In-car camera

Abstract

To prevent an assembling process from being complicated, while suppressing a size increase of an on-vehicle camera by executing welding at a first welding part and a second welding part from the same direction, even when diameters of a lens and a lens barrel are increased to improve imaging performance.SOLUTION: The on-vehicle camera includes: a lens barrel including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a lens; an imaging element; a circuit board; a housing; and a ring member facing at least a part of a third end part of the housing and storing the imaging element and the circuit board together with the housing. A first portion of the ring member and at least a part of the third end part of the housing are welded at a first welding part and a second portion of the ring member and at least a part of a second end part of the lens barrel are welded at a second welding part. The first welding part is located outside of a part of the outside surface of the lens barrel and the second welding part is located inside of a part of the outside surface of the lens barrel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle camera.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the demands for improving vehicle safety and introducing autonomous driving functions, the development of in-vehicle cameras mounted on vehicles to photograph the inside and outside of the vehicle has become active (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] While the required levels regarding vehicle safety, autonomous driving functions, etc. are on the rise, further performance improvements, etc. are also demanded for in-vehicle cameras.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing a new in-vehicle camera.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure is A first lens positioned on the optical axis and located furthest out, and a second lens positioned on the optical axis and located inward from the first lens in the optical axis direction along the optical axis, provided with an inner surface and an outer surface, The aforementioned a first cylindrical shape along the optical axis, a first end portion, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, The First a lens, The aforementioned second lens,A lens barrel equipped with an image sensor located on the optical axis and positioned closer to the second end of the lens barrel than to the first cylindrical first end of the lens barrel; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the image sensor positioned on the first surface; a housing that encloses at least the image sensor and the circuit board, is second cylindrical along the optical axis, has a third end and a fourth end that is further from the third end with respect to the first end of the lens barrel and positioned opposite to the third end; and at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel and the housing The device comprises: a ring member facing at least a portion of the third end of the body and housing at least the image sensor and the circuit board together with the housing; a first welded portion formed by welding the ring member, a first portion arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, to each other around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis; a second welded portion formed by welding the ring member, a second portion arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel, to each other around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis; The first lens has a first lens surface, a second lens surface facing at least a portion of the second lens, and an outer lens surface connecting the first lens surface and the second lens surface around the optical axis. The second end of the lens barrel has a first light absorption rate, the third end of the housing has a second light absorption rate, the ring member has a third light absorption rate, the third light absorption rate is smaller than the first light absorption rate and smaller than the second light absorption rate, the first portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the third end of the housing than the fourth end of the housing, the second portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the second end of the lens barrel than the fourth end of the housing, and the first welded portion is positioned with respect to the optical axis. First lens The aforementioned lens Located outside a portion of the outer surface, the second welding portion is positioned with respect to the optical axis. First lens The aforementioned lens The present invention provides an in-vehicle camera located inward from the aforementioned portion of the outer surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, even if the diameter of the lens and lens barrel is increased to improve imaging performance, welding at the first and second welding sections can be performed from the same direction, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the in-vehicle camera while preventing the assembly process from becoming more complex. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An example of a vehicle, a top view of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the connection of an in-vehicle camera, camera ECU, and display installed in the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Another example of a vehicle: a schematic diagram of the interior of a vehicle equipped with an onboard camera. [Figure 4] Top view of the vehicle in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing an example of the connection of an in-vehicle camera, camera ECU, and display unit installed in the vehicle shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] An upward perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Downward perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Top view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view along line II in Figure 9 [Figure 11] Enlarged view of area A in Figure 10 [Figure 12] Enlarged view of area B in Figure 10 [Figure 13] Perspective view of the telescope tube as seen from the second end. [Figure 14A] Perspective view of the ring member as seen from the third side. [Figure 14B] Perspective view of the ring member as seen from the fourth side. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing the state of assembling the first assembly by welding the lens barrel and ring members together using laser welding. [Figure 16] Perspective view of the first assembly and the first shield. [Figure 17A] Upper perspective view of the second assembly assembled with the first assembly and the first shield [Figure 17B] Lower perspective view of the second assembly assembled with the first assembly and the first shield [Figure 18] Perspective view of the second assembly and the circuit board with an image sensor [Figure 19] Perspective view of the third assembly assembled with the second assembly and the circuit board [Figure 20] Perspective view of the housing containing the second shield [Figure 21] Perspective view of the third assembly and the housing [Figure 22] Perspective view showing the state of welding the third assembly and the housing by laser welding to assemble an in-vehicle camera

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments specifically disclosing an in-vehicle camera according to the present disclosure will be described in detail while appropriately referring to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters and duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims by these.

[0010] (Vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle camera) Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle, a top view of a vehicle equipped with onboard cameras. Vehicle V is equipped with onboard cameras 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D. Onboard camera 100A is a front camera, onboard camera 100B is a rear camera, onboard camera 100C is a right side camera, and onboard camera 100D is a left side camera. Onboard cameras 100A to 100D are wide-angle cameras with a field of view of approximately 180°, for example, and are positioned to capture images of the entire circumference of vehicle V.

[0011] For example, the in-vehicle camera 100A is mounted on the front grille of vehicle V and captures images of the area in front of the vehicle in a direction that looks diagonally downwards relative to the ground. The in-vehicle camera 100B is mounted on the roof spoiler of vehicle V and captures images of the area behind the vehicle in a direction that looks diagonally downwards relative to the ground. The in-vehicle cameras 100C and 100D are each mounted on the side mirrors of vehicle V and capture images of the area to the side of the vehicle in a direction that looks diagonally downwards relative to the ground.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the connection between the in-vehicle cameras 100A-100D, the camera ECU 110, and the display 7 installed in the vehicle V shown in Figure 1. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110 shown in Figure 2 synthesizes the images captured by the in-vehicle cameras 100A-100D and displays the synthesized image on the display 7 of the navigation system located on the instrument panel, for example. The occupants can view the display 7 to check the situation around the vehicle V.

[0013] Figure 3 is another example of a vehicle, a schematic diagram of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera, and Figure 4 is a top view of the vehicle in Figure 3. Vehicle V is the front part of the passenger compartment 2 between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat 4, and is equipped with a display unit 5 (e.g., an electronic rearview mirror) at the mounting position of the rearview mirror. Furthermore, vehicle V is equipped with an on-board camera 100 at the rear of the vehicle body. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the connection of the on-board camera 100, camera ECU 111 and display unit 5 installed in vehicle V shown in Figure 3. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 111 shown in Figure 4 processes the image captured by the on-board camera 100, and the display unit 5 displays the image. The occupant can check the situation behind vehicle V by looking at the display unit 5.

[0014] (In-car camera) Figure 6 is an overhead perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a downward perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a top view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line II in Figure 9. Note that a coordinate system including the X-axis along one side of the in-vehicle camera 100, the Y-axis perpendicular to this X-axis and along the other side of the in-vehicle camera 100, and the Z-axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes and along the height direction of the in-vehicle camera 100 will be defined and used in the following explanation.

[0015] The in-vehicle camera 100 of this embodiment includes a lens barrel 30, an image sensor 50, a circuit board 40, and a housing 60.

[0016] The lens barrel 30 is a first cylindrical shape aligned with the optical axis L extending in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 9 (Z direction), and has an inner surface 30a facing the internal space and an outer surface 30b exposed to the outside. The lens barrel 30 has a first end 31 located at the tip of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and a second end 32 opposite the first end 31. The lens barrel 30 is made of, for example, resin.

[0017] The lens barrel 30 has at least one lens 33 positioned on the optical axis L. As shown in Figure 10, the lens barrel 30 may house, for example, a lens group consisting of multiple lenses 33 inside. In the lens group, the ends of each lens are in contact with the inner surface 30a and held in the internal space of the lens barrel 30. The multiple lenses 33 are arranged so that their respective optical axes L are aligned, and constitute a lens group used for imaging the inside and outside of the vehicle body V.

[0018] The image sensor 50 is located on the optical axis L and is positioned closer to the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 than to the first cylindrical end 31 of the lens barrel 30. Light guided into the lens barrel 30 from the outside passes through the lens 33 and reaches the image sensor 50. The image sensor 50 detects the incoming light and captures an image.

[0019] The circuit board 40 comprises a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a, with the image sensor 50 arranged on the first surface 40a. However, two or more circuit boards may be provided.

[0020] The housing 60 encloses at least the image sensor 50 and the circuit board 40, is a second cylindrical shape aligned with the optical axis L, and includes a third end 61 closer to the lens barrel 30, and a fourth end 62 located further from the third end 61 with respect to the first end 31 of the lens barrel 30 and positioned opposite to the third end 61. The housing 60 is made of, for example, resin.

[0021] The housing 60 is, for example, rectangular in its plan view (a plan view taken from a direction along the optical axis L, the same applies hereafter). However, this plan view shape may be a polygon other than a pentagon, or it may be a triangle. The corners of the housing 60 may be curved.

[0022] The ring member 20 faces at least a portion of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 and at least a portion of the third end 61 of the housing 60, and houses at least the image sensor 50 and the circuit board 40 together with the housing 60. The ring member 20 is made of, for example, resin.

[0023] The ring member 20 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis L. The first portion 21 is positioned further outward than the second portion 22 with respect to the optical axis L.

[0024] The in-vehicle camera 100 has a first welded portion W1 in which the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 and at least a part of the third end 61 of the housing 60 are welded together around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis L (see Figure 10). The in-vehicle camera 100 also has a second welded portion W2 in which the second portion 22 of the ring member 20 and at least a part of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 are welded together around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis L (see Figure 10). Note that Figure 10 is a diagram in which the resin member 80 is omitted.

[0025] In other words, the ring member 20 is welded to the housing 60 at the first welding portion W1 and to the lens barrel 30 at the second welding portion W2. As a result, the lens barrel 30, the ring member 20, and the housing 60 are integrated into a single unit.

[0026] In its integrated state, the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 is positioned closer to the third end 61 of the housing 60 than to the fourth end 62 of the housing 60. The second portion 22 of the ring member 20 is positioned closer to the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 than to the fourth end 62 of the housing 60.

[0027] Furthermore, the first welded portion W1 is located outside a portion of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30, specifically a portion 30b1 that protrudes outward near the first end 31, with respect to the optical axis L. The second welded portion W2 is located inside a portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30, with respect to the optical axis L.

[0028] Next, the light absorption rates of the lens barrel 30, housing 60, and ring member 20 will be described. At least the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 has a first light absorption rate. The first light absorption rate is, for example, 95% or more for light in the wavelength range of 350 nm to 1200 nm. The entire lens barrel 30 may have a first light absorption rate.

[0029] At least the third end portion 61 of the housing 60 has a second light absorption rate. The second light absorption rate is, for example, 95% or more for light in the wavelength range of 350 nm to 1200 nm. The entire housing 60 may have a second light absorption rate.

[0030] On the other hand, the ring member 20 has a third light absorption rate. The third light absorption rate is, for example, less than 85% of light with a wavelength of 1070 nm, which is the wavelength of laser light used in laser welding, for a thickness of 1 mm, or in other words, a light transmittance of 15% or more. Furthermore, the light transmittance of the ring member 20 is, for example, 0% to 5% of light with respect to the visible light wavelength range of 350 nm to 700 nm.

[0031] In this embodiment, the third light absorption rate of the ring member 20 is smaller than the first light absorption rate (third light absorption rate < first light absorption rate) and also smaller than the second light absorption rate (third light absorption rate < second light absorption rate).

[0032] Conventional in-vehicle cameras are also assembled with the lens barrel, ring member, and housing integrated into a single unit. The welding of each component is performed using laser welding, for example, by irradiating the welding area with a laser. The welding includes welding at two locations: the lens barrel and the ring member, and the ring member and the housing. Both welding processes are performed by irradiating the respective welding areas with a laser. Since changing the direction of laser irradiation by the laser irradiation device is complicated, it is common for each laser to be irradiated from the same direction (for example, from top to bottom in Figure 10).

[0033] Modern automotive cameras require high imaging accuracy, and in response to this requirement, the diameter of the lens and the lens barrel that houses it is increasing. If the two welding points mentioned above are located outside the outer surface of the lens barrel with respect to the optical axis L, not only will the diameter of the lens barrel increase, but the overall size of the automotive camera will also increase. Therefore, it is conceivable to position at least one of the two welding points (for example, the welding point between the lens barrel and the ring member) inside the outer surface of the lens barrel with respect to the optical axis L.

[0034] However, when welding two locations using laser irradiation from the same direction, welding at a position shifted inward from the outer surface of the lens barrel may become impossible because the increased outer surface of the lens barrel obstructs the laser's path. While it is possible to refract the laser using optical components such as lenses and mirrors to guide it to the welding location, this may reduce the accuracy of the irradiation position.

[0035] On the other hand, in the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment, the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 and at least a part of the third end 61 of the housing 60 are welded at the first welding portion W1, and the second portion 22 of the ring member 20 and at least a part of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 are welded at the second welding portion W2. The first welding portion W1 is located outside a part 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30 with respect to the optical axis L, and the second welding portion W2 is located inside a part 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30 with respect to the optical axis L. In other words, the position of the first welding portion W1 that welds the ring member 20 and the housing 60, and the position of the second welding portion W2 that welds the ring member 20 and the lens barrel 30, can be shifted inside and outside the lens barrel 30 in the radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0036] As a result, even if the diameter of the lens 33 and lens barrel 30 is increased to improve imaging performance, the second welding section W2 is located inside a part 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30 with respect to the optical axis L, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the in-vehicle camera 100. Furthermore, in the assembly process, after laser welding of the lens barrel 30 and the ring member 20 at the second welding section W2 from one direction, the assembly of the lens barrel 30 and the ring member 20 can be inverted, and the ring member 20 and the housing 60 can be welded at the first welding section W1 by laser welding from the same direction. Consequently, welding at the first welding section W1 and the second welding section W2 can be performed from the same direction, preventing an increase in the size of the in-vehicle camera 100 while preventing the assembly process from becoming more complex.

[0037] Furthermore, the third light absorption rate of the ring member 20 is smaller than the first light absorption rate of the lens barrel 30 (third light absorption rate < first light absorption rate), and also smaller than the second light absorption rate of the housing 60 (third light absorption rate < second light absorption rate). Therefore, in laser welding, the laser passes through the ring member 20 and then its transmission is obstructed by the lens barrel 30 or housing 60, allowing for efficient welding of the ring member 20 and the lens barrel 30, or the ring member 20 and housing 60. The assembly process of the in-vehicle camera 100 will be described in detail later.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second welding portion W2 is closer to the fourth end portion 62 of the housing 60 than the first welding portion W1 in the direction along the optical axis L. As a result, the welding of the ring member 20 and the lens barrel 30 can be performed at a different position in the direction along the optical axis L than the welding of the ring member 20 and the housing 60.

[0039] Furthermore, a portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30 is the furthest from the optical axis L on the outer surface 30b. This ensures that the first welded portion W1 is positioned outside the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30.

[0040] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of region A in Figure 10, and Figure 12 is an enlarged view of region B in Figure 10. The second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 has a first region 32a, a second region 32b, and a lens barrel projection 32c. The first region 32a is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, and the second region 32b is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, but outside the first region 32a with respect to the optical axis L. The lens barrel projection 32c protrudes from the second region 32b in a direction away from the first end 31 of the lens barrel 30, and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L.

[0041] The tube projection 32c has a top tube projection top 32c1, a first tube projection side 32c2, and a second tube projection side 32c3. The first tube projection side 32c2 is connected to the tube projection top 32c1 and the first region 32a and is positioned around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. The second tube projection side 32c3 is connected to at least the tube projection top 32c1 and is positioned around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, opposite to the first tube projection side 32c2.

[0042] The third end portion 61 of the housing 60 has a third region 61a, a fourth region 61b, and a housing protrusion 61c. The third region 61a is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. The fourth region 61b is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, but outside the third region 61a with respect to the optical axis L. The housing protrusion 61c protrudes from the third region 61a away from the third end portion 61 of the housing 60 and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L.

[0043] The housing projection 61c has a top housing projection top 61c1, a first housing projection side 61c2, and a second housing projection side 61c3. The first housing projection side 61c2 is connected to at least the housing projection top 61c1 and is positioned around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. The second housing projection side 61c3 is connected to the housing projection top 61c1 and to the fourth region 61b of the third end 61 of the housing 60, and is positioned around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, opposite to the first housing projection side 61c2.

[0044] In this configuration, at least a portion of the third end 61 of the housing 60 is the housing projection top 61c1 of the housing projection 61c, and at least a portion of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 is the lens barrel projection top 32c1 of the lens barrel projection 32c.

[0045] The first welded portion W1 is formed by welding the first portion 21 of the ring member 20, which is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, and the top portion 61c1 of the housing projection 61c of the housing projection 61c of the third end portion 61 of the housing 60, around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. The second welded portion W2 is formed by welding the second portion 22 of the ring member 20, which is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, and the top portion 32c1 of the lens barrel projection 32c of the lens barrel projection 32 of the second end portion 32 of the lens barrel 30, around the entire circumference of the optical axis L.

[0046] As a result, the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 and the top portion 61c1 of the housing projection 61c of the third end 61 of the housing 60 are welded together at the first welding portion W1, and the second portion 22 of the ring member 20 and the top portion 32c1 of the lens barrel projection 32c of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 are welded together at the second welding portion W2. As a result, two welding portions are reliably formed, and the ring member 20 and the housing 60, as well as the ring member 20 and the lens barrel 30, can be firmly connected.

[0047] Furthermore, the lens barrel 30 has a flange portion 34 on the outer surface of the first cylindrical shape, which extends outward around the optical axis L with respect to the optical axis L. As shown in Figure 13, which will be described later, the flange portion 34 has a first shape in plan view of the flange portion 34, having a first end face 34a corresponding to the first side, a second end face 34b corresponding to the second side, a third end face 34c corresponding to the third side, and a fourth end face 34d corresponding to the fourth side. The first shape is, for example, an octagon as in the embodiment, but it may also be a square or other polygon. Because the lens barrel 30 has a flange portion 34, the flange portion 34 can be used to connect to the ring member 20.

[0048] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B described later, the ring member 20 has a planar portion 23, a first wall portion 24a, a second wall portion 24b, a third wall portion 24c, a fourth wall portion 24d, a first planar portion 25a, a second planar portion 25b, a third planar portion 25c, and a fourth planar portion 25d. The planar portion 23 has a first side 23a, a second side 23b connected to the first side 23a, a third side 23c connected to the second side 23b, and a fourth side 23d connected to the third side 23c, and is a second shape in plan view of the ring member 20. The second shape is, for example, a quadrilateral, but may be a polygon with pentagons or more. At least a part of the planar portion 23 includes the first portion 21.

[0049] The first wall portion 24a extends from the first side 23a of the planar portion 23 in a direction away from the fourth end 62 of the housing 60 and has a first inner surface 24a1 and a first outer surface 24a2 opposite to the first inner surface 24a1. The second wall portion 24b extends from the second side 23b of the planar portion 23 in a direction away from the fourth end 62 of the housing 60 and has a second inner surface 24b1 and a second outer surface 24b2 opposite to the second inner surface 24b1. The third wall portion 24c extends from the third side 23c of the planar portion 23 in a direction away from the fourth end 62 of the housing 60 and has a third inner surface 24c1 and a third outer surface 24c2 opposite to the third inner surface 24c1. The fourth wall portion 24d extends from the fourth side 23d of the planar portion 23 in a direction away from the fourth end portion 62 of the housing 60, and has a fourth inner surface 24d1 and a fourth outer surface 24d2 opposite to the fourth inner surface 24d1. The first wall portion 24a has a first locking portion 24a3 with an inner surface and a back surface at the center of the first outer surface 24a2. The second wall portion 24b has a second locking portion 24b3 with an inner surface and a back surface at the center of the second outer surface 24b2. The third wall portion 24c has a third locking portion 24c3 with an inner surface and a back surface at the center of the third outer surface 24c2. The fourth wall portion 24d has a fourth locking portion 24d3 with an inner surface and a back surface at the center of the fourth outer surface 24d2. The back surface of the first locking portion 24a3 can be considered as part of the first outer surface 24a2. The back surface of the second locking portion 24b3 can be considered as part of the second outer surface 24b2. The back surface of the third locking portion 24c3 can be considered as part of the third outer surface 24c2. The back surface of the fourth locking portion 24d3 can be considered as part of the fourth outer surface 24d2.

[0050] The first surface portion 25a is connected to the first wall portion 24a and extends away from the optical axis L. The second surface portion 25b is connected to the second wall portion 24b and extends away from the optical axis L. The third surface portion 25c is connected to the third wall portion 24c and extends away from the optical axis L. The fourth surface portion 25d is connected to the fourth wall portion 24d and extends away from the optical axis L. At least a portion of each of the first surface portion 25a, the second surface portion 25b, the third surface portion 25c, and the fourth surface portion 25d includes the second portion 22.

[0051] This allows the lens barrel 30 to be placed in the space surrounded by the ring member 20 and the four wall sections, and the four surfaces can be used to connect to the housing 60, making assembly easy.

[0052] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first end face 34a of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the first inner surface 24a1 of the first wall portion 24a of the ring member 20. At least a portion of the second end face 34b of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the second inner surface 24b1 of the second wall portion 24b of the ring member 20. At least a portion of the third end face 34c of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the third inner surface 24c1 of the third wall portion 24c of the ring member 20. At least a portion of the fourth end face 34d of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the fourth inner surface 24d1 of the fourth wall portion 24d of the ring member 20. As a result, the lens barrel 30 can be stably positioned in the space surrounded by the ring member 20 and the four walls.

[0053] As shown in Figure 20, which will be described later, the housing 60 has a first side wall portion 63a, a second side wall portion 63b, a third side wall portion 63c, and a fourth side wall portion 63d. The first side wall portion 63a has a first inner wall surface 63a1 and a first outer wall surface 63a2. The second side wall portion 63b has a second inner wall surface 63b1 and a second outer wall surface 63b2. The third side wall portion 63c has a third inner wall surface 63c1 and a third outer wall surface 63c2. The fourth side wall portion 63d has a fourth inner wall surface 63d1 and a fourth outer wall surface 63d2.

[0054] Furthermore, the back surface of the first locking portion 24a3, which is at least a part of the first outer surface 24a2 of the first wall portion 24a of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the first inner wall surface 63a1 of the first side wall portion 63a of the housing 60. The back surface of the second locking portion 24b3, which is at least a part of the second outer surface 24b2 of the second wall portion 24b of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the second inner wall surface 63b1 of the second side wall portion 63b of the housing 60. The back surface of the third locking portion 24c3, which is at least a part of the third outer surface 24c2 of the third wall portion 24c of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the third inner wall surface 63c1 of the third side wall portion 63c of the housing 60. The back surface of the fourth locking portion 24d3, which is at least a part of the fourth outer surface 24d2 of the fourth wall portion 24d of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the fourth inner wall surface 63d1 of the fourth side wall portion 63d of the housing 60. This allows the ring member 20 to be stably positioned while in contact with the four inner wall surfaces of the housing 60.

[0055] Furthermore, the ring member 20 has a third surface 23e and a fourth surface 23f opposite to the third surface 23e on its planar portion 23, and at least one projection 26 that protrudes from the fourth surface 23f of the planar portion 23 toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. This allows the ring member 20 and the circuit board 40 to be connected, and the circuit board 40 to be stably positioned inside the housing 60.

[0056] At least one projection 26 of the ring member 20 includes a first projection 26a, a second projection 26b, a third projection 26c, and a fourth projection 26d, which project from the fourth surface 23f of the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20 toward the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. This allows for a stable connection between the ring member 20 and the circuit board 40. The first projection 26a, the second projection 26b, the third projection 26c, and the fourth projection 26d are each formed near the corners of the planar portion 23.

[0057] Furthermore, the ring member 20 has a first central part C1 in its planar portion 23 where a first hole 23g is formed, and at least a portion of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 passes through the first hole 23g in the first central part C1 of the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20. As a result, light that has passed through the lens barrel 30 can pass through the first hole 23g in the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20.

[0058] The in-vehicle camera 100 according to this embodiment further includes a metal first shield 70 attached to the ring member 20, facing the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 and the fourth surface 23f of the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20. As shown in Figure 16, which will be described later, the first shield 70 has a second central part C2 in which a second hole 70a is formed, corresponding to the first hole 23g of the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20. This allows light that has passed through the ring member 20 to pass through the second hole 70a of the first shield.

[0059] The first shield 70 has a shield surface portion 71. A third hole 71a through which the first projection 26a of the ring member 20 passes, a fourth hole 71b through which the second projection 26b of the ring member 20 passes, a fifth hole 71c through which the third projection 26c of the ring member 20 passes, and a sixth hole 71d through which the fourth projection 26d of the ring member 20 passes are formed in the shield surface portion 71 of the first shield 70. As a result, the four projections of the ring member 20 can pass through the four holes in the shield surface portion 71 of the first shield 70 and reach the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40.

[0060] The first projection 26a, second projection 26b, third projection 26c, and fourth projection 26d of the ring member 20 are connected to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via adhesive X. This allows the ring member 20 and the circuit board 40 to be firmly connected.

[0061] The in-vehicle camera 100 according to this embodiment further includes a second metal shield 75 positioned inside the housing 60 so as to surround at least the image sensor 50 and the circuit board 40. The first shield 70 is electrically connected to the second shield 75. As a result, the first shield 70 and the second shield 75 work together to improve the shielding performance that blocks noise inside the housing 60.

[0062] As shown in Figure 21, which will be described later, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to this embodiment further includes a resin member 80 positioned inside the housing 60, at least between the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40 and the fourth end 62 of the housing 60. This allows the resin member 80 to dissipate heat generated from the circuit board 40. The resin member 80 can also provide shielding performance to block noise.

[0063] The in-vehicle camera 100 according to this embodiment further comprises a connector connection portion 45 located on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40, and a connector 90 (see Figure 10). The connector 90 has a first connector end 91 and a second connector end 92 located opposite to the first connector end 91, and is located on the fourth end 62 of the housing 60. The first connector end 91 of the connector 90 is electrically connected to the connector connection portion 45 on the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. This allows power to be supplied to the circuit board 40 from an external source.

[0064] When the in-vehicle camera 100 is installed in the vehicle V, the second connector end 82 of the connector 90 is electrically connected to the wires of the vehicle V. The connector 90 is, for example, a coaxial connector, an STQ (Shielded Twisted Quad) connector, an STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) connector, etc. The connector connection part 45 is, for example, made up of a floating connector. This allows power from the vehicle V to be supplied to the circuit board 40 via the wires. If the connector 90 is a coaxial connector, in addition to power, high-frequency signals can be supplied to the circuit board 40.

[0065] In the in-vehicle camera 100 according to this embodiment, the first welded portion W1 is formed by laser welding of a first portion 21 of the ring member 20, which is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, and at least a part of the third end portion 61 of the housing 60, around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. The second welded portion W2 is formed by laser welding of a second portion 22 of the ring member 20, which is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis L, and at least a part of the second end portion 32 of the lens barrel 30, around the entire circumference of the optical axis L. This makes welding easy and strong.

[0066] The lens barrel 30 may be formed from a first resin having a first light absorption rate. The housing 60 may be formed from a second resin having a second light absorption rate. The ring member 20 may be formed from a third resin having a third light absorption rate. This allows for efficient laser welding. Details of the laser welding will be explained in the next assembly process.

[0067] The assembly process of the in-vehicle camera 100 will be explained using Figures 13 to 22. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lens barrel 30 as seen from the side of the second end 32. Figure 14A is a perspective view of the ring member 20 as seen from the side of the third surface 23e of the planar portion 23, and Figure 14B is a perspective view of the ring member 20 as seen from the side of the fourth surface 23f of the planar portion 23.

[0068] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lens barrel 30 and the ring member 20 are welded together by laser welding to assemble the first assembly 101. First, the ring member 20 in the position shown in Figure 14B is placed on the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 in the position shown in Figure 13. At this time, at least a part of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 passes through the first hole 23g of the first center C1 of the planar portion 23 of the ring member 20. Also, as shown in Figure 16, at least a part of the first end face 34a of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the first inner surface 24a1 of the first wall portion 24a of the ring member 20. At least a part of the second end face 34b of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the second inner surface 24b1 of the second wall portion 24b of the ring member 20. At least a portion of the third end face 34c of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the third inner surface 24c1 of the third wall portion 24c of the ring member 20. At least a portion of the fourth end face 34d of the flange portion 34 of the lens barrel 30 contacts the fourth inner surface 24d1 of the fourth wall portion 24d of the ring member 20.

[0069] After placement, the laser irradiation device irradiates the lens barrel 30 with a laser in the direction from top to bottom as shown by the arrow in Figure 15, so that at least a part of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30 and the second part 22 of the ring member 20 are welded together at the second welding part W2, and the lens barrel 30 and the ring member 20 are integrated to complete the first assembly 101. In this embodiment, the second part 22 of the ring member 20 is welded to the top of the lens barrel projection 32c1 of the lens barrel projection 32c of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30.

[0070] Laser irradiation is performed on the outer surface 30b from the side where the portion 30b1 furthest from the optical axis L is absent. As a result, even if the diameter of the lens 33 increases due to the requirement of high imaging performance, and the diameter of the lens barrel 30, particularly the diameter of the portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b, increases, the second welded portion W2 can be formed radially inward from the portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the size of the in-vehicle camera 100, particularly its radial size, from increasing outward.

[0071] Furthermore, even if the laser irradiation position is inside a portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b in the radial direction, laser welding can be performed smoothly without being obstructed by the portion 30b1, and the second welded portion W2 can be formed. Since there is no need for an optical element to refract the laser to avoid the portion 30b1 of the outer surface 30b, there is no risk of a decrease in the accuracy of the irradiation position.

[0072] Furthermore, the third light absorption rate of the ring member 20 is smaller than the first light absorption rate of the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30. Therefore, the laser in Figure 15 is less absorbed by the ring member 20 as it passes through it, and is largely absorbed at the second end 32 of the lens barrel 30, allowing for efficient laser welding.

[0073] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the first assembly 101 and the first shield 70. The orientation of the first assembly 101 in Figure 16 is the same as the orientation in Figure 15 but inverted vertically, and the first shield 70 is attached to the first assembly 101 from the side of the fourth surface 23f of the ring member 20 of the first assembly 101.

[0074] Figure 17A is an upper perspective view of the second assembly 102, which is formed by assembling the first assembly 101 and the first shield 70. Figure 17B is a lower perspective view of the second assembly 102, which is formed by assembling the first assembly 101 and the first shield 70. Flexible claw portions 72a (first claw portion) and claw portions 72b (second claw portion) are provided on all four sides of the shield surface portion 71 of the first shield 70. The claw portions 72b of the first shield 70 engage with the inner surfaces of the first locking portion 24a3, the second locking portion 24b3, the third locking portion 24c3, and the fourth locking portion 24d3 of the ring member 20 by elastic force, thereby integrating the first assembly 101 and the first shield 70 to complete the second assembly 102.

[0075] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the second assembly 102 and the circuit board 40 with the image sensor 50. The image sensor 50 and the circuit board 40 are pre-assembled. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the third assembly 103, which is formed by assembling the second assembly 102 and the circuit board 40. The tips of the first projection 26a, second projection 26b, third projection 26c, and fourth projection 26d of the ring member 20 are connected to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 via adhesive X, thereby integrating the second assembly 102 and the circuit board 40 to complete the third assembly 103.

[0076] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the housing 60 housing the second shield 75. The second shield 75 is attached to the housing 60 separately from the assembly of the third assembly 103. The second shield 75 is in contact with at least a portion of the first inner wall surface 63a1 of the first side wall portion 63a of the housing 60, at least a portion of the second inner wall surface 63b1 of the second side wall portion 63b, at least a portion of the third inner wall surface 63c1 of the third side wall portion 63c, and at least a portion of the fourth inner wall surface 63d1 of the fourth side wall portion 63d.

[0077] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the third assembly 103 and the housing 60. The resin member 80 is placed inside the housing 60, and then the third assembly 103 and the housing 60 are welded together.

[0078] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the in-vehicle camera 100 by laser welding the third assembly 103 and the housing 60. When the laser irradiation device irradiates the laser in the direction from top to bottom in Figure 22 as indicated by the arrow, the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 and at least a part of the third end portion 61 of the housing 60 are welded together at the first welding portion W1, and the in-vehicle camera 100 is completed. In this embodiment, the first portion 21 of the ring member 20 is welded to the housing projection top portion 61c1 of the housing projection portion 61c of the third end portion 61 of the housing 60.

[0079] In this assembly process, the orientation of the first assembly 101, completed by laser welding as shown in Figure 15, is inverted in the upside-down direction, i.e., in the Z direction, and then laser welding as shown in Figure 22 is performed. Therefore, the laser irradiation direction in Figure 15 and the laser irradiation direction in Figure 22 can be made the same. In other words, the entire assembly process can be carried out by changing only the orientation of the first assembly 101 without changing the laser irradiation direction of the laser irradiation device. Changing the laser irradiation direction of the laser irradiation device is complicated, but changing the orientation of the first assembly 101 is relatively easy.

[0080] Furthermore, in Figure 15, welding can be performed at the second welding section W2 located inside the part 30b1 while avoiding a part 30b1 of the outer surface 30b of the lens barrel 30, and welding can also be performed at the second welding section W2 located outside the part 30b1, as shown in Figure 22, from the same direction as in Figure 15. As a result, it becomes possible to perform welding at two welding sections, the first welding section W1 and the second welding section W2, from the same direction, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the in-vehicle camera 100 while preventing the assembly process from becoming more complex.

[0081] Furthermore, the third light absorption rate of the ring member 20 is smaller than the second light absorption rate of the third end 61 of the housing 60. Therefore, the laser in Figure 22 is less absorbed by the ring member 20 as it passes through it, and is largely absorbed at the third end 61 of the housing 60, allowing for efficient laser welding.

[0082] As a result, the back surface of the first locking portion 24a3, which is at least a part of the first outer surface 24a2 of the first wall portion 24a of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the first inner wall surface 63a1 of the first side wall portion 63a of the housing 60. The back surface of the second locking portion 24b3, which is at least a part of the second outer surface 24b2 of the second wall portion 24b of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the second inner wall surface 63b1 of the second side wall portion 63b of the housing 60. The back surface of the third locking portion 24c3, which is at least a part of the third outer surface 24c2 of the third wall portion 24c of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the third inner wall surface 63c1 of the third side wall portion 63c of the housing 60. The back surface of the fourth locking portion 24d3, which is at least a part of the fourth outer surface 24d2 of the fourth wall portion 24d of the ring member 20, contacts at least a part of the fourth inner wall surface 63d1 of the fourth side wall portion 63d of the housing 60.

[0083] As explained in Figure 17B, the claw portion 72b of the first shield 70 engages with the inner surface of the first locking portion 24a3, the inner surface of the second locking portion 24b3, the inner surface of the third locking portion 24c3, and the inner surface of the fourth locking portion 24d3 of the ring member 20. Furthermore, the first shield 70 is electrically connected to the second shield 75 via the claw portion 72a.

[0084] Based on the above, this disclosure contains at least the following information. Note that the components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are indicated in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0085] (1) A lens barrel (lens barrel 30) having an inner surface (inner surface 30a) and an outer surface (outer surface 30b), being a first cylindrical shape aligned with the optical axis (optical axis L), having a first end (first end 31), a second end (second end 32) opposite to the first end, and at least one lens (lens 33) arranged along the optical axis, An image sensor (image sensor 50) is positioned on the optical axis, and is located closer to the second end of the lens barrel than to the first end of the first cylindrical part of the lens barrel, A circuit board (circuit board 40) having a first surface (first surface 40a) and a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface, with the image sensor arranged on the first surface, A housing (housing 60) that encloses at least the image sensor and the circuit board, is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, and has a third end (third end 61) and a fourth end (fourth end 62) that is further from the third end with respect to the first end of the lens barrel and is positioned opposite to the third end, A ring member (ring member 20) facing at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, which houses at least the image sensor and the circuit board together with the housing, A first portion (first portion 21) of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, are welded together over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis to form a first welded portion (first welded portion W1), The ring member comprises a second portion (second portion 22) arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and a second welded portion (second welded portion W2) formed by welding at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis. The second end of the lens barrel has a first light absorption rate, The third end of the housing has a second light absorption rate, The ring member has a third light absorption rate, The third light absorption rate is smaller than the first light absorption rate and smaller than the second light absorption rate. The first portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the third end of the housing than to the fourth end of the housing, The second portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the second end of the lens barrel than to the fourth end of the housing, The first welded portion is located outward from a part (partially 30b1) of the outer surface of the lens barrel, with reference to the optical axis. The second welded portion is located inward from the part of the outer surface of the lens barrel, with reference to the optical axis. In-car camera (In-car camera 100).

[0086] In the in-vehicle camera of this disclosure, a first portion of the ring member and at least a portion of the third end of the housing are welded at a first welding portion, and a second portion of the ring member and at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel are welded at a second welding portion. The first welding portion is located outside a portion of the outer surface of the lens barrel with respect to the optical axis, and the second welding portion is located inside a portion of the outer surface of the lens barrel with respect to the optical axis. As a result, even if the diameter of the lens and lens barrel is increased to improve imaging performance, welding at the first welding portion and the second welding portion can be performed from the same direction, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the in-vehicle camera while preventing the assembly process from becoming more complex.

[0087] (2) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The second welded portion is located in a direction along the optical axis, and is closer to the fourth end of the housing than the first welded portion. In-car camera.

[0088] This allows the ring member and the lens barrel to be welded at a different position in the direction along the optical axis than the ring member and the housing.

[0089] (3) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The portion of the outer surface of the lens barrel is the portion of the outer surface that is furthest from the optical axis. In-car camera.

[0090] This ensures that the first welded portion is positioned outside the outer surface of the lens barrel.

[0091] (4) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The second end of the lens barrel is A first region (first region 32a) is arranged around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, A second region (second region 32b) is located outside the first region with respect to the optical axis, extending around the entire circumference of the optical axis, It has a barrel projection (barrel projection 32c) that protrudes from the second region in a direction away from the first end of the barrel and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The aforementioned protruding portion of the lens barrel is The top part is the protruding top of the lens barrel (protruding top of the lens barrel 32c1), The first protruding side surface of the lens barrel (first protruding side surface 32c2) is connected to the protruding top of the lens barrel and the first region and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, It has at least a second protruding side surface (second protruding side surface 32c3) connected to the top of the protruding part of the lens barrel and positioned opposite to the first protruding side surface over the entire circumference around the optical axis, The third end of the housing is A third region (third region 61a) is arranged around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, A fourth region (fourth region 61b) is located outside the third region with respect to the optical axis, extending around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, It has a housing projection (housing projection 61c) that protrudes from the third region in a direction away from the third end of the housing and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The aforementioned housing protrusion is The top part is the housing protruding top part (housing protruding top part 61c1), At least the first housing protruding side surface (first housing protruding side surface 61c2) is connected to the top of the housing protrusion and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The housing has a protruding top portion and a second housing protruding side (second housing protruding side 61c3) connected to the fourth region of the third end of the housing, and positioned opposite to the first housing protruding side over the entire circumference around the optical axis, At least a portion of the third end of the housing is the top of the housing projection of the housing projection, At least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel is the top of the lens barrel projection of the lens barrel projection, The first portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and the top of the housing projection of the housing projection at the third end of the housing, are welded together over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, The ring member comprises a second portion arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and a second welded portion formed by welding the top of the protruding part of the lens barrel at the second end of the lens barrel around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis. In-car camera.

[0092] As a result, the first portion of the ring member and the top of the housing projection at the third end of the housing are welded together at the first welding point, and the second portion of the ring member and the top of the lens barrel projection at the second end of the lens barrel are welded together at the second welding point. This ensures that two welding points are reliably formed, allowing for a strong connection between the ring member and the housing, and between the ring member and the lens barrel.

[0093] (5) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The lens barrel further has a flange portion (flange portion 34) on the outer surface of the first cylindrical shape, which is arranged to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis. The flange portion has a first shape in plan view, having a first end face (first end face 34a) corresponding to the first side, a second end face (second end face 34b) corresponding to the second side, a third end face (third end face 34c) corresponding to the third side, and a fourth end face (fourth end face 34d) corresponding to the fourth side. In-car camera.

[0094] As a result, the lens barrel has a flange portion, which can be used to connect to the ring member.

[0095] (6) The in-vehicle camera described in (5), The ring member is A planar portion (planar portion 23) having a first side (first side 23a), a second side (second side 23b) connected to the first side, a third side (third side 23c) connected to the second side, and a fourth side (fourth side 23d) connected to the third side, A first wall portion (first wall portion 24a) extends from the first side of the planar portion in a direction away from the fourth end of the housing, and has a first inner surface (first inner surface 24a1) and a first outer surface (first outer surface 24a2) opposite to the first inner surface, A second wall portion (second wall portion 24b) extends from the second side of the planar portion in a direction away from the fourth end of the housing, and has a second inner surface (second inner surface 24b1) and a second outer surface (second outer surface 24b2) opposite to the second inner surface, A third wall portion (third wall portion 24c) extends from the third side of the planar portion in a direction away from the fourth end of the housing, and has a third inner surface (third inner surface 24c1) and a third outer surface (third outer surface 24c2) opposite to the third inner surface, A fourth wall portion (fourth wall portion 24d) extends from the fourth side of the planar portion in a direction away from the fourth end of the housing, and has a fourth inner surface (fourth inner surface 24d1) and a fourth outer surface (fourth outer surface 24d2) opposite to the fourth inner surface, A first surface portion (first surface portion 25a) is connected to the first wall portion and extends away from the optical axis, A second surface portion (second surface portion 25b) is connected to the second wall portion and extends away from the optical axis, A third surface portion (third surface portion 25c) is connected to the third wall portion and extends away from the optical axis, It further comprises a fourth surface portion (fourth surface portion 25d) connected to the fourth wall portion and extending away from the optical axis, In-car camera.

[0096] This allows the lens barrel to be placed in a space surrounded by the ring member and the four walls, and the four surfaces can be used to connect to the housing, making assembly easy.

[0097] (7) The in-vehicle camera described in (6), At least a portion of the first end face of the flange portion of the lens barrel contacts the first inner surface of the first wall portion of the ring member, At least a portion of the second end face of the flange portion of the lens barrel contacts the second inner surface of the second wall portion of the ring member, At least a portion of the third end face of the flange portion of the lens barrel contacts the third inner surface of the third wall portion of the ring member, At least a portion of the fourth end face of the flange portion of the lens barrel contacts the fourth inner surface of the fourth wall portion of the ring member. In-car camera.

[0098] This allows the lens barrel to be stably positioned within the space enclosed by the ring member and the four walls.

[0099] (8) The in-vehicle camera described in (6), The housing further comprises a first side wall portion (first side wall portion 63a) having a first inner wall surface (first inner wall surface 63a1) and a first outer wall surface (first outer wall surface 63a2), a second side wall portion (second side wall portion 63b) having a second inner wall surface (second inner wall surface 63b1) and a second outer wall surface (second outer wall surface 63b2), a third side wall portion (third side wall portion 63c) having a third inner wall surface (third inner wall surface 63c1) and a third outer wall surface (third outer wall surface 63c2), and a fourth side wall portion (fourth side wall portion 63d) having a fourth inner wall surface (fourth inner wall surface 63d1) and a fourth outer wall surface (fourth outer wall surface 63d2), At least a portion of the first outer surface of the first wall portion of the ring member (the back surface of the first locking portion 24a3) contacts at least a portion of the first inner wall surface of the first side wall portion of the housing. At least a portion of the second outer surface of the second wall portion of the ring member (the back surface of the second locking portion 24b3) contacts at least a portion of the second inner wall surface of the second side wall portion of the housing. At least a portion of the third outer surface of the third wall portion of the ring member (the back surface of the third locking portion 24c3) contacts at least a portion of the third inner wall surface of the third side wall portion of the housing, At least a portion of the fourth outer surface of the fourth wall portion of the ring member (the back surface of the fourth locking portion 24d3) contacts at least a portion of the fourth inner wall surface of the fourth side wall portion of the housing. In-car camera.

[0100] This allows the ring member to be stably positioned while in contact with the four inner walls of the housing.

[0101] (9) The in-vehicle camera described in (5), The ring member is In the aforementioned planar portion, there is a third surface (third surface 23e) and a fourth surface (fourth surface 23f) opposite to the third surface, The planar portion has at least one projection (projection 26) that protrudes from the fourth surface toward the first surface of the circuit board, In-car camera.

[0102] This allows the ring member and the circuit board to be connected, enabling the circuit board to be stably positioned inside the enclosure.

[0103] (10) The in-vehicle camera described in (9), The at least one projection of the ring member is A first projection (first projection 26a) protrudes from the fourth surface of the planar portion of the ring member toward the first surface of the circuit board, A second projection (second projection 26b) protrudes from the fourth surface of the planar portion of the ring member toward the first surface of the circuit board, A third projection (third projection 26c) protrudes from the fourth surface of the planar portion of the ring member toward the first surface of the circuit board, The ring member includes a fourth projection (fourth projection 26d) that protrudes from the fourth surface of the planar portion toward the first surface of the circuit board, In-car camera.

[0104] This allows for a stable connection between the ring member and the circuit board.

[0105] (11) The in-vehicle camera described in (10), The ring member further has a first central part (first central part C1) in which a first hole (first hole 23g) is formed in the planar portion, At least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel passes through the first hole in the first center of the planar portion of the ring member, In-car camera.

[0106] This allows light that has passed through the lens barrel to pass through the first hole in the planar portion of the ring member.

[0107] (12) The in-vehicle camera described in (11), The ring member is further provided with a first metal shield (first shield 70) that is attached to the ring member and faces the first surface of the circuit board and the fourth surface of the planar portion of the ring member, The first shield has a second central part (second central part C2) in which a second hole (second hole 70a) corresponding to the first hole in the planar portion of the ring member is formed. In-car camera.

[0108] This allows light that has passed through the ring member to pass through the second hole in the first shield.

[0109] (13) The in-vehicle camera described in (11), The first shield has a shield surface portion (shield surface portion 71), A third hole (third hole 71a) through which the first projection of the ring member passes, a fourth hole (fourth hole 71b) through which the second projection of the ring member passes, a fifth hole (fifth hole 71c) through which the third projection of the ring member passes, and a sixth hole (sixth hole 71d) through which the fourth projection of the ring member passes are formed in the shield surface portion of the first shield. In-car camera.

[0110] As a result, the four protrusions of the ring member can penetrate the four holes in the shield surface of the first shield and reach the first surface of the circuit board.

[0111] (14) The in-vehicle camera described in (13), The first projection, the second projection, the third projection, and the fourth projection of the ring member are connected to the first surface of the circuit board via an adhesive (adhesive X). In-car camera.

[0112] This allows for a firm connection between the ring member and the circuit board.

[0113] (15) The in-vehicle camera described in (12), The housing further includes a second metal shield (second shield 75) arranged to surround at least the image sensor and the circuit board inside the housing, The first shield is electrically connected to the second shield. In-car camera.

[0114] This allows the first and second shields to work together to improve the shielding performance that blocks noise inside the enclosure.

[0115] (16) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The housing further includes a resin member (resin member 80) disposed at least between the second surface of the circuit board and the fourth end of the housing, In-car camera.

[0116] This allows the resin component to dissipate the heat generated from the circuit board.

[0117] (17) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), A connector connection portion (connector connection portion 45) is located on the second surface of the circuit board, The housing further includes a connector (connector 90) having a first connector end (first connector end 91) and a second connector end (second connector end 92) positioned opposite to the first connector end, and positioned at the fourth end of the housing, The first connector end of the connector is electrically connected to the connector connection portion on the second surface of the circuit board. In-car camera.

[0118] This allows power to be supplied to the circuit board from an external source.

[0119] (18) The in-vehicle camera described in (17), The aforementioned connector is a coaxial connector. In-car camera.

[0120] This allows high-frequency signals, in addition to power, to be supplied to the circuit board.

[0121] (19) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The first welded portion is formed by welding a first portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, with respect to the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, using a laser. The second welded portion is formed by welding a second portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel, with respect to the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, using a laser. In-car camera.

[0122] This makes welding easier and stronger.

[0123] (20) The in-vehicle camera described in (19), The lens barrel is formed of a first resin having a first light absorption rate. The housing is formed of a second resin having a second light absorption rate, The ring member is formed of a third resin having a third light absorption rate. In-car camera.

[0124] This allows for efficient laser welding. [Industrial applicability]

[0125] This disclosure is useful as an easily assembled in-vehicle camera while preventing an increase in size. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 20 Ring Member 21 Part 1 22 Part 2 23 Planar part 23a First side 23b Second side 23c Third side 23d Fourth side 23e 3rd page 23f 4th page 23g 1st hole 24a 1st wall 24a1 1st inner surface 24a2 1st outer surface 24a3 1st locking part 24b 2nd wall part 24b1 2nd inner surface 24b2 2nd outer surface 24b3 Second locking part 24c 3rd wall section 24c1 3rd inner surface 24c2 Third outer surface 24c3 Third locking part 24d 4th wall section 24d1 4th inner surface 24d2 4th outer surface 24d3 4th locking part 25a First side 25b Second side part 25c Third side 25d 4th side 26 Protrusion 26a 1st protrusion 26b 2nd protrusion 26c 3rd protrusion 26d 4th protrusion 30 Telescope Tubes 30a Inside surface 30b External surface 30b1 part 31 First end 32 Second end 32a 1st area 32b 2nd area 32c Lens barrel protrusion 32c1 Lens barrel protruding top 32c2 Side view of the protruding first tube 32c3 Second tube projection side 33 lenses 34 Flange section 34a 1st end face 34b 2nd end face 34c 3rd end face 34d 4th end face 40 Circuit boards 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 45 Connector connection section 50 Image sensors 60 cabinets 61 Third end 61a Third area 61b 4th area 61c Housing protrusion 61c1 Top protruding part of the housing 61c2 First enclosure protruding side 61c3 Second enclosure protruding side 62 4th end 63a First side wall part 63a1 First inner wall 63a2 1st outer wall surface 63b Second side wall part 63b1 2nd inner wall surface 63b2 2nd outer wall 63c Third side wall part 63c1 3rd inner wall 63c2 Third outer wall 63d 4th side wall part 63d1 Fourth inner wall 63d2 4th outer wall 70 Shield 1 70a 2nd hole 71 Shield surface portion 71a 3rd hole 71b Hole 4 71c Hole 5 71d Hole 6 72a Claw part (1st claw part) 72b Claw part (second claw part) 75 2nd Shield 80 Resin components 90 connectors 91 First connector end 92 Second connector end 100 In-Car Cameras 101 1st assembly 102 Second assembly 103 Third assembly C1 1st center C2 2nd center L optical axis W1 1st weld part W2 2nd weld part X Adhesive

Claims

1. A first lens positioned on the optical axis and located on the outermost side, A second lens is positioned on the optical axis and is positioned inward from the first lens in the optical axis direction along the optical axis, A lens barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface, being a first cylindrical shape aligned with the optical axis, and comprising a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a first lens, and a second lens, An image sensor positioned on the optical axis, closer to the second end of the lens barrel than to the first end of the first cylindrical part of the lens barrel, A circuit board comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the image sensor is arranged on the first surface, A housing that encloses at least the image sensor and the circuit board, is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, and has a third end and a fourth end that is further from the third end with respect to the first end of the lens barrel and positioned opposite to the third end, A ring member facing at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, which houses at least the image sensor and the circuit board together with the housing, A first portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, are welded together over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, The ring member comprises a second portion that is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and a second welded portion that is welded around the entire circumference with respect to at least a part of the second end of the lens barrel, The first lens is, The first lens surface and A second lens surface facing at least a portion of the second lens, The lens has an outer surface that connects the first lens surface and the second lens surface over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, The second end of the lens barrel has a first light absorption rate, The third end of the housing has a second light absorption rate, The ring member has a third light absorption rate, The third light absorption rate is smaller than the first light absorption rate and smaller than the second light absorption rate. The first portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the third end of the housing than to the fourth end of the housing, The second portion of the ring member is positioned closer to the second end of the lens barrel than to the fourth end of the housing, The first welded portion is located outward from a part of the outer surface of the first lens with respect to the optical axis, The second welded portion is located inward from the part of the outer surface of the first lens, with reference to the optical axis. In-car camera.

2. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The second welded portion is located in a direction along the optical axis, and is closer to the fourth end of the housing than the first welded portion. In-car camera.

3. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The second end of the lens barrel is A first region is arranged around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, A second region is located outside the first region with respect to the optical axis, extending around the entire circumference of the optical axis, It has a barrel projection that protrudes from the second region in a direction away from the first end of the barrel and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The aforementioned protruding portion of the lens barrel is The top part is the protruding top of the lens barrel, The first protruding side surface of the lens barrel is connected to the protruding top of the lens barrel and the first region, and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, It has at least one protruding part of the lens barrel that is connected to the top of the protruding part of the lens barrel and a second protruding part of the lens barrel that is positioned opposite to the first protruding part of the lens barrel over the entire circumference around the optical axis, The third end of the housing is A third region is arranged around the entire circumference centered on the aforementioned optical axis, A fourth region is located outside the third region with respect to the optical axis, extending around the entire circumference of the optical axis, It has a housing projection that protrudes from the third region in a direction away from the third end of the housing and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The aforementioned housing protrusion is The top part of the housing is the protruding top part, At least the first housing protruding side surface is connected to the top of the housing protrusion and is arranged around the entire circumference of the optical axis, The housing has a protruding top portion and a second housing protruding side that is connected to the fourth region of the third end of the housing and is positioned opposite to the first housing protruding side over the entire circumference around the optical axis, At least a portion of the third end of the housing is the top of the housing projection of the housing projection, At least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel is the top of the lens barrel projection of the lens barrel projection, The first portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and the top of the housing projection of the housing projection at the third end of the housing, are welded together over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, The ring member comprises a second portion that is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and a second welded portion that is welded around the entire circumference with respect to the top of the protruding part of the lens barrel at the second end of the lens barrel, with respect to the optical axis. In-car camera.

4. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The lens barrel further has a flange portion on the outer surface of the first cylindrical shape, which is arranged to extend outward with respect to the optical axis over the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis. The flange portion has a first shape in plan view, having a first end face corresponding to the first side, a second end face corresponding to the second side, a third end face corresponding to the third side, and a fourth end face corresponding to the fourth side. In-car camera.

5. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The housing further comprises a resin member disposed at least between the second surface of the circuit board and the fourth end of the housing. In-car camera.

6. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, A connector connection portion located on the second surface of the circuit board, The housing further comprises a connector having a first connector end and a second connector end positioned opposite to the first connector end, and positioned at the fourth end of the housing, The first connector end of the connector is electrically connected to the connector connection portion on the second surface of the circuit board. In-car camera.

7. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 6, The aforementioned connector is a coaxial connector. In-car camera.

8. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The first welded portion is formed by welding a first portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the third end of the housing, with respect to the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, using a laser. The second welded portion is formed by welding a second portion of the ring member, which is arranged around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, and at least a portion of the second end of the lens barrel, with respect to the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis, using a laser. In-car camera.

9. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 8, The lens barrel is formed of a first resin having a first light absorption rate, The housing is formed of a second resin having a second light absorption rate, The ring member is formed of a third resin having a third light absorption rate. In-car camera.

Images