Imager module for camera or sensor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an imager module (1) for a camera or sensor, comprising a housing (2), preferably formed from several parts, a sensor support (3) fixedly connected to the housing (2) and on which an image sensor (4) is arranged, an objective lens (5) and a holding element (6) for holding the objective lens (5) and aligning it with respect to the image sensor (4), wherein the holding element (6) has a plate-shaped part (6.1) arranged offset with respect to the objective lens (5) and a neck-shaped part (6.2) arranged at an angle thereto, the neck-shaped part (6.2) surrounding the objective lens (5) only over a partial peripheral area and being preferably spot-welded to the objective lens (5).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imager module for a camera or sensor. Preferred fields of use for cameras or sensors are video-based driver assistance systems, camera applications in industrial and / or safety technology, and consumer goods, such as smartphones and tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] An imager module for a camera or sensor usually includes an image sensor arranged on a sensor support and an objective lens with at least one optical lens. Since the axial distance between the objective lens and the image sensor must be bridged and the objective lens must be aligned with respect to the image sensor, a holding mechanism may be provided between the objective lens and the image sensor, which is glued to the objective lens on the one hand and the sensor support on the other hand to fix the focus position.

[0003] Such a configuration is evident, for example, from DE 10 2019 200061 A1, which discloses an image capture device with an objective lens element group, the objective lens element group having a lens barrel in which at least one lens is accommodated, the lens barrel being accommodated in a holding mechanism of the image capture device, the holding mechanism having a first holding adhesive region for bonding to the sensor support and a second holding adhesive region for bonding to the lens barrel.

[0004] However, adhesive compounds have the disadvantage of tending to swell under the influence of temperature and / or humidity, and therefore the adjusted focus position is unstable. Furthermore, adhesives change their properties over time, which can also result in defocusing due to changes in the axial spacing between the objective lens and the image sensor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an imager module for a camera or sensor that has a focus position that is as stable as possible even under the influence of temperature and / or humidity, and that should also be as simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve this problem, an imager module is proposed having the features of claim 1. Advantageous variants of the invention can be read from the dependent claims. The proposed imager module for a camera or sensor includes a housing preferably formed from multiple parts, a sensor carrier fixedly connected to the housing and on which an image sensor is arranged, an objective lens, and a holding element that holds the objective lens and aligns it with respect to the image sensor. The holding element has a plate-like portion arranged offset relative to the objective lens and a neck-like portion arranged at an angle relative to the plate-like portion, the neck-like portion surrounding the objective lens only over a partial peripheral area and preferably spot-welded to the objective lens.

[0007] Thus, in the proposed imager module, the normally prescribed adhesive bond between the objective lens and the objective lens holder, i.e., the holding element, is replaced by a welded bond. Unlike an adhesive bond, a stable focus position can be achieved by a welded bond even under the influence of temperature and / or humidity. A robust bond between the objective lens and the holding element is thus achieved by the welded bond.

[0008] The welded connection also has advantages during assembly of the imager module, since the objective lens can be aligned with the image sensor before welding and then fixed by applying the weld seam, which is preferably applied only at points, so that the heat input during welding is minimal.

[0009] The welded joint is preferably produced by a laser, and is therefore a laser welded joint. The laser allows several weld points to be created in a targeted manner. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plate-shaped portion of the holding element is welded to the housing and / or the sensor carrier, preferably at points. This double fixes the focal position of the objective lens and makes it particularly stable. This is particularly advantageous because, since adhesive bonds are completely eliminated, temperature and / or humidity changes do not affect the focal position of the objective lens. The welded joint can also be produced by a laser. Preferably, to minimize heat input, the weld seams, i.e., the weld points, are only produced at points.

[0010] It is preferred that the holding element is made of metal, as this ensures that the holding element can be welded. It is even more preferred that the holding element is made of sheet metal, as this allows for a particularly inexpensive production of the holding element as a stamped / bent part.

[0011] It is further proposed that the objective lens has a metal contour for welding to the holding element, at least in the region of the neck of the holding element. That is, the objective lens is made of metal at least in a partial peripheral region. This is a partial peripheral region surrounded by the neck of the holding element. Depending on the shape of the holding element, particularly the neck, this partial peripheral region can extend over more or less than 180°. If only one neck is provided, it preferably extends over at least 180° of the partial peripheral region of the objective lens, thus providing at least three welding points to ensure a robust connection between the objective lens and the holding element. Instead of one continuous neck, multiple short necks can be provided, in which case these necks are welded to the objective lens. For example, three short necks can be provided, two of which face each other across the objective lens.

[0012] It is further proposed that the housing is at least partially made of metal, which allows a welded connection between the holding element and the housing. Furthermore, metal housings are particularly robust, so that the components accommodated therein are particularly well protected from external influences.

[0013] The sensor carrier on which the image sensor is arranged can in particular be a printed circuit board, with the image sensor being electrically contactable via conductor tracks arranged on the printed circuit board. In a variant of the invention, it is proposed that the sensor carrier is positively coupled to the housing. This positive coupling can fix the position of the sensor carrier relative to the housing, and thus of the image sensor arranged thereon. The positive coupling can be produced, for example, by at least one geometrical feature on the housing, which fits into a hole in the sensor carrier. Preferably, at least two, for example, three or four, such geometrical features are provided, and these geometrical features are even more preferably spatially distributed. In this case, the geometrical features can simultaneously be used to connect the housing and the holding element. For example, the geometrical features can form a seat for installing the holding element. In this case, the holding element and the housing can be welded in the area of ​​the geometrical features.

[0014] Advantageously, the housing includes at least a first housing part for connecting to the sensor support and a second housing part configured as a lid. This multi-part housing design facilitates assembly of the imager module, since the sensor support can be first inserted into the housing together with the image sensor and then connected to the housing. The holding element and objective lens are then assembled, and the objective lens is aligned with the image sensor. After the focus position is fixed, the second housing part configured as a lid can be assembled, thus closing the housing and optimally protecting the components housed therein.

[0015] The first and second housing parts are preferably connected in a materially and / or form-fitting manner. For example, the contact area may indicate a cleavage where the two housing parts interlock with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the two housing parts may be glued to each other. Both measures (alone and in combination) prevent debris from reaching the housing. A materially bonded connection by adhesive simultaneously results in a sealing of the housing in the connection area.

[0016] The second housing part formed as a lid preferably has a hole through which the objective lens passes. This ensures that the optics housed in the objective lens are not covered by the second housing part. To seal the housing, a gasket is advantageously fitted into the annular gap between the housing part and the objective lens. The gasket can be housed in a ring-shaped groove that encircles the objective lens, and is thus assembled together with the objective lens. The accommodation of the gasket in the ring-shaped groove prevents the gasket from shifting when the second housing part formed as a lid is assembled. It is further preferred that the hole in the second housing part is surrounded by a neck, which contacts the gasket when the second housing part is assembled. This further optimizes the sealing of the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the objective lens has at least one optical lens that forms the optical system. A plurality of optical lenses can be grouped together, for example, in the form of a lens packet. The lens packet can be pre-assembled and fitted to the objective lens as a unit, thus further simplifying assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that an electrical consumer, such as a heating mechanism, is integrated into the objective lens, and that electrical contact is realized in the peripheral area of ​​the objective lens that is freed up due to the offset arrangement of the holding elements. Therefore, the proposed offset arrangement of the holding elements simultaneously has several advantages. The first advantage is that material and costs can be saved. In addition, the holding elements leave free space to facilitate the necessary electrical contact. The electrical contact can be generated by conductor tracks, cables, and / or pins. Due to the offset arrangement of the holding elements, there is sufficient space to accommodate these elements.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an imager module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the imager module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a further longitudinal cross-sectional view of the imager module of FIG. 1, but rotated 90°; [Figure 4a] 2 is a top view of the objective lens and holding device of the imager module of FIG. 1 before assembly. [Figure 4b] 2 is a top view of the assembled objective lens and holding device of the imager module of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the housing of the imager module of FIG. 1 with the sensor support and image sensor fitted. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 5 after fitting of the holding element and the objective lens. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the housing of FIG. 6 but rotated 45° and with indication of weld points. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the housing of FIG. 7, but rotated an additional 180°. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of an imager module (without lid parts) according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the imager module of FIG. 9, but with a lid component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of an imager module 1 according to the present invention. The imager module 1 comprises a housing 2 having a first housing part 2.1 and a second housing part 2.2. A sensor support 3 is fitted into the first housing part 2.1 together with an image sensor 4 arranged thereon. An objective lens 5, which comprises at least one lens 10, preferably in the form of a lens packet, is arranged above the image sensor 4 and aligned with the image sensor 4. The objective lens 5 is held and fixed by a holding element 6. A second housing part 2.2 is arranged above the holding element 6, and the objective lens 5 passes through a hole 7 in the housing part 2.2.

[0022] As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3, a seal 9 is fitted into the annular gap 8 between the objective lens 5 and the housing part 2.2, thus sealing the housing 2 towards the outside.

[0023] 2 and 3 also show that the holding element 6 is arranged offset relative to the objective lens 5, so that it only partially surrounds the objective lens 5, i.e., only over a partial peripheral area. In addition, the holding element 6 has a plate-shaped portion 6.1 and a neck-shaped portion 6.2 that is arranged at an angle, here at a right angle, to the plate-shaped portion 6.1. This allows the connection between the holding element 6 and the objective lens 5 to be produced in a simple manner by means of the neck-shaped portion 6.2.

[0024] 4a and 4b show that the neck 6.2 extends over a partial peripheral area, which here corresponds to an angle α of 180°, although the angle α can be chosen freely. Instead of one individual neck 6.2, several shorter necks 6.2 may also be provided, in accordance with a further embodiment of the imager module 1 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0025] 3 shows in particular that the holding elements 6 rest on housing-side geometrical features 13 in the form of seats. These geometrical features 13 fit into holes 14 in the sensor support 3 and protrude beyond it. In this way, a positive connection between the sensor support 3 and the housing 2 is achieved. A total of four geometrical features 13 can be provided, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, onto which the sensor support 3 is inserted from above during assembly. The holding elements 6 can then be placed on the geometrical features 13. The objective lens 5 can then be placed above the image sensor 4, aligned with it, and welded to the holding elements 6 for long-term fixation, resulting in the configuration shown by way of example in FIG. 6.

[0026] The connection between the holding element 6 and the objective lens 5 and the housing 2 is preferably made via several welds 12, which can be made according to Figures 7 and 8. Three welds 12 each are sufficient to create a robust connection, with two of these welds 12 being arranged opposite each other.

[0027] The free space resulting from the offset arrangement of the holding element 6 can be used to realize electrical contacts 11 of an electrical consumer (not shown) integrated in the objective lens 5, as shown by way of example in Figures 9 and 10. Although the plate-shaped part 6.1 of the holding element 6 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is made significantly larger than in the case of the holding element 6 of Figures 1 to 8, sufficient free space remains to accommodate the contact means.

Claims

1. 1. An imager module (1) for a camera or sensor, comprising: a housing (2), a sensor support (3) fixedly connected to the housing (2) and on which an image sensor (4) is arranged, an objective lens (5), and a holding element (6) for holding the objective lens (5) and aligning it with respect to the image sensor (4), wherein the holding element (6) has a plate-like portion (6.1) and a neck-like portion (6.2) arranged at an angle thereto, the plate-like portion (6.1) and the neck-like portion (6.2) surrounding the objective lens (5) only over a partial peripheral area, and the neck-like portion (6.2) being spot-welded to the objective lens (5); the housing (2) has a geometrical shape (13) that fits into a hole (14) formed in the sensor support (3) to connect the sensor support (3) and the housing (2), and the plate-like portion (6.1) of the holding element (6) is configured to contact the geometrical shape (13); An imager module (1) in which an electrical consumer is integrated within the objective lens (5), the holding element (6) covers a portion of the sensor support (3), and in the portion of the sensor support (3) not covered by the holding element (6), an element for realizing electrical contact of the electrical consumer is provided in the outer peripheral region of the objective lens (5).

2. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate-shaped portion (6.1) of the holding element (6) is spot-welded to the housing (2) and / or the sensor support (3).

3. 2. Imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element (6) is made of metal.

4. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the objective lens (5) has, at least in the region of the neck (6.2), a metal contour for welding to the holding element (6).

5. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) is at least partly made of metal.

6. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor carrier (3) is a printed circuit board and / or is connected to the housing (2) in a form-fitting manner.

7. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises at least a first housing part (2.1) for connection with the sensor support (3) and a second housing part (2.2) formed as a lid, the first and second housing parts (2.1, 2.2) being connected in a material-bonding and / or form-locking manner.

8. 8. The imager module (1) of claim 7, characterized in that the second housing part (2.2) formed as a lid has a hole (7) through which the objective lens (5) passes, and a gasket (9) is fitted into a ring-shaped gap (8) between the second housing part (2.2) and the objective lens (5).

9. 2. The imager module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the objective lens (5) comprises at least one optical lens (10) in the form of a lens packet.

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