Camera module

Abstract

To provide a camera module with a new structure that picks up an image of an external world while allowing image recognition of the external world.SOLUTION: A camera module comprises: a lens unit 33 on which an optical image from an external world is incident; an imager 34 on which the optical image is formed through the lens unit 33 and picks up the image of the external world; and a hood 9040 that regulates incidence of excess light on the lens unit 33 from the outside of an imaging target range in the external world. When defining virtual intersections I1 where lower beams L1 incident on the lens unit 33 at a tapered angle θ1 defining a horizontal angle of view range smaller than the lens unit 33 within the imaging target range intersect a windshield, the hood 9040 has a base wall part 9041 that is arranged opposite to the windshield with an imaging space 410 therebetween which introduces the optical image from within the imaging target range, and side wall parts 9043 that are erected from the base wall part 9041 on the lateral sides of the imaging space 410 and formed to spread from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the virtual intersections I1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera module. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, camera modules that are attached to the inside of a windshield in a vehicle and configured to capture images of the environment outside the vehicle have been widely known. One such camera module is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5316562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the camera module disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, which is one type of camera module that is the subject of the present disclosure, light from the outside world is incident on the vehicle-mounted camera through a lens, thereby capturing an image of the outside world.

[0005] In recent years, camera modules have been required to capture images of a wide range of the outside world in a manner that allows for image recognition, in preparation for advanced driver assistance or autonomous driving of vehicles. In particular, when a vehicle is approaching a traffic light, the camera module is required to capture an image of the traffic light above the vehicle in a manner that allows for image recognition.

[0006] One possible solution to this demand is to adopt technology that captures the outside world through a wide-angle lens with a wide angle of view. However, in order to capture an image of the outside world that allows image recognition, ensuring brightness and resolution through the wide-angle lens requires the wide-angle lens to be large. As a result, the size of the camera module including the wide-angle lens becomes large, and there is a concern that the large camera module will obstruct the vehicle occupant's view of the outside world inside the windshield.

[0007] Now, as the range of the external image capture target expands, for example, by using a wide-angle lens, the amount of image processing for the output from the vehicle-mounted camera increases. As a result, as the amount of image processing increases, the amount of heat generated on the mounting board of the circuit that processes the output from the vehicle-mounted camera also increases, so it is considered that heat dissipation should be improved. Furthermore, as the amount of image processing increases, the mounting board of the circuit that processes the output from the vehicle-mounted camera becomes faster and more frequent, so noise also increases, so it is considered that electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) should be improved.

[0008] However, the wider the angle of view of the lens, the more excess light enters the lens. Therefore, the use of a hood is considered. However, simply forming a hood to match the size of the lens's angle of view would result in the camera module, including the hood, becoming larger, raising concerns that it could obstruct the vehicle occupants' view of the outside world inside the windshield.

[0009] In view of the above, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a camera module with a novel structure that captures images of the outside world in a manner that allows image recognition.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact camera module including a wide-angle lens.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a camera module with high heat dissipation and a camera module with high EMC.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact camera module including a hood. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present disclosure provides a camera module with a novel structure. Therefore, the following describes the technical means of the present disclosure for solving the problems. Note that the reference characters in parentheses in this section indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later in detail, and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] The first aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problem is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) including a wide-angle lens (36, 2036); an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming an optical image from the outside world through a lens unit; The wide-angle lens has a wide-angle optical surface (360, 2360) on the outside world side, In a wide-angle lens, the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger above the optical axis (Aw) than below the optical axis.

[0015] According to the lens unit of the first aspect, the wide-angle lens that forms an optical image from the vehicle's external environment on the imager has a wide-angle optical surface on the external environment side that is larger above the optical axis of the wide-angle lens than below the optical axis. This means that the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger above the optical axis, where the vehicle is less likely to be captured, than below the optical axis, where the vehicle is more likely to be captured. Therefore, on the upper side where the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger, it is possible to capture an image of the external environment above the vehicle in a manner that allows image recognition. On the other hand, on the lower side where the external environment capture range is limited by the vehicle, even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface is smaller, capturing within that range is still ensured, allowing for a more compact camera module.

[0016] The second aspect disclosed to solve the above problem is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) configured by combining a wide-angle lens (36, 2036) in a front stage closer to the outside world than a rear stage lens (371, 372, 373, 374, 375); an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming an optical image from the outside world through a lens unit; The wide-angle lens has a wide-angle optical surface (360, 2360) on the outside world side, The size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger above the optical axis (Al) of the rear lens that passes through the principal point (Pp) of the wide-angle lens than below the optical axis.

[0017] According to the lens unit of the second aspect, the size of the wide-angle optical surface of the wide-angle lens that forms an optical image from the vehicle's external environment on the imager is larger above the optical axis of the rear-stage lens that passes through the principal point of the wide-angle lens than below the optical axis. This means that the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger above the optical axis, where the vehicle is less likely to be captured, than below the optical axis, where the vehicle is more likely to be captured. Therefore, on the upper side where the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger, it is possible to capture an image of the external environment above the vehicle in a manner that allows image recognition. On the other hand, on the lower side where the external environment capture range is limited by the vehicle, even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface is smaller, capturing within that range is still ensured, allowing for a more compact camera module.

[0018] The third aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) including a wide-angle lens (36, 2036); an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming an optical image from the outside world through a lens unit; The wide-angle lens has a wide-angle optical surface (360, 2360) on the outside world side, The geometric center (Cwg) of the wide-angle optical surface is shifted above the optical axis (Aw) of the wide-angle lens.

[0019] According to the lens unit of the third aspect, the geometric center of the wide-angle optical surface of the wide-angle lens that forms an optical image from the vehicle's external environment on the imager is offset above the optical axis of the wide-angle lens. This offset causes the geometric center of the wide-angle optical surface to be offset above the optical axis that makes it difficult to capture the vehicle, rather than below the optical axis that makes it easy to capture the vehicle. Therefore, in the upper side, where the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger than that of the lower side depending on the offset of the geometric center, it is possible to capture an image of the external environment above the vehicle in a manner that allows image recognition. Meanwhile, in the lower side, where the external environment capture range is limited by the vehicle, even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface is smaller depending on the offset of the geometric center, capturing within that range is guaranteed, thereby enabling the camera module to be made smaller.

[0020] The fourth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) configured by combining a wide-angle lens (36, 2036) in a front stage closer to the outside world than a rear stage lens (371, 372, 373, 374, 375); an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming an optical image from the outside world through a lens unit; The wide-angle lens has a wide-angle optical surface (360, 2360) on the outside world side, The geometric center (Cwg) of the wide-angle optical surface is shifted above the optical axis (Al) of the rear lens, which passes through the principal point (Pp) of the wide-angle lens.

[0021] According to the fourth aspect of the lens unit, the geometric center of the wide-angle optical surface of the wide-angle lens that forms an optical image from the vehicle's external environment on the imager is offset above the optical axis of the subsequent lens, which passes through the principal point of the wide-angle lens. This offset causes the geometric center of the wide-angle optical surface to be offset above the optical axis that makes it difficult to capture the vehicle, rather than below the optical axis that makes it easy to capture the vehicle. Therefore, in the upper side, where the size of the wide-angle optical surface is larger than that of the lower side depending on the offset of the geometric center, it is possible to capture an image of the external environment above the vehicle in a manner that allows image recognition. Meanwhile, in the lower side, where the external environment capture range is limited by the vehicle, even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface is smaller depending on the offset of the geometric center, capturing within that range is guaranteed, thereby enabling the camera module to be made smaller.

[0022] The fifth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) into which an optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming a light image through a lens unit; a circuit unit (3050, 4050, 7050) configured by combining an imaging board (51, 7051) on which an imaging circuit (52) for image processing of an output from an imager is mounted, and a flexible board (3053, 4053) connected to the imaging board; The camera includes a metal camera casing (3020, 5020, 6020) that houses a circuit unit and is connected to the flexible substrate.

[0023] According to the circuit unit of the fifth aspect, the flexible board housed in and connected to the metal camera casing is connected to the imaging board on which the imaging circuit for image processing is mounted. This allows at least one of heat and noise generated on the imaging board to be dissipated to the camera casing via the flexible board. Therefore, at least one of heat dissipation and EMC can be improved.

[0024] The sixth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) into which an optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming a light image through a lens unit; an imaging board (7051) on which an imaging circuit (52) for image processing of the output from the imager is mounted; a holder (7031) that defines a space (7310) for accommodating an imaging substrate, and that is filled with a filler (7038) having a specific property that is at least one of heat dissipation and conductivity; and a metal camera casing (3020) that houses the holder and is connected to the filler.

[0025] According to a sixth aspect, a metal camera casing is filled with a filler having specific properties of at least one of heat dissipation and electrical conductivity, and an imaging board on which an imaging circuit for image processing is mounted is housed in a defined space of the holder. In this way, at least one of heat and noise generated on the imaging board can be released to the camera casing via the filler. Therefore, at least one of heat dissipation and EMC can be improved.

[0026] The seventh aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) into which an optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming a light image through a lens unit; an imaging board (7051) on which an imaging circuit (52) for image processing of the output from the imager is mounted; a holder (7031) containing an imaging substrate; The camera is provided with a metal camera casing (3020) that houses the lens unit and the holder, and to which at least one of the lens unit and the holder is adhered by an adhesive (8039) that has specific properties of at least one of heat dissipation and conductivity and that is connected to the imaging board.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect, an adhesive having at least one of specific properties of heat dissipation and electrical conductivity adheres at least one of a lens unit and an assembly holder housed in a metal camera casing to the casing when the camera is connected to an imaging board on which an imaging circuit for image processing is mounted. This allows at least one of heat and noise generated on the imaging board to be released to the camera casing via the adhesive, thereby improving at least one of heat dissipation and EMC.

[0028] The eighth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) into which an optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming a light image through a lens unit; A hood (9040) that restricts the incidence of excess light from the outside world outside the image capture range into the lens unit. ,1 1040 ,1 7040) and The lens unit comprises a wide-angle lens (36, 2036); The food is A base wall portion (904) disposed opposite the windshield 1) and, Base wall Side edge of from each It was erected There are Side wall (9043 ,1 104 3) And, death, Each side wall portion includes a first portion (9043b) located on a side of the lens unit and a second portion (9043c, 11043c) located on the external side of the first portion, The first portion extends toward the outside world and is inclined with respect to the optical axis (Aw, Al) of the lens unit. the second portion is non-parallel to the first portion; The distance from the boundary between the first and second portions to the optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is longer than the distance from the front end of the lens unit to the boundary in a direction along the optical axis. .

[0029] The hood of the eighth aspect restricts excess light from entering the lens unit from the outside world outside the range of the imager to be captured, thereby preventing excess light from superimposing on the normal light image from within the range of the imager and interfering with image capture.

[0031] The ninth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) into which an optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the outside world by forming a light image through a lens unit; a hood (18040, 19040) for restricting the incidence of excess light from outside the range of the imager to the lens unit; The food is a base wall portion (9041) disposed opposite the windshield across an imaging space (410) that guides an optical image from within the imaging target range to the lens unit; A side wall portion (18043) erected from the base wall portion on the side of the imaging space, If we define a virtual plane (Si) that is horizontally imaginary and includes the optical axis (Aw, Al) of the lens unit, then: The side wall portion is formed at a height that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view (θw) of the lens unit on an imaginary plane.

[0032] The hood of the ninth aspect restricts excess light from entering the lens unit from the outside world outside the range of the imager to be captured, thereby preventing excess light from superimposing on the normal light image from within the range of the imager and interfering with image capture.

[0033] Here, particularly with the hood of the ninth aspect, the side wall portion erected on the side of the imaging space from the base wall portion disposed to face the windshield across the imaging space is formed at a height that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view of the lens unit on an imaginary plane. This makes it difficult for the hood to block the incidence of optical images from within the imaging target range, at least on an imaginary plane horizontally imaginary to include the optical axis of the lens unit and on the windshield side (i.e., above that plane). Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize a camera module including a hood that enables capturing a normal optical image within the lens angle of view.

[0034] The tenth aspect disclosed to solve the above-mentioned problems is: A camera module (20001) mounted on the inside of a windshield (3) of a vehicle, a wide-angle lens (20036) disposed in a position capable of capturing an image of the outside of the vehicle from inside the windshield; and a hood (20040) that prevents light from the vehicle interior from being reflected on the inside of the windshield and entering the wide-angle lens. The hood has two side walls (20043) that stand upright toward the windshield when attached to the inside of the windshield, The vertical height of each side wall portion is a height that does not obstruct the edge of the field of view (θ) of the wide-angle lens on an imaginary plane (Si) that is imagined along the horizontal direction to include the optical axis (Aw) of the wide-angle lens.

[0035] With the configuration of the tenth aspect, even if the hood is made smaller, the imageable range is not obstructed by the hood, at least on an imaginary plane including the optical axis of the wide-angle lens, and therefore it is possible to accommodate a wide-angle lens while also miniaturizing the camera module including the hood. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a vehicle to which a camera module according to a first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a camera module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera casing according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the image assembly and the circuit unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image assembly and a circuit unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an outside image generated by the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lens unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a wide-angle lens according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the imager according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view illustrating a control function according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view illustrating a control function of a vehicle according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view illustrating the structure of a hood according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view for explaining a control function of a vehicle according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of the hood according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 23 is a top view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 23 is a top view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the bracket assembly and hood according to the thirteenth embodiment together with the camera cover. [Figure 37]FIG. 23 is a top view showing the bracket assembly and hood according to the thirteenth embodiment together with the camera cover. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a hood according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to a seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera module according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 23 is a top view showing a bracket assembly and a hood according to an eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a 19th embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 29 is a side view showing a camera module according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 29 is a top view showing a camera module according to a twentieth embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a camera module of a comparative example to the twentieth embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 49 is a perspective view showing a hood shape different from that of the camera module according to the twentieth embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 9. [Figure 57] FIG. 12 is a front view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 58] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 21. [Figure 59] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 60] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 61] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 62] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. [Figure 63] FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing a modified example of FIG. [Figure 64] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 18. [Figure 65] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 19. [Figure 66] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 19. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of FIG. 9. [Figure 68] FIG. 25 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 24. [Figure 69] FIG. 25 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 24. [Figure 70] FIG. 24 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 23. [Figure 71] FIG. 25 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 24. [Figure 72] FIG. 25 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 24. [Figure 73] FIG. 25 is a top view showing a modification of FIG. 24. [Figure 74] FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a modified example of FIG. 40. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, multiple embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that corresponding components in each embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a portion of a configuration is described in each embodiment, the configuration of another previously described embodiment may be applied to the remaining portions of the configuration. Furthermore, in addition to the combinations of configurations explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment, configurations of multiple embodiments may be partially combined together even if not explicitly stated, provided that there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0038] (First embodiment) 1 and 2, a camera module 1 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 2 and configured to capture an image of an external environment 5. In the following description, the vertical direction of the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane is set as the up-down direction, and the vehicle length direction and vehicle width direction of the horizontal direction of the vehicle 2 on the horizontal plane are set as the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, respectively.

[0039] The camera module 1 is mounted on the inside of a front windshield 3 of a vehicle 2. The front windshield 3 is located in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle 2. The front windshield 3 separates the interior of the vehicle 4 from the outside world 5. The front windshield 3 is made of a translucent material such as glass, and transmits optical images incident from the scenery in the outside world 5 into the interior of the vehicle 4.

[0040] The camera module 1 is mounted on the front windshield 3 at a location that does not substantially obstruct the field of view of an occupant seated in the driver's seat within the vehicle interior 4. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the upper and lower mounting locations are set within a range Xv of, for example, about 20% from the upper edge of the opening 6a of the pillar 6 that holds the outer periphery of the front windshield 3 in a frame-like shape in the vehicle 2. The left and right mounting locations are set within a range Xh of, for example, about 15 cm on both sides from the center of the opening 6a. With these settings, the mounting locations are within the wiping range Xr of the wipers that wipe the front windshield 3, and are located in areas where the front windshield 3 is inclined at an angle of, for example, about 22 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the camera module 1 includes a bracket assembly 10, a camera casing 20, an image assembly 30, a hood 40, and a circuit unit 50.

[0042] The bracket assembly 10 is configured by combining a bracket body 11, a cushion 13, and a mounting pad 12. The bracket body 11 is formed into a generally flat plate shape as a whole from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The bracket body 11 is arranged along the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. The bracket body 11 holds a plurality of cushions 13, which are made of, for example, elastomer or the like that have a shock-absorbing function.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bracket body 11 has multiple mounting slots 110 penetrating it between its two surfaces. Multiple mounting pads 12 are provided, each corresponding to one of the mounting slots 110. Each mounting pad 12 is formed, for example, by adhering an adhesive sheet with shock-absorbing properties to a base material made of resin or the like. As shown in Figure 2, the base material of each mounting pad 12 is held to the bracket body 11 by being fitted and fixed into the corresponding mounting slot 110. The adhesive sheet of each mounting pad 12 is attached to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 by adhesive fixation. This positions the cushion 13 between the front windshield 3 and the mounting pad 12. Note that each mounting pad 12 may be, for example, a suction pad made of elastomer or the like with shock-absorbing properties.

[0044] 2, 4, and 5, the camera casing 20 is configured by combining a pair of casing members 21 and 22. Each of the casing members 21 and 22 is made of a hard material with relatively high heat dissipation properties, such as aluminum, and is formed to be hollow as a whole.

[0045] The inverted cup-shaped upper casing member 21 is disposed below the bracket assembly 10, with its opening facing downward, opposite the bracket assembly 10. The upper casing member 21 has fitting protrusions 213 that protrude outward at multiple locations on its outer periphery. The bracket body 11 is provided with multiple fitting protrusions 111 that correspond to the fitting protrusions 213. Each fitting protrusion 111 is fitted and fixed to its corresponding fitting protrusion 213 by, for example, snap fitting. As a result, the camera casing 20 is positioned inside the front windshield 3 via the bracket assembly 10.

[0046] The upper casing member 21 has an upper wall portion that includes an opposing wall portion 210, a bent wall portion 211, and a recessed wall portion 212. The opposing wall portion 210 is disposed in a position facing the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 with the bracket assembly 10 in between. In this position, the opposing wall portion 210 is maintained as close as possible to the front windshield 3.

[0047] The bent wall portion 211 is bent relative to the opposing wall portion 210. The bent wall portion 211 is disposed in an orientation in which the further forward the bent wall portion 211 is from the opposing wall portion 210, the further downward the bent wall portion 211 is from the front windshield 3. In this orientation, a ridge-like portion (i.e., a ridge line portion) 214 of a generally mountain shape formed by the bent wall portion 211 and the opposing wall portion 210 extends over substantially the entire left and right areas of the upper casing member 21 and is as close to the front windshield 3 as possible.

[0048] The recessed wall portion 212 is bent relative to the bent wall portion 211. The recessed wall portion 212 is disposed in a position where the farther forward the recessed wall portion 212 is from the bent wall portion 211, the closer it is to the upper front windshield 3. In this position, the recessed wall portion 212 defines a storage recess 215 between the recessed wall portion 212 and the front windshield 3 to store the hood 40.

[0049] The dish-shaped lower casing member 22 is disposed below the upper casing member 21, with its opening facing upward toward the upper casing member 21. The lower casing member 22 is fastened to the upper casing member 21 with screws. As a result, the casing members 21, 22 collectively define an accommodation space 25 that accommodates the image assembly 30 and the circuit unit 50.

[0050] 2, 6, and 7, the image assembly 30 is configured by combining an assembly holder 31, a lens unit 33, and an imager 34. The assembly holder 31 is formed as a hollow block from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The assembly holder 31 defines a rear optical path space 310 that guides an optical image to the housed imager 34. Both left and right end portions 311 of the assembly holder 31 are fastened with screws to the upper casing member 21 located above.

[0051] 2, 3, 5 to 7, and 9, the lens unit 33 includes a lens barrel 35 and a wide-angle lens 36. The lens barrel 35 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape as a whole from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The lens barrel 35 defines a front optical path space 357 that guides an optical image from the housed wide-angle lens 36. The lens barrel 35 is fixed in contact with the front end of the assembly holder 31, thereby connecting the front optical path space 357 to the rear optical path space 310.

[0052] 2 and 5, the front end of lens barrel 35 is exposed to the outside of camera casing 20 through bent wall portion 211. To achieve this exposure, bent wall portion 211 is provided with a lens window 216 in the form of a through-hole that penetrates between the two wall surfaces at the left-right center and through which lens barrel 35 is inserted. In addition, recessed wall portion 212 is provided with an escape hole 217 that opens into the upper wall surface at the left-right center and is recessed and connected to lens window 216.

[0053] 2, 3, 5, and 9, the wide-angle lens 36 is formed as a concave meniscus lens from a light-transmitting material such as glass. The wide-angle lens 36 is fitted and fixed to the front end of the lens barrel 35, thereby blocking the front optical path space 357 from the front. The optical axis Aw passing through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36 is set to be inclined downward or upward toward the front in the front-to-rear direction, or is set along the front-to-rear direction.

[0054] To ensure a desired lens angle of view for the entire lens unit 33, a relatively wide angle of view of, for example, about 75 to 150° is provided through the wide-angle lens 36, although a wider angle of view may also be provided. Furthermore, to ensure desired brightness and resolution for the entire lens unit 33, the wide-angle lens 36 is set to an F-number of, for example, 2 or greater. To achieve these angles of view and F-numbers, the focal length from the principal point Pp to the focal point Pf of the wide-angle lens 36 is set to be relatively short, and the size of the wide-angle lens 36 is set to be relatively large above the optical axis Aw, as will be described in detail later.

[0055] The imager 34 shown in Figures 2 and 12 is mainly composed of a color or monochrome imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS. The imager 34 may be configured by combining, for example, an infrared cut filter (not shown) in front of such an imaging element. The imager 34 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate as a whole. The imager 34 is accommodated in the assembly holder 31 as shown in Figure 2, and is disposed in the rear optical path space 310. Here, the focus Pf of the wide-angle lens 36 is set in the front optical path space 357, and is therefore located in front of the imager 34.

[0056] With the configuration of the image assembly 30 described above, an optical image transmitted from the outside world 5 through the front windshield 3 is formed on the imager 34 via the lens unit 33 including the wide-angle lens 36. At this time, an optical image from within the imaging target range of the outside world 5 is formed as an inverted image on the imager 34 behind the focal point Pf of the wide-angle lens 36. The imager 34 is configured to capture this formed inverted image and thereby output a signal or data obtained by capturing the outside world 5.

[0057] 2 and 3, the hood 40 is formed integrally with the bracket main body 11 by, for example, resin molding, and thereby constitutes a part of the bracket assembly 10. When viewed from above, the hood 40 has an overall shape that is dish-shaped and symmetrical with respect to the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36. The hood 40 has a base wall 41, a rear end wall 42, and a side wall 43.

[0058] The base wall portion 41 is provided above the recessed wall portion 212 and below the optical axis Aw, and forward of the bent wall portion 211. The base wall portion 41 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 215 between the recessed wall portion 212 and the front windshield 3. The base wall portion 41 is disposed in a position such that the farther forward the base wall portion 41 is from the bent wall portion 211, the closer it is to the upper front windshield 3. As a result, the bottom wall surface 41a of the base wall portion 41 facing upward is in a state of expanding into a trapezoidal, approximately flat surface that faces the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3, leaving an imaging space 410. An optical image of the outside world 5 within the range to be imaged by the imager 34 (hereinafter simply referred to as the imaging range) is transmitted through the front windshield 3 and guided to this imaging space 410.

[0059] The base wall portion 41 is provided with a plurality of restriction ribs 411. Each restriction rib 411 protrudes from the bottom wall surface 41a of the base wall portion 41 toward the upper imaging space 410 on the front windshield 3 side. Each restriction rib 411 is a linearly extending convex stripe and is arranged substantially along the left-right direction. The restriction ribs 411 are lined up front and back at predetermined intervals from each other. Each restriction rib 411 traps incident light between itself by multiple reflections on the opposing wall surfaces of the base wall portion 41. To achieve this trapping function, the protruding height of each restriction rib 411 is set to a predetermined value.

[0060] The rear end wall portion 42 is provided with its left-right center substantially aligned with the optical axis Aw. The rear end wall portion 42 stands upward from the rear edge portion of the base wall portion 41. The rear end wall portion 42 widens to face the lower curved wall portion 211. The rear end wall portion 42 is positioned in such a way that the farther it is rearward from the base wall portion 41, the closer it is to the upper front windshield 3.

[0061] A lens window 420 is provided in the rear end wall 42 in the form of a through-hole that passes through the left-right center between the two wall surfaces and through which the lens barrel 35 is inserted. The front end of the lens barrel 35, where the wide-angle lens 36 is provided, is exposed into the imaging space 410 above the base wall 41 through the lens window 216 and this lens window 420. This allows an optical image guided from within the imaging target range of the outside world 5 to enter the imaging space 410 into the lens unit 33 including the wide-angle lens 36.

[0062] At least one regulating rib 411 protrudes higher around the lens barrel 35 exposed through the lens window 420 than at a location further forward from the lens barrel 35. In other words, the protruding height of at least one regulating rib 411, a specific rib 411a, is higher around the wide-angle lens 36. Figures 2 and 3 show multiple specific ribs 411a in the lens unit 33 that protrude higher the closer they are to the wide-angle lens 36.

[0063] Around the exposed lens barrel 35, the base wall 41 has an entrance hole 421 formed in a recessed shape that opens into the bottom wall surface 41a at the left-right center and connects to the lens window 420. This entrance hole 421 is exposed by an escape hole 217 formed in the lower recessed wall 212. This gives the entrance hole 421 a recess depth that allows optical images from the entire imaging range of the outside world 5 to be incident on the lens unit 33.

[0064] The side wall portions 43 are provided at symmetrical positions on the left and right with respect to the optical axis Aw, thereby sandwiching the imaging space 410 from both the left and right sides. Each side wall portion 43 extends upward from the left and right side edges of the base wall portion 41. Each side wall portion 43 is formed substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall surface 41a of the base wall portion 41 and is disposed substantially along the up-down direction. In each side wall portion 43, the spacing between the left and right sides of the trapezoidal planar inner wall surface 43a gradually increases toward the front. In each side wall portion 43, the height from the base wall portion 41 gradually decreases toward the front. As a result, each side wall portion 43 is disposed in an orientation that leaves a gap 430, as shown in FIG. 2, between the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 and the entire front-to-rear area.

[0065] The hood 40 configured as described above can restrict the incidence of excess light from outside the imaging range of the outside world 5 onto the lens unit 33, such as the incidence of light reflected by the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. At the same time, the hood 40 can also restrict light reflection from the base wall portion 41 onto the lens unit 33 due to the light trapping function of each restriction rib 411.

[0066] 2, 6 and 7, the circuit unit 50 is positioned within the accommodation space 25 together with the components 31, 33 and 34 of the image assembly 30. The circuit unit 50 is configured by combining substrates 51, 53 and 54 and circuits 52 and 55.

[0067] 2 and 6, the imaging board 51 is a rigid board such as a glass epoxy board, and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The imaging board 51 is fastened to the assembly holder 31 with screws. As a result, the imaging board 51 closes the rear optical path space 310 from the rear side.

[0068] The imaging board 51 is formed with a front mounting surface 510 exposed in the rear optical path space 310 and a rear mounting surface 511 exposed on the opposite side in the accommodation space 25. The imager 34 is mounted on the front mounting surface 510. A plurality of circuit elements constituting the imaging circuit 52 are mounted on both mounting surfaces 510, 511. These mountings enable the imaging circuit 52 to send and receive signals or data to and from the imager 34.

[0069] 2, 6, and 7, the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 53 is formed in a generally rectangular band shape, with conductive wiring held on a base film made of, for example, a flexible resin. One end of the FPC 53 is connected to the lower end of the imaging board 51.

[0070] 2 and 7 , the control board 54 is a rigid board such as a glass epoxy board, and is formed in a generally rectangular flat plate shape. Both sides of the control board 54 face upward and downward within the accommodation space 25. As a result, the control board 54 is formed with an upper mounting surface 540 facing upward and a lower mounting surface 541 facing downward. The outer peripheral edge of the control board 54 and multiple points on the upper mounting surface 540 abut against the upper casing member 21, and multiple points on the lower mounting surface 541 abut against the lower casing member 22. As a result, the control board 54 is positioned between the casing members 21 and 22.

[0071] The control board 54 is provided with a connection hole 542 in the shape of a substantially rectangular hole that penetrates the left-right center between the mounting surfaces 540, 541 and through which the imaging board 51 and assembly holder 31 are inserted. As a result, the imaging board 51 and the assembly holder 31 are disposed across the upper and lower sides of the control board 54. At the same time, the mounting location of the imager 34 on the imaging board 51 is located at least above the control board 54. Here, it is sufficient that the mounting location of the imager 34 on the imaging board 51 is located above the control board 54. For example, the lower end of the mounting location may be contained within the connection hole 542 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be located above or below the connection hole 542, although not shown.

[0072] 2 and 7, a plurality of circuit elements constituting a control circuit 55 are mounted on both mounting surfaces 540, 541. An external connector 544 that is exposed to the outside of the camera casing 20 is mounted on the upper mounting surface 540. This external connector 544 is connected to an external circuit outside the camera casing 20, such as an ECU.

[0073] 2, an internal connector 543 exposed to the interior of the housing space 25 is mounted on the lower mounting surface 541. This internal connector 543 is connected to the other end of the FPC 53 disposed below the control board 54. This connects the control board 54 to the imaging board 51 via the FPC 53, enabling transmission and reception of signals or data between the control circuit 55 and the imaging circuit 52.

[0074] The control circuit 55 includes a microcomputer 550, mainly a processor, as a circuit element mounted on the lower mounting surface 541. In cooperation with the imaging circuit 52, the control circuit 55 performs image processing on the output from the imager 34 to generate an external image 551, as illustrated in FIG. 8 . The external image 551 is generated so that structures and obstacles within an imaging target range shown in the image 551 can be recognized. The imaging target range is set so that when the vehicle 2 approaches a traffic light 5a, which is a structure above the roof panel, the traffic light 5a appears in the external image 551 in an image-recognizable manner. At the same time, when the front bumper of the vehicle 2 approaches an intersection 5b, the imaging target range is set so that forward obstacles 5c (e.g., pedestrians, bicycles, other vehicles, etc.) entering the intersection 5b from the left and right can appear in the external image 551 in an image-recognizable manner.

[0075] In cooperation with the imaging circuit 52, the control circuit 55 further controls the imaging operation of the imager 34, including the exposure state when the imager 34 captures an image. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the range of effective pixels 551b is set so as to avoid the range of vehicle imaging pixels 551a in which a part of the vehicle 2 (for example, the hood) is captured at the bottom of the external image 551 generated by the image processing function. As a result, the exposure state at the time of the next imaging is controlled based on the pixel values ​​of the effective pixels 551b in the set range. Note that the pixel value used for exposure control may be, for example, the gradation value of a specific pixel in the range of effective pixels 551b, or the gradation values ​​of multiple pixels in the range of effective pixels 551b.

[0076] In addition to the image processing function and imaging control function described above, the control circuit 55 may or may not have an image recognition function for performing image recognition of structures and obstacles within the imaging target range shown in the outside world image 551. Furthermore, at least one of the image processing function and the imaging control function may be provided only by the control circuit 55 or only by the imaging circuit 52.

[0077] (Detailed structure of the lens unit) Next, the detailed structure of the lens unit 33 will be described.

[0078] 9, lens unit 33 is configured by combining lens set 37 with a rear stage that is behind wide-angle lens 36 within lens barrel 35. In other words, within lens barrel 35 of lens unit 33, wide-angle lens 36 is combined with a front stage that is in front of lens set 37 and on the outside world 5 side.

[0079] The lens set 37 is configured by arranging multiple rear-stage lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375 in a front-to-rear arrangement to provide an additional optical effect, such as correcting optical aberrations such as chromatic aberration, to the optical image optically affected by the wide-angle lens 36. Each rear-stage lens 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375 has an aspherical or spherical optical surface on both the front and rear sides. The optical axis Al of the lens set 37, which is substantially common to each of the rear-stage lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375, is also substantially common to (i.e., substantially coincides with) the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36. As a result, the optical axis Al of the lens set 37, along with the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36, passes through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36.

[0080] The first rear-stage lens 371, which is arranged first from the front, is formed in a biconvex lens shape from a light-transmitting material such as glass, and is spaced a predetermined distance behind the wide-angle lens 36. The second rear-stage lens 372, which is arranged second from the front, is formed in a biconcave lens shape from a light-transmitting material such as glass, and is spaced a predetermined distance behind the first rear-stage lens 371. The third rear-stage lens 373, which is arranged third from the front, is formed in a biconvex lens shape from a light-transmitting material such as glass, and is fixed to overlap the rear optical surface of the second rear-stage lens 372. The fourth rear-stage lens 374, which is arranged fourth from the front, is formed in a convex meniscus lens shape from a light-transmitting material such as glass, and is spaced a predetermined distance behind the third rear-stage lens 373. The fifth rear-stage lens 375, which is the fifth lens from the front, is formed in the shape of a biconvex lens from a light-transmitting material such as glass, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the fourth rear-stage lens 374 on the rear side.

[0081] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the wide-angle lens 36 has a spherical or aspherical wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​(see also Figure 2) on the front side, facing the outside world 5, opposite the rear-stage lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375. That is, the front optical surface of the wide-angle lens 36 forms the wide-angle optical surface 360. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is formed with a cut shape at a location below the optical axes Aw and Al of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37. As a result, the outline of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​when viewed from the front has a partially circular shape, with a chord portion 360b extending between both ends of an arc portion 360a of the effective diameter extending over a range of less than one circumference excluding the lower portion. Here, the linear chord portion 360b that realizes the cut shape below the optical axes Aw and Al is arranged in a state where both ends of the true circular arc portion 360a, which has a substantially constant curvature, are connected substantially along the left-right direction. Note that the cut shape is not limited to a shape that is actually cut by cutting or the like, but also includes a shape that is given in advance by molding or the like.

[0082] In such a wide-angle optical surface 360, the bottom point Pwl defined at the left-right center of the chord portion 360b and the top point Pwu defined at the left-right center of the arc portion 360a are vertically symmetrical with respect to the geometric center Cwg in a projection view seen from the front. That is, the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​in a projection view seen from the front is defined as the midpoint that divides the space between the bottom point Pwl and the top point Pwu of the optical surface 360 ​​into two equal parts.

[0083] Under this definition, the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is shifted upward relative to the optical axes Aw, A1 of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37. As a result, the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is larger above the optical axes Aw, A1 than below the optical axes Aw, A1. In other words, the upper size Rwu, which is defined as the distance from the optical axes Aw, A1 to the uppermost part Pwu (i.e., diameter) of the wide-angle optical surface 360, is set larger than the lower size Rwl, which is defined as the distance from the optical axes Aw, A1 to the lowermost part Pwl (i.e., diameter) of the same optical surface 360.

[0084] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the lens barrel 35 includes a barrel body 350, spacers 351, 352, 353, and 354, and caps 355 and 356. The barrel body 350 is formed from a relatively easily moldable hard material, such as resin. The barrel body 350 has a pair of housing sections 350a and 350b that define a front optical path space 357. As shown in Figure 9, the inner contour of the wide-angle housing section 350a is a partial cylindrical hole that follows the outer contour of the wide-angle optical surface 360. The outer peripheral surface 362 of the wide-angle lens 36 is fitted into the wide-angle housing section 350a from the front.

[0085] The inner contour of the rear-stage accommodating portion 350b is a cylindrical hole that follows the outer contours of the rear-stage lenses 371, 372, 374, and 375. The first rear-stage lens 371 is fitted into the rear-stage accommodating portion 350b from the front side. At the same time, the fixed integral members of the second and third rear-stage lenses 372 and 373, and the fourth and fifth rear-stage lenses 374 and 375 are fitted into the rear-stage accommodating portion 350b from the rear side.

[0086] The first spacer 351 is formed in the shape of an annular plate with a partially circular outer contour and a cylindrical hole-like inner contour from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The first spacer 351 is fitted into the wide-angle housing portion 350a from the front side. The first spacer 351 holds the wide-angle lens 36 from the rear side and holds the first rear-stage lens 371 from the front side. The second spacer 352 is formed in the shape of an annular plate integrally with the rear-stage housing portion 350b by, for example, resin molding. The second spacer 352 sandwiches the first rear-stage lens 371, which is held from the rear side, between itself and the first spacer 351 and holds the second rear-stage lens 372 from the front side.

[0087] The third and fourth spacers 353, 354 are cylindrically formed from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The third and fourth spacers 353, 354 are fitted into the rear-stage housing portion 350b from the rear side. The third spacer 353 sandwiches the second rear-stage lens 372, which is locked from the rear side, between itself and the second spacer 352, and also locks the fourth rear-stage lens 374 from the front side. The fourth spacer 354 sandwiches the fourth rear-stage lens 374, which is locked from the rear side, between itself and the third spacer 353, and also locks the fifth rear-stage lens 375 from the front side.

[0088] 9 and 10, the front cap 355 is formed in the shape of an annular plate having partially circular outer and inner contours from a relatively easily molded hard material, such as resin. The front cap 355 is fitted onto the wide-angle housing portion 350a from the front side, and is preferably bonded to the wide-angle housing portion 350a at this fitting location. The wide-angle lens 36, which is attached from the front side, is sandwiched between the front cap 355 and the first spacer 351.

[0089] Here, the locking claws 355a that the front cap 355 has for locking the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​of the wide-angle lens 36 are formed in advance, for example, by resin molding, into a partially annular shape before the cap 355 is fitted onto the wide-angle housing portion 350a. In the first embodiment, the location where the wide-angle lens 36 is locked by the locking claws 355a shifts rearward in the circumferential direction along the outer contour of the wide-angle optical surface 360, from the lowest part Pwl of the chord portion 360b to the highest part Pwu of the arc portion 360a.

[0090] 9, the rear cap 356 is formed into a circular plate shape from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The rear cap 356 is fitted into the rear-stage housing portion 350b from the rear side, and is preferably screwed or glued to the rear-stage housing portion 350b at the fitting location. The rear cap 356 sandwiches the fifth rear-stage lens 375, which is engaged from the rear side, between the rear cap 356 and the fourth spacer 354.

[0091] In the lens unit 33 configured as described above, breathing (e.g., air venting) is possible between the front optical path space 357 inside the barrel body 350 and the outside through the clearance between each of the storage sections 350a, 350b and each of the components housed in those storage sections 350a, 350b.

[0092] (Detailed structure of the imager) Next, the detailed structure of the imager 34 will be described.

[0093] The imager 34 shown in FIG. 2 has an effective imaging area 340 shown in FIG. 12 as an area capable of capturing an inverted image of a light image formed through the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37. In other words, the effective imaging area 340 refers to the area within the planar shape of the outer contour of the imager 34 as viewed from the front side that is sensitive to light from the outside world 5 passing through the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37. The effective imaging area 340 is formed on a front surface 340e of the imager 34 that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axes Aw and A1 of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37, surrounding these optical axes Aw and A1. As a result, the outer contour of the effective imaging area 340 as viewed from the front side is rectangular with two upper and lower sides 340a and 340b and two left and right sides 340c and 340d. The two upper and lower sides 340a and 340b are disposed substantially along the left-right direction. On the other hand, the two left and right sides 340c, 340d are arranged so that the upper sides are inclined forward or backward in the vertical direction, or are arranged along the vertical direction.

[0094] In such an effective imaging area 340, the bottommost part Pil defined at the left-right center of the bottom side 340b and the topmost part Piu defined at the left-right center of the top side 340a are vertically symmetrical with respect to the geometric center Cig in a projection view seen from the front. That is, the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 in a projection view seen from the front is defined as the midpoint that divides the space between the bottommost part Pil and the topmost part Piu of the effective imaging area 340 into two equal parts.

[0095] Under this definition, the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 is shifted downward from the optical axes Aw, A1 of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37. As a result, the size of the effective imaging area 340 is larger below the optical axes Aw, A1 than above the optical axes Aw, A1. In other words, the lower size Ril, which is defined as the distance from the optical axes Aw, A1 to the lowermost part Pil in the effective imaging area 340, is set larger than the upper size Riu, which is defined as the distance from the optical axes Aw, A1 to the uppermost part Piu in the same area 340.

[0096] (Action and effect) The effects of the first embodiment described above will be explained below.

[0097] According to the lens unit 33 of the first embodiment, the wide-angle lens 36, which forms an optical image from the external environment 5 of the vehicle 2 on the imager 34, has a wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​on the external environment 5 side that is larger above the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36 than below the optical axis Aw. Similarly, the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is larger above the optical axis Aw of the subsequent lens set 37 (i.e., the optical axes of the subsequent lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375) that passes through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36 than below the optical axis Aw. As a result, the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is larger above the optical axes Aw and Aw, where the vehicle 2 is less likely to be captured, than below the optical axes Aw and Aw, where the vehicle 2 is more likely to be captured. Therefore, on the upper side where the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is larger, it is possible to capture an image of the external environment 5 above the vehicle 2 in a manner that allows image recognition. On the other hand, on the lower side where the imaging range of the outside world 5 is limited by the vehicle 2, imaging within that range can be guaranteed even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is reduced, so the camera module 1 can be made smaller.

[0098] Furthermore, in the lens unit 33 of the first embodiment, the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​of the wide-angle lens 36, which forms an optical image from the outside world 5 of the vehicle 2 on the imager 34, is located on the outside world 5 side and is shifted upward from the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36. Similarly, the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is shifted upward from the optical axis Al of the rear-stage lens set 37 (i.e., the optical axes of the rear-stage lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375) which passes through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36. As a result, the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is shifted upward from the optical axes Aw and Al on which the vehicle 2 is less likely to be captured, rather than below the optical axes Aw and Al on which the vehicle 2 is more likely to be captured. Therefore, on the upper side where the size of wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is larger than on the lower side in accordance with the amount of deviation of geometric center Cwg, it is possible to capture an image of the range of external world 5 above vehicle 2 in a manner that allows image recognition. On the other hand, on the lower side where the imaging range of external world 5 is limited by vehicle 2, imaging within that range can be ensured even if the size of wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is smaller in accordance with the amount of deviation of geometric center Cwg, and therefore it is possible to miniaturize camera module 1.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the imager 34 of the first embodiment, the size of the effective imaging area 340 capable of capturing an inverted image of an optical image formed from the external world 5 of the vehicle 2 is larger below the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36 than above the optical axis Aw. Similarly, the size of the effective imaging area 340 is larger below the optical axis Al of the rear lens set 37 (i.e., the optical axes of the rear lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375) that passes through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36 than above the optical axis Al. As a result, on the lower side where the size of the effective imaging area 340 is larger, an area in which an inverted image is formed from a range of the external world 5 above the vehicle 2 can be secured, and the upper range to be captured can be set as wide as possible.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the imager 34 of the first embodiment, the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 capable of capturing an inverted image of an optical image formed from the external world 5 of the vehicle 2 is shifted downward from the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36. Similarly, the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 is shifted downward from the optical axis Al of the subsequent lens set 37 (i.e., the optical axes of the subsequent lenses 371, 372, 373, 374, and 375) which passes through the principal point Pp of the wide-angle lens 36. As a result, at the lower side where the size of the effective imaging area 340 is larger than at the upper side according to the shift amount of the geometric center Cig, an area in which an inverted image is formed from a range of the external world 5 above the vehicle 2 can be secured, and the upper range to be captured can be set as wide as possible.

[0101] Furthermore, in the wide-angle lens 36 of the first embodiment, the wide-angle optical surface 360, which is formed in a cut shape below the principal point Pp, increases in size above the principal point Pp. This allows the wide-angle lens 36, which captures an image of the area above the vehicle 2 in the outside world 5 so that the image can be recognized, to be manufactured small and with a relatively simple shape.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 are housed in the camera casing 20. In this housing configuration, the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​of the lens unit 33 is smaller on the lower side than on the upper side, so that the housing space required for the imager 34 can be secured while preventing the camera casing 20 from becoming larger.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, circuit unit 50, in which control circuit 55 for controlling imager 34 is mounted on control board 54, is housed in camera casing 20 together with lens unit 33 and imager 34. In this housing configuration, by making the size of wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​of lens unit 33 smaller on the lower side than on the upper side, it is possible to secure not only the housing space required for imager 34 but also the housing space required for circuit unit 50, while preventing the camera casing 20 from becoming larger.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the control circuit 55 of the first embodiment, the exposure during image capture by the imager 34 is controlled based on the pixel values ​​of the effective pixels 551b that are set to avoid the vehicle-captured pixels 551a in the outside world image 551 generated by image processing the output from the imager 34. This allows the pixel values ​​of the effective pixels 551b, which do not capture the vehicle 2 and therefore are easy to follow the brightness of the outside world 5, to be reflected in the exposure control. In other words, it is possible to avoid reflecting the pixel values ​​of the vehicle-captured pixels 551a, which are hard to follow the brightness of the outside world 5 because the vehicle 2 is captured, in the exposure control, and to capture the range of the outside world 5 above the vehicle 2 in an exposure state appropriate for image recognition.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the circuit unit 50 of the first embodiment, the imaging board 51 on which the imager 34 is mounted and the control board 54 on which the control circuit 55 is mounted are connected by the FPC 53 while absorbing manufacturing tolerances, and can be easily accommodated in the correct position in the camera casing 20. Moreover, by arranging the imaging board 51 on which the imager 34 is mounted at least above the control board 54, straddling the upper and lower sides of the control board 54, the accommodation space required for the circuit unit 50 can be reduced both vertically.

[0106] Furthermore, in the camera casing 20 of the first embodiment, the bent wall portion 211, which is bent relative to the opposing wall portion 210 disposed to face the front windshield 3, is disposed in a position where the bent wall portion 211 is further away from the front windshield 3 as it moves away from the opposing wall portion 210. This allows the camera casing 20 to be attached to the inside of the front windshield 3 with a ridge-shaped portion 214 formed by the bent wall portion 211 and the opposing wall portion 210, through which the lens unit 33 passes for exposure to the outside of the camera casing 20, being brought close to the front windshield 3. Therefore, with the small camera casing 20 that is attached close to the front windshield 3, not only can the occupant's field of view of the outside world 5 be ensured, but an optical path from the outside world 5 to the lens unit 33 can also be secured between the bent wall portion 211 and the front windshield 3.

[0107] Furthermore, the hood 40 of the first embodiment restricts excess light from entering the lens unit 33 from outside the range of the external world 5 that is the target of imaging by the imager 34. This prevents excess light, which is more likely to enter the lens unit 33 due to the wide angle of view of the wide-angle lens 36, from being superimposed on the normal light image from within the target range of imaging and interfering with imaging.

[0108] Furthermore, with the hood 40 of the first embodiment, the base wall 41, which is disposed to face the front windshield 3, has a plurality of restricting ribs 411 that protrude toward the front windshield 3, thereby restricting light reflection onto the lens unit 33. This makes it possible to prevent the reflected light from the base wall 41, which is prone to increasing light incidence when disposed to face the front windshield 3, from superimposing on the normal light image from within the imaging target range and interfering with imaging.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the hood 40 of the first embodiment, the specific ribs 411a serving as the restricting ribs 411 that protrude to a high height around the lens unit 33 tend to block the optical path of light reflected from the base wall portion 41 toward the wide-angle lens 36. This makes it possible to prevent the light reflected from the base wall portion 41, which tends to be incident on the lens unit 33 with a wide angle of view, from being superimposed on the normal optical image from within the imaging target range and interfering with imaging.

[0110] (Second embodiment) As shown in FIG. 13, the second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0111] The wide-angle lens 2036 of the second embodiment has a locking recess 2361 that is recessed rearward and on the outer periphery side of the wide-angle optical surface 2360. The wide-angle optical surface 2360 of the second embodiment has a partially circular outer contour that is, for example, substantially similar to and scaled down to a shape similar to the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​of the first embodiment, when viewed from the front, and is otherwise substantially identical in configuration to the first embodiment.

[0112] Specifically, the locking recess 2361 is formed in the shape of a recessed groove that continues over the entire partially circular outer periphery of the wide-angle lens 2036. The locking recess 2361 opens to an outer periphery surface 2362 of the wide-angle lens 2036 that fits into the wide-angle housing portion 350a, and to a wide-angle optical surface 2360 of the lens 2036.

[0113] The recessed inner surface 2361b of the locking recess 2361 facing the outer periphery is formed in a partially cylindrical shape along the outer contour of the wide-angle optical surface 2360. A reflection restricting portion 2363, which absorbs light and restricts its reflection, is provided on the entire surface of the recessed inner surface 2361b, for example, by forming a black coating. The recessed inner bottom surface 2361a of the locking recess 2361 facing the front is engaged by a locking claw 2355a of the front cap 2355 fitted to the wide-angle housing portion 350a of the lens barrel 2035. The locking portion of the recessed inner bottom surface 2361a engaged by the locking claw 2355a is located on a common plane Sc substantially perpendicular to the optical axes Aw and Al of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens set 37, throughout the entire circumferential direction along the outer contour of the wide-angle optical surface 2360. That is, the locking portions of the second embodiment are not substantially misaligned forward or backward. Furthermore, the radial size of the concave inner bottom surface 2361a is set, for example, so that the size at the bottom is equal to or smaller than the size at the top, which makes it less likely that the effect of setting the size at the wide-angle optical surface 2360 in the same manner as in the first embodiment will be hindered.

[0114] In the wide-angle lens 2036 of the second embodiment described above, the locking recess 2361 recessed on the outer periphery side of the wide-angle optical surface 2360 is locked by the lens barrel 2035. Here, in the circumferential direction along the outer contour of the wide-angle optical surface 2360, the locking points of the locking recess 2361 by the locking claws 2355a are positioned on the common plane Sc, so that the stored orientation of the wide-angle lens 2036 in the lens barrel 2035 can be stabilized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor imaging of the outside world image 551 due to fluctuations in the orientation of the wide-angle lens 2036.

[0115] Note that the configuration of the wide-angle lens 2036 and the lens barrel 2035 of the second embodiment other than that described above is substantially the same as that of the wide-angle lens 36 and the lens barrel 35 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0116] (Third embodiment) As shown in FIG. 14, the third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.

[0117] The circuit unit 3050 in the third embodiment includes a relay member 3056 combined with the substrates 51 and 54, the FPC 3053, and the circuits 52 and 55. The relay member 3056 is housed together with the FPC 3053 and other components in a housing space 3025 of a metal camera casing 3020, whose casing members 3021 and 3022 are made of, for example, aluminum. The relay member 3056 is fixed by contact or fitting to the bottom wall portion 3220 of the lower casing member 3022 of the camera casing 3020. The relay member 3056 is formed in a flat piece shape using a functional material, for example, a resin base mixed with a metal filler. This provides the relay member 3056 with at least one of specific properties: heat dissipation and conductivity (hereinafter simply referred to as heat dissipation and conductivity). The relay member 3056 may be formed into a cushion or foam shape to provide shock-absorbing properties.

[0118] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting a heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 3053 to the imaging board 51 and the relay member 3056, which has heat dissipation properties, by contact and fixation. Furthermore, a conductive ground wiring of the FPC 3053 is connected to the imaging board 51 and the relay member 3056, which has conductivity, by continuity and fixation, by continuity and fixation. In either case of these connection structures, the imaging board 51, on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes the output from the imager 34 is mounted, is connected to the camera casing 3020 via the FPC 3053 and the relay member 3056. Note that the configuration of the FPC 3053 of the third embodiment, other than that described above, is substantially the same as that of the FPC 53 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the imaging board 51 is also connected to the control board 54 via the FPC 3053 by continuity and fixation.

[0119] According to the circuit unit 3050 of the third embodiment described above, the FPC 3053 housed in and connected to the metal camera casing 3020 is connected to the imaging board 51 on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes images is mounted. This allows at least one of heat and noise generated on the imaging board 51 (in the third embodiment, at least one of these corresponds to the connection structure described above) to be released to the camera casing 3020 via the FPC 3053. This makes it possible to improve at least one of heat dissipation and EMC. Particularly in the third embodiment, the FPC 3053 that connects the imaging board 51 to the control board 54 is used to release at least one of heat and noise, making it possible to improve at least one of heat dissipation and EMC with a simple configuration.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the lens unit 33 includes the wide-angle lens 36, which expands the imaging range of the external world 5. This increases the amount of image processing on the imaging board 51, which tends to increase the amount of heat generated and noise. However, at least one of the heat and noise can be released to the camera casing 3020 due to the above-described principle. Therefore, at least one of the heat dissipation and EMC can be improved. In addition to the above, the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0121] (Fourth embodiment) As shown in FIG. 15, the fourth embodiment is a modification of the first and third embodiments.

[0122] As components of a circuit unit 4050 in the fourth embodiment, the FPC 53 of the first embodiment, which replaces the FPC 3053 of the third embodiment, is combined with an FPC 4053 separate from the FPC 53, along with the substrates 51 and 54 and the circuits 52 and 55. The FPC 4053 is housed together with the FPC 53 and the like in the housing space 3025 of the camera casing 3020. Like the FPC 53, the FPC 4053 is formed by holding conductive wiring in a base film made of, for example, a flexible resin, and is formed in a generally rectangular band shape as a whole.

[0123] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting a heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 4053 by contact and fixing to the facing wall 210 of the upper casing member 3021 of the metal camera casing 3020 together with the imaging board 51. Also, a conductive ground wiring of the FPC 4053 is connected by conduction and fixing to the facing wall 210 together with the imaging board 51, thereby establishing a conductive path. In either case of these connection structures, the imaging board 51, on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes the image output from the imager 34 is mounted, is connected to the camera casing 3020 via the FPC 4053.

[0124] According to the circuit unit 4050 of the fourth embodiment described above, the FPC 4053 housed in and connected to the metal camera casing 3020 is connected to the imaging board 51 on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes images is mounted. This allows at least one of heat and noise generated on the imaging board 51 (in the fourth embodiment, at least one of these corresponds to the connection structure described above) to be released to the camera casing 3020 via the FPC 4053. This makes it possible to improve at least one of heat dissipation and EMC.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the lens unit 33 includes the wide-angle lens 36, which expands the imaging range of the external world 5. This increases the amount of image processing on the imaging board 51, which tends to increase the amount of heat generated and noise. However, at least one of the heat and noise can be released to the camera casing 3020 due to the above-described principle. Therefore, at least one of the heat dissipation and EMC can be improved. In addition to the above, the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0126] (Fifth embodiment) As shown in FIG. 16, the fifth embodiment is a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0127] As a component of the metal camera casing 5020 in the fifth embodiment, a connecting member 5023 is combined with the casing members 3021 and 3022 and housed in the housing space 3025. The connecting member 5023 is formed in the shape of a rigid frame from a metal such as aluminum. This provides the connecting member 5023 with at least one of heat dissipation and electrical conductivity. The connecting member 5023 is connected to the opposing wall portion 210 of the upper casing member 3021 of the metal camera casing 3020 by screw fixing or fitting fixation. The connecting member 5023 may be connected to the opposing wall portion 210 by being integrally formed. Furthermore, although two connecting members 5023 are provided in the example of FIG. 16, one or three or more connecting members may be provided.

[0128] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting the heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 4053 to the imaging board 51 together with the connecting member 5023 by contact and fixation. Also, a conductive ground wiring of the FPC 4053 to the imaging board 51 together with the connecting member 5023 by continuity and fixation, thereby establishing a conductive path. In either case of these connection structures, the imaging board 51, on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes the image output from the imager 34 is mounted, is connected to the camera casing 5020 via the FPC 4053 and the connecting member 5023. Note that, although two FPCs 4053 are provided corresponding to the number of connecting members 5023 in the example of FIG. 16, one or three or more FPCs 4053 may be provided.

[0129] The connecting member 5023 further abuts against the lens barrel 35 or the assembly holder 31 of the image assembly 30, thereby locking the abutting object. This positions the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 with respect to the camera casing 5020. Note that, in the case where the connecting member 5023 is structured to lock the lens barrel 35 as shown in FIG. 16 , the lens barrel 35 is screwed to the connecting member 5023, not both ends 311 of the assembly holder 31. Furthermore, although not shown, when the connecting member 5023 locks the assembly holder 31, both ends 311 of the holder 31 are screwed to the connecting member 5023.

[0130] According to the fifth embodiment described above, by changing the connecting member 5023 in accordance with the product specifications, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the fourth embodiment while adjusting the positioning state of the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 with high precision.

[0131] (Sixth embodiment) As shown in FIG. 17, the sixth embodiment is a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0132] In the metal camera casing 6020 of the sixth embodiment, a hood 6040 is formed by a recessed wall portion 6212 of an upper casing member 6021. That is, the hood 6040 constitutes a part of the camera casing 6020. As a result, in the recessed wall portion 6212, the escape hole 217 also serves as the entrance hole 421 of the hood 6040.

[0133] A bracket assembly 6010 in the sixth embodiment does not include a bracket main body 11, and instead the cushion 13 and the mounting pad 12 are held by an upper casing member 6021 of a camera casing 6020. As a result, an opposing wall portion 6210 to which an FPC 4053 is connected in the upper casing member 6021 is positioned so as to directly face the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3, and is thereby maintained as close to the windshield 3 as possible.

[0134] Here, a heat dissipation path is constructed by connecting a heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 4053 by contact and fixing to the opposing wall portion 6210 and the imaging board 51. This realizes the heat dissipative opposing wall portion 6210. Note that a conductive earth wiring of the FPC 4053 may be connected by conductive fixing to the opposing wall portion 6210 and the imaging board 51, in which case a conductive path is constructed.

[0135] According to the sixth embodiment described above, in the front windshield 3 in which the heat-dissipating opposing wall portion 6210 of the metal camera casing 6020 is arranged to face the front windshield 3, fogging due to condensation can be reduced or eliminated by heat dissipation from the opposing wall portion 6210. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the heat dissipation from the opposing wall portion 6210 in particular is utilized to contribute to measures against condensation in the vehicle 2, while achieving the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0136] Seventh embodiment As shown in FIG. 18, the seventh embodiment is a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0137] As a component of the image assembly 7030 in the seventh embodiment, a filler 7038 is combined with an assembly holder 7031, a lens unit 33, and an imager 34. The filler 7038 is filled in a rear optical path space 7310 defined by an assembly holder 7031 consisting of two members 7031a and 7031b in the image assembly 7030 housed in the housing space 3025 of the metal camera casing 3020. The filler 7038 is made of a functional material, for example, a resin base mixed with a metal filler. This provides the filler 7038 with at least one of heat dissipation and electrical conductivity. The filler 7038 may be formed into a gel or the like to provide cushioning properties.

[0138] In the circuit unit 7050 of the seventh embodiment, an imaging board 7051 is mounted with an imaging circuit 52 that performs image processing on the output from the imager 34, and is housed in the rear optical path space 7310. The imaging board 7051 is fixed in contact with the lens barrel 35. As a result, a front mounting surface 7510 of the imaging board 7051 blocks the front optical path space 357 defined by the lens barrel 35 from the rear. Circuit elements that constitute the imaging circuit 52 are mounted together with the imager 34 on a portion of the front mounting surface 7510 that is exposed within the front optical path space 357. As a result, the imager 34 housed in the lens barrel 35 and arranged in the front optical path space 357 can capture an image of the outside world 5 while avoiding exposure to the rear optical path space 7310 filled with the filler 7038.

[0139] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting, by contact and fixing, the surface of the imaging board 7051 that is exposed in the rear optical path space 7310 to the filler 7038 that has heat dissipation properties. Also, a conductive path is established by connecting, by conduction and fixing, the earth electrode that is exposed in the rear optical path space 7310 to the filler 7038 that has conductivity. In either case of these connection structures, the imaging board 7051, on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes the image output from the imager 34 is mounted, is connected to the filler 7038.

[0140] The assembly holder 7031 is provided with a through-hole-shaped passage window 7133 that continues from the rear optical path space 7310 and is filled with a filler 7038. In the circuit unit 7050, the FPC 53 passes through the filler 7038 that fills the through-hole 7133 and is inserted into the rear optical path space 7310, and is connected to the imaging board 7051 in the front optical path space 357. The assembly holder 7031 is further provided with a connection window 7134 that continues from the rear optical path space 7310 and is filled with the filler 7038. In the circuit unit 7050, the FPC 4053 is connected to the filler 7038 that fills the connection window 7134.

[0141] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting a heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 4053 by contact and fixing to the facing wall portion 210 of the upper casing member 3021 of the metal camera casing 3020 together with the filler 7038, which has heat dissipation properties, inside the connection window 7134. Furthermore, a conductive ground wiring of the FPC 4053 is connected by continuity and fixing to the facing wall portion 210 together with the filler 7038, which has conductivity, inside the connection window 7134, thereby establishing a conductive path. In either case of these connection structures, the camera casing 3020 is connected to the filler 7038 via the FPC 4053, and is also connected to the imaging board 7051 via the FPC 4053 and the filler 7038.

[0142] According to the seventh embodiment described above, the defined space 7310 of the assembly holder 7031, in which the filler 7038 connected to the metal camera casing 3020 is filled as the filler 7038 having specific properties of at least one of heat dissipation and conductivity, accommodates the imaging board 7051 on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes images is mounted. As a result, at least one of heat and noise generated in the imaging board 7051 can be released to the camera casing 3020 via the filler 7038. Therefore, at least one of heat dissipation and EMC can be improved.

[0143] Furthermore, the imaging board 7051 according to the seventh embodiment is connected to the metal camera casing 3020 via an FPC 4053 and a filler 7038 having specific properties. This allows a path for dissipating at least one of heat and noise to be established between the imaging board 7051 and the camera casing 3020, while absorbing manufacturing tolerances due to the flexure of the FPC 4053. Therefore, even in the small space inside the miniaturized camera casing 3020, a path for dissipating heat and / or noise can be ensured to improve at least one of heat dissipation and EMC. In addition to the above, the seventh embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0144] (Eighth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the eighth embodiment is a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0145] The components of the image assembly 8030 in the eighth embodiment include a filler 7038 and an adhesive 8039 that are combined with the assembly holder 7031, the lens unit 33, and the imager 34. The adhesive 8039 bonds the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031, which are fixed to each other, to the camera casing 3020. In particular, as shown in FIG. 19 , in the eighth embodiment, the adhesive 8039 is continuously provided from between the lens barrel 35 of the lens unit 33 and the curved wall portion 211 of the upper casing member 3021 to between the assembly holder 7031 and the wall portion 211. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , in the eighth embodiment, the adhesive 8039 completely fills the gap between the lens barrel 35 of the lens unit 33 and the curved wall portion 211, which is a through-hole-shaped lens window that exposes the lens unit 33 to the outside of the camera casing 3020, and the lens barrel 35 of the lens unit 33.

[0146] The adhesive 8039 is formed by curing a liquid functional material, for example, a resin base mixed with a metal filler. This allows the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 to be positioned relative to the camera casing 3020 by adjusting the bonding posture of the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031 before the adhesive 8039 hardens. Furthermore, the adhesive 8039, which is endowed with at least one of heat dissipation and conductivity after hardening, bonds both the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031 to the metal camera casing 3020. In this state, the adhesive 8039 extends from within the connection window 7134 of the assembly holder 7031 to the exposed outer surface of the filler 7038. As a result, the imaging board 7051, on which the imaging circuit 52 that processes the image output from the imager 34 is mounted, is connected to the adhesive 8039 via the filler 7038. In the eighth embodiment, it is not necessary to fasten both end portions 311 of the assembly holder 31 to the upper casing member 21 with screws.

[0147] Here, a heat dissipation path is established by connecting a heat dissipative base film or heat dissipative dummy wiring of the FPC 4053 by contact and fixation to the facing wall portion 210 of the upper casing member 3021 of the camera casing 3020 together with the heat dissipating adhesive 8039 and filler 7038. Furthermore, a conductive path is established by connecting a conductive earth wiring of the FPC 4053 by conduction and fixation to the facing wall portion 210 together with the conductive adhesive 8039 and filler 7038. In either case of these connection structures, the camera casing 3020 is connected to the filler 7038 via the adhesive 8039 and FPC 4053, and is also connected to the imaging board 7051 via these elements 8039, 4053, and 7038.

[0148] According to the eighth embodiment described above, the adhesive 8039 having a specific property of at least one of heat dissipation and conductivity adheres at least one of the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031 housed in the metal camera casing 3020 to the imaging board 7051 on which the image processing imaging circuit 52 is mounted, in a connected state with the imaging board 7051. This allows at least one of heat and noise generated in the imaging board 7051 to escape to the camera casing 3020 via the adhesive 8039. Therefore, at least one of heat dissipation and EMC can be improved.

[0149] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment, the lens window 216, which serves as a through-hole in the metal camera casing 3020 that exposes the lens unit 33 to the outside of the camera casing 3020, is filled with a specific adhesive 8039 that is connected to the imaging board 7051 and has a gap between the lens window 216 and the lens unit 33. This increases the adhesion area between the adhesive 8039 and the camera casing 3020, thereby improving the efficiency of dissipating at least one of heat and noise. At the same time, filling the gap between the lens window 216 and the lens unit 33 can prevent malfunctions caused by foreign matter entering the camera casing 3020 through the gap. As a result, the reliability of the effect of improving at least one of heat dissipation and EMC can be improved along with durability.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment, the metal camera casing 3020 is connected to the imaging board 7051 on which the imager 34 is mounted via an adhesive 8039 with specific properties and a filler 7038. With this, under a condition in which the bonding posture of the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031 can be adjusted by the adhesive 8039, an escape path for at least one of heat and noise can be established between the imaging board 7051 and the camera casing 3020. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the positioning of the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 by adjusting the bonding posture in accordance with the product specifications, and to achieve the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment.

[0151] (Ninth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 21 to 29, the ninth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment.

[0152] In the ninth embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 24, the light-blocking (i.e., opaque) hood 9040 has a base wall portion 9041 and a side wall portion 9043, which respectively replace the base wall portion 41 and the side wall portion 43 of the first embodiment, together with a rear end wall portion 42.

[0153] In the vehicle 2, the bottom wall surface 9041a of the base wall portion 9041 is disposed so as to extend in a generally hexagonal plane facing the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3, leaving the imaging space 410 free. Here, in accordance with the first embodiment, the base wall portion 9041 is provided with a plurality of restriction ribs 411 protruding from the bottom wall surface 9041a into the imaging space 410, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , and at least one of the restriction ribs 411 is adjusted to a specific rib 411a with a high protruding height around the lens unit 33. Note that some components, such as the multiple restriction ribs 411 including the specific rib 411a, are omitted from illustration in FIGS. 23 and 24 in the ninth and subsequent embodiments.

[0154] 21 to 24, the side wall portions 9043 are each formed in a curved, flat plate shape by standing substantially vertically from the entire side edge of the base wall portion 9041 on both sides of the imaging space 410. Each side wall portion 9043 has an inclined portion 9043b and a straight portion 9043c.

[0155] The inclined portions 9043b of each side wall portion 9043 are provided symmetrically on either side of the optical axis Aw, Al of the lens unit 33. The inclined portions 9043b of each side wall portion 9043 extend obliquely forward (i.e., toward the oblique outside world 5) with respect to the optical axis Aw, Al from the lateral periphery of the lens barrel 35 of the lens unit 33 exposed within the lens window 420. As a result, in the inclined portions 9043b of each side wall portion 9043, the trapezoidal planar inner wall surfaces 9430b are spaced apart from each other with a spacing that gradually widens toward the front (i.e., toward the outside world 5). The height of the inclined portions 9043b of each side wall portion 9043 from the base wall portion 9041 gradually decreases toward the front. As a result, the inclined portions 9043b of each side wall portion 9043 are positioned so as to leave a gap 9430 with respect to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3.

[0156] The straight portions 9043c of each side wall portion 9043 are provided symmetrically on either side of the optical axes Aw, Al of the lens unit 33. The straight portions 9043c of each side wall portion 9043 extend from the front end of the inclined portions 9043b of the same side wall portion 9043 (i.e., the end on the outside world 5 side) along a line substantially parallel to the optical axes Aw, Al. As a result, in the straight portions 9043c of each side wall portion 9043, the trapezoidal planar inner wall surfaces 9430c are spaced apart at a substantially constant distance from each other across the entire front-to-rear area. The height of the straight portions 9043c of each side wall portion 9043 from the base wall portion 9041 is the same as the front end of the inclined portions 9043b of the same side wall portion 9043, and gradually decreases toward the front. As a result, the straight portions 9043c of the side wall portions 9043 are also disposed in a position that leaves a gap 9430 with respect to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3.

[0157] In the ninth embodiment, control functions for the vehicle 2 according to the state of the external environment 5 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are constructed by an external circuit, such as an ECU, connected to the control circuit 55 or the external connector 544. One of the control functions is a specific control Cs of the vehicle 2, which is a collision prevention control of the vehicle 2 against a forward obstacle 5c (e.g., a pedestrian, a bicycle, or another vehicle). A specific example of this specific control Cs is autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which automatically controls the vehicle speed of the vehicle 2 when an emergency control condition is met in which the predicted time to collision (TTC) is approaching within a few seconds, thereby forcibly decelerating the vehicle 2. Another control function is driving control of the vehicle 2 in a travel lane, which is a separate control Ca of the vehicle 2 different from the specific control Cs. A specific example of this separate control Ca is a lane keeping assist (LKA), which automatically controls the position of the vehicle 2 in the width direction of the driving lane to prevent the vehicle 2 from deviating from a dividing line 5d such as a white or yellow line on the road surface.

[0158] As shown in FIGS. 24 to 27, the horizontal field of view required for the specific control Cs of the vehicle 2 falls within the imaging target range of the camera module 1 attached to the front windshield 3 of the external environment 5. This horizontal field of view range is determined by a first taper angle θ1, which is determined by a bisector of the optical axes Aw and Al, when viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane (i.e., when viewed from the horizontal plane). The first taper angle θ1 is smaller than the horizontal field of view range of the lens field of view θw, which is determined about the optical axes Aw and Al of the lens unit 33. For example, the first taper angle θ1 is set to an angle of 100° or more, which allows an image of a forward obstacle 5c 13 m or more ahead of the vehicle 2 to be captured 2.4 seconds or more before the TTC. In the ninth embodiment, the lens field of view θw is set to a large angle, such as 120° or more, through the wide-angle lens 36.

[0159] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the vertical angle of view required for the specific control Cs of the vehicle 2 falls within the imaging range of the camera module 1 attached to the front windshield 3 of the external world 5. This vertical angle of view range is determined by the sum of the first depression angle ψd1 and the first elevation angle ψe1 in a horizontal view (i.e., a side view) of the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane. Here, the sum of the first depression angle ψd1 and the first elevation angle ψe1 is smaller than the vertical angle of view range of the lens angle of view θw. For example, the first depression angle ψd1 is set to an angle of 6° or less, which is an angle at which a forward obstacle 5c located 13 meters or more ahead of the vehicle 2 can be imaged by the TTC 2.4 seconds or more in advance.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 25 , an individual imaging range Us specifically used for a specific control Cs is determined from the horizontal and vertical angle of view ranges of the external environment 5 required for the specific control Cs. Therefore, a ray of light incident from each of the left and right ends Use at the bottom of the individual imaging range Us onto the wide-angle lens 36 of the lens unit 33 with a first taper angle θ1 and a first depression angle ψd1 as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, 27, and 29 is assumed to be a first lower ray L1. Under this assumption, a point where each first lower ray L1 associated with the specific control Cs intersects with the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 in the vehicle 2 is defined as a first virtual intersection I1 as shown in FIGS. 24, 27, and 29. As shown in FIG. 24 , the first virtual intersection I1 is associated with the upper front end of the inclined portion 9043b of each side wall 9043, thereby realizing the following configuration for each side wall 9043.

[0161] Each side wall portion 9043 forms an inner wall surface 9430b of the inclined portion 9043b with a slight clearance on the outer side in a vertical view from both left and right tapered lines of the first taper angle θ1 that substantially overlap with each first lower light ray L1 on the lens unit 33 side (i.e., rear side) of the first imaginary intersection I1 in the vehicle 2. As a result, in the inclined portion 9043b of each side wall portion 9043 extending from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the first imaginary intersection I1 in the vehicle 2, the inner wall surface 9430b widens along the tapered line of the first taper angle θ1 on the outer side in a vertical view from the first taper angle θ1. On the other hand, each side wall portion 9043 forms an inner wall surface 9430c of the straight portion 9043c so as to widen along a line substantially parallel to the optical axes Aw, Al and inside the left and right tapered lines of the first taper angle θ1 in a vertical view on the outside world 5 side (i.e., front side) of the first virtual intersection I1 on the vehicle 2. With the above-described configuration, when each side wall portion 9043 is viewed in the vertical direction, the inclined portion 9043b and the straight portion 9043c are positioned inside the lens angle of view θw.

[0162] 24 to 27, the horizontal angle of view range required for the separate control Ca of the vehicle 2 falls within the imaging range of the external world 5. This horizontal angle of view range is determined by a second taper angle θ2, which is defined by a bisector of the optical axes Aw and Al, when viewed vertically at the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane. Here, the second taper angle θ2 is smaller than the first taper angle θ1, which is smaller than the horizontal angle of view range of the lens angle of view θw. For example, the second taper angle θ2 is set to an angle greater than or equal to 50° and less than 100°, which is an angle at which a marking line 5d on the road surface can be imaged at a distance of 8.5 m or more from the vehicle 2.

[0163] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the vertical angle of view required for the separate control Ca of the vehicle 2 falls within the imaging target range of the external world 5. This vertical angle of view range is defined by the sum of the second depression angle ψd2 and the second elevation angle ψe2 when viewed horizontally from the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane. Here, the sum of the second depression angle ψd2 and the second elevation angle ψe2 is smaller than the vertical angle of view range of the lens angle of view θw. For example, the second depression angle ψd2 is set to an angle greater than 6° and less than or equal to 12°, which is an angle that allows imaging of the lane marking 5d on the road surface at least 8.5 m away from the vehicle 2. In other words, the second depression angle ψd2 is greater than the first depression angle ψd1.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 25 , an individual imaging range Ua specifically used for a separate control Ca is determined from the horizontal and vertical angle of view ranges of the external environment 5 required for the separate control Ca. Therefore, light rays incident from the left and right ends Uae of the bottom of the individual imaging range Ua onto the wide-angle lens 36 of the lens unit 33 with the second taper angle θ2 and the second depression angle ψd2 as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, 27, and 29 are assumed to be second lower light rays L2. Under this assumption, a point where each second lower light ray L2 associated with the separate control Ca intersects with the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 in the vehicle 2 is defined as a second virtual intersection I2 as shown in FIGS. 24, 27, and 29. As shown in FIG. 24 , the second virtual intersection I2 is associated with an upper portion of the front end of the base wall 9041, thereby realizing the following configuration for the base wall 9041 and each side wall 9043.

[0165] The base wall portion 9041 forms a bottom wall surface 9041a in the entire inner area and in a predetermined outer area sandwiching both left and right tapered lines of the second taper angle θ2 that substantially overlap with each second lower light ray L2 in a vertical view on the side closer to the lens unit 33 than the second virtual intersection I2 in the vehicle 2 (i.e., rearward). As a result, in the base wall portion 9041 extending from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the second virtual intersection I2 and both its inner and outer sides in the vehicle 2, the bottom wall surface 9041a extends to a location on the outer side of the second virtual intersection I2 in a vertical view, but further inward than the tapered line of the first taper angle θ1. At the same time, in the straight portion 9043c of each side wall portion 9043, the inner wall surface 9430c extends to a location on the outer side of the second virtual intersection I2 in a vertical view, but further inward than the tapered line of the first taper angle θ1. From the above-described configuration, it can be said that the base wall portion 9041 and the straight portions 9043c of each side wall portion 9043 are formed so as to widen outwardly and laterally from the second virtual intersection point I2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0166] In the ninth embodiment, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, the bracket assembly 10, which is made up of the bracket main body 11 integrally formed with the hood 9040, can be attached to and detached from the front windshield 3 by fitting and disengaging the mounting slots 110 into the mounting pads 12 as shown in Figure 21. Furthermore, the bracket assembly 10 attached to the front windshield 3 together with the hood 9040 has the camera casing 20, which houses the lens unit 33 and the imager 34, suspended from the vehicle 2 as shown in Figure 21, as in the first embodiment.

[0167] (Action and effect) The effects of the ninth embodiment described above will be explained below. As in the first embodiment, the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment restricts excess light from entering the lens unit 33 from outside the range of the outside world 5 that is to be imaged by the imager 34. This makes it possible to prevent excess light from superimposing on a normal optical image from within the range of the image to be imaged, thereby preventing imaging from being hindered.

[0168] Here, particularly with the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, the side wall portion 9043 erected on the side of the imaging space 410 from the base wall portion 9041 disposed so as to face the front windshield 3 across the imaging space 410 spreads out from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the virtual intersection I1 in the vehicle 2. As a result, even if the hood 9040 is formed small, the incidence of the lower light ray L1 intersecting the front windshield 3 at the virtual intersection I1 at the taper angle θ1 that defines a horizontal angle of view range smaller than that of the lens unit 33 within the imaging target range is unlikely to be blocked by the side wall portion 9043. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera module 1 including the hood 9040 that ensures the taper angle θ1 that allows the normal light image to be captured.

[0169] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the lens unit 33 of the ninth embodiment includes the wide-angle lens 36, ensuring a wide lens angle of view θw, which raises concerns about increased incident surplus light and a larger hood 9040. However, as described above, the ninth embodiment not only restricts the incidence of surplus light on the lens unit 33, but also makes it difficult for the hood 9040 to block light incident at the taper angle θ1 even if the hood 9040 is formed small. Moreover, as in the first embodiment, the ninth embodiment employs a special wide-angle lens 36, ensuring the capture of a normal light image even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is reduced. For these reasons, it is possible to achieve a compact camera module 1 that includes, together with the wide-angle lens 36, the hood 9040 that ensures a taper angle θ1 that enables the capture of a normal light image.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the base wall portion 9041 is disposed so as to face the front windshield 3 across the imaging space 410, and the plurality of restricting ribs 411 protrude into the imaging space 410, thereby restricting light reflection onto the lens unit 33. This makes it possible to prevent the reflected light from the base wall portion 9041, which is prone to increased light incidence when disposed opposite the front windshield 3, from superimposing on the normal light image within the taper angle θ1 and interfering with imaging.

[0171] Furthermore, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, among the plurality of restricting ribs 411, the specific rib 411a that protrudes to a greater height around the lens unit 33 is more likely to block the optical path of light reflected by the base wall portion 9041 toward the lens unit 33. This can enhance the effect of suppressing a situation in which light reflected by the base wall portion 9041 is superimposed on a normal optical image within the taper angle θ1, thereby interfering with imaging.

[0172] Furthermore, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, the side wall portion 9043 of the vehicle 2 expands along the taper angle θ1 on the lens unit 33 side of the virtual intersection I1, outside the taper angle θ1. This allows the hood 9040 to be formed with a limited size required to ensure the taper angle θ1. This allows for the camera module 1 including the hood 9040 that ensures the taper angle θ1 capable of capturing a normal optical image to be made smaller.

[0173] Furthermore, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, the side wall portion 9043 of the vehicle 2 widens more inward than the taper angle θ1 on a side that is less likely to affect the taper angle θ1 ensured by the widening from the lens unit 33 to the virtual intersection I1, i.e., on the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection I1. In this case, the widening of the side wall portion 9043 more inward than the taper angle θ1 not only allows the hood 9040 to be formed small, but also blocks light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter the taper angle θ1 before the reflection. Therefore, for a camera module 1 including a hood 9040 that ensures a taper angle θ1 that allows a normal light image to be captured, it is possible to promote miniaturization while also preventing a situation in which light reflected by the front windshield 3 overlaps with the normal light image and interferes with capturing the image.

[0174] Here, the side wall portion 9043 of the vehicle 2 may be in a state in which, on the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection point I1, it widens along the optical axis Aw, Al of the lens unit 33 inside the taper angle θ1, like the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment. In this case, the widening of the side wall portion 9043 inside the taper angle θ1 along the optical axis Aw, Al not only allows the hood 9040 to be constructed small and relatively simple in structure, but also allows light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter within the taper angle θ1 to be blocked before the reflection. Therefore, for the camera module 1 including the hood 9040 that ensures the taper angle θ1 that allows the normal light image to be captured, it is possible to promote miniaturization and simplification while suppressing a situation in which light reflected by the front windshield 3 superimposes on the normal light image and interferes with capturing the normal light image.

[0175] According to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, as described above, the lower light ray L1 that intersects with the front windshield 3 at the virtual intersection I1 is less likely to be blocked by the side wall portion 9043 when it enters the imaging target range at the taper angle θ1 required for the specific control Cs of the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera module 1 that includes the hood 9040 that can capture a normal light image within the taper angle θ1 required for the specific control Cs.

[0176] Here, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, the side wall portion 9043 in the vehicle 2 widens from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the first virtual intersection I1, which is the virtual intersection I1. As a result, even if the hood 9040 is formed small, the first lower light ray L1 that intersects with the front windshield 3 at the first virtual intersection I1 and enters with the taper angle θ1 and the first depression angle ψd1 is less likely to be blocked by the side wall portion 9043. Moreover, in the vehicle 2, the base wall portion 9041 widens from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the second virtual intersection I2. According to this, the second lower light ray L2 that intersects with the front windshield 3 at the second virtual intersection I2 is less likely to be blocked by the base wall portion 9041 and the side wall portion 9043 when it is incident at the second taper angle θ2 that is smaller than the first taper angle θ1 and the second depression angle ψd2 that is larger than the first depression angle ψd1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera module 1 that includes the hood 9040 that can capture not only the normal light image within the first taper angle θ1 that is necessary for the specific control Cs of the vehicle 2, but also the normal light image within the second taper angle θ2 that is necessary for the separate control Ca of the vehicle 2.

[0177] Furthermore, according to the hood 9040 of the ninth embodiment, the side wall portion 9043 and the base wall portion 9041 of the vehicle 2 are in a state of spreading out toward the side of the second virtual intersection point I2 on a side that is less likely to affect the first taper angle θ1 ensured by the spread from the lens unit 33 to the first virtual intersection point I1, i.e., on the outside world 5 side of the first virtual intersection point I1. In this case, light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter within the first taper angle θ1 or the second taper angle θ2 can be blocked before reflection by the cooperation of the side wall portion 9043 and the base wall portion 9041. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously capture a normal light image within the first taper angle θ1 required for the specific control Cs and capture a normal light image within the second taper angle θ2 required for the separate control Ca.

[0178] According to the ninth embodiment, in the specific control Cs, collision prevention control of the vehicle 2 against the forward obstacle 5c can be performed by ensuring a relatively large first taper angle θ1, thereby achieving the desired collision prevention function. On the other hand, in the control Ca separate from the specific control Cs, driving control of the vehicle 2 in the driving lane can be performed by ensuring a relatively large second depression angle ψd2 of the second lower light ray L2 incident at a second taper angle θ2, which may be relatively small, thereby achieving the desired driving control function.

[0179] Furthermore, according to the ninth embodiment, the camera casing 20 accommodating the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 in the vehicle 2 is suspended from the bracket assembly 10, which is detachable from the front windshield 3. Here, a hood 9040 is integrally formed with the bracket assembly 10 of the ninth embodiment. This makes it possible to detach the camera casing 20 together with the bracket assembly 10 and the hood 9040 from the front windshield 3 and perform maintenance on the lens unit 33 and the imager 34. In particular, at this time, the fitting protrusion 213 of the camera casing 20 is detached from the fitting protrusion 111 of the bracket assembly 10, and the casing members 21, 22 are separated from each other as necessary to expose the inside of the camera casing 20, thereby facilitating maintenance.

[0180] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, after such processing, the bracket assembly 10 with the camera casing 20 hanging therefrom is attached to the front windshield 3 together with the hood 9040. This makes it possible to capture normal optical images again with the maintained lens unit 33 and imager 34. In addition to the above, the ninth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0181] (Tenth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the tenth embodiment is a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

[0182] The light-shielding hood 10040 of the tenth embodiment has side walls 10043 replacing the side walls 9043 of the ninth embodiment, the base wall 41 of the first embodiment replacing the base wall 9041 of the ninth embodiment, and a rear end wall 42. The side walls 10043 are erected substantially vertically on both sides of the imaging space 410 from the entire side edge of the base wall 41, which has a bottom wall surface 41a that extends in a generally flat trapezoidal shape and is provided with a restricting rib 411, thereby each having a straight, flat plate shape. Each side wall 10043 has the inclined portion 9043b described in the ninth embodiment as a first inclined portion 9043b, and further has another inclined portion replacing the straight portion 9043c of the ninth embodiment as a second inclined portion 10043c. In FIG. 30, the boundary between the first inclined portion 9043b and the second inclined portion 10043c is shown imaginarily by a two-dot chain line.

[0183] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the second inclined portions 10043c of each side wall portion 10043 are symmetrically arranged on either side of the optical axis Aw, A1 of the lens unit 33. The second inclined portions 10043c of each side wall portion 10043 extend from the front end of the first inclined portion 9043b of the same side wall portion 10043, sloping obliquely forward with respect to the optical axis Aw, A1. In each side wall portion 10043, the inclination angles of the inclined portions 9043b, 10043c with respect to the optical axis Aw, A1 are set to be substantially equal, so that the inner wall surfaces 9430b, 10430c of the inclined portions 9043b, 10043c are substantially continuous and flat. As a result, in each side wall portion 10043, the trapezoidal planar inner wall surfaces 10430c of the second inclined portions 10043c are spaced apart from each other with a spacing that gradually widens toward the front. The second inclined portion 10043c of each side wall portion 10043 has a height from the base wall portion 41 equal to the front end of the first inclined portion 9043b of the same side wall portion 10043, and is gradually lowered toward the front. As a result, the second inclined portion 10043c of each side wall portion 10043 is also disposed in a position that leaves a gap 9430 (not shown in this embodiment) with respect to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3.

[0184] 31 , each side wall portion 10043 forms an inner wall surface 10430c of a second inclined portion 10043c on the outside world 5 side of the first virtual intersection I1 on the vehicle 2, with a slight clearance provided outside the taper lines on both the left and right sides of the first taper angle θ1 in a vertical view, similar to the lens unit 33 side of the intersection I1. As a result, in the second inclined portion 10043c of each side wall portion 9043, the inner wall surface 10430c widens along the taper line of the first taper angle θ1 outside the first taper angle θ1 in a vertical view of the vehicle 2. Due to the above configuration, the first inclined portion 9043b and the second inclined portion 10043c are recessed inward from the lens angle of view θw in a vertical view of each side wall portion 10043.

[0185] On the lens unit 33 side of the second virtual intersection I2 in the vehicle 2, the base wall portion 41 forms a bottom wall surface 41a spanning the entire area inside the first taper angle θ1, including the entire area inside the second taper angle θ2, and a predetermined area outside the angle θ1, as viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, on the base wall portion 41 extending from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the second virtual intersection I2 and both its inner and outer sides in the vehicle 2, the bottom wall surface 41a extends to a location slightly outside the taper line of the first taper angle θ1 out of the area outside the second virtual intersection I2 in the vertical direction. At the same time, on the second inclined portion 10043c of each side wall portion 10043, the inner wall surface 10430c extends to a location slightly outside the taper line of the first taper angle θ1 out of the area outside the second virtual intersection I2 in the vertical direction. From the above-described configuration, it can be said that the base wall portion 41 and the second inclined portions 10043c of each side wall portion 10043 are formed so as to widen laterally outward from the second virtual intersection point I2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0186] According to the hood 10040 of the tenth embodiment described above, the side wall 10043 of the vehicle 2 spreads along the taper angle θ1 on a side that is less affected by the taper angle θ1 ensured by the spread from the lens unit 33 to the virtual intersection I1, i.e., on the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection I1, outside the taper angle θ1. In this case, light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter within the taper angle θ1 can be blocked before reflection over a wide range on the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection I1 by the cooperation of the side wall 10043 and the base wall 41 from which it is erected. Therefore, for a camera module 1 including the hood 10040 that ensures a taper angle θ1 that allows a normal light image to be captured, it is possible to effectively prevent light reflected by the front windshield 3 from superimposing on the normal light image and interfering with image capture, as long as it does not significantly impede miniaturization.

[0187] Here, with the hood 10040 of the tenth embodiment, the state in which the side wall portion 10043 widens along the taper angle θ1 is realized on both the lens unit 33 side and the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection point I1. This allows the side wall portion 10043 to be formed in a simple shape, thereby improving the productivity of the hood 10040. In addition to the above, the tenth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the ninth embodiment.

[0188] (Eleventh embodiment) As shown in FIG. 32, the eleventh embodiment is a modification of the ninth embodiment.

[0189] The partially light-shielding hood 11040 in the eleventh embodiment has side walls 11043 replacing the side walls 9043 of the ninth embodiment, together with a base wall 9041 and a rear end wall 42. The side walls 11043 are erected substantially vertically on both sides of the imaging space 410 from the entire side edge of the base wall 9041, which has a bottom wall surface 9041a extending in a substantially planar hexagonal shape and is provided with the restricting rib 411, and thus each has a curved, flat plate-like shape. Each side wall 11043 has a straight portion 11043c replacing the straight portion 9043c of the ninth embodiment, together with an inclined portion 9043b.

[0190] The straight portions 11043c of each side wall portion 11043 are located symmetrically on either side of the optical axis Aw, Al of the lens unit 33, extending outward and laterally from the second imaginary intersection I2 in a vertical view, closer to the outside world 5 than the first imaginary intersection I1 of the vehicle 2. The straight portions 11043c of each side wall portion 11043 have substantially the same configuration as the straight portion 9043c of the ninth embodiment, except that the entire trapezoidal planar inner wall surface 11430c is made of a translucent polarizing filter. Here, the polarizing filter, made of, for example, resin, has a polarizing function that cuts S-polarized light and transmits P-polarized light. Therefore, the straight portions 11043c of each side wall portion 11043 are made of the polarizing filter so that S-polarized light, whose reflectance on the front windshield 3 is particularly high in the horizontal direction, is cut by the polarizing filter.

[0191] According to the hood 11040 of the eleventh embodiment described above, the portion of the side wall 11043 of the vehicle 2 closer to the outside world 5 than the virtual intersection I1 has a wider portion configured with a polarizing filter. In this case, with a polarizing filter closer to the outside world 5 than the virtual intersection I1, S-polarized light that would be strongly incident within the taper angle θ1 when reflected by the windshield 3 can be cut by the polarizing filter of the side wall 11043 before reflection. Therefore, for a camera module 1 including a hood 11040 that ensures a taper angle θ1 that allows a normal light image to be captured, it is possible to reduce the size while improving the effect of suppressing a situation in which light reflected by the windshield 3 superimposes on the normal light image and interferes with capturing the image. In addition to the above, the eleventh embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the ninth embodiment.

[0192] (Twelfth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the twelfth embodiment is a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

[0193] The light-shielding hood 12040 of the twelfth embodiment has side walls 12043 that replace the side walls 9043 of the ninth embodiment, along with a base wall 9041 and a rear end wall 42. The side walls 12043 are erected substantially vertically on both sides of the imaging space 410 from part of the side edge of the base wall 9041, which has a bottom wall surface 9041a that extends in a substantially flat hexagonal shape and is provided with a restricting rib 411, thereby each having a straight, flat plate shape. Each side wall 12043 has an inclined portion 9043b but does not have a straight portion 9043c. As a result, each side wall 12043 is cut on the outside 5 side of the first virtual intersection I1 on the vehicle 2, thereby defining a window 12043d that communicates with the imaging space 410. The cut shape is not limited to a shape that is actually cut by cutting or the like, but also includes a shape that is given in advance by molding or the like.

[0194] According to the hood 12040 of the twelfth embodiment described above, the side wall 12043 of the vehicle 2 has a cut-like portion located on a side that is less likely to affect the taper angle θ1 ensured by the expansion from the lens unit 33 to the virtual intersection I1, i.e., closer to the outside world 5 than the virtual intersection I1. In this case, even if the relative position of the side wall 12043 with respect to the front windshield 3 changes due to, for example, vibration of the vehicle 2, the presence of the cut-like portion makes it less likely that the side wall 12043 will block the taper angle θ1. This eliminates the concern that portions of the hood 12040 that are unnecessary for ensuring the taper angle θ1 will interfere with capturing a normal light image. In addition to the above, the twelfth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the ninth embodiment.

[0195] (Thirteenth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, the thirteenth embodiment is a modified example of the twelfth embodiment.

[0196] The camera module 1 of the thirteenth embodiment further includes a camera cover 13060. The camera cover 13060 is formed into a deep bowl shape overall from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The camera cover 13060 is attached to the bracket assembly 10 by fixed engagement. As a result, the camera cover 13060 is positioned so as to cover the other components 10, 20, 30, 12040, and 50 of the camera module 1 from below and from the sides while hanging from the bracket assembly 10 that is detachably attached to the front windshield 3.

[0197] The camera cover 13060 has a pair of cover sides 13061 that cover the lens unit 33 and the hood 12040 from the left and right sides. Each cover side 13061 is cut at a location that extends further inward than the first taper angle θ1 when viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle 2, thereby defining another window 13061a that connects to the imaging space 410 via the window 12043d. Note that the cut shape is not limited to a shape that is actually cut by cutting or the like, but also includes a shape that is given in advance by molding or the like.

[0198] According to the thirteenth embodiment described above, the camera cover 13060, which covers the lens unit 33 and the hood 12040 from below and laterally, has its cut-shaped portions positioned inside the taper angle θ1. In this case, even if the relative positions of the side wall portion 12043 and the camera cover 13060 with respect to the windshield 3 change due to, for example, vibration of the vehicle 2, the presence of the cut-shaped portions makes it difficult for these elements 12043 and 13060 to block the taper angle θ1 on the outside world 5 side of the virtual intersection I1. Furthermore, light that would be reflected by the windshield 3 and enter the taper angle θ1 can be blocked by the camera cover 13060 before being reflected. Therefore, the camera module 1 including the hood 12040 and the camera cover 13060, which enable capturing a normal light image within the taper angle θ1, can effectively prevent light reflected by the windshield 3 from superimposing on the normal light image and interfering with capturing the image, as long as it does not significantly impede miniaturization. In addition to the above, the thirteenth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the twelfth embodiment.

[0199] (Fourteenth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the fourteenth embodiment is a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

[0200] A bracket assembly 14010 in the fourteenth embodiment does not include the cushion 13 and the mounting pad 12, and instead includes a bracket main body 14011 that replaces the bracket main body 11 of the ninth embodiment described in detail in the first embodiment. The bracket main body 14011 has a flat upper surface 14011a adhesively fixed to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. This allows the bracket assembly 14010 to be non-detachably attached to the front windshield 3 in the vehicle 2.

[0201] 39, the bracket main body 14011 is provided with a plurality of approximately L-shaped fitting grooves 14112 that individually correspond to the fitting protrusions 213 of the upper casing member 21 of the camera casing 20. The approximately L-shaped terminal end of each fitting groove 14112 is engaged and fixed with the corresponding fitting protrusion 213 by slide fitting. As a result, the camera casing 20 is detachably attached to the bracket assembly 14010 in the vehicle 2 and is suspended as shown in FIG.

[0202] The configuration of the bracket body 14011 other than that described above is substantially the same as that of the bracket body 11 of the ninth embodiment. That is, the bracket assembly 14010 is composed of the bracket body 14011 formed integrally with the hood 9040.

[0203] According to the fourteenth embodiment described above, the camera casing 20 accommodating the lens unit 33 and the imager 34 in the vehicle 2 is detachably hung from the bracket assembly 14010 attached to the front windshield 3. Here, the hood 9040 is integrally formed with the bracket assembly 14010 of the fourteenth embodiment. As a result, it is possible to detach the camera casing 20 from the bracket assembly 14010 while it remains attached to the front windshield 3 together with the hood 9040, and perform maintenance on the lens unit 33 and the imager 34. In particular, at this time, the fitting protrusion 213 of the camera casing 20 is detached from the fitting groove 14112 of the bracket assembly 14010, and, if necessary, the casing members 21 and 22 are separated from each other to expose the inside of the camera casing 20, thereby facilitating maintenance.

[0204] Furthermore, in the fourteenth embodiment, after such processing, the camera casing 20 is attached to and hung from the bracket assembly 14010, which remains attached to the front windshield 3 together with the hood 9040. This makes it possible to capture normal optical images again with the maintained lens unit 33 and imager 34. In addition to the above, the fourteenth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the ninth embodiment.

[0205] (Fifteenth embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the fifteenth embodiment is a modified example of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0206] A bracket assembly 15010 in the fifteenth embodiment is provided with a bracket body 15011 that replaces the bracket body 14011 in the fourteenth embodiment. A hood 9040 is not formed integrally with the bracket body 15011. In other words, the hood 9040 is separated from the bracket body 15011. This separate hood 9040 has a fixing portion 15044 that is fitted and fixed to the bracket body 15011 by, for example, a snap fit. This allows the hood 9040 to be detachably attached to the bracket assembly 15010.

[0207] The configuration of the bracket main body 15011 other than that described above is substantially the same as that of the bracket main body 14011 of the fourteenth embodiment. That is, the bracket assembly 15010 is configured from the bracket main body 15011, which is formed separately from the hood 9040 and is non-detachably attached to the front windshield 3, and from which the camera casing 20 detachably hangs in the vehicle 2.

[0208] According to the fifteenth embodiment described above, the camera casing 20 of the vehicle 2 is also detachably hung from the bracket assembly 15010 attached to the front windshield 3. However, the hood 9040 is formed detachably for the bracket assembly 15010 of the fifteenth embodiment. This makes it possible to detach the camera casing 20 and the hood 9040 from the bracket assembly 15010 while it remains attached to the front windshield 3, thereby enabling maintenance of the lens unit 33 and the imager 34. Even in this case, maintenance can be facilitated by disengaging the fitting protrusion 213 of the camera casing 20 from the fitting groove 14112 of the bracket assembly 14010, and, if necessary, separating the casing members 21 and 22 to expose the inside of the camera casing 20.

[0209] Furthermore, in the fifteenth embodiment, after such processing, the hood 9040 is attached to the bracket assembly 14010 that remains attached to the front windshield 3, and then the camera casing 20 is attached and hung. This makes it possible to capture normal optical images again with the maintained lens unit 33 and imager 34. In addition to the above, the fifteenth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the ninth embodiment.

[0210] (16th embodiment) As shown in FIG. 42, the sixteenth embodiment is a modified example of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0211] The camera module 1 of the sixteenth embodiment further includes a camera cover 16060. The camera cover 16060 is formed into a deep bowl shape overall from a hard material that is relatively easy to mold, such as resin. The camera cover 16060 is attached to the bracket assembly 15010 by fixed engagement. As a result, the camera cover 16060 is positioned to cover the other components 10, 20, 30, 9040, and 50 of the camera module 1 from below and sides while hanging from the bracket assembly 15010 that is irremovably attached to the front windshield 3. Note that the camera cover 16060 does not have the window portions 13061a as in the thirteenth embodiment in a pair of cover side portions 16061 that cover the lens unit 33 and the hood 9040 from both the left and right sides.

[0212] The camera cover 16060 of the sixteenth embodiment described above covers the lens unit 33 and the hood 9040 from below and laterally, and thus, together with the hood 9040, can block light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter within the taper angle θ1 before the light is reflected. Therefore, for a camera module 1 including the hood 9040 and camera cover 16060 that ensures a taper angle θ1 that allows a normal light image to be captured, it is possible to enhance the effect of suppressing a situation in which light reflected by the front windshield 3 superimposes on the normal light image and interferes with capturing the image, as long as this does not significantly impede miniaturization. In addition to the above, the sixteenth embodiment can also exert effects similar to those of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0213] (17th embodiment) As shown in FIG. 43, the seventeenth embodiment is a modified example of the sixteenth embodiment.

[0214] In the seventeenth embodiment, the hood 17040 that is covered from below and both sides by the camera cover 16060 has substantially the same configuration as the hood 9040, except that the restricting rib 411 is not provided.

[0215] The components of the image assembly 17030 in the seventeenth embodiment include an assembly holder 17031, which replaces the assembly holder 31 in the sixteenth embodiment described in detail in the first embodiment, combined with a lens unit 33 and an imager 34. The assembly holder 17031 has substantially the same configuration as the assembly holder 31, except that the majority of the lens barrel 35 is housed inside the assembly holder 17031.

[0216] The circuit unit 17050 in the seventeenth embodiment includes a control board 17054 combined with an imaging board 51, an FPC 53, and circuits 52 and 55. The control board 17054 has substantially the same configuration as the control board 54, except that it does not have a connection hole 542 and that the internal connector 543 is mounted on the upper mounting surface 540. As a result, the imaging board 51 is connected to the internal connector 543 via the FPC 53 that runs around the outer periphery of the control board 17054 in a meandering curve. Note that the imaging board 51 may be connected to the internal connector 543 mounted on the upper mounting surface 540 of the control board 17054 without the FPC 53. Furthermore, although at least the imaging board 51 and the assembly holder 17031 are disposed biased toward the upper side of the control board 17054, they may both be disposed across the upper and lower sides of the control board 17054.

[0217] The seventeenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the sixteenth embodiment.

[0218] (18th embodiment) As shown in Figures 44 to 47, the 18th embodiment is a modified example of the 9th embodiment. In the following description, the horizontal direction and vertical direction of the vehicle 2 on a horizontal plane will be simply referred to as the horizontal direction and vertical direction, respectively.

[0219] The light-shielding hood 18040 in the eighteenth embodiment has side walls 18043 replacing the side walls 9043 of the ninth embodiment, together with a base wall 9041 and a rear end wall 42. The side walls 18043 are erected substantially vertically from the entire side edge of the base wall 9041, on which the multiple regulating ribs 411 including the specific rib 411a are provided, on both sides of the imaging space 410, and thus each has a curved, flat plate-like shape. Each side wall 18043 has an inclined portion 18043b and a straight portion 18043c replacing the inclined portion 9043b and straight portion 9043c of the ninth embodiment, respectively.

[0220] The inclined portions 18043b and straight portions 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 have substantially the same configuration as the inclined portions 9043b and straight portions 9043c of the ninth embodiment, except that they are formed based on the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si as the lens angle of view θw through the wide-angle lens 36 of the lens unit 33, as described in detail below. Here, the imaginary plane Si is imaginary along at least the left-right direction (i.e., the lateral direction) of the horizontal direction so as to include the optical axes Aw and Al of the lens unit 33. Therefore, when the optical axes Aw and Al are aligned along the front-rear direction of the horizontal direction, the imaginary plane Si is a plane that includes the optical axes Aw and Al and extends along both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, i.e., a horizontal plane. On the other hand, when the optical axes Aw and Al are inclined downward or upward toward the front with respect to the front-rear direction, the imaginary plane Si is a plane that includes the optical axes Aw and Al and extends along the inclination direction with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, i.e., a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0221] The inclined portions 18043b of each side wall portion 18043 are provided symmetrically on either side of the optical axes Aw and Al. The inclined portions 18043b of each side wall portion 18043 are disposed in a position that leaves a gap 18430 with respect to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. The inclined portions 18043b of each side wall portion 18043 are formed outward from the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si when viewed from the vertical direction. In particular, the trapezoidal planar inner wall surfaces 18430b of the inclined portions 18043b of each side wall portion 18043 are formed so as to extend substantially parallel to a field of view line representing the left and right side edges of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si when viewed from the vertical direction, or so as to extend at an angle relative to the field of view line. As a result, in the inclined portion 18043b of each side wall portion 18043, the inner wall surface 18430b in the range outside the lens angle of view θw on the virtual plane Si when viewed vertically (i.e., when viewed horizontally) is inclined toward the optical axis Aw, Al as it approaches the lens barrel 35 exposed within the lens window 420 of the lens unit 33.

[0222] The straight portions 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 are provided symmetrically on either side of the optical axes Aw and Al. The straight portions 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 are formed substantially parallel to the optical axes Aw and Al so as to extend from the front end of the inclined portions 18043b of the same side wall portion 18043 to a position inward of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si when viewed vertically. In particular, the trapezoidal planar inner wall surfaces 18430c of the straight portions 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 are formed so as to intersect with the field of view lines representing the left and right edges of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si when viewed vertically. However, when viewed from the left-right direction (i.e., from the side) of the horizontal direction, the straight portion 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 is formed at a height that avoids the field of view line representing the left and right side edges of the lens field of view θw on the imaginary plane Si, below the field of view line. That is, the height of the straight portion 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 is set to a height that does not obstruct the edges of the lens field of view θw on the imaginary plane Si. As a result, the straight portion 18043c of each side wall portion 18043 is also positioned in a position that leaves a gap 18430 with respect to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. Furthermore, in such straight portion 18043c of each side wall portion 18043, the inner wall surface 18430c in a range inside the lens field of view θw on the imaginary plane Si when viewed in the vertical direction extends symmetrically along a plane that is substantially parallel to the optical axes Aw and Al.

[0223] (Action and effect) The effects of the eighteenth embodiment described above will be explained below. As in the ninth embodiment, the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment restricts excess light from entering the lens unit 33 from outside the range of the outside world 5 that is to be imaged by the imager 34. This makes it possible to prevent excess light from superimposing on a normal optical image from within the range of the image to be imaged, thereby preventing imaging from being hindered.

[0224] Here, particularly with the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment, the side wall portion 18043 erected on the side of the imaging space 410 from the base wall portion 9041 disposed so as to face the front windshield 3 across the imaging space 410 is formed at a height on the imaginary plane Si that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view θw of the lens unit 33. As a result, even if the hood 18040 is formed small, the incidence of optical images from within the imaging target range is less likely to be blocked on the imaginary plane Si that is imagined along the horizontal direction to include the optical axes Aw and Al of the lens unit 33 and on the front windshield 3 side (i.e., above) thereof. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera module 1 including the hood 18040 that enables normal optical images to be captured within the lens angle of view θw.

[0225] Furthermore, as in the ninth embodiment, the lens unit 33 of the eighteenth embodiment includes the wide-angle lens 36, ensuring a wide lens angle of view θw. This raises concerns about increased incident surplus light and a larger hood 18040. However, as described above, the eighteenth embodiment not only restricts surplus light from entering the lens unit 33, but also makes it difficult for light incident on the virtual plane Si and on the windshield 3 side thereof to be blocked, even if the hood 18040 is formed small. Furthermore, in the eighteenth embodiment, which employs the special wide-angle lens 36 described in the first embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, capturing of a normal light image can be ensured at least on the virtual plane Si and on the windshield 3 side thereof, even if the size of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​is reduced. For these reasons, it is possible to reduce the size of a camera module 1 that includes, together with the wide-angle lens 36, the hood 18040 that enables capturing of a normal light image within the lens angle of view θw.

[0226] Furthermore, according to the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment, similarly to the ninth embodiment, the base wall portion 9041 is disposed so as to face the front windshield 3 across the imaging space 410, and the plurality of restriction ribs 411 protrude into the imaging space 410, thereby restricting light reflection onto the lens unit 33. This makes it possible to prevent the reflected light from the base wall portion 9041, which is prone to increased light incidence when disposed opposite the front windshield 3, from superimposing on the normal light image within the lens angle of view θw and interfering with imaging.

[0227] Furthermore, according to the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, among the plurality of restricting ribs 411, the specific rib 411a that protrudes to a greater height around the lens unit 33 is more likely to block the optical path of light reflected by the base wall portion 9041 toward the lens unit 33. This can enhance the effect of suppressing a situation in which light reflected by the base wall portion 9041 is superimposed on a normal optical image within the lens angle of view θw, thereby interfering with imaging.

[0228] Furthermore, according to the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment, a gap 18430 is provided between the side wall portion 18043 and the front windshield 3. This allows the side wall portion 18043 to block light that would be reflected by the front windshield 3 and enter the lens angle of view θw, while also expanding the imaging space 410 as much as possible between the original base wall portion 9041 of the side wall portion 18043 and the front windshield 3. Therefore, in a camera module 1 including the hood 18040 that enables capturing a normal light image within the widest possible lens angle of view θw, it is possible to prevent a situation in which light reflected by the front windshield 3 superimposes on the normal image and interferes with imaging.

[0229] Furthermore, according to the eighteenth embodiment, the side wall portion 18043 is formed along the optical axes Aw and Al inside the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si, so that the width along the left-right direction (i.e., the lateral direction) of the horizontal direction of the hood 18040 can be limited to a small value. Therefore, it is possible to promote miniaturization of the camera module 1 including the hood 18040 that enables capturing a normal optical image within the lens angle of view θw.

[0230] Furthermore, according to the eighteenth embodiment, inside the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si, the side wall portion 18043 is formed symmetrically with respect to the optical axes Aw and Al, so that the hood 18040 can be constructed to be small and have a relatively simple structure. Therefore, it is possible to promote miniaturization and simplification of the camera module 1 including the hood 18040 that enables capturing a normal optical image within the lens angle of view θw.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the hood 18040 of the eighteenth embodiment, the inclined portion 18043b of the side wall portion 18043 on the imaginary plane Si outside the lens angle of view θw is inclined more toward the optical axis Aw, Al as it approaches the lens unit 33. This allows the hood 18040 to be formed in a size as small as possible while still ensuring the lens angle of view θw. This allows for the camera module 1 including the hood 18040 that enables capturing a normal optical image within the lens angle of view θw to be made smaller in size.

[0232] (19th embodiment) As shown in FIG. 48, the 19th embodiment is a modified example of the 18th embodiment.

[0233] The hood 19040 of the 19th embodiment employs substantially the same configuration as the hood 18040, except that it does not include the restriction rib 411. Therefore, the 19th embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the 18th embodiment, except for the effects achieved by the restriction rib 411 including the specific rib 411a.

[0234] (Twentyth embodiment) 49 to 51, a camera module (camera unit) 20001 according to the twentieth embodiment is attached via a bracket (not shown) to the inside of the front windshield 3 of the vehicle 2, specifically to the inner surface 3a. In the following description of the twentieth embodiment, expressions of directions of the camera module 20001 and its components, such as the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and vertical direction, are based on a state in which the camera module 20001 is attached to the front windshield 3. The front-rear direction and left-right direction of the camera module 20001 and its components are synonymous with the front-rear direction and left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0235] Camera module 20001 includes a camera module body (camera unit body) 20001a and a hood 20040. Camera module body 20001a is configured by accommodating camera components including wide-angle lens 20036 inside camera casing (housing) 20020, which is a box-shaped part.

[0236] The wide-angle lens 20036 is provided at an upper portion of the camera casing 20020, at a position exposed from the camera casing 20020 when viewed from the front. That is, the wide-angle lens 20036 is disposed at a position where it can capture an image of the outside of the vehicle 2 from inside the front windshield 3. As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 , the wide-angle lens 20036 is a lens whose angle of view θ on a virtual plane Si, which is defined along the left-right and front-rear directions in the horizontal direction and includes the optical axis Aw, is approximately 75 to 150°, for example, 90°, when the optical axis Aw is aligned along the front-rear direction. Here, as shown partially hatched with two-dot chain lines in FIG. 51 , the region included within the range of the angle of view θ on the horizontal plane as the virtual plane Si including the optical axis Aw is referred to as a horizontal angle of view region 20036a. Furthermore, the two straight lines (i.e., the dashed lines in Figure 51) that separate the horizontal field of view region 20036a from the region other than the horizontal field of view region 20036a on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Aw (i.e., the region outside the range of the field of view θ on the horizontal plane including the optical axis Aw) are referred to as the edges of the field of view θ on that horizontal plane.

[0237] The hood 20040 is a component that prevents light from inside the passenger compartment 4 of the vehicle 2 shown in FIG. 50 from being reflected on the inside of the front windshield 3 and entering the wide-angle lens 20036. For this reason, the hood 20040 is fixed to the front part of the upper surface of the camera casing 20020 so as to cover the wide-angle lens 20036 from below. Here, the hood 20040 is configured as a separate component that is attached to the camera casing 20020, but it may also be formed integrally with the camera casing 20020.

[0238] 49 to 51, the hood 20040 is a tray-shaped component that is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane that includes the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036 on a horizontal vehicle 2. In other words, the hood 20040 is symmetrical with respect to the optical axis Aw when viewed from the vertical direction. Specifically, the hood 20040 includes a base wall (bottom wall) 20041, two side walls (side walls) 20043, and a rear end wall (rear wall) 20042.

[0239] The base wall portion 20041 is a hexagonal flat plate portion located below the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036. Specifically, the base wall portion 20041 has two parallel side edges, a front edge connecting the front ends of the two side edges, two inclined edges extending diagonally rearward from the rear ends of the two side edges so as to approach each other, and a rear edge connecting the rear ends of the two inclined edges. It is preferable that the angle between each of the two side edges and the front edge is substantially perpendicular, but this does not necessarily have to be substantially perpendicular. Furthermore, the front edge and the rear edge are substantially parallel.

[0240] The base wall portion 20041 is inclined so that its front edge is lowest. The inclination of the base wall portion 20041 is smaller than the inclination of the portion of the front windshield 3 that is located forward of the base wall portion 20041. This places the base wall portion 20041 closest to the front windshield 3 at its front edge. The base wall portion 20041 may be provided with multiple protrusions (i.e., restriction ribs) or multiple grooves to suppress reflection, etc.

[0241] The two side walls 20043 are plate portions that extend from both the left and right sides of the base wall 20041, specifically from the left and right side edges and inclined edges, toward the windshield 3, in other words, upward. The two side walls 20043 extend substantially perpendicularly from the base wall 20041. However, the vertical height of each side wall 20043 does not necessarily have to extend substantially perpendicularly from the base wall 20041, as long as the upper end of each side wall 20043 is designed to be close to the inner surface 3a of the windshield 3 and not to obstruct the edge of the angle of view θ on a horizontal plane that is an imaginary plane Si including the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036. As shown in FIG. 50 , each side wall 20043 is disposed with a gap 20430, specifically a very small gap 20430 of about 2 to 3 mm, between its upper end and the windshield 3.

[0242] As shown in FIGS. 49 to 51, each side wall 20043 has a pair of flat straight portions (straight walls) 20043c along the side edges of the base wall 20041 and flat inclined portions (inclined walls) 20043b along the inclined edges of the base wall 20041, each of which is symmetrical with respect to the optical axis Aw. When viewed vertically, each straight portion 20043c is linear and substantially parallel to the optical axis Aw. On the other hand, when viewed vertically, the inclined portion 20043b is linear and inclined in a direction approaching the optical axis As toward the wide-angle lens 20036. Furthermore, the straight portions 20043c and the inclined portions 20043b shown in FIG. 50 are configured so that the projected shapes of the straight portions 20043c and the inclined portions 20043b when viewed horizontally from the left and right (i.e., the vehicle width direction) are triangular in shape with a gradually decreasing height from the rear to the front of the vehicle 2. This allows the gap 20430 between the upper edge of the straight portion 20043c and the front windshield 3 and the gap 20430 between the upper edge of the inclined portion 20043b and the front windshield 3 to be approximately constant. Furthermore, a portion of each straight portion 20043c is included within the horizontal angle of view region 20036a when viewed from the vertical direction. On the other hand, each inclined portion 20043b is not included within the horizontal angle of view region 20036a when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0243] The rear end wall portion 20042 is a flat plate portion that stands from the rear edge of the base wall portion 20041 toward the front windshield 3, in other words, facing upward. The rear end wall portion 20042 connects the rear ends of the two side wall portions 20043 together. The rear end wall portion 20042 also has a through-hole 20420 at a position that covers the wide-angle lens 20036. In other words, the wide-angle lens 20036 is positioned so that it is exposed from the through-hole 20420 of the rear end wall portion 20042.

[0244] (Action and effect) In the twentieth embodiment described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. According to the twentieth embodiment, the hood 20040 can be made compact while being compatible with the wide-angle lens 20036 for the following reasons. Specifically, if the hood were configured so that the side wall 7 is not included within the range of the angle of view when viewed from the vertical direction, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 52 , there is a concern that the hood's width would increase when a wide-angle lens is used. In contrast, in the twentieth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51 , a portion of each side wall 20043 is included within the horizontal angle of view range 20036a when viewed from the vertical direction. Therefore, the hood 20040 is configured so that the imageable range is not obstructed by each side wall 20043, at least on a horizontal plane that is an imaginary plane Si including the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036. This allows the hood 20040 to be made compact while taking advantage of the wide horizontal angle of view θ of the wide-angle lens 20036.

[0245] In the twentieth embodiment, each side wall portion 20043 is disposed with a small gap 20430 between it and the front windshield 3. This expands the imageable range within a range where a phenomenon that can occur when light from inside the vehicle interior 4 is reflected on the inside of the front windshield 3, i.e., a phenomenon where an object inside the vehicle interior 4 is captured in a captured image, is unlikely to occur. Here, in the twentieth embodiment, the gap 20430 between each side wall portion 20043 and the front windshield 3 is very small, about 2 to 3 mm. Therefore, even if an object inside the vehicle interior 4 is captured in a captured image, its size on the captured image is very small, for example, about 5 pixels. Therefore, even if an object that could be mistaken for a white line or a pedestrian is present in the vehicle interior 4, only a small portion of the object is captured in the captured image, making it unlikely for the object to be mistakenly recognized. Therefore, according to the twentieth embodiment, the imageable range can be expanded within a range where a mistaken recognition due to an object inside the vehicle interior 4 being captured in a captured image is unlikely to occur.

[0246] In the twentieth embodiment, each straight portion 20043c is linearly shaped substantially parallel to the optical axis Aw when viewed vertically, and is configured so that a portion of the straight portion 20043c is included within the horizontal angle of view region 20036a. When viewed vertically, each straight portion 20043c is symmetrical with respect to the optical axis Aw. This allows the width of the hood 20040 to be limited while ensuring a sufficient distance between the wide-angle lens 20036 and each straight portion 20043c.

[0247] Furthermore, in the twentieth embodiment, when viewed from the vertical direction, each side wall portion 20043 has an inclined portion 20043b in an area other than the horizontal angle of view region 20036a. This is because the hood 20040 is a hexagonal, tray-shaped component. This allows the area of ​​the base wall portion 20041 to be reduced in areas other than the horizontal angle of view region 20036a, i.e., areas that do not need to cover the underside of the wide-angle lens 20036. Therefore, according to the twentieth embodiment, the hood 20040 itself can be made smaller than a configuration without the inclined portion 20043b.

[0248] The hood 20040 described above has two side walls 20043 at a height that does not obstruct the edge of the angle of view θ on a horizontal plane when the optical axis Aw is along the front-to-rear direction in the horizontal direction, as the edge of the angle of view θ on a virtual plane Si that is imagined along at least the left-to-right direction in the horizontal direction to include the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036. However, the configuration of each side wall 20043 is not limited to this. For example, if the optical axis Aw is inclined downward or upward as it approaches the front with respect to the front-to-rear direction, the same effects as those described above can be achieved as long as the hood 20040 has two side walls 20043 at a height that does not obstruct the edge of the angle of view θ on a virtual plane Si that is imagined along the left-to-right direction to include the inclined optical axis Aw.

[0249] Furthermore, the hood 2040 described above has a straight portion 20043c and an inclined portion 20043b for each side wall portion 20043. However, the configuration of each side wall portion 20043 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 53 , even if the rectangular tray-shaped hood 20040 has each side wall portion 20043 having only a straight portion (straight wall) 20043c, the same effects as those described above can be achieved as long as the upper ends of the side wall portions 20043 are at a height close to the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3 and do not obstruct the edge of the angle of view θ on the imaginary plane Si including the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 20036.

[0250] (Other embodiments) Although several embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to those embodiments, and various embodiments and combinations can be applied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the following description, Figures 54 and 55 typically show modifications of the second embodiment, and Figures 56, 57, and 67 typically show modifications of the first embodiment. Also, Figures 58, 68 to 73 typically show modifications of the ninth embodiment, Figures 59 and 60 typically show modifications of the third embodiment, Figures 61 and 62 typically show modifications of the fourth embodiment, and Figures 63 and 74 typically show modifications of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0251] Specifically, in Modification 1 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 54, locking claws 355a, 2355a shaped to lock the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 may be formed by crimping the front end of the wide-angle housing portion 350a after fitting the wide-angle lens 36, 2036. In this case, the front cap 355, 2355 is not necessary.

[0252] In a second modification related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 55, the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 may be sandwiched between the front cap 355, 2355 and the second spacer 352 by being fixed to overlap the front optical surface of the first rear-stage lens 371. In this case, the first spacer 351 is not necessary.

[0253] In a third modification relating to the first and third to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 56, the wide-angle lens 36 may be attached from the front to a front cap 355 having locking claws 355a that lock the first rear-stage lens 371 from the front. In this case, the first spacer 351 and the wide-angle housing portion 350a are unnecessary. In this case, a reflection restricting portion 1363 conforming to the second embodiment may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 362, 2362 of the wide-angle lens 36, 2036.

[0254] In a fourth modification relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the cut shape of the wide-angle optical surface 360, 2360 may be realized by a curved portion 1360b that is curved convexly downward with a smaller curvature than the arc portion 360a, instead of the straight chord portion 360b, as shown in Fig. 57. In a fifth modification relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the curvature of the arc portion 360a of the wide-angle optical surface 360, 2360 may vary in the circumferential direction, as long as an upper side size Rwu that is larger than a lower side size Rwl at the bottom Pwl is ensured at the top Pwu. In a sixth modification relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 may have cut shapes on the left and right sides that are similar to the wide-angle optical surface 360, 2360.

[0255] In a seventh modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 may not have a cut shape, as shown in Fig. 58. In this case, the optical axes Aw, A1 of the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 and the lens set 37 may pass through the geometric center Cwg of the wide-angle optical surface 360 ​​without substantially shifting from the same center Cwg. Note that even in this case, the effect of the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 of the imager 34 being shifted below the optical axes Aw, A1 of the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 and the lens set 37 can still be achieved.

[0256] In an eighth modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the lens set 37 may be configured from one or a plurality of rear-stage lenses other than five lenses, each of which has an optical axis Al substantially common to the optical axis Aw of the wide-angle lens 36, 236. In a ninth modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, at least one rear-stage lens in the lens set 37 may have a cut shape on the upper portion thereof that conforms to the wide-angle optical surface 360, 2360. In a tenth modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, no rear-stage lens may be provided.

[0257] In an eleventh modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the optical axes Aw, Al of the wide-angle lenses 36, 2036 and the lens set 37 may pass through the geometric center Cig of the effective imaging area 340 of the imager 34 without being substantially deviated from the geometric center Cig. In a twelfth modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the exposure state at the time of the next imaging may be controlled based on pixel values ​​of predetermined pixels in the external image 551, including the vehicle imaging pixel 551a.

[0258] In a thirteenth modification example related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, at least some of the functions of the control circuit 55 that controls the imager 34 may be realized by an external circuit, such as an ECU, outside the camera casing 20, 3020, 5020, or 6020. In a specific example shown in FIG. 59 , the entire control circuit 55 is disposed outside the camera casing 3020 as an external circuit, such as an ECU, and an FPC 3053 is connected to an external connector 544. This eliminates the need for heat dissipation measures for the control circuit 55 and enables the control circuit 55 to be miniaturized. In the specific example shown in FIG. 59 , the board 54 remains, on which an internal connector 543 connected to the FPC 3053 is mounted, in addition to the external connector 544 connected to the external control circuit 55.

[0259] In a 14th modification relating to the first to sixteenth, eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, the control board 54 may not be provided with the connection hole 542. In this case, the imaging board 51, 7051 may be connected to the internal connector 543 mounted on the upper mounting surface 540 of the control board 54 with or without an FPC 53, 3053. Alternatively, the imaging board 51, 7051 may be connected to the internal connector 543 mounted on the lower mounting surface 541 of the control board 54 with an FPC 53, 3053 that wraps around the outer periphery of the control board 54.

[0260] In a fifteenth modification relating to the first, second, and ninth to nineteenth embodiments, at least one of the opposing wall portion 210 and the recessed wall portion 212 may not be provided on the camera casing 20. In a sixteenth modification relating to the first to fifth, seventh to thirteenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth embodiments, the bracket main body 11 may not be provided, and the mounting pad 12, which is directly held by the camera casing 20, 3020, 5020, may be fixed to the front windshield 3.

[0261] In a seventeenth modification relating to the first to fifth, seventh to thirteenth, eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, the hoods 40, 9040, 10040, 11040, 12040, 18040 and 19040 may be formed separately from the bracket body 11. In an eighteenth modification relating to the sixteenth and seventeenth embodiments, the hood 9040 may be formed integrally with the bracket body 15011.

[0262] In a nineteenth modification relating to the first to sixteenth and eighteenth embodiments, the heights of the restriction ribs 411 may be set to be substantially equal in the hoods 40, 6040, 9040, 10040, 11040, 12040, and 18040. In a twenty-first modification relating to the first to sixteenth embodiments, the restriction rib 411 may not be provided in the hoods 40, 6040, 9040, 10040, 11040, and 12040. In a twenty-first modification relating to the seventeenth embodiment, the restriction rib 411 including the specific rib 411a may be provided in the hood 17040.

[0263] In a 22nd modification related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 60, the periphery of the external connector 544 may be open to the outside through an opening 1024 provided in the upper casing member 21, 3021, 6021 of the camera casing 20, 3020, 5020, 6020. In this case, the external connector 544 can be cooled by the air flow inside the vehicle interior 4, thereby improving heat dissipation.

[0264] In a 23rd modification relating to the third to nineteenth embodiments, a wide-angle lens 2036 conforming to the second embodiment may be provided. In a 24th modification relating to the fourth to sixteenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth embodiments, a relay member 3056 may be added to connect to the FPC 3053 that replaces the FPC 53 conforming to the third embodiment. In a 25th modification relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 61 , a relay member 3056 conforming to the third embodiment may be provided in a structure that connects at least one of the control board 54, 17054 and the control circuit 55 to the lower casing member 22, 3022 of the camera casing 20, 3020, 5020, 6020.

[0265] In the 26th modification relating to the fourth and sixth to eighth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 62, a relay board 3056 conforming to the third embodiment may be formed in a hard plate shape at the location where the FPC 4053 is to be disposed, replacing the FPC 4053. In the 27th modification relating to the 9th to 19th embodiments, an FPC 4053 may be added in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

[0266] In a modification 28 relating to the sixth to eighth embodiments, an FPC 4053 may be connected to a connection member 5023 according to the fifth embodiment. In a modification 29 relating to the ninth to nineteenth embodiments, a connection member 5023 may be added together with the FPC 4053 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0267] In a modification 30 related to the first to third, fifth, seventh to thirteenth and fifteenth to nineteenth embodiments, the hoods 40, 9040, 10040, 11040, 12040, 17040, 18040 and 19040 may be formed of the camera casings 20, 3020 and 5020 in accordance with the sixth embodiment as shown in Fig. 63. In a modification 31 related to the sixth embodiment, a bracket main body 11 without the hood 6040 may be provided in a state in which the hood 6040 is formed of a part of the camera casing 6020.

[0268] 64 , in Modification 32 related to the seventh embodiment, an FPC 4053 may not be provided, and a connecting relay member 3056 may be added to the FPC 3053 by combining with the above-described Modification 24. In this case, the FPC 3053 may be connected not only to the imaging board 51 by at least one of adhesive fixation and conductive fixation, but also to the filler 7038.

[0269] In Modification 33 related to the eighth embodiment, the FPC 4053 may not be provided as shown in Fig. 65. In this case, a relay member 3056 may be added to the FPC 3053 in combination with the above-mentioned Modification 24, or it may not be connected. Furthermore, in Modification 33 in which the relay member 3056 is added, the FPC 3053 connected to the imaging board 51 may also be connected to the filler 7038 by at least one of adhesive fixation and conductive fixation, or it may not be connected to the filler 7038.

[0270] In Modification 34 related to the eighth embodiment, part or all of the space between the through-hole-shaped lens window 216 and the lens barrel 35 of the lens unit 33 does not have to be filled with adhesive 8039. As a specific example of this case, the space between the lens window 216 and the lens barrel 35 is not filled with adhesive 8039 at all, but is open.

[0271] In the 35th modification example related to the eighth embodiment, the adhesive 8039 is provided between one of the lens unit 33 and the assembly holder 7031 and the camera casing 3020, but it does not have to be provided between the other of them and the casing 3020. In the example shown in FIG. 66 as a specific example of this case, the adhesive 8039 is not provided between the lens unit 33 and the camera casing 3020.

[0272] In a modification 36 related to the ninth to nineteenth embodiments, a filler 7038 may be added together with the FPC 4053 in accordance with the seventh embodiment. In a modification 37 related to the ninth to nineteenth embodiments, a filler 7038 and an adhesive 8039 may be added together with the FPC 4053 in accordance with the eighth embodiment.

[0273] In Modification 38 relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 67, by combining this with Modification 7 described above, the lower portion of the wide-angle lens 1036 that does not have a cut shape may be embedded in the lens barrel 35, 2035. This results in a pseudo-configuration of the wide-angle optical surface 360, 2360 conforming to the first or second embodiment.

[0274] In a modification 39 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, an asymmetric structure may be employed so that the side wall portions 43, 9043, 10043, 11043, 12043, and 18043 are asymmetric on either side of the optical axes Aw and Al. In a specific example of this case shown in Fig. 68, the first virtual intersection I1 is associated with the upper part of the middle portion of the inclined portion 9043b on one side, thereby constructing an asymmetric structure according to, for example, the amount of deviation between the center of the opening window 6a and the attachment location within the range Xh shown in Fig. 1.

[0275] In a modification 40 relating to the first to nineteenth embodiments, at least one side wall portion 43, 9043, 10043, 11043, 12043, 18043 may be erected at an acute angle or an obtuse angle from the base wall portion 41, 9041. In a modification 41 relating to the first to eighth embodiments, an inner wall surface 43a of at least one side side wall portion 43 may be formed into a curved or bent shape.

[0276] 69 and 70 , in a modified example 42 related to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments, a step portion 1041b may be provided in the base wall portion 9041, 41 so as to define the second taper angle θ2 along a tapered line extending from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the second imaginary intersection I2 in the vehicle 2. In this case, in the bottom wall surface 9041a, 41a of the base wall portion 9041, 41, an outer bottom surface portion 1041c extending in a predetermined area outside the step portion 1041b is provided shifted upward relative to an inner bottom surface portion 1041d extending over the entire inner area of ​​the step portion 1041b.

[0277] In Modification 43 related to the 9th to 19th embodiments, as shown in FIG. 71 , the inner wall surface 9430b, 18430b of at least one of the inclined portions 9043b, 18043b may be formed in a curved or bent shape. In this case, the inclined portion 9043b of Modification 43 related to the 9th to 17th embodiments is configured so as not to extend further inward than the first taper angle θ1 in a vertical view, thereby widening from the periphery of the lens unit 33 toward the first virtual intersection I1. Here, FIG. 71 shows a specific example in which the inner wall surface 9430b of the inclined portions 9043b on both sides is formed in a curved shape. Furthermore, in Modification 43 related to the 18th and 19th embodiments, the height that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view θw on the virtual plane Si is realized by the inclined portion 18043b of the curved or bent inner wall surface 18430b.

[0278] In Modification 44 relating to the ninth, eleventh, and fourteenth to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 72, instead of the straight portion 9043c, 11043c, or 18043c on at least one side, a reverse inclined portion 1043c may be provided having a planar, curved, or bent inner wall surface 9430c, 11430c, or 18430c, inclined in the opposite direction to the inclined portion 9043b or 18043b. In this case, the reverse inclined portion 1043c of Modification 44 relating to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments does not extend further inward than the second taper angle θ2 in a vertical view, thereby realizing a state in which the reverse inclined portion 1043c extends to the second virtual intersection point I2. Here, FIG. 72 shows a specific example in which the inner wall surfaces 9430c are formed flat at the reverse inclined portions 1043c on both sides. In addition, in the modification 44 related to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, the height that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si is realized by the reverse inclined portion 1043c.

[0279] In Modification 45 relating to the ninth to eleventh and fourteenth to nineteenth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 73, a curved portion 1143c having a curved or bent inner wall surface 9430c, 10430c, 11430c, 18430c may be provided instead of the straight portion 9043c, 11043c, or 18043c or the inclined portion 10043c on at least one side. In this case, the curved portion 1143c of Modification 45 relating to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments is configured so as not to extend further inward than the second taper angle θ2 when viewed in the vertical direction, and instead extends outward and laterally from the second virtual intersection point I2. Here, FIG. 73 shows a specific example in which the inner wall surfaces 9430c are formed into a curved surface at the curved portions 1143c on both sides. In addition, in the modification 45 related to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, the height that avoids the edge of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si is realized by the curved portion 1143c.

[0280] In Modification 46 related to the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments, a curved structure may be employed so that the upper surfaces 14011a of the bracket bodies 14011, 15011 are curved to fit the inner surface 3a of the front windshield 3. In a specific example of this case shown in Fig. 74, an asymmetric structure is constructed in combination with the above-mentioned Modification 39, in accordance with the amount of deviation between the center of the opening window 6a and the mounting location, for example, within the range Xh shown in Fig. 1, so that the heights of the left and right side wall portions 9043 are different.

[0281] In Modification 47 related to the 11th and 14th to 19th embodiments, an inclined portion 10043c similar to that of the 10th embodiment may be provided instead of the straight portion 11043c, 9043c, or 18043c on at least one side. In this case, in Modification 47 related to the 11th embodiment, the inclined portion 10043c formed of a polarizing filter is provided. Furthermore, in Modification 47 related to the 14th to 19th embodiments, the inclined portion 10043c similar to that of the 11th embodiment may be provided. Furthermore, in Modification 47 related to the 18th and 19th embodiments, the inclined portion 10043c, which has a smaller inclination with respect to the optical axes Aw and Al than the inclined portion 18043b, achieves a height that avoids the edges of the lens angle of view θw on the imaginary plane Si.

[0282] In a 48th modification related to the 14th to 19th embodiments, the straight portion 9043c, 18043c on at least one side may be replaced with a straight portion 11043c configured from a polarizing filter according to the 11th embodiment. In a 49th modification related to the 14th, 15th, 18th and 19th embodiments, the side wall portions 9043, 18043 may be formed in a cut shape according to the 12th embodiment.

[0283] In a modification 50 related to the 16th and 17th embodiments, the side wall portion 9043 and the camera cover 16060 may be formed in a cut shape in accordance with the 13th embodiment. In a modification 51 related to the 18th and 19th embodiments, in accordance with the 13th embodiment, a cut-shaped camera cover 13060 may be provided together with a cut-shaped side wall portion 18043 in combination with the above-mentioned modification 49.

[0284] In a modified example 52 related to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, instead of the bracket assembly 10, a bracket assembly 14010 according to the fourteenth embodiment may be provided integrally with the hoods 18040 and 19040. In a modified example 53 related to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments, instead of the bracket assembly 10, a bracket assembly 15010 according to the fifteenth embodiment may be provided separately from the hoods 18040 and 19040. In a modified example 54 related to the first to eighth embodiments, the hoods 40 and 6040 may not be provided. In a modified example 55 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, a plurality of grooves may be provided in the hoods 40, 6040, 9040, 10040, 11040, 12040, 17040, 18040, and 19040 so as to extend along the left-right direction. In this case, in a modified example 55 relating to the first to sixteenth embodiments, a groove is provided instead of the restriction rib 411 by combining with the modified example 20 described above.

[0285] In a modification 56 related to the first to twelfth, fourteenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth embodiments, a camera cover 16060 conforming to the sixteenth embodiment may be provided. In a modification 57 related to the seventeenth embodiment, the camera cover 16060 may not be provided. In a modification 58 related to the first to sixteenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth embodiments, the assembly holders 31, 7031 may be modified to have a structure conforming to the assembly holder 17031 of the seventeenth embodiment. In a modification 59 related to the first to sixteenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth embodiments, the control board 54 may be modified to have a structure conforming to the control board 17054 of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0286] In a modified example 60 related to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments, the specific control Cs may be other than collision prevention control of the vehicle 2. In a modified example 61 related to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments, the separate control Ca may be other than driving control of the vehicle 2 in the travel lane, as long as it is different from the specific control Cs. In a modified example 62 related to the ninth to seventeenth embodiments, the separate control Ca may not be executed. In this case, since the second taper angle θ2 is not specified, the second virtual intersection I2 does not need to be virtual, and for example, the base wall portions 9041, 41 may be formed with a structure such as to follow a predetermined second depression angle ψd2.

[0287] In Modification 63 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the molding material for the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031, exemplified as resin, may be selected taking the following points into consideration. Specifically, if the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031 molded from resin expands and deforms due to external heat, such as sunlight, it may cause the image to be out of focus during imaging. Therefore, the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031 may be molded by mixing a material that causes the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031 to contract when heat is applied to the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031 with resin. Furthermore, the material that provides such a function may be, for example, a negative thermal expansion / contraction filler that has negative thermal expansion characteristics over a wide temperature range (up to 800°C), is heat-resistant so as to be resistant to decomposition even when treated at high temperatures (800°C), and does not contain heavy metals. As a result, thermal expansion of the assembly holders 31, 7031, and 17031 due to external heat can be suppressed.

[0288] In Modification 64 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, if excess light enters the optical path from the wide-angle lens 36, 2036 to the imager 34, proper image recognition may be difficult. Therefore, to prevent this excess light from entering, it is preferable to consider the light transmittance of components surrounding the wide-angle lens 36, 2036. Specifically, in addition to the adhesive 8039 as in the eighth embodiment, adhesives used, for example, to secure the lens barrel 35, 2035 to the assembly holder 31, 7031, 17031, often use a material that hardens under UV light and turns white after hardening, which can easily reflect light and adversely affect image recognition. Therefore, by selecting a material with a light transmittance of 2% or less, preferably a black material with a transmittance of 0.9% or less, as the adhesive, the effects of light transmission from the area where the adhesive is used can be reduced.

[0289] In Modification 65 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, as described in Modification 64 above, a material with a cure shrinkage rate of 2% or less is preferably selected for the adhesive, since shrinkage during hardening may cause the image to be out of focus during imaging. Examples of adhesives with a low cure shrinkage rate include resins containing oxetane groups and bisphenol-based epoxy resins. Examples of methods for hardening such adhesives include laser irradiation, infrared irradiation, visible light irradiation, high-frequency induction heating, electron beam irradiation, and hot melt.

[0290] In the above-described modified examples 63 to 65, materials or methods that take into consideration thermal expansion, intrusion of excess light, or cure shrinkage are given, but the present invention is not limited to these and other materials or methods may also be used.

[0291] In addition to the above, in a modification 66 related to the first to nineteenth embodiments, the camera module 1 may be mounted inside the rear windshield of the vehicle 2, in which case the front-to-back relationship is reversed from that of the first to nineteenth embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0292] 1,20001 Camera module, 2 Vehicle, 3 Front windshield, 5 Outside, 10,6010,14010,15010 Bracket assembly, 20,3020,5020,6020 Camera casing, 31,7031,17031 Assembly holder, 33 Lens unit, 34 Imager, 35,2035 Lens barrel, 36,2036,20036 Wide-angle lens, 37 Lens set, 40,6040,9040,10040,11040,12040,17040,18040,19040,20040 Hood, 41,9041 Base wall, 43,9043,10043,11043,12043,18043,20043 Side wall portion, 50, 3050, 4050, 7050, 17050 Circuit unit, 51, 7051 Imaging board, 52 Imaging circuit, 53, 3053, 4053 Flexible board (FPC), 54, 17054 Control board, 55 Control circuit, 210, 6210 Opposing wall portion, 211 Bent wall portion, 216 Lens window, 310, 7310 Rear optical path space, 340 Effective shooting area, 355a, 2355a Locking claw portion, 360, 2360 Wide-angle optical surface, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375 Rear lens, 411 Restricting rib, 430, 9430, 18430, 20430 Gap, 551 External image, 551a Vehicle shooting pixel, 551b Effective pixel, 2361 Retaining recess, 7038 Filler, 8039 Adhesive, 9043b, 18043b, 20043b Inclined portion, first inclined portion, 9043c, 11043c, 18043c, 20043c Straight portion, 10043c Second inclined portion, 13060, 16060 Camera cover, Al, Aw Optical axis, Cs Specific control, Ca Individual control, Cig, Cwg Geometric center, I1 Virtual intersection, first virtual intersection, I2 Second virtual intersection, L1 Lower ray, first lower ray, L2 Second lower ray, Pp Principal point, Rwl, Ril Lower size, Rwu, Riu Upper size, Sc Common plane, Si Virtual plane, θ Wide-angle lens angle of view, θw Lens angle of view, θ1 Taper angle: 1st taper angle, θ2 2nd taper angle, ψd1 1st depression angle, ψd2 2nd depression angle

Claims

1. A camera module (1) configured to be mounted inside a windshield (3) of a vehicle (2) and to capture an image of an external environment (5) of the vehicle, a lens unit (33) onto which the optical image from the outside world is incident; an imager (34) that captures an image of the external world by forming the light image through the lens unit; a hood (9040, 11040, 17040) that restricts the incidence of excess light from outside the imaging range of the imager into the lens unit, The lens unit comprises a wide-angle lens (36, 2036); The hood is a base wall portion (9041) arranged to face the windshield; and side wall portions (9043, 11043) erected from the side edge portions of the base wall portion, Each of the side wall portions includes a first portion (9043b) located on a side of the lens unit and a second portion (9043c, 11043c) located on the outside side of the first portion, the first portion extends toward the outside and is inclined with respect to an optical axis (Aw, Al) of the lens unit, the second portion is non-parallel to the first portion; A camera module in which the distance from the boundary between the first and second parts to the optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is longer than the distance from the front end of the lens unit to the boundary in a direction along the optical axis.

2. A taper angle (θ1) is set within the imaging range to define a horizontal angle of view smaller than that of the lens unit, The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion is formed so as to widen along the taper angle on the outer side of the taper angle on the lens unit side of the boundary.

3. The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein the second portion is formed so as to widen on the outer side of the boundary and inward of the taper angle.

4. The camera module according to claim 3 , wherein the second portion is formed along the optical axis of the lens unit on the external side of the boundary.

5. 5. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the taper angle defines a horizontal angle of view range required for specific control (Cs) of the vehicle within the imaging target range.

6. The camera module according to claim 5 , wherein the specific control is a collision prevention control of the vehicle against an obstacle.

7. a bracket assembly (10) formed to be detachable from the windshield; The camera module of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a camera casing (20) containing the lens unit and the imager, the camera casing hanging from the bracket assembly.

8. a bracket assembly (14010, 15010) attached to the windshield; The camera module of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a camera casing (20) containing said lens unit and said imager, said camera casing removably hanging from said bracket assembly.

9. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the hood (9040) is integrally formed with the bracket assembly (14010).

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein the hood (9040, 17040) is formed to be detachable from the bracket assembly (15010).

11. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base wall portion is provided with a plurality of restricting ribs (411) that protrude toward the windshield side and restrict light reflection onto the lens unit.

Images