Lens unit, method for manufacturing a lens unit, camera module, imaging system, and mobile body

Abstract

To provide a lens unit capable of easily deriving a wiring member to the outside of the lens unit by assembling an integral heater in the lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body.SOLUTION: A lens barrel 12 includes a first lens barrel 31 which is divided in an optical axis direction and can be coupled and a second lens barrel 32 which is located closer to an image side than the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel 32 is configured so as to expose an arrangement part 14s in which lenses other than a first lens 13 are stored and the planar heater 51 of a second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side is arranged. An insertion part 55 is provided in the second lens barrel 32. A wiring member 52 is inserted into the insertion part 55 and further, derived to the outside from a gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a lens unit constituting an in-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, a method for manufacturing the lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a moving body equipped with the imaging system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in-vehicle cameras have been mounted on automobiles to support parking and prevent collisions through image recognition, and attempts have been made to apply them to autonomous driving. In addition, such a camera module of an in-vehicle camera generally includes a lens unit having a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are arranged along an optical axis, a lens barrel that houses and holds the lens group, and an aperture member disposed between at least one pair of lenses in the lens group (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The lens unit (camera module) having the above configuration can be used in various optical devices, not limited to in-vehicle cameras. In particular, when exposed to the external environment in a cold region, freezing of the lens surface or snow accumulation on the lens can be assumed, so generally, it is equipped with a snow melting function or the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, such a lens unit warms the first lens 13 that is located on the object side of the lens group L housed and held in the lens barrel 12 and exposed from the lens barrel 12 (exposed to the external environment). A planar heater 40 is inserted between the surface (opposing surface) 13d facing the image side of the flange portion 13f of the first lens 13 and the surface (opposing surface) 14d facing the object side of the flange portion 14f of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13. Note that hatching is omitted for the plurality of lenses 13 to 17 in FIG. 15.

[0004] The planar heater 40 incorporated in the lens barrel 12 in this way is widely used as the most effective heating means capable of efficiently transferring the generated heat to the surface of the first lens 13.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-231993 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Incidentally, when incorporating a planar heater 40 into the lens unit described above, a lateral hole 12A is formed in the lens barrel 12, and a power supply wiring member 41, with one end connected to the planar heater 40, is passed through the lateral hole 12A and led out to the outside. A connector 42 is then connected to the other end of the wiring member 41 that has been led out to the outside, and this connector 42 is connected to the automobile side. In recent years, due to reliability issues with electrical components, there has been a demand to manufacture a planar heater 40, wiring member 41, and connector member 42 as a single unit in a factory, and to incorporate this integrated heater into a lens unit.

[0007] However, in the integrated heater, the planar heater 40 is connected to one end of the wiring member 41 and the connector part 42 is connected to the other end, so it is not possible to wire the wiring member 41 through the lateral hole 12A of the telescope tube 12. Furthermore, in recent years, the size of the connector portion 42 has tended to increase, so if the connector portion 42 is connected to the wiring member 41 in advance, it is not possible to lead the wiring member 41 out of the lens unit through the lateral hole 12A from the lens unit side.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a lens unit, a method for manufacturing a lens unit, a camera module, an imaging system, and a mobile body, which incorporate an integrated heater into a lens unit, in which a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member are integrally formed, and which allows the wiring member to be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the lens unit according to the present invention comprises a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, The heater comprises a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, all integrally formed. The aforementioned lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel is configured to house the lenses other than the first lens and to expose the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is located. The first lens barrel houses the first lens and is coupled to the second lens barrel, and the first lens is brought into contact with the planar heater. The wiring member is characterized in that a groove-shaped insertion portion is provided along the optical axis direction on the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel and / or the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel, and the wiring member is inserted through the insertion portion and then led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

[0010] In the present invention, there is an integrated heater in which a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member are integrally formed. The lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses the lenses other than the first lens and is configured to expose the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is arranged. The first lens barrel houses the first lens and, while coupled to the second lens barrel, brings the first lens into contact with the planar heater. A groove-shaped insertion portion is provided along the optical axis direction on the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel and / or the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel, and the wiring member is inserted through the insertion portion and led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Thus, the planar heater of the integrated heater can be incorporated into the lens unit, and the wiring member can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above configuration of the present invention, the arrangement portion of the second lens may be a stepped surface located on the image side of the contact surface to which the first lens abuts.

[0012] With this configuration, the arrangement of the second lens is a stepped surface located on the image side of the contact surface to which the first lens abuts. By placing a planar heater on this stepped surface that is approximately equal to or slightly thinner than the step of the stepped surface, the pressure acting on the planar heater from the first and second lenses during the assembly of the lens unit can be alleviated.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above configuration of the present invention, the first lens barrel may have a crimping portion that allows the first lens to be crimped to the image side while coupled to the second lens barrel.

[0014] With this configuration, the first lens can be pressed and fixed to the second lens by crimping the first lens toward the image side with the crimping part while the first lens barrel is coupled to the second lens barrel.

[0015] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, An integrated heater is provided, comprising a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, all integrally formed. A lens barrel is also provided, comprising a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses lenses other than the first lens, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is positioned is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the arrangement portion, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted into the groove-shaped insertion portion provided on the outer surface of the second lens barrel along the optical axis direction. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to the second lens barrel so as to cover it, and the wiring member is led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, the first lens is housed in the first lens barrel and brought into contact with the planar heater.

[0016] In this invention, the lenses other than the first lens are housed in the second lens barrel, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens is arranged is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the arrangement portion, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted through the insertion portion provided in the second lens barrel. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to the second lens barrel by covering it, and the wiring member is led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, the first lens is housed in the first lens barrel and brought into contact with the planar heater. Thus, the planar heater of the integrated heater can be incorporated into the lens unit, and the wiring member can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit.

[0017] Furthermore, another method for manufacturing a lens unit according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, An integrated heater is provided, comprising a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, all integrally formed. A lens barrel is also provided, comprising a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses lenses other than the first lens, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is positioned is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the aforementioned arrangement section. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to the second lens barrel, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted into a groove-shaped insertion portion provided on the outer surface of the first lens barrel along the optical axis direction, and the wiring member is then led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, the first lens is housed in the first lens barrel and brought into contact with the planar heater.

[0018] In the present invention, lenses other than the first lens are housed in the second lens barrel, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens is arranged is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the arrangement portion. Next, the first lens barrel is coupled to the second lens barrel so as to cover it, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted through the insertion portion provided in the first lens barrel. Furthermore, the wiring member is led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, the first lens is housed in the first lens barrel and brought into contact with the planar heater. Thus, the planar heater of the integrated heater can be incorporated into the lens unit, and the wiring member can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit.

[0019] Moreover, yet another manufacturing method of the lens unit according to the present invention is a manufacturing method of a lens unit including a plurality of lenses arranged along an optical axis, a lens barrel that houses these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating a first lens located on the most object side, wherein a unitary heater in which the planar heater, a wiring member for power supply having one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of this wiring member are integrally formed is prepared, and a lens barrel including a first lens barrel that is divided in the optical axis direction and can be joined and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel is prepared. While housing lenses other than the first lens in the second lens barrel and exposing an arrangement portion where the planar heater of a second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is arranged, the first lens is arranged in the first lens barrel and the planar heater of the unitary heater is adhered to the first lens. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to cover the second lens barrel, and while inserting the wiring member of the unitary heater into a groove-shaped insertion portion provided along the optical axis direction on the outer peripheral surface of the second lens barrel, the planar heater is arranged in the arrangement portion, and the wiring member is led to the outside from a gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

[0020] In the present invention, while housing lenses other than the first lens in the second lens barrel and exposing an arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens is arranged, the first lens is arranged in the first lens barrel and the planar heater of the unitary heater is adhered to the first lens. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to cover the second lens barrel, and while inserting the wiring member of the unitary heater into an insertion portion provided in the second lens barrel, the planar heater is arranged in the arrangement portion, and the wiring member is led to the outside from a gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Therefore, the planar heater of the unitary heater can be incorporated into the lens unit, and the wiring member can be easily led to the outside of the lens unit.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a camera module having the lens unit, an imaging system having the camera module, and a mobile body equipped with the imaging system. The same effects and advantages as those of the lens unit described above can be obtained with such a camera module, imaging system, and mobile body. The term "mobile body" refers to all objects that can be moved, such as vehicles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, the planar heater of the integrated heater can be incorporated into the lens unit, and the wiring members can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of the integrated heater. [Figure 4] The same diagram shows the manufacturing method of the lens unit, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens barrel and integrated heater, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which a planar heater is placed in the second lens arrangement area, (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are joined together, and (d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the manufactured lens unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the camera module according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 7. [Figure 9]The same diagram shows the manufacturing method of the lens unit, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens barrel and integrated heater, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which a planar heater is placed in the second lens arrangement area, (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are joined together, and (d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the manufactured lens unit. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a method for manufacturing a lens unit according to the fourth embodiment. (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens barrel and integrated heater, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel joined together, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the manufactured lens unit. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lens unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] The same diagram shows the manufacturing method of the lens unit, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens barrel and integrated heater, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which a planar heater is placed in the position where the second lens is located, (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first lens is held in the first lens barrel, and (d) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the manufactured lens unit. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle as a mobile body on which an imaging system (in-vehicle system) equipped with a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device that makes up the imaging system. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional lens unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments contribute to "9. Build resilient infrastructure, including local and transboundary infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all," which is one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lens unit of this embodiment, described below, is particularly intended for camera modules such as in-vehicle cameras. For example, it is fixedly installed on the exterior surface of a vehicle, and the wiring is routed into the vehicle and connected to a display or other device. Also, in Figures 1, 4, 5-7, and 9-12, hatching is omitted for multiple lenses and spacers.

[0025] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lens unit 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the lens unit 11 of this embodiment is for, for example, an in-vehicle camera, and is installed on the outside of the vehicle with at least the object-side end of the lens unit 11 (the upper end in Figure 1) exposed.

[0026] The lens unit 11 comprises, for example, a cylindrical lens barrel 12 made of resin, a plurality (for example, seven) of lenses 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 arranged inside the lens barrel 12, two aperture members 21, 22, and two annular spacers 24A, 24B. An in-vehicle camera equipped with this lens unit 11 comprises the lens unit 11, a substrate having an image sensor (not shown), and mounting members (not shown) for mounting the substrate in a vehicle such as an automobile. Furthermore, lens 13 is a glass lens, and lenses 14-19 are resin lenses, but this is not limited to them (for example, lens 13 may also be a resin lens). Furthermore, the surfaces of lenses 13-19 may be coated with anti-reflective coatings, hydrophilic coatings, water-repellent coatings, etc., as needed.

[0027] Multiple lenses 13-19, fixed and supported by the lens barrel 12, are arranged so that their optical axes are aligned, and the lenses 13-19 are lined up along a single optical axis O, forming a lens group L used for imaging. Furthermore, lenses 17 and 18 are bonded together with adhesive to form a cemented lens 30, which comprises lenses 17 and 18.

[0028] Of the two aperture members 21 and 22, the first aperture member 21 from the object side (one end of the lens barrel 12) is positioned between the second lens 14 and the spacer 24A from the object side. The second aperture member 22 from the object side is positioned between the sixth lens 18 and the seventh lens 19 from the object side. The aperture members 21 and 22 are either "aperture diaphragms" that limit the amount of transmitted light and determine the F-number, which is an indicator of brightness, or "light-shielding diaphragms" that block light rays that cause ghosting or aberrations.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an O-ring 26 is interposed between the lens 13 located closest to the object and the lens barrel 12 as a sealing member to prevent water and dust from entering the lens group L inside the lens barrel 12. In this case, a stepped diameter reduction portion 13b is provided on the outer circumferential surface 13a of the lens 13, where the diameter is smaller on the image side of the lens 13. The O-ring 26 is fitted onto this diameter reduction portion 13b, and the O-ring 26 is compressed radially between the outer circumferential surface 13a of the lens 13 and the inner circumferential surface of the lens barrel 12, thereby sealing the object-side end of the lens barrel 12.

[0030] Furthermore, the sealing member interposed between the lens 13 and the lens barrel 12 is not limited to an O-ring 26, but can be any form of annular body that can seal the space between the lens 13 and the lens barrel 12.

[0031] Furthermore, with the lens group L assembled and housed within its internal housing space, the crimping portion 23 at the object-side end (upper end in Figure 1) of the lens barrel 12 is thermally crimped radially inward, thereby fixing the lens 13, which is closest to the object in the lens group L, to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by this crimping portion 23. In this case, to ensure stable crimping, the portion of the glass lens 13 to which the crimping portion 23 is pressed is formed as a flat portion 13c that is cut diagonally in a planar shape. Note that the means for fixing the first lens 13 to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction is not limited to such a crimping portion 23. For example, if the lens barrel 12 is made of metal, the first lens 13 may be fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by a cap that is screwed onto the object-side end of the lens barrel 12.

[0032] Furthermore, the image-side end (lower end in Figure 1) of the lens barrel 12 is provided with an inner flange portion 25 having an opening smaller in diameter than the lens 19 located furthest to the image side of the lens group L. The multiple lenses 13-19, aperture members 21, 22, and spacers 24A, 24B that constitute the lens group L are held and fixed in the optical axis direction within the lens barrel 12 by this inner flange portion 25 and the crimping portion 23.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lens barrel 12 comprises a first lens barrel 31 that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel 32 located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31. The first lens barrel 31 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises a small-diameter portion 31a located on the object side and a large-diameter portion 31b located on the image side of the small-diameter portion 31a. The small-diameter portion 31a and the large-diameter portion 31b are integrally connected by a flange portion 31c. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 31b is longer than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 31a. The crimping portion 23 is provided at the upper end of the small diameter portion 31a, and the female thread portion 33a is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the large diameter portion 31b, extending over the entire circumferential direction.

[0034] The second lens barrel 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape and comprises a large-diameter portion 32a located on the object side and a small-diameter portion 32b located on the image side of the large-diameter portion 32a. The large-diameter portion 32a and the small-diameter portion 32b are integrally connected by a flange portion 32c. In addition, a male threaded portion 33b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 32a. As shown in Figure 2, the male thread portion 33b is not provided over the entire outer surface of the large diameter portion 32a. A portion of the outer surface of the large diameter portion 32a has a notch 32d which is cut out in a rectangular shape toward the radially inward direction. This notch 32d causes the male thread portion 33b to be partially discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

[0035] Then, by inserting the large-diameter portion 32a of the second lens barrel 32 into the large-diameter portion 31b of the first lens barrel 31, and screwing the male threaded portion 33b of the large-diameter portion 32a into the female threaded portion 33a of the large-diameter portion 31b, the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32, which are separated in the direction of the optical axis, can be joined together.

[0036] Furthermore, the second lens barrel 12 houses lenses 14-19 other than the first lens 13, spacer 24A, and aperture members 21, 22, and is configured to expose the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side, where the planar heater is located. In other words, the second lens 14 is positioned inside the second lens barrel 12 such that its approximately upper half in the axial direction (optical axis direction) protrudes upward (towards the object) from the opening end face of the second lens barrel 12, that is, from the upper end opening of the large-diameter portion 32a. The upper surface (object-side surface) of the portion of the second lens 14 radially outside the lens surface 14a from which the upper half protrudes is the mounting portion 14s. This mounting portion 14s is formed in an annular shape.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the lens unit 11 of this embodiment includes an integrated heater 50. The integrated heater 50 is integrally formed with a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector portion 53 connected to the other end of the wiring member 52, and is manufactured integrally in a factory or the like. The planar heater 51 is formed in an annular shape and is composed of, for example, an organic PTC heater. The diameter of the planar heater 51 is slightly larger than the diameter of the second lens 14 (the diameter of the arrangement portion 14s), and its inner diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the arrangement portion 14s. As shown in Figure 1, such a planar heater 51 is placed in the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14. In this state, the outer edge of the planar heater 51 protrudes radially outward from the outer edge of the arrangement portion 14s, and the inner edge of the planar heater 51 protrudes radially outward from the inner edge of the arrangement portion 14s.

[0038] Furthermore, the first lens barrel 31 houses the first lens 13 and is connected to the second lens barrel 32 by screwing together the female thread portion 33a and the male thread portion 33b, with the first lens 13 in contact with the planar heater 51. That is, the image-side surface of the first lens 13 is formed as an annular surface 13m that is substantially the same as the planar heater 51, and this annular surface 13m is in contact with the planar heater 51.

[0039] Furthermore, the second lens barrel 32 is provided with an insertion portion 55. This insertion portion 55 is through which the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted, and is formed by the aforementioned notch 32d. The insertion portion 55 is formed in the shape of a groove, and is created by cutting a notch in the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 32a of the second lens barrel 32 so as to have a U-shaped cross-section and extend in the axial direction (optical axis direction). Furthermore, an insertion portion 56 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel 31. This insertion portion 56 has the same cross-sectional shape as the insertion portion 55 and is positioned in a straight line above the insertion portion 55. In addition, the insertion portion 56 is formed as a concave groove on the outer circumferential surface of the first lens barrel 31 along the optical axis. The wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is then inserted through the insertion parts 56 and 55 and led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32.

[0040] Next, a method for manufacturing the lens unit 11 configured as described above, that is, a method for manufacturing a lens unit 11 comprising a plurality of lenses 13 to 19 arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel 12 housing these plurality of lenses 13 to 19, and a planar heater 51 capable of heating the first lens 13 located closest to the object, will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 4(a), an integrated heater 50 is prepared, which is integrally formed with a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector portion 53 connected to the other end of the wiring member 52. In addition, a lens barrel 12 is prepared, which comprises a first lens barrel 31 that is divided and can be joined in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel 32 that is located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31.

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 4(a), the second lens barrel 32 houses the lenses 14-19 other than the first lens 13, the aperture members 21 and 22, and the spacers 24A and 24B, while exposing the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side, where the planar heater 51 is located.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 4(b), the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 is placed in the arrangement section 14s, and the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted through the insertion section 55 provided in the second lens barrel 32. In this case, the planar heater 51 is pre-connected to one end of the wiring member 52, and the connector section 53 is pre-connected to the other end of the wiring member 52. However, since the insertion section 55 is formed in the shape of a groove on the outer circumferential surface of the (large diameter section 32a) of the second lens barrel 32 and has an opening, the wiring member 52 can be easily inserted into the insertion section 55 by inserting it so that it follows the insertion section 55.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 4(c), the first lens barrel 31 is joined to the second lens barrel 32 by placing it over it, and the wiring member 52 is led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32. When joining the first lens barrel 31 to the second lens barrel 32, the female threaded portion 33a provided on the first lens barrel 31 is screwed into the male threaded portion 33b provided on the second lens barrel 32 and tightened. At this time, the upper end of the wiring member 52 is inserted into the insertion portion 56 provided on the first lens barrel 31. Since the insertion portion 56 is formed in the shape of a groove on the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel 31, by rotating the first lens barrel 32 around its axis when screwing it in, the insertion portion 56 is positioned to coincide with the wiring member 52 in the circumferential direction, and the wiring member 52 fits into the insertion portion 56 and is inserted through it. After the wiring member 52 is led out of the gap S, the gap S is sealed with an adhesive or the like.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 4(d), the first lens 13 is housed in the first lens barrel 31, and the first lens 13 is brought into contact with the planar heater 51. In this case, since the first lens barrel 31 has a crimping portion 23, by thermally crimping the crimping portion 23 radially inward, the lens 13 located closest to the object in the lens group L can be fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by this crimping portion 23, and the first lens 13 can be pressed and fixed to the second lens 14. Since the image-side surface of the first lens 13 is formed as an annular surface 13m that is substantially the same as the planar heater 51, this annular surface 13m is in contact with the planar heater 51 without any gaps.

[0046] According to the first embodiment, the integrated heater 50 has a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector portion 53 integrally formed with the other end of the wiring member 52. The lens barrel 12 comprises a first lens barrel 31 and a second lens barrel 32 located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31. The second lens barrel 32 houses lenses 14 to 19 other than the first lens 13, and exposes an arrangement portion 14s where the planar heater 51 of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side is arranged. The first lens barrel 31 houses the first lens 13 and is coupled to the second lens barrel 32 so as to cover it, with the first lens 13 in contact with the planar heater 51. The second lens barrel 32 of the lens barrel 12 has an insertion portion 55, and the wiring member 52 is inserted through the insertion portion 55 and then led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32. As a result, the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 can be incorporated into the lens unit 11, and the wiring member 52 can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit 11.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module 300 of this embodiment, which has a lens unit 11 configured as described above. As shown in the figure, the camera module 300 comprises an upper case (camera case) 301, which is an exterior component, and a mount (base) 302 that holds the lens unit 11. The camera module 300 also includes a sealing member 303 and a package sensor (image sensor) 304.

[0048] The upper case 301 engages with a flange portion 32c provided in a flange shape on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 12, and is a member that exposes the object-side end of the lens unit 11 and covers the other parts. The mount 302 is located inside the upper case 301 and has a female thread 302a that screws into the male thread 11a of the lens unit 11. The sealing member 303 is a member interposed between the inner surface of the upper case 301 and the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 12 of the lens unit 11, and is a member that maintains airtightness inside the upper case 301.

[0049] The package sensor 304 is located inside the mount 302 and is positioned to receive the image of the object formed by the lens unit 11. The package sensor 304 is equipped with a CCD or CMOS sensor and converts the light that is focused and reaches it through the lens unit 11 into an electrical signal. The converted electrical signal is then converted into analog or digital data, which are components of the image data captured by the camera.

[0050] In this embodiment, the camera module 300 is equipped with a lens unit 11, but it may be equipped with any of the lens units 11A, 11B, or 11C described later, instead of the lens unit 11.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Figure 6 shows a lens unit 11A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this lens unit 11A and the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment is that the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 is a stepped surface 14s located on the image side of the contact surface 14t to which the first lens 13 abuts. Therefore, this point will be explained below, and components identical to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, a ring-shaped contact portion is formed radially outward from the lens surface 14a of the second lens 14, protruding in the axial direction (optical axis direction) of the second lens 14. The ring-shaped surface 13m of the first lens 13 is in contact with the contact surface 14t at the tip of this contact portion. The height of this contact surface 14t (height from the object-side surface of the flange portion of the second lens 14) is approximately equal to or slightly higher than the thickness of the planar heater 51. A lens 14 placement area 14s is provided radially outward from the contact surface 14t, and this placement area 14s is a stepped surface 14s positioned on the image side of the contact surface 14t.

[0053] In this embodiment, since a contact portion having a contact surface 14t located radially outward from the lens surface 14a of the second lens 14 is provided, the width of the arrangement portion 14s is shortened by the width of the contact portion (radial dimension), and correspondingly the inner diameter of the planar heater 51 is shortened. Furthermore, the lens unit 11A of this embodiment is manufactured in the same manner as the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment.

[0054] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as in the first embodiment, the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 is a stepped surface 14s located on the image side of the contact surface 14t to which the first lens 13 abuts. Therefore, by arranging a planar heater 51 on this stepped surface 14s that is approximately equal to or slightly thinner than the step of the stepped surface 14s, it is possible to alleviate the pressure acting on the planar heater 51 from the first lens 13 and the second lens 14 during the assembly of the lens unit 11.

[0055] (Third embodiment) Figures 7 and 8 show a lens unit 11B according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lens unit 11B and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7. The difference between the lens unit 11B of the third embodiment and the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment is that the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment has two insertion parts 55 and 56 in the lens barrel 12, while the lens unit 11B of the second embodiment has one insertion part 56 in the lens barrel 12. Therefore, this point will be explained below, and components identical to those of the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0056] In other words, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, an insertion portion 56 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel 32 along the optical axis direction. This insertion portion 56 is formed in a U-shaped groove cross-section, and its width (the width in the circumferential direction of the first lens barrel 32) is slightly longer than the width of the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the large-diameter portion 31b of the first lens barrel 32 was formed over the entire circumferential direction, but in this embodiment, a part of the large-diameter portion 31b is cut out, and the large-diameter portion 31b is discontinuous in this cut-out portion, and consequently the female thread portion 33a formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 31b is also discontinuous.

[0057] Then, the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 is positioned in the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14, and the wiring member 52 is inserted through the insertion portion 56 and then led out to the outside through the gap S between the flange portion 31c located in the cutout portion of the large diameter portion 31b of the first lens barrel 31 and the large diameter portion 32a of the second lens barrel 32.

[0058] Next, a method for manufacturing the lens unit 11B configured as described above, that is, a method for manufacturing a lens unit 11B comprising a plurality of lenses 13-19 arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel 12 housing these plurality of lenses 13-19, and a planar heater 51 capable of heating the first lens 13 located closest to the object, will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0059] First, as shown in Figure 9(a), an integrated heater 50 is prepared, which is integrally formed with a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector portion 53 connected to the other end of the wiring member 52. In addition, a lens barrel 12 is prepared, which comprises a first lens barrel 31 that is divided and can be joined in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel 32 that is located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 9(a), the second lens barrel 32 houses the lenses 14-19 other than the first lens 13, the aperture members 21 and 22, and the spacers 24A and 24B, while exposing the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side, where the planar heater 51 is located.

[0061] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 is placed in the arrangement section 14s of the second lens 14, and the wiring member 52 is routed along the outer surface of the second lens 14 in the vertical direction (optical axis direction) and then pulled out to the outside.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), the first lens barrel 31 is joined to the second lens barrel 32 by placing it over it, and the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted through the insertion portion 56 provided in the first lens barrel 31, and then the wiring member 52 is led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32. When joining the first lens barrel 31 to the second lens barrel 32, the female threaded portion 33a provided in the first lens barrel 31 is screwed into the male threaded portion 33b provided in the second lens barrel 32 and tightened. Since the insertion portion 56 is formed in the shape of a groove on the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel 32, by rotating the first lens barrel 32 around its axis when screwing it in, the insertion portion 56 is positioned to coincide with the wiring member 52 in the circumferential direction, so that the wiring member 52 fits into the insertion portion 56 and is inserted through it. After the wiring member 52 is led out of the gap S, the gap S is sealed with an adhesive or the like.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 9(d), the first lens 13 is housed in the first lens barrel 31, and the first lens 13 is brought into contact with the planar heater 51. In this case, since the first lens barrel 31 has a crimping portion 23, by thermally crimping the crimping portion 23 radially inward, the lens 13 located closest to the object in the lens group L can be fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by this crimping portion 23, and the first lens 13 can be pressed and fixed to the second lens 14. Since the image-side surface of the first lens 13 is formed as an annular surface 13m that is substantially the same as the planar heater 51, this annular surface 13m is in contact with the planar heater 51 without any gaps.

[0064] According to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the integrated heater 50 has a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector portion 53 integrally formed with the other end of the wiring member 52. The lens barrel 12 comprises a first lens barrel 31 and a second lens barrel 32 located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31. The second lens barrel 32 houses lenses 14 to 19 other than the first lens 13, and has an arrangement portion 14s in which the planar heater 51 of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side is arranged. The first lens barrel 31 is configured to be exposed, housing the first lens 13 and being joined to the second lens barrel 32 so as to cover it, with the first lens 13 in contact with the planar heater 51. The first lens barrel 31 of the lens barrel 12 has an insertion portion 56, and the wiring member 52 is inserted through the insertion portion 56 and then led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32. As a result, the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 can be incorporated into the lens unit 11B, and the wiring member 52 can be easily led out to the outside of the lens unit 11B.

[0065] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is an alternative manufacturing method for producing the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment. However, the lens unit 11 produced by the manufacturing method of this embodiment differs slightly from the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment in that the planar heater 51 is bonded to the first lens 13.

[0066] First, as shown in Figure 10(a), an integrated heater 50 is prepared, which is integrally formed with a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector part 53 connected to the other end of the wiring member 52. In addition, a lens barrel 12 is prepared, which comprises a first lens barrel 31 that is divided and can be joined in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel 32 that is located on the image side of the first lens barrel 31.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figure 10(a), the lenses 14-19 other than the first lens 13, the aperture members 21 and 22, and the spacers 24A and 24B are housed in the second lens barrel 32. At the same time, the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side, where the planar heater 51 is placed, is exposed. Simultaneously, the first lens 13 is placed in the first lens barrel 31, and the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 is bonded to the annular surface 13m of the first lens 13. In addition, the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted through the insertion portion 56 provided in the first lens barrel 31.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 10(b), the first lens barrel 31 is joined to the second lens barrel 32 by placing it over it, and the wiring member 52 is inserted through the insertion portion 55 provided in the second lens barrel 32, while the planar heater 51 is placed in the placement portion 14s, and the wiring member 52 is led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32. After the wiring member 52 is led out of the gap S, the gap S is sealed with an adhesive or the like.

[0069] When connecting the first lens barrel 31 to the second lens barrel 32, the female threaded portion 33a on the first lens barrel 31 is screwed into the male threaded portion 33b on the second lens barrel 32 and tightened. At this time, since the insertion portion 55 is formed in the shape of a groove on the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel 32, by rotating the second lens barrel 32 around its axis during screwing, the insertion portion 55 is positioned to coincide with the wiring member 52 in the circumferential direction, so that the wiring member 52 fits into the insertion portion 55 and is inserted through it.

[0070] Next, as shown in Figure 10(c), the first lens barrel 31 has a crimping portion 23. By thermally crimping the crimping portion 23 radially inward, the lens 13 located closest to the object in the lens group L is fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by this crimping portion 23, and the first lens 13 can be pressed and fixed to the second lens 14. The image-side surface of the first lens 13 is formed as an annular surface 13m that is substantially the same as the planar heater 51, so this annular surface 13m is in contact with the planar heater 51 without any gaps.

[0071] According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as the first embodiment, the planar heater 51 is bonded to the first lens 13 located in the first lens barrel 31 before joining the first lens barrel 31 and the second lens barrel 32, which has the advantage of making it easier to handle the planar heater 51 when assembling the lens unit 11.

[0072] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the lens unit 11C of the fifth embodiment. The difference between the lens unit 11C of this embodiment and the lens unit 11 of the first embodiment lies in the configuration of the first and second lens barrels. Therefore, this point will be explained below, and components identical to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, in the lens unit 11C of this embodiment, the first lens barrel 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, similar to the first lens barrel 31 of the first embodiment, and a female threaded portion 33a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end side (image side). In addition, a retaining portion 27 that protrudes radially inward is integrally formed on the upper end (object side end) of the first lens barrel 61. The retaining portion 27 is formed in a ring shape, and a retaining surface 27a is formed on the lower surface of its tip, which follows the inclination of the flange surface of the first lens 13, and the flange of the first lens 13 is pressed from above (object side) by this retaining surface 27a. Furthermore, the annular inner surface 61a on the inside of the upper end of the first lens barrel 61 is located at approximately the same position as the annular surface 13m of the first lens 13 in the vertical direction (along the optical axis direction), and this annular inner surface 61a is in contact with the upper end surface of the second lens barrel 62.

[0074] The second lens barrel 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, similar to the first lens barrel 31 in the first embodiment. A male threaded portion 33b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion 32a, and the first lens barrel 61 and the second lens barrel 62 are joined by the male threaded portion 33b screwing into the female threaded portion 33a. Furthermore, the upper end surface of the large-diameter portion 32a of the second lens barrel 62 is in contact with the annular inner surface 61a of the first lens barrel 61.

[0075] Furthermore, the second lens barrel 62 is provided with an insertion portion 55 along the optical axis direction, similar to the second lens barrel 32 in the first embodiment. This insertion portion 55 is through which the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted, and is formed in the shape of a recessed groove. The wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is then inserted through the insertion section 55 and led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 61 and the second lens barrel 62.

[0076] Next, a method for manufacturing the lens unit 11C configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0077] First, as shown in Figure 12(a), an integrated heater 50 is prepared, which is integrally formed with a planar heater 51, a power supply wiring member 52 with one end connected to the planar heater 51, and a connector part 53 connected to the other end of the wiring member 52. In addition, a lens barrel 12 is prepared, which comprises a first lens barrel 61 that is divided and can be joined in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel 62 that is located on the image side of the first lens barrel 61.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 12(a), the second lens barrel 62 houses the lenses 14-19 other than the first lens 13, the aperture members 21 and 22, and the spacers 24A and 24B, while exposing the arrangement portion 14s of the second lens 14 adjacent to the first lens 13 on the image side, where the planar heater 51 is located.

[0079] Next, as shown in Figure 12(b), the planar heater 51 of the integrated heater 50 is placed in the arrangement section 14s, and the wiring member 52 of the integrated heater 50 is inserted through the insertion section 55 provided in the second lens barrel 62. In this case, the planar heater 51 is pre-connected to one end of the wiring member 52, and the connector section 53 is pre-connected to the other end of the wiring member. However, since the insertion section 55 is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel 62 and has an opening, the wiring member 52 can be easily inserted into the insertion section 55 by inserting it along the insertion section 55.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 12(c), the first lens 13 is inserted into the first lens barrel 61 from the lower end side (image side), and the first lens 13 is pressed from the upper side (object side) by the retaining part 27. Since an O-ring 26 is pre-attached to the first lens 13, the first lens 13 is held in place by this O-ring 26 in the first lens barrel 61.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 12(d), the first lens barrel 61 is joined to the second lens barrel 62 by placing it over it, and the wiring member 52 is led out to the outside through the gap S between the first lens barrel 61 and the second lens barrel 62. When joining the first lens barrel 61 to the second lens barrel 62, the female threaded portion 33a provided on the first lens barrel 61 is screwed into the male threaded portion 33b provided on the second lens barrel 62 and tightened. This allows the first lens 13 to be fixed to the object-side end of the lens barrel 12 in the optical axis direction by the retaining portion 27, and also allows the first lens 13 to be pressed and fixed to the second lens 14. Since the image-side surface of the first lens 13 is formed as an annular surface 13m that is substantially the same as the planar heater 51, this annular surface 13m is in contact with the planar heater 51 without any gaps. After the wiring member 52 is led out of the gap S, the gap S is sealed with an adhesive or the like.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and since a retaining portion 27 is formed on the first lens barrel 61, the first lens 13 can be placed in the first lens barrel 62 and fixed in place by the retaining portion 27 before joining the first lens barrel 61 and the second lens barrel 62. This has the advantage that the first lens 13 can be easily brought into contact with the planar heater 51 when assembling the lens unit 11.

[0083] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the means for connecting the first lens barrels 31, 61 and the second lens barrels 32, 62 was the screwing of a female thread portion 33a and a male thread portion 33b. However, the means for connecting are not limited to this. For example, the first and second lens barrels may be connected by bringing them close together in a straight line along the optical axis direction and fitting them together with a fitting claw or the like, without rotating them relative to each other. In this case, an elastically deformable fitting claw may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower end (image-side end) of the first lens barrel, and a fitting recess into which the fitting claw fits may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper end (object-side end) of the second lens barrel.

[0084] Figure 13 schematically shows a vehicle 240 as a mobile body on which an in-vehicle system (imaging system) comprising an imaging device 250 including the camera module 300 shown in Figure 5 is mounted. As shown in the figure, the imaging device 250 can be mounted on the vehicle 240, and Figure 5 is an example of an arrangement illustrating the mounting position of the imaging device 250 on the vehicle 240. The imaging device 250 mounted on the vehicle 240 can also be called an in-vehicle camera and can be installed in various locations on the vehicle 240. For example, the first imaging device 250a may be placed on or near the front bumper as a camera to monitor the area in front of the vehicle 240 while it is in motion. The second imaging device 250b, which also monitors the area in front, may be placed near the rearview mirror inside the vehicle 240. The third imaging device 250c may be placed on the dashboard or inside the instrument panel, etc., as a camera to monitor the driver's driving conditions. The fourth imaging device 250d may be installed at the rear of the vehicle 240 for use as a rear monitor. Imaging devices 250a and 250b can be called front cameras. The third imaging device 250c can be called an in-camera. The fourth imaging device 250d can be called a rear camera. The imaging device 250 is not limited to these, and includes imaging devices installed in various positions, such as a left side camera that images the left rear side and a right side camera that images the right rear side.

[0085] The image signal of the image captured by the imaging device 250 can be output to an information processing device 242 and / or a display device 243, etc., within the vehicle 240. These information processing devices 242 and 243 together with the imaging device 250 constitute an in-vehicle system. The information processing device 242 within the vehicle 240 includes a device that processes the image signal acquired by the imaging device 250, recognizes the image, and assists the driver in driving. The information processing device 242 also includes, but is not limited to, a navigation device, a collision damage mitigation braking device, a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control device, and a lane departure warning device. The display device 243 displays the image processed and output by the information processing device 242, but can also receive the image signal directly from the imaging device 250. The display device 243 may employ, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence (OLED) display, or an inorganic EL display. The display device 243 can display image signals output from the imaging device 250, which captures images from positions that are difficult for the driver to see, such as a rear camera, to the driver (it can output information to the occupants).

[0086] Figure 14 shows the configuration of the imaging device that constitutes the in-vehicle system shown in Figure 13. As shown in the figure, the imaging device 250 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 252, a storage unit 254, and the camera module 300 shown in Figure 5 above.

[0087] The control unit 252 controls the camera module 300 and processes the electrical signals output from the image sensor 304 of the camera module 300. This control unit 252 may be configured as a processor, for example. Furthermore, the control unit 252 may include one or more processors. The processors may include general-purpose processors that load specific programs and execute specific functions, and dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Dedicated processors may include application-specific integrated circuits (ICs). Application-specific ICs are also known as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). It is also called a Specific Integrated Circuit. A processor may include a programmable logic device. A programmable logic device is also called a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). A PLD is a Field-Programmable Logic Device (FPGA). It may include a Gate Array. The control unit 252 may be either a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) or a System-in-a-Package (SiP) in which one or more processors work together.

[0088] The storage unit 254 stores various information or parameters related to the operation of the imaging device 250. The storage unit 254 may be composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 254 may function as a work memory for the control unit 252. The storage unit 254 may store captured images. The storage unit 254 may store various parameters, etc., for the control unit 252 to perform detection processing based on the captured images. The storage unit 254 may be included in the control unit 252.

[0089] As mentioned above, the camera module 300 captures the subject image formed via the lens unit 11 with the image sensor 304 and outputs the captured image. The image captured by the camera module 300 is also called the captured image. Alternatively, the aforementioned lens units 11A to 11C may be used instead of lens unit 11.

[0090] The image sensor 304 is, for example, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide). The image sensor may consist of a semiconductor image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), etc. The image sensor 304 has an imaging surface in which multiple pixels are arranged. Each pixel outputs a signal that is specified by current or voltage according to the amount of incident light. The signal output by each pixel is also called imaging data.

[0091] The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for all pixels and taken into the control unit 252 as an image. The image data read out for all pixels is also called the maximum image. The image data may be read out by the camera module 300 for some pixels and taken into the image. In other words, the image data may be read out from pixels within a predetermined acquisition range. The image data read out from pixels within a predetermined acquisition range may be taken into the image. The predetermined acquisition range may be set by the control unit 252. The camera module 300 may obtain the predetermined acquisition range from the control unit 252. The image sensor 304 may capture an image within a predetermined acquisition range from the subject image formed via the lens unit 11.

[0092] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, in the present invention, the shapes of lenses, lens barrels, etc., are not limited to the shapes of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, some or all of the embodiments described above may be combined, or some of the components of one of the embodiments described above may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 11, 11A~11C Lens Unit 12 Telescope Tubes 13. First lens 14. Second lens 14s placement part (step surface) 23 Crimping section 31,61 First Telescope Tube 32,62 Second Telescope Tube 33a Female thread section 33b Male threaded section 50 Integrated Heater 51 Planar heater 52 Wiring components 53 Connector section 300 Camera Modules 240 vehicles (mobile) L lens group O optical axis S Gap

Claims

1. In a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, The heater comprises a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member for detachable electrical connection, all integrally formed. The aforementioned lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel that is divided in the optical axis direction and can be screwed together, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel is configured to house the lenses other than the first lens and to expose the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is located. The first lens barrel houses the first lens and is screwed into the second lens barrel on the object side, and the first lens is brought into contact with the planar heater. A lens unit characterized in that a groove-shaped insertion portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel and / or the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel along the optical axis direction, and the wiring member is inserted into the insertion portion on the object side where the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel are screwed together, and is led out from within the lens housing space of the second lens barrel in a direction intersecting the optical axis direction, through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel, together with the connector portion which is integral with the wiring member, so as to move away from the first and second lens barrels.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement portion of the second lens is a stepped surface positioned on the image side of the contact surface to which the first lens abuts.

3. The lens unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first lens barrel has a crimping portion that allows the first lens to be crimped to the image side while screwed into the second lens barrel.

4. A method for manufacturing a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, An integrated heater is provided, comprising a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, and a lens barrel comprising a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses lenses other than the first lens, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is positioned is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the arrangement section, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted into the groove-shaped insertion section provided on the outer surface of the second lens barrel along the optical axis direction. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to the second lens barrel by covering it, and the wiring member is led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, a method for manufacturing a lens unit, characterized by housing the first lens in the first lens barrel and bringing it into contact with the planar heater.

5. A method for manufacturing a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, An integrated heater is provided, comprising a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, and a lens barrel comprising a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses lenses other than the first lens, and the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is positioned is exposed. Next, the planar heater of the integrated heater is placed in the aforementioned arrangement section. Next, the first lens barrel is joined to the second lens barrel by placing it over it, and the wiring member of the integrated heater is inserted into a groove-shaped insertion portion provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first lens barrel along the optical axis direction, and the wiring member is then led out to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel. Next, a method for manufacturing a lens unit, characterized by housing the first lens in the first lens barrel and bringing it into contact with the planar heater.

6. A method for manufacturing a lens unit comprising a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis, a lens barrel housing these plurality of lenses, and a planar heater capable of heating the first lens located closest to the object, An integrated heater is provided, comprising a planar heater, a power supply wiring member with one end connected to the planar heater, and a connector portion connected to the other end of the wiring member, and a lens barrel comprising a first lens barrel that is divided and connectable in the optical axis direction, and a second lens barrel located on the image side of the first lens barrel. The second lens barrel houses lenses other than the first lens, and exposes the arrangement portion where the planar heater of the second lens adjacent to the first lens on the image side is positioned, while the first lens is positioned in the first lens barrel and the planar heater of the integrated heater is bonded to the first lens. Next, a method for manufacturing a lens unit, comprising: coupling the first lens barrel over the second lens barrel; inserting the wiring member of the integrated heater into a groove-shaped insertion portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second lens barrel along the optical axis direction; arranging the planar heater in the arrangement portion; and leading the wiring member to the outside through the gap between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

7. A camera module comprising a lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and an image sensor that converts light collected through the lens group of the lens unit into an electrical signal.

8. An imaging device having a camera module as described in claim 7, and a control unit that controls the camera module and processes electrical signals output from the image sensor of the camera module, A processing device for processing image signals acquired by the imaging device, A display device that displays an image processed and output by the aforementioned processing device, An imaging system characterized by having the following features.

9. A mobile body equipped with the imaging system described in claim 8, and characterized in that it outputs information to the occupants using the display device.

Images