structure, a third housing (not shown) that surrounds the imaging module, including the substrate 305, from the outside may be further fitted into the second housing 24 to constitute the camera module 300.

[0044] However, in the above-described configuration in which the glass first lens 31, which is vibrated by the vibrating body 62, is held so as to be directly pressed by the object-side end of the metal first housing 23, that is, by the pressing portion 23e of the first housing 23, and the top plate portion 23b and the locking portion 23c (protruding portion 23d and pressing portion 23e) are vibrated together with the vibrating body (internal vibrating body) 62 as external vibrating bodies, depending on the material and shape of the optical elements to be vibrated, that is, for example, if the length L in the optical axis direction of the camera neck portion consisting of the external vibrating body (top plate portion 23b and locking portion 23c (protruding portion 23d and pressing portion 23e)) and the first lens 31 becomes longer (for example, more than 5 mm), the stress acting on the first lens 31 during vibration increases, making the first lens 31 more prone to cracking.

[0045] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the first lens 31 is held by a resin annular guide member (resin guide) 70 interposed between the first lens 31 and the external vibrator retaining portion 23e, which receives vibrations from the internal vibrator 62. In this case, the guide member 70 has a radially inward inner circumferential surface 70b that fits into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first lens 31, and a radially outward outer circumferential surface 70c that contacts the external vibrator retaining portion 23e. Furthermore, the external vibrator retaining portion 23e does not have an inclined surface 23f as described above with respect to Figure 1, and the guide member 70 is pressed from the radially outward by an inner circumferential surface 23ea (which fits into contact with the outer circumferential surface 70c of the guide member 70) that is substantially parallel to the optical axis O. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface 70b and outer circumferential surface 70c of the guide member 70 extend along the optical axis direction O (therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the first lens 31 and the inner circumferential surface 23ea of ​​the retaining portion 23e also extend along the optical axis direction O). In this embodiment, the lens holding portion 50 described above in Figure 1 is absent. Instead, the object-side end portion 62d of the internal vibrator 62 is fitted (coupled) to the locking portion 23c of the external vibrator from the inside, and the outer circumferential portion of the first lens 31 and the annular guide member 70 are supported from below by the object-side end portion 62e of the internal vibrator 62. As a result, the first lens 31, the guide member 70, and the external vibrator each receive vibrations from the internal vibrator 62. Here, the optical axis direction length L of the camera neck portion, which consists of the external vibrator (top plate portion 23b and locking portion 23c (protruding portion 23d and retaining portion 23e)) and the first lens 31, is set to, for example, 5 mm.

[0046] According to the above configuration of this embodiment, the first lens 31 is not held by pressing it with a metal external vibrator, but rather held from the outside by a resin annular guide member 70. Therefore, regardless of the material and shape of the optical elements including the first lens 31 to be vibrated, the stress acting on the first lens 31 during vibration can be mitigated by the resin guide member 70, preventing the first lens 31 from cracking. In this case, the desired vibration performance by the vibration mechanism 60 is effectively ensured by the metal external vibrator (top plate portion 23b and locking portion 23c (protruding portion 23d and pressing portion 23e)). That is, the presence of the metal external vibrator allows the internal vibrator 62 to effectively ultrasonically vibrate the first lens 31 without vibration loss.

[0047] In the above configuration, it is desirable that the guide member 70, as a cushioning member, has a softness that does not hinder the vibration performance of the vibration mechanism 60 (does not absorb vibrations) while having a hardness that can alleviate the stress acting on the first lens 31. As for the material of such a guide member 70, if the material of the first lens 31 is glass, a resin material (PPS) can be used. Furthermore, if the hardness of the first lens 31 is 600 or more (Knoop hardness), it is preferable that the hardness of such a guide member 70 be M100 or more (Rockwell hardness). In addition, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the guide member 70 is fixed to the internal vibrator 62, the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator, and the first lens 31 by, for example, an adhesive (such as a thermosetting adhesive).

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide member 70 has a crimping portion 70a on the upper edge of its radially inward inner circumferential surface 70b, which fixes the first lens 31 by thermal crimping to the radially inward side. By providing such a crimping portion 70a on the guide member 70, the first lens 31 can be firmly held in place, and good vibration transmission to the first lens 31 can be ensured.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide member 70 is inserted between the first lens 31 and the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator by press-fitting or the like. However, if the guide member 70 is not inserted completely, and as a result the guide member 70 is tilted from the correct, fully inserted position, or if the guide member 70 is making uneven contact with the first lens 31 (or if the guide member 70 is floating), the stress acting on the first lens 31 during ultrasonic vibration will increase, which may cause the first lens 31 to crack.

[0050] Therefore, in the first modified example of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the outer circumferential surface 70c of the guide member 70 and the inner circumferential surface 23ea of ​​the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator that fits into contact with the outer circumferential surface 70c are formed as tapered surfaces inclined at the same angle and in the same direction with respect to the direction of the optical axis O. With this, the presence of the tapered surface makes it easier to insert (pull in) the guide member 70 between the first lens 31 and the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator, and the guide member 70 can be completely inserted between the first lens 31 and the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator. This prevents the guide member 70 from making contact with only one side of the first lens 31, and therefore prevents cracking of the first lens 31.

[0051] Figures 5 and 6 show further variations in the tapered surface formation configuration for the guide member 70. Specifically, in Figure 5, the inner circumferential surface 70b of the guide member 70 and the outer circumferential surface 31a of the first lens 31 that fits and contacts this inner circumferential surface 70b are formed as tapered surfaces inclined at the same angle and in the same direction with respect to the optical axis O.

[0052] On the other hand, Figure 6 is a configuration that combines the configuration of Figure 4 and the configuration of Figure 5. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface 70c of the guide member 70 and the inner circumferential surface 23ea of ​​the retaining portion 23e of the external vibrator that fits and contacts the outer circumferential surface 70c are formed as tapered surfaces inclined at the same angle and in the same direction with respect to the direction of the optical axis O, and the inner circumferential surface 70b of the guide member 70 and the outer circumferential surface 31a of the first lens 31 that fits and contacts the inner circumferential surface 70b are formed as tapered surfaces inclined at the same angle and in the same direction with respect to the direction of the optical axis O.

[0053] Figure 7 schematically shows a vehicle 240 as a mobile body on which an in-vehicle system (imaging system) comprising an imaging device 250 including the camera module 300 of Figure 1 is mounted. As shown in the figure, the imaging device 250 can be mounted on the vehicle 240, and Figure 7 is an example of an arrangement illustrating the mounting position of the imaging device 250 on the vehicle 240. The imaging device 250 mounted on the vehicle 240 can also be called an in-vehicle camera and can be installed in various locations on the vehicle 240. For example, the first imaging device 250a may be placed on or near the front bumper as a camera to monitor the area in front of the vehicle 240 while it is in motion. The second imaging device 250b, which also monitors the area in front, may be placed near the rearview mirror inside the vehicle 240. The third imaging device 250c may be placed on the dashboard or inside the instrument panel, etc., as a camera to monitor the driver's driving conditions. The fourth imaging device 250d may be installed at the rear of the vehicle 240 for use as a rear monitor. Imaging devices 250a and 250b can be called front cameras. The third imaging device 250c can be called an in-camera. The fourth imaging device 250d can be called a rear camera. The imaging device 250 is not limited to these, and includes imaging devices installed in various positions, such as a left side camera that images the left rear side and a right side camera that images the right rear side.

[0054] The image signal of the image captured by the imaging device 250 can be output to an information processing device (control unit) 242 and / or a display device (output device) 243, etc., within the vehicle 240. These information processing devices 242 and 243 together with the imaging device 250 constitute an in-vehicle system. The information processing device 242 within the vehicle 240 includes a device that processes the image signal (captured image) acquired by the imaging device 250, recognizes the image (recognizes objects in the captured image), and assists the driver in driving. The information processing device 242 is also configured to output recognition information of objects in the captured image to the display device 243, and includes, but is not limited to, a navigation device, a collision damage mitigation braking device, a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control device, and a lane departure warning device. The display device 243 displays the image processed and output by the information processing device 242, but can also receive the image signal directly from the imaging device 250. Furthermore, the display device 243 may employ, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display device 243 can display image signals output from an imaging device 250, such as a rear camera, which captures images from positions that are difficult for the driver to see (it can output information to the occupants).

[0055] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the imaging device that constitutes the in-vehicle system shown in Figure 7. As shown in the figure, the imaging device 250 according to one embodiment comprises a control unit 252, a storage unit 254, and the camera module 300 shown in Figure 1.

[0056] The control unit 252 controls the camera module 300 and processes the electrical signals output from the image sensor (package sensor) 304 of the camera module 300. This control unit 252 may be configured as a processor, for example. The control unit 252 may also include one or more processors. The processors may include general-purpose processors that load a specific program and execute a specific function, and dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Dedicated processors may include application-specific integrated circuits (ICs). Application-specific integrated circuits are also called ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). The processors may also include programmable logic devices. Programmable logic devices are also called PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). PLDs may include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The control unit 252 may be either a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a system-in-a-package (SiP) in which one or more processors cooperate. Furthermore, the control unit 252 may have the same functions as the information processing device 242 described above. For example, it may process the captured image output from the image sensor 304 to recognize objects within the captured image.

[0057] The storage unit 254 stores various information or parameters related to the operation of the imaging device 250. The storage unit 254 may be composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 254 may function as a work memory for the control unit 252. The storage unit 254 may store captured images. The storage unit 254 may store various parameters, etc., for the control unit 252 to perform detection processing based on the captured images. The storage unit 254 may be included in the control unit 252.

[0058] As mentioned above, the camera module 300 captures the subject image formed via the lens unit 20 with the image sensor 304 and outputs the captured image. The image captured by the camera module 300 is also called the captured image.

[0059] The image sensor 304 may be composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image sensor 304 has an imaging surface in which multiple pixels are arranged. Each pixel outputs a signal that is specified by current or voltage according to the amount of incident light. The signal output by each pixel is also called imaging data.

[0060] The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for all pixels and taken into the control unit 252 as an image. The image data read out for all pixels is also called the maximum image. The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for some pixels and taken into the image. In other words, the image data may be read out from pixels within a predetermined acquisition range. The image data read out from pixels within a predetermined acquisition range may be taken into the image. The predetermined acquisition range may be set by the control unit 252. The camera module 300 may obtain the predetermined acquisition range from the control unit 252. The image sensor 304 may capture an image within a predetermined acquisition range from the subject image formed via the lens unit 20.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the present invention, the shapes of lenses, housings, lens barrels, vibrators, guide members, etc., are not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, some or all of the embodiments described above may be combined, or some components of one of the embodiments described above may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 20 Lens Units 22 Telescope Tubes 23. First cabinet 23b Top panel (external vibrator) 23c Locking part (external vibrator) 23d Projection (external vibrator) 23e Pressing part (external vibrator) 24 Second cabinet 31. First lens 60 Vibration mechanism 61 Vibrator (vibration source) 62. Vibrating Body (Internal Vibrating Body) 70 Guide member 70a Crimping section 70b Inner surface 70c outer surface 240 vehicles (mobile) 243 Display device (output device) 252 Control Unit 300 Camera Modules 304 Image sensor 305 Drive circuit board L lens group

Claims

1. A camera module comprising a lens group in which multiple lenses are arranged along the optical axis of the lens, a lens barrel that houses and holds the lenses of the lens group except for the first lens located closest to the object, and an image sensor that converts the light collected through the lens group into an electrical signal, A cylindrical first housing having an internal housing space for receiving the aforementioned lens barrel, A vibration mechanism provided within the first housing includes a vibration source that vibrates ultrasonically, and an internal vibrator connected to the vibration source and the first lens, which transmits the ultrasonic vibrations of the vibration source to the first lens. Equipped with, The first housing has a metal external vibrator that is coupled to the internal vibrator and receives vibrations from the internal vibrator, The camera module is characterized in that the first lens is held by a resin annular guide member interposed between the first lens and the external vibrator, which receives vibrations from the internal vibrator.

2. The guide member has a radially inward inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the first lens, and a radially outward outer surface that contacts the external vibrator. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer circumferential surface of the guide member and the contact surface of the external vibrator that contacts this outer circumferential surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

3. The guide member has a radially inward inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the first lens, and a radially outward outer surface that contacts the external vibrator. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of the guide member and the outer circumferential surface of the first lens that contacts this inner circumferential surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

4. The guide member has a radially inward inner surface that contacts the outer surface of the first lens, and a radially outward outer surface that contacts the external vibrator. The outer circumferential surface of the guide member and the contact surface of the external vibrator that contacts this outer circumferential surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of the guide member and the outer circumferential surface of the first lens that contacts this inner circumferential surface are formed as tapered surfaces inclined with respect to the optical axis direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide member has a crimped portion that fixes the first lens by being thermally crimped radially inward.

6. An in-vehicle system installed in a vehicle, A camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A control unit that processes the captured image output from the image sensor of the camera module and recognizes an object in the captured image, An in-vehicle system characterized by having [a certain feature].

7. A mobile body equipped with the in-vehicle system described in claim 6 and an output device that outputs information to the occupants, The mobile body is characterized in that the control unit is configured to output recognition information of the object to the output device.

Images