Imaging structure and imaging device

Abstract

To provide an image capturing structure that makes it possible to remove the foreign matter sticking to an image capturing surface, without having to be provided with a complex mechanism.SOLUTION: The image capturing structure comprises: an optical component that has a lens that passes external light through and a frame; a board on which is mounted an image capturing element that has an image capturing region for receiving light having passed through the lens and a circumferential region that encloses the image capturing region; a housing that holds the optical component and the board; and a cushion member that is assembled between the frame and the circumferential region and seals up an internal space between the lens and the image capturing region, and that is elastically deformed while a force is applied from the outside in a direction leading to the frame, allowing the internal space and an external space to communicate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an imaging structure including an imaging element. [Background technology]

[0002] In an image sensor, if dust adheres to the imaging surface, the image quality is adversely affected. Therefore, some imaging structures including an image sensor are provided with a mechanism for cleaning the imaging surface.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for removing foreign matter such as dust that gets into a digital camera when changing lenses and dust that occurs due to wear of parts. Specifically, the digital camera of Patent Document 1 includes a guide unit that guides a card-shaped cleaning member having a cleaning portion that removes foreign matter in a direction parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor. The guide unit is formed of a number of rollers and gears, and a motor drives the gears and rollers to rotate and guide the movement of the cleaning member. This causes the cleaning member to clean the imaging surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-017123 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the digital camera of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that a complex mechanism consisting of a large number of rollers, gears, motors, etc. is required to clean the imaging surface.

[0006] The present disclosure is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an imaging structure that enables removal of foreign matter on an imaging surface without including a complex mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging structure of the present disclosure includes an optical component having a lens and a frame body that transmit external light, a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted, the imaging element having an imaging region that receives light transmitted through the lens and a peripheral region that surrounds the imaging region, a housing that holds the optical component and the substrate, and a cushion member that is assembled between the frame body and the peripheral region to make an internal space between the lens and the imaging region into an airtight space, It is arranged so that force can be applied from the outside. The cushion member is elastically deformed when an external force is applied in a direction toward the frame body to communicate the internal space with the external space. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Advantageous Effects of Invention The present disclosure provides an advantage in that it is possible to provide an imaging structure that enables removal of foreign matter on an imaging surface with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device having an imaging structure according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the imaging device of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view of the imaging device of FIG. 2 taken along line AA and viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device of FIG. 3 taken along line BB. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an imaging element in the imaging device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cushion part used in the imaging structure of the present disclosure, FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cushion part, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the cushion part of FIG. 6A taken along line CC. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the function of the imaging structure of the present disclosure, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a first state, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a second state, and FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a third state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device having the imaging structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining the function of the imaging structure of embodiment 2, where FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the optical components assembled in the housing, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the optical components loosened from the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In order to describe the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 In the first embodiment, an example of an imaging device employing an imaging structure according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device 1 having an imaging structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of the arrow. FIG. 3 is a view of the imaging device 1 of FIG. 2 taken along line AA and viewed in the direction of the arrow. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging device 1 of FIG. 3 taken along line BB. The imaging device 1 includes an imaging structure according to the present disclosure. The imaging device 1 includes an optical component 100, a substrate 200, a housing 300, and a cushion member 400. The imaging device 1 includes an optical component 100, a substrate 200, a housing 300, and a cushion member 400, which are assembled together. Note that the imaging device 1 is, for example, a camera module in a driver monitoring system, but is not limited to a camera module in a driver monitoring system, and may be an imaging device used for other purposes.

[0012] Optical component 100 is a lens component having a lens (not shown) and a frame body 120. Note that the detailed structure of the lens is not shown in the figure. In the optical component 100, the lens transmits external light. Specifically, when optical component 100 is assembled as imaging device 1, the lens in optical component 100 transmits external light, which is light from a subject outside imaging device 1, and allows the light to be incident on the imaging surface of imaging element 210 mounted on substrate 200. The optical component 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is assembled so that the optical axis of the lens is in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the imaging region 211 of the imaging element 210.

[0013] The frame body 120 has a threaded portion 110 for assembling the optical component 100 to the housing 300. The threaded portion 110 of the frame body 120 has a screw thread cut in a spiral shape along the outer periphery of the frame body 120. The frame 120 positions the lens in the imaging device 1 when the imaging device 1 is assembled with other components. Furthermore, when the frame 120 is assembled with other components to form the imaging device 1, it applies a force that presses the cushion member 400 against the surrounding area 212 of the imaging element 210. The frame 120 may be formed integrally with the lens, or may support the lens as a separate body.

[0014] The substrate 200 has an imaging element 210 mounted thereon. The substrate 200 is disposed so that, in a state where it is assembled with other components to form the imaging device 1, the mounting surface on which the imaging element 210 is mounted faces the lens.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the imaging element 210 in the imaging device 1. As shown in FIG. The imaging element 210 has an imaging area 211 and a surrounding area 212 . The imaging area 211 is an area that receives light that has passed through the lens. The surrounding area 212 is an area surrounding the imaging area 211, and is a plane that is horizontally connected to the plane of the imaging area 211. In other words, the imaging region 211 and the surrounding region 212 form a substantially integral surface. The imaging element 210 converts light received in the imaging region 211 into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal. The imaging element 210 functions as, for example, an image sensor.

[0016] The housing 300 functions as a holder for holding the optical component 100 and the substrate 200 when the imaging device 1 is assembled with other components. The housing 300 has a screw portion 350 for assembling the optical component 100. The screw portion 350 of the housing 300 is formed by a helical thread cut along the inner circumference of a hole in the housing 300 to which the optical component 100 is assembled. The optical component 100 and the housing 300 are assembled by screwing a threaded portion 110 of the optical component 100 into a threaded portion 350 of the housing 300 so as to bring the optical component 100 closer to the imaging element 210 .

[0017] The housing 300 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 has a wall portion 310 shown in FIGS. The wall portion 310 is formed integrally with the housing 300 and has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cushion member 400 . By providing the wall portion 310, a structure capable of positioning the cushion member 400 can be realized. Furthermore, by providing the wall portion 310, a structure can be realized that can prevent the cushion member 400 from being deformed and moved.

[0018] In the wall portion 310 shown in Figures 2 to 4, the cushion member 400 is visible over a wide area when viewed from the outside, but the wall portion 310 according to the present disclosure may be shaped so that the cushion member 400 is almost invisible when viewed from the outside. In other words, the wall portion 310 may be formed integrally with the housing 300 and may have a shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the cushion member 400 so as to cover it. In addition to the above, the presence of this wall portion 310 makes it possible to prevent force from being applied to the cushion member 400 by mistake from outside the imaging device 1, thereby realizing a structure that can better protect the cushion member 400.

[0019] The wall portion 310 has a cutout portion 330 . The cutout portion 330 is a portion where a part of the wall portion 310 is cut out. By providing the cutout portion 330, the cutout portion 330 serves as a guide for the position for inserting the foreign object removal member 500 between the cushion member 400 and the imaging element 210, thereby realizing a structure that makes it easy to insert the foreign object removal member 500 between the cushion member 400 and the imaging element 210.

[0020] Here, the wall portion 310 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is cut out by the cutout portion 330 up to the portion where the cushion member 400 and the optical component 100 contact each other when viewed from outside the imaging device 1, but the wall portion 310 may be shaped so that the portion where the cushion member 400 and the optical component 100 contact each other is not visible. In other words, wall portion 310 may have a shape that surrounds the periphery of cushion member 400 at the portion where cushion member 400 and optical component 100 come into contact. In addition to the above, the presence of this wall portion 310 makes it possible to prevent the foreign matter removal member 500 from being erroneously inserted between the cushion member 400 and the optical component 100, thereby realizing a structure that can better protect the cushion member 400.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cushion member 400 used in the imaging structure of the present disclosure, where FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cushion member 400, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the cushion member 400 taken along line CC in FIG. 6A. The cushion member 400 is a member having elasticity, and is a member that elastically deforms when a force is applied. 6A has a ring shape. However, the cushion member 400 is not limited to a ring shape. The cushion member 400 has a shape that can surround the imaging region 211 of the imaging element 210. When the imaging region 211 of the imaging element 210 is rectangular and the cushion member 400 is ring-shaped, the inner diameter of the cushion member 400 is larger than the diagonal line of the imaging region 211. The cushion member 400 shown in FIG. 6B is composed of an adhesive member 410, an elastic member 420, and a sliding member 430. The adhesive member 410 is, for example, a double-sided tape. The adhesive member 410 may be an adhesive. The elastic member 420 is, for example, elastic rubber. The elastic rubber is made of a material with a small reaction force, such as urethane or silicone rubber. The sliding member 430 is a member having good sliding properties, such as a sliding sheet, and is, for example, a PET sheet. The cushion member 400 has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other, the first surface being constituted by an adhesive member 410 and the second surface being constituted by a sliding member 430 . For example, the cushion member 400 is configured by attaching a double-sided tape to one of the opposing surfaces of an elastic rubber as a base member, and attaching a sliding sheet to the other surface.

[0022] In the imaging structure of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 4, when the various components of the imaging device 1 are assembled, the frame portion of the optical component 100 and the housing 300 form the same horizontal plane, and the cushion member 400 is adhered and fixed to the horizontal plane. Specifically, when the cushion member 400 is assembled with other components to form the imaging device 1, a first surface of the cushion member 400 is adhered to the optical component 100 and the housing 300, and a second surface of the sliding member 430 opposite the first surface is in contact with the surrounding area 212. 4, the cushion member 400 is disposed so that the second surface slightly protrudes from the surrounding area 212. By disposing it in this manner, a structure can be realized in which force can be easily applied to the cushion member 400 using the foreign object removal member 500 described later.

[0023] The cushion member 400 is assembled between the frame 120 and the peripheral region 212 to make the internal space 405, which is the space between the lens and the imaging region 211, into an enclosed space. In detail, when the cushion member 400 is assembled with other components as the imaging device 1 and no force is being applied from outside the imaging device 1, the cushion member 400 is assembled in a slightly compressed state between the frame body 120 of the optical component 100 and the surrounding region 212 of the imaging element 210, making the internal space 405, which is the space between the lens of the optical component 100 and the imaging region 211 of the imaging element 210, into an enclosed space. The imaging structure in which a sealed space is formed surrounded by the lens, imaging element 210, and cushion member 400 can prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as dust after assembly. Cushion member 400 elastically deforms when a force is applied from the outside in a direction toward frame body 120, thereby communicating internal space 405 with the external space. In detail, when a force is applied in a direction from the surrounding region 212 of the imaging element 210 toward the frame body 120 of the optical component 100, the cushion member 400 elastically deforms, changing the internal space 405 between the lens of the optical component 100 and the imaging region 211 of the imaging element 210 from a sealed space to a state connected to the external space.

[0024] The function of the imaging structure according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the function of the imaging structure of the present disclosure, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a first state, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a second state, and FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a third state. One method for applying force to the cushion member 400 from the outside is to use a foreign body removal member 500 shown in FIG. 7A, for example. The foreign matter removing member 500 is a rod-shaped member, and an insertion end portion on the side to be inserted into the internal space 405 of the imaging structure is configured as a cleaning member for cleaning the imaging region 211. The cleaning member may be, for example, a cloth-like member for cleaning glasses or the like. 7A, a force is applied by the insertion end of foreign body removal member 500 to the second surface of cushion member 400 in direction α toward frame 120 of optical component 100. This causes cushion member 400 to elastically deform in direction α toward frame 120 of optical component 100, connecting internal space 405 with the external space. 7B, when the foreign object removal member 500 is moved in the direction β from the outside toward the internal space 405, the foreign object removal member 500 slides between the cushion member 400 and the peripheral region 212 of the imaging element 210 and is inserted into the internal space 405. At this time, particularly if the second surface of the cushion member 400 is configured with a sliding sheet, it is easy to insert the foreign object removal member 500 between the sliding sheet and the peripheral region 212 of the imaging element 210. Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the insertion end of the foreign object removal member 500 inserted into the internal space 405 reaches the imaging area 211, and the cleaning member at the insertion end is slid in the direction γ relative to the imaging area 211 to remove the foreign object, and the foreign object removal member 500 is removed from the internal space 405. In this manner, even after the imaging structure has been assembled, foreign matter adhering to the imaging region 211 can be easily removed.

[0025] Here, further advantages of the present disclosure will be described. When the imaging structure of the present disclosure is applied to an imaging device, the imaging device can be made smaller because it does not require a complex mechanism consisting of a large number of rollers, gears, motors, etc., as in the past. Therefore, the imaging structure of the present disclosure is suitable for an in-vehicle camera module used in, for example, a driver monitoring system.

[0026] When the imaging structure of the present disclosure is applied to an in-vehicle camera module used in a driver monitoring system, the imaging device 1 is assembled with an adhesive or the like by an optical component 100 such as a lens component, a substrate 200 on which an imaging element 210 is mounted, and a housing 300, and therefore, if dust adheres to the imaging area 211 of the imaging element 210, the imaging device 1 will have to be discarded, which is likely to result in quality loss costs. In contrast, the imaging structure of the present disclosure can solve the above problems and suppress quality loss costs.

[0027] Furthermore, in the imaging device 1 in which the imaging structure of the present disclosure is applied to a camera module, the optical component 100 (lens component) and the housing 300 are screwed together, and then the imaging element 210 and the focal position of the lens are adjusted in six axial directions, i.e., three horizontal directions and three rotational directions (six-axis adjustment), and the imaging element 210 is adhesively fixed to the housing 300. In this regard, the imaging structure according to the present disclosure assembles a cushion member 400 including an elastic member 420 with a small reaction force and a sliding member 430 with slidability between the optical component 100 and the housing 300 and the imaging element 210, thereby reducing the sliding load during six-axis adjustment and improving the accuracy of the six-axis adjustment.

[0028] The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be summarized and described below. (1) The imaging structure according to the present disclosure is configured to include an optical component having a lens and a frame body that transmits external light, a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted, the imaging element having an imaging area that receives light transmitted through the lens and a peripheral area surrounding the imaging area, a housing that holds the optical component and the substrate, and a cushion member that is assembled between the frame body and the peripheral area to make an internal space between the lens and the imaging area into an enclosed space, the cushion member elastically deforming when an external force is applied in a direction toward the frame body to connect the internal space with the external space. The present disclosure provides an advantage in that the imaging structure described above makes it possible to remove foreign matter on the imaging surface with a simple configuration.

[0029] (2) The imaging device according to the present disclosure is configured to include an optical component having a lens and a frame body that transmits external light, a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted having an imaging area that receives light transmitted through the lens and a peripheral area surrounding the imaging area, a housing that holds the optical component and the substrate, and a cushion member that is assembled between the frame body and the peripheral area to make an internal space between the lens and the imaging area into an enclosed space, the cushion member elastically deforming when an external force is applied in a direction toward the frame body to connect the internal space with the external space. The present disclosure provides an advantage in that, by having a structure such as the imaging device described above, it is possible to remove foreign matter on the imaging surface with a simple configuration.

[0030] (3) The imaging structure according to the present disclosure is further configured to include a wall portion formed on the housing and extending along an outer periphery of the cushion member, and a cutout portion formed by cutting out a portion of the wall portion. The present disclosure has an advantage that, by using the imaging structure, it is possible to provide a structure capable of positioning a cushion member. In addition, the present disclosure has an effect of being able to provide a structure that can further suppress deformation and movement of the cushion member by using the imaging structure. In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that, with the above-mentioned imaging structure, the cutout portion serves as a guide for the position for inserting a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element, and therefore a structure can be provided that makes it easy to insert a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element. When the imaging structure of (3) is applied to an imaging device, the same effects as those described above are achieved.

[0031] (4) The imaging structure according to the present disclosure is further configured to include a wall portion formed on the housing so as to cover and surround the outer periphery of the cushion member, and a cutout portion formed by cutting out a portion of the wall portion. The present disclosure has an advantage that, by using the imaging structure, it is possible to provide a structure capable of positioning a cushion member. In addition, the present disclosure has an effect of being able to provide a structure that can further suppress deformation and movement of the cushion member by using the imaging structure. In addition, the present disclosure has an effect of providing a structure that can further protect the cushion member by using the imaging structure. In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that, with the above-mentioned imaging structure, the cutout portion serves as a guide for the position for inserting a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element, and therefore a structure can be provided that makes it easy to insert a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element. When the imaging structure of (4) is applied to an imaging device, the same effects as those described above are achieved.

[0032] (5) The imaging structure according to the present disclosure further includes a wall portion formed on the housing so as to cover and surround the outer periphery of the cushion member, and a cutout portion formed by cutting out a portion of the wall portion, and the wall portion is configured to surround one periphery of the portion of the outer periphery of the cushion member where the cushion member and the optical component are in contact. The present disclosure has an advantage that, by using the imaging structure, it is possible to provide a structure capable of positioning a cushion member. In addition, the present disclosure has an effect of being able to provide a structure that can further suppress deformation and movement of the cushion member by using the imaging structure. In addition, the present disclosure has an effect of providing a structure that can further protect the cushion member by using the imaging structure. In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that, with the above-mentioned imaging structure, the cutout portion serves as a guide for the position for inserting a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element, and therefore a structure can be provided that makes it easy to insert a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the imaging element. In addition, the present disclosure has an advantage that the imaging structure described above can prevent the foreign object removal member from being erroneously inserted between the cushion member and the optical component, thereby better protecting the cushion member. The imaging structure (5) can be additionally applied to the imaging structure (1), (3) or (4), and provides the same effects as those described above. Furthermore, when the imaging structure of (5) is applied to an imaging device, the same effects as those described above are achieved.

[0033] (6) In the imaging structure of the present disclosure, the cushion member is configured to have a first surface adhered to the optical component and a second surface opposite the first surface and in contact with the surrounding area, the second surface being made of a sliding sheet. The present disclosure has the advantage that the imaging structure makes it easy for the foreign object removal member to come into contact with the surface of the sliding sheet and slide, thereby providing a structure that makes it easy to insert the foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the surrounding area. The imaging structure (6) exhibits the above-mentioned effects when applied to the imaging structure (1), (3), (4) or (5). Furthermore, when the imaging structure of (6) is applied to an imaging device, the same effect as that described above is achieved.

[0034] Embodiment 2 In addition to the imaging structure of the first embodiment, the second embodiment further describes a structure that makes it easy to insert a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the surrounding area of ​​the imaging element. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the configuration described in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging device 1 having an imaging structure according to the second embodiment.

[0035] The imaging structure shown in FIG. 8 differs from the imaging structure described in the first embodiment in that the imaging structure has a structure that allows the force applied to the cushion member 400 to be loosened. In the following description of embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. Note that in Fig. 8, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 are used, but in the description of embodiment 2, if there are differences between the description of embodiment 1 and those of embodiment 2, the description of embodiment 2 takes precedence.

[0036] As with the imaging structure of embodiment 1, optical component 100 and housing 300 are assembled by screwing threaded portion 110 of optical component 100 into threaded portion 350 of housing 300 so as to bring optical component 100 closer to imaging element 210.

[0037] A first surface of cushion member 400 is adhered to optical component 100 in a state where it is assembled with other components as imaging device 1. Specifically, in a state where optical component 100 and housing 300 are assembled, a first surface of cushion member 400 is adhered to optical component 100 and is not adhered to housing 300. Additionally, the cushion member 400 has a sliding member 430 on a second surface opposite to the first surface in contact with the peripheral region 212 . For example, cushion member 400 of the first embodiment may be provided with adhesive member 410 in a portion that contacts optical component 100, and may not be provided with adhesive member 410 in an area that contacts housing 300. Alternatively, cushion member 400 may be prevented from being adhered to housing 300 by being pressed toward imaging element 210 by frame 120 of optical component 100, for example. Alternatively, cushion member 400 may be formed with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of optical component 100, for example. This makes it possible to realize a structure in which cushion member 400 adhered to optical component 100 moves away from peripheral region 212 of imaging element 210 in conjunction with the optical component 100 moving away from imaging element 210.

[0038] 8, the cushion member 400 is disposed so that the second surface slightly protrudes from the surrounding area 212. By disposing it in this manner, a structure can be realized in which force can be easily applied to the cushion member 400 using the foreign object removal member 500 described in the first embodiment.

[0039] The function of the imaging structure according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining the function of the imaging structure of embodiment 2, in which FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the state in which optical component 100 is assembled into housing 300, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the state in which optical component 100 has been loosened from housing 300. As shown in Fig. 9A, when optical component 100 is rotated so as to release the screws fastening optical component 100 and housing 300 from the state in which it is assembled into imaging device 1, optical component 100 moves in direction δ away from imaging element 210 as shown in Fig. 9B. As optical component 100 moves, cushion member 400 bonded to frame 120 of optical component 100 moves in direction δ away from surrounding region 212 of imaging element 210. In this manner, the imaging structure of the present disclosure is structured to facilitate insertion of the foreign body removal member 500 between the cushion member 400 and the surrounding region 212.

[0040] The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be summarized and described below. (7) In the imaging structure of the present disclosure, the optical component and the housing are assembled by screwing so as to bring the optical component close to the imaging element, and when the optical component and the housing are assembled, the cushion member is positioned in contact with the optical component and spaced apart from the housing. The present disclosure has the advantage that, with the imaging structure, loosening the screws of the optical components makes it easier to move the cushion member away from the surrounding area of ​​the imaging element, thereby providing a structure that makes it easy to insert a foreign object removal member between the cushion member and the surrounding area. The imaging structure (7) exhibits the above-mentioned effects when applied to the imaging structure (1), (3), (4), (5) or (6). Furthermore, when the imaging structure of (7) is applied to an imaging device, the same effects as those described above are achieved.

[0041] In addition, in the present disclosure, within the scope of the invention, the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted.

[0042] The imaging structure according to the present disclosure is suitable for use in an imaging device because foreign matter adhering to the imaging area can be easily removed after the imaging element is assembled in the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 imaging device, 100 optical component, 110 screw portion, 120 frame, 200 substrate, 210 imaging element, 211 imaging area, 212 surrounding area, 300 housing, 310 wall portion, 330 cutout portion, 350 screw portion, 400 cushion member, 405 internal space, 410 adhesive member (double-sided tape), 420 elastic member (elastic rubber), 430 sliding member (sliding sheet), 500 foreign object removal member.

Claims

1. an optical component having a lens and a frame body that transmit external light; a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted, the imaging element having an imaging region that receives light transmitted through the lens and a peripheral region that surrounds the imaging region; a housing for holding the optical component and the substrate; a cushion member that is assembled between the frame body and the peripheral region to make an internal space between the lens and the imaging region into an enclosed space, the cushion member being disposed so that a force can be applied thereto from the outside, and that elastically deforms when a force is applied from the outside in a direction toward the frame body to communicate the internal space with the external space; An imaging structure comprising:

2. a wall portion formed on the housing and extending along an outer periphery of the cushion member; A cutout portion formed by cutting out a part of the wall portion; The imaging arrangement of claim 1 further comprising:

3. a wall portion formed on the housing and surrounding the outer periphery of the cushion member; A cutout portion formed by cutting out a part of the wall portion; The imaging arrangement of claim 1 further comprising:

4. a wall portion formed on the housing and surrounding the outer periphery of the cushion member; A cutout portion formed by cutting out a part of the wall portion; Further equipped with 2. The imaging structure according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion surrounds a portion of the outer periphery of the cushion member where the cushion member and the optical component are in contact with each other.

5. The cushion member is a first surface bonded to the optical component; a second surface that faces the first surface and contacts the peripheral region, the second surface being made of a sliding sheet; 5. The imaging structure of claim 1, further comprising:

6. the optical component and the housing are assembled by screws so as to bring the optical component close to the imaging element, When the optical component and the housing are assembled, the cushion member is adhered to the optical component and is not adhered to the housing.

5. An imaging structure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

7. the optical component and the housing are assembled by screws so as to bring the optical component close to the imaging element, When the optical component and the housing are assembled, the cushion member is adhered to the optical component and is not adhered to the housing.

6. The imaging structure of claim 5.

8. an optical component having a lens and a frame body that transmit external light; a substrate on which an imaging element is mounted, the imaging element having an imaging region that receives light transmitted through the lens and a peripheral region that surrounds the imaging region; a housing for holding the optical component and the substrate; a cushion member that is assembled between the frame body and the peripheral region to make an internal space between the lens and the imaging region into an enclosed space, the cushion member being disposed so that a force can be applied thereto from the outside, and that elastically deforms when a force is applied from the outside in a direction toward the frame body to communicate the internal space with the external space; An imaging device comprising:

Images