In-car camera

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle camera capable of ensuring continuity between the two shields while achieving ease of assembly.SOLUTION: The on-vehicle camera includes: a lens unit including a flange; a circuit board; an image pickup device placed on the optical axis of the lenses; a housing with a flange fixed, which houses the circuit board and the image pickup device; a first metallic shield arranged to surround the circuit board in an interior space formed by the housing and a second flange surface of the flange; and a second metallic shield with a first hole corresponding to the image pickup device that is placed opposite a first surface along a second flange surface. Part of the flange end face opposite the inner surface of the first shield. A second shield includes a contact part located along the flange end surface from the second flange surface on one side of the flange in plan view. A part of the contact part is in contact with the first shield, and the shield end of the first shield is placed at the position closer to the first flange surface than the part of the contact part along the optical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

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 for photographing the inside and outside of the vehicle has been 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 improvement, etc. are also required for in-vehicle cameras.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing a new in-vehicle camera that can ensure electrical continuity between two shields while achieving ease of assembly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure relates to a lens unit comprising: at least one lens; a first cylindrical portion housing the at least one lens; a flange portion formed around the first cylindrical portion with respect to the optical axis of the lens, having a first flange surface, a second flange surface opposite to the first flange surface, and a flange end surface connecting the first and second flange surfaces; a circuit board having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface connecting the first and second surfaces; an image sensor mounted on the first surface of the circuit board and positioned on the optical axis of the at least one lens; a housing to which the flange portion of the lens unit is fixed and which has a second cylindrical portion housing at least the circuit board and the image sensor; and a metal object arranged to surround the circuit board in the internal space formed by the second cylindrical portion of the housing and the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit. The present invention provides an in-vehicle camera comprising: a first shield; a second metal shield disposed along the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and facing the first surface of the circuit board, and having a first hole corresponding to the image sensor, wherein at least a portion of the flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit faces the inner surface of the first shield; the second shield has at least one contact portion on at least one side of the flange portion in a plan view, disposed along the second flange surface of the flange portion and the flange end face of the flange portion; at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield contacts the first shield; and the shield end of the first shield is positioned closer to the first flange surface of the flange portion than at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield in the direction along the optical axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, at least one contact portion of the second shield is positioned along the flange end face from the second flange surface of the flange portion. Therefore, when the lens unit and the second shield are inserted into the housing with the second shield positioned on the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, the contact portion does not obstruct insertion, thus enabling easy assembly of the in-vehicle camera.

[0008] Furthermore, the shield end of the first shield is positioned closer to the first flange surface of the flange portion than at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield that contacts the first shield. Therefore, at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield reliably contacts the first shield, ensuring conductivity between the first and second shields and maintaining the first and second shields at the same potential. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] Top perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment [Figure 1B] Lower perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment [Figure 2] Top view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment [Figure 3A] View along the line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 3B] Enlarged view of area A in Figure 3A [Figure 4] Perspective view of the second shield [Figure 5A] Perspective view of the lens unit and second shield assembly. [Figure 5B] Bottom view of the lens unit and second shield assembly. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the conventional second shield [Figure 7A] Perspective view of the housing containing the first shield. [Figure 7B] Perspective view of the housing containing the first shield. [Figure 8] An example of a vehicle, a top view of a vehicle equipped with an on-board camera. [Figure 9]Schematic diagram of the passenger compartment of a vehicle with an in-vehicle camera, which is another example of a vehicle [Figure 10] Top view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 9 [Figure 11] Block diagram showing an example of the connection of an in-vehicle camera, a camera ECU, and a display provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. 8 [Figure 12] Block diagram showing an example of the connection of an in-vehicle camera, a camera ECU, and a display provided in the vehicle shown in FIG. 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments specifically disclosing an in-vehicle camera according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters and a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and they are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows an example of a vehicle, which is a top view of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle camera. The vehicle V is equipped with in-vehicle cameras 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D as in-vehicle cameras 100. The in-vehicle camera 100A is a front camera, the in-vehicle camera 100B is a rear camera, the in-vehicle camera 100C is a right-side camera, and the in-vehicle camera 100D is a left-side camera. The in-vehicle cameras 100A to 100D are, for example, wide-angle cameras having an angle of view of about 180°, and are arranged so as to image the entire circumference of the vehicle V.

[0012] For example, the in-vehicle camera 100A is installed in the front grille of the vehicle V and images the front area in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground. The in-vehicle camera 100B is installed in the roof spoiler of the vehicle V and images the rear area in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground. The in-vehicle cameras 100C and 100D are installed in the side mirrors of the vehicle V respectively and image the side areas in a direction looking obliquely downward with respect to the ground.

[0013] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a connection example of the in-vehicle cameras 100A to 100D, the camera ECU 110, and the display 7 provided in the vehicle V shown in FIG. 8. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110 shown in FIG. 11 synthesizes the images captured by the in-vehicle cameras 100A to 100D and displays the synthesized image on the display 7 of a navigation system arranged, for example, on the instrument panel. The occupant can view the display 7 to check the situation around the vehicle V.

[0014] FIG. 9 is another example of a vehicle and is a schematic view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle camera, and FIG. 10 is a top view of the vehicle of FIG. 9. The vehicle V is a front portion between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat 4 in the passenger compartment 2 and includes a display 5 (for example, an electronic rearview mirror) at the mounting position of the rearview mirror. Further, the vehicle V is equipped with an in-vehicle camera 100 at the rear of the vehicle body. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a connection example of the in-vehicle camera 100, the camera ECU 111, and the display 5 provided in the vehicle V shown in FIG. 9. The camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 111 shown in FIG. 12 processes the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 100, and the display 5 displays the image. The occupant can view the display 5 to check the situation behind the vehicle V.

[0015] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 1B is a bottom perspective view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 3A is a view along the line III-III in Figure 2, and Figure 3B is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 3A. The Z-axis along the optical axis of the lens of the lens unit 30 of the in-vehicle camera 100 (in other words, the axis along the height direction of the in-vehicle camera 100), the X-axis which is the first of two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis, and the Y-axis which is the second of two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis and is also perpendicular to the X-axis are defined and will be used in the following explanation.

[0016] The in-vehicle camera 100 of this embodiment includes a cap 10, a ring member 20, a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an image sensor 50, a housing 60, a first shield 70, and a second shield. The cap 10 is attached to the ring member 20 and is a member that protects the lens unit 30.

[0017] The ring member 20 is composed of a rectangular annular flat plate-shaped member in a plan view (a line of sight to the in-vehicle camera 100 along a cross section perpendicular to the Z axis, the same applies hereinafter), and is welded to the lens unit 30 and the housing 60, respectively, by laser welding. The inner circumferential surface of the ring member 20 faces the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 37 that constitutes the lens barrel 31 of the lens unit 30 in the XY plane direction. The inner diameter of the ring member 20 is long enough to allow the first cylindrical portion 37 (lens barrel 31) of the lens unit 30 to be inserted.

[0018] The ring member 20 is formed from a first resin having a predetermined light transmittance. The first resin consists of a material containing a light-transmitting resin. For example, the light-transmitting resin can be made from polyester resin, polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, vinyl chloride resin, fluororesin, etc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used as polyester resins. Polyethylene and polypropylene can be used as polyolefin resins. One type of light-transmitting resin or multiple types may be used. Furthermore, if it is possible to achieve a transmission performance of a certain level or higher, the main light-transmitting resin may contain a coloring material, a filler, or both.

[0019] In this embodiment, the ring member 20 is a flat rectangular annular shape, but it is not limited to this, and any welded portion that is flat is acceptable. Therefore, it is not limited to polygons such as rectangular annular shapes, but may also be annular shapes other than circular annular shapes, such as circular annular shapes or elliptical annular shapes. Furthermore, the steps, thickness, etc. of the parts other than the welded portion do not need to be uniform.

[0020] The lens unit 30 comprises a cylindrical lens barrel 31, a first cylindrical portion 37 having a first cylindrical shape, and at least one lens (not shown) disposed inside the first cylindrical portion 37. The first cylindrical portion 37 is cylindrical and holds, for example, a lens group consisting of multiple lenses inside the first cylindrical portion 37. In the lens group, each lens is arranged so that its optical axis (the axis extending in the vertical direction of the paper in Figure 3A, which is along the Z axis) is aligned, and the lens group is used for imaging the inside and outside of the vehicle body.

[0021] The lens unit 30 has a flange-shaped portion 32 that extends outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 37. The flange portion 32 is positioned on the outside of the first cylindrical portion 37, extending outward around the entire circumference with respect to the optical axis of at least one lens. The cross-section of the flange portion 32 along the radial direction is square. The flange portion 32 is located near the opening of the internal space of the housing 60, which will be described later, and protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing 60. At least a portion of the flange portion 32 is joined to the housing 60 via a ring member 20.

[0022] Furthermore, the flange portion 32 is positioned inward in the radial direction perpendicular to the optical axis from the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60, which will be described later, and has a ring-shaped first flange surface 32a facing the ring member 20, a ring-shaped second flange surface 32b opposite to the first flange surface 32a, and a flange end surface 32c connecting the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b.

[0023] At least the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is formed of a second resin having first light-absorbing properties. The second resin consists of a material containing a light-absorbing resin. Examples of light-absorbing resins that can be used include polyamide resins, olefin resins, vinyl resins, styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, polyarylate resins, polysulfone resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, polyethersulfone resins, and polyetherimide resins. One type of light-absorbing resin may be used, or multiple types may be used. Furthermore, the main light-absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both.

[0024] By constructing the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 from the second resin, the transmission of light into the internal space can be reduced. In other words, the transmission of light from the outside of the in-vehicle camera 100 to the inside of the in-vehicle camera 100 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image quality of the captured image due to halation of the image sensor 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire flange portion 32 or the entire lens unit 30 may be formed from the second resin.

[0025] The circuit board 40 is placed in the internal space of the housing 60 and has a first surface 40a, a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a, and an end surface 40c connecting the first surface 40a and the second surface 40b. However, two or more circuit boards may be provided.

[0026] The image sensor 50 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 60 together with the circuit board 40. It receives light transmitted through the lens unit 30 and generates an image of the subject by capturing an optical image of the subject through photoelectric conversion based on the received light. The image sensor 50 is positioned on the optical axis of at least one lens of the lens unit 30. The image sensor 50 is mounted on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, allowing light from the outside, such as from a subject, to be easily guided to the image sensor 50.

[0027] The housing 60 is a cylindrical member having an internal space, which directly, and possibly indirectly, supports the lens unit 30 and houses at least the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50. The housing 60 has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 having a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 having a third cylindrical shape along the optical axis. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 61, which constitutes the second cylindrical portion, has a larger cross-sectional area in the XY plane direction than the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62, which constitutes the third cylindrical portion, and both have a rectangular cross-section. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 houses the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50 inside. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 houses a connector 90 that secures electrical connection to the outside of the in-vehicle camera 100. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 can be integrally molded using a resin as described later, but pre-prepared individual large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 and small-diameter cylindrical portion 62 may be joined by welding or screw fastening. In this embodiment, the housing 60 is rectangular in shape, but it is not limited to this, and may be a polygonal cylindrical shape other than rectangular, a circular or elliptical cylindrical shape, or a cylindrical shape of any other shape.

[0028] Of the housing 60, at least the end portion 63 of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 is formed of a third resin having second light absorption properties. The third resin consists of a material containing a light-absorbing resin. Examples of light-absorbing resins that can be used include polyamide resins, olefin resins, vinyl resins, styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyester resins, polycarbonate resins, polyarylate resins, polysulfone resins, polyphenylene oxide resins, polyethersulfone resins, and polyetherimide resins. One type of light-absorbing resin or more types may be used. In addition, the main light-absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both. The second light absorption property may be the same as or different from the first light absorption property.

[0029] By constructing at least the end portion 63 of the housing 60 from a third resin (i.e., a material including a light-absorbing resin), the transmission of light into the internal space of the housing 60 can be reduced. In other words, the transmission of light from the outside of the in-vehicle camera 100 to the inside of the in-vehicle camera 100 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image quality of the captured image due to halation of the image sensor 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 or the entire housing 60 may be formed from the third resin.

[0030] The ring member 20 is welded to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and to the end portion 63 of the housing 60 by laser welding. In other words, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is fixed to the end portion 63 of the housing 60 via the ring member 20.

[0031] The first shield 70 is positioned to surround the circuit board 40 in the internal space formed by the large-diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 and the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. The first shield 70 is made of metal and is a cylindrical member created by methods such as bending a metal plate or drawing a metal material. At least a portion of the flange end surface 32c of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 faces the inner surface of the first shield 70.

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second shield 80. The second shield 80 is positioned along the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and facing the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, and has a first hole 81 corresponding to the image sensor 50. The second shield 80 is made of metal and is a plate-shaped member created by methods such as bending a metal plate.

[0033] The first shield 70 and the second shield 80 are metal components that shield components such as the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50 from external noise. The noise shielding function of the first shield 70 and the second shield 80 enables the imaging function of the in-vehicle camera 100. Furthermore, since it is preferable that the first shield 70 and the second shield 80 be kept at the same potential (ground potential), it is required that the first shield 70 and the second shield 80 be in contact with each other.

[0034] Due to the aforementioned contact, the second shield 80 is provided with at least one contact portion 82 located along the flange end face 32c of the flange portion 32, extending from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32, on at least one side of the flange portion 32 in a plan view. As shown in Figure 3B, at least a portion of the contact portion 82 contacts the first shield 70. Furthermore, the shield end portion 71 of the first shield 70 on the lens unit 30 side is positioned closer to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 than at least a portion of the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80, in the direction along the optical axis.

[0035] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the assembly of the lens unit 30 and the second shield 80, and Figure 5B is a view of Figure 5A from the bottom, i.e., a bottom view of the assembly. In assembling the in-vehicle camera 100, after placing components such as the circuit board 40 and image sensor 50 in the internal space of the housing 60, the assemblies shown in Figures 5A and 5B are inserted into the housing 60. That is, the lens unit 30 and the second shield 80 are assembled as shown in Figures 5A and 5B before being inserted into the housing 60.

[0036] When inserted into the housing 60, the contact portion 82 is elastically bent inward (towards the optical axis) by contact with the inner surface of the first shield 70, which is located inside the housing 60. Once the assembly is housed in the housing 60, an elastic force is generated in the contact portion 82 that causes it to expand outward, and this elastic force maintains contact between the first shield 70 and the second shield 80.

[0037] In the in-vehicle camera 100 of this embodiment, at least one contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 is positioned along the flange end face 32c of the flange portion 32, from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32. That is, the contact portion 82 extends in the opposite direction to the insertion direction when the assembly is inserted. Therefore, when the lens unit 30 and the second shield 80 are inserted into the housing 60 with the second shield 80 positioned on the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the contact portion 82 is less likely to obstruct insertion, making it easier to assemble the in-vehicle camera 100.

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a conventional second shield 80. Unlike the embodiment in Figure 4, in the conventional second shield 80, the contact portion 82 extends in the direction of insertion of the assembly. Therefore, when the lens unit 30 and the second shield 80 are inserted into the housing 60 with the conventional second shield 80 positioned on the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the contact portion 82 is likely to become an obstacle to insertion (for example, by catching on the end portion 63 of the housing 60), potentially complicating the assembly of the in-vehicle camera 100.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, the shield end 71 of the first shield 70 is positioned closer to the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 than at least a portion of the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 that contacts the first shield 70. Therefore, at least a portion of the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 reliably contacts the first shield 70, ensuring conductivity between the first shield 70 and the second shield 80, and maintaining the first shield 70 and the second shield 80 at the same potential.

[0040] Furthermore, the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 is formed by bending metal. This makes it easy to form the contact portion 82. In addition, at least a part of the aforementioned contact portion 82 is the tip portion of the contact portion 82 (for example, the first contact portion 82a). This tip portion (for example, the first contact portion 82a) is where the elastic force that causes the contact portion 82 to expand is greatest, and a strong contact between the first shield 70 and the contact portion 82 can be ensured.

[0041] Further details of the configuration are described below. The second shield 80 has a first shape having at least a first side 80a, a second side 80b, a third side 80c, and a fourth side 80d in a plan view of the second shield 80. At least one contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 includes a first contact portion 82a, a second contact portion 82b, a third contact portion 82c, and a fourth contact portion 82d. The first contact portion 82a is located on the first side 80a, the second contact portion 82b is located on the second side 80b, the third contact portion 82c is located on the third side 80c, and the fourth contact portion 82d is located on the fourth side 80d.

[0042] In other words, the second shield 80 has at least four contact points 82, which makes it possible to more reliably ensure electrical conductivity between the first shield 70 and the second shield 80.

[0043] Furthermore, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has a second shape in a plan view of the flange portion 32. The flange end face 32c of the flange portion 32 has at least a first flange end face 32c1, a second flange end face 32c2, a third flange end face 32c3, and a fourth flange end face 32c4.

[0044] Here, the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32 connects the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b, and corresponds to the first side 80a and the first contact portion 82a of the second shield 80. The second flange end face 32c2 connects the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b, and corresponds to the second side 80b and the second contact portion 82b of the second shield 80. The third flange end face 32c3 connects the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b, and corresponds to the third side 80c and the third contact portion 82c of the second shield 80. The fourth flange end face connects the first flange surface 32a and the second flange surface 32b, and corresponds to the fourth side 80d and the fourth contact portion 82d of the second shield 80.

[0045] As a result, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has at least four flange end faces 32c, and at least four contact portions 82 of the second shield 80 can be arranged along the four flange end faces 32c.

[0046] Furthermore, the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32 has a first recess 33a that accommodates the first contact portion 82a of the second shield 80. The second flange end face 32c2 has a second recess 33b that accommodates the second contact portion 82b of the second shield 80. The third flange end face 32c3 has a third recess 33c that accommodates the third contact portion 82c of the second shield 80. The fourth flange end face 32c4 has a fourth recess 33d that accommodates the fourth contact portion 82d of the second shield 80.

[0047] Each of the first recess 33a to the fourth recess 33d is formed by recessing the corresponding flange end face 32c inward (towards the optical axis). Such recesses can be formed during the formation of the lens unit 30 including the flange portion 32 by, for example, a resin injection mold or by cutting the flange end face 32c.

[0048] As a result, the recess formed on the flange end face 32c accommodates the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80, preventing the contact portion 82 from excessively protruding beyond the flange end face 32c towards the housing 60 and creating a gap between the flange end face 32c and the housing 60.

[0049] Furthermore, the second shield 80 includes a first engaging portion 83a on the first side 80a that extends from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 along the first flange end surface 32c1, a second engaging portion 83b on the second side 80b that extends from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 along the second flange end surface 32c2, a third engaging portion 83c on the third side 80c of the second shield that extends from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 along the third flange end surface 32c3, and a fourth engaging portion 83d on the fourth side 80d of the second shield that extends from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 along the fourth flange end surface 32c4.

[0050] The first engaging portion 83a engages with the first engaged portion 34a formed on the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. The second engaging portion 83b engages with the second engaged portion 34b formed on the second flange end face 32c2 of the flange portion 32. The third engaging portion 83c engages with the third engaged portion 34c formed on the third flange end face 32c3 of the flange portion 32. The fourth engaging portion 83d engages with the fourth engaged portion 34d formed on the fourth flange end face 32c4 of the flange portion 32.

[0051] The second shield 80 can be fixed to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 by the engagement of each of the first engaging portions 83a to the fourth engaging portions 83d of the second shield 80 with each of the first engaged portions 34a to the fourth engaged portions 34d of the flange portion 32.

[0052] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the housing 60 containing the first shield 70, and Figure 7B is a perspective view of the housing 60 containing the first shield 70. Figure 7B is a view from the opposite direction on the XY plane and from a higher position on the Z axis compared to the viewing direction of Figure 7A.

[0053] The housing 60 comprises a first side wall 60a, a second side wall 60b, a third side wall 60c facing the first side wall 60a, and a fourth side wall 60d facing the second side wall 60b. The first side wall 60a of the housing 60 corresponds to the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32, the second side wall 60b corresponds to the second flange end face 32c2, the third side wall 60c corresponds to the third flange end face 32c3, and the fourth side wall 60d corresponds to the fourth flange end face 32c4.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32 has a first rib 35a that contacts the inner surface of the first side wall 60a of the housing 60 to position the lens unit 30 on the housing 60. The third flange end face 32c3, which is opposite the first flange end face 32c1, has a second rib 35c1 and a third rib 35c2 that contact the inner surface of the third side wall 60c of the housing 60 to position the lens unit 30 on the housing 60.

[0055] The first rib 35a is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face 32c1 between the first contact portion 82a and the first engaging portion 83a of the second shield 80. The second rib 35c1 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face 32c3 and in a first direction D1 with respect to the center of the third flange end face 32c3 (center line CC in Figure 5B), outside the third contact portion 82c of the second shield 80. The third rib 35c2 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face 32c3 and in a second direction D2 which is the opposite direction to the first direction D1 with respect to the center of the third flange end face 32c3 (center line CC), outside the third engaging portion 83c of the second shield 80.

[0056] As a result, with respect to the ribs that position the lens unit 30 on the housing 60, at least one rib and at least two ribs are arranged on the opposing first flange end face 32c1 and third flange end face 32c3 of the flange portion 32, respectively, so that the lens unit 30 can be stably positioned on the housing 60.

[0057] The second shield 80 further includes a fifth contact portion 82e and a sixth contact portion 82f on the first side 80a, and a seventh contact portion 82g on the third side 80c. The first contact portion 82a and the fifth contact portion 82e are located adjacent to each other outside the first rib 35a in a third direction D3 that is longitudinal of the first flange end face 32c1 and is based on the center (center line CC) of the first flange end face 32c1. The sixth contact portion 82f is located outside the first rib 35a and the first engagement portion 83a of the second shield 80 in a fourth direction D4 that is longitudinal of the first flange end face 32c1 and is the opposite direction to the third direction D3 that is based on the center (center line CC) of the first flange end face 32c1. Furthermore, the third contact portion 82c and the seventh contact portion 82g of the second shield 80 are located in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face 32c3 and are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1.

[0058] As a result, the second shield 80 has three additional contact points 82, which further ensures reliable conductivity between the first shield 70 and the second shield 80.

[0059] Returning to Figures 7A and 7B, the first shield 70 comprises a first side surface 70a, a second side surface 70b, a third side surface 70c facing the first side surface 70a, and a fourth side surface 70d (not shown) facing the second side surface 70b. The first side surface 70a of the first shield 70 corresponds to the first side 80a of the second shield 80, the second side surface 70b corresponds to the second side 80b of the second shield, the third side surface 70c corresponds to the third side 80c of the second shield, and the fourth side surface 70d corresponds to the fourth side 80d of the second shield.

[0060] Here, at least a portion of the first contact portion 82a, at least a portion of the fifth contact portion 82e, and at least a portion of the sixth contact portion 82f on the first side 80a of the second shield 80 are in contact with the inner surface of the first side surface 70a of the first shield 70. Also, the third contact portion 82c and the seventh contact portion 82g on the third side 80c of the second shield 80 are in contact with the inner surface of the third side surface 70c of the first shield 70.

[0061] As a result, the three contact points 82 on the first side 80a of the second shield 80 contact the first side surface 70a of the first shield 70, and the two contact points on the third side 80c of the second shield 80 contact the third side surface 70c of the first shield, thereby ensuring even more reliable electrical conductivity between the first shield 70 and the second shield 80.

[0062] The first recess 33a of the flange portion 32 accommodates the first contact portion 82a and the fifth contact portion 82e of the second shield 80, and the third recess 33c of the flange portion 32 accommodates the third contact portion 82c and the seventh contact portion 82g of the second shield 80. In-car camera.

[0063] As a result, the first recess 33a formed on the flange end face 32c accommodates the two contact portions 82 of the second shield 80, and the third recess 33c formed on the flange end face 32c accommodates the two contact portions 82 of the second shield 80. This prevents the contact portions 82 from protruding excessively beyond the flange end face 32c towards the housing 60, thus preventing a gap from forming between the flange end face 32c and the housing 60.

[0064] The first rib 35a of the flange portion 32 is located at the center of the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. As a result, the first rib 35a is located at the center of the first flange end face 32c1, allowing the lens unit 30 to be stably positioned on the housing 60.

[0065] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first contact portion 82a extends inclined along the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32, away from the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32. At least a portion of the second contact portion 82b extends inclined along the second flange end face 32c2 of the flange portion 32, away from the second flange end face 32c2 of the flange portion 32. At least a portion of the third contact portion 82c extends inclined along the third flange end face 32c3 of the flange portion 32, away from the third flange end face 32c3 of the flange portion 32. At least a portion of the fourth contact portion 82d extends inclined along the fourth flange end face 32c4 of the flange portion 32, away from the fourth flange end face 32c4 of the flange portion 32.

[0066] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 83a extends from the second shield 80 along the first flange end face 32c1 of the flange portion 32. The second engaging portion 83b extends from the second shield 80 along the second flange end face 32c2 of the flange portion 32. The third engaging portion 83c extends from the second shield 80 along the third flange end face 32c3 of the flange portion 32. The fourth engaging portion 83d extends from the second shield 80 along the fourth flange end face 32c4 of the flange portion 32.

[0067] As a result, the contact portion 82 of the second shield 80 extends at an angle away from the flange end face 32c, and the engaging portion of the second shield 80 extends along the flange end face 32c. Therefore, when the lens unit 30 and the second shield 80 are inserted into the housing 60 with the second shield 80 positioned on the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, the contact portion 82 and the engaging portion do not obstruct insertion, thus making it easier to assemble the in-vehicle camera 100.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the first engaging portion 83a of the second shield 80 has a second hole 83a1, the second engaging portion 83b has a third hole 83b1, the third engaging portion 83c has a fourth hole 83c1, and the fourth engaging portion 83d has a fifth hole 83d1.

[0069] The first engaged portion 34a of the flange portion 32 has a first protrusion 34a1 on the first flange end face 32c1, the second engaged portion 34b has a second protrusion 34b1 on the second flange end face 32c2, the third engaged portion 34c has a third protrusion 34c1 on the third flange end face 32c3, and the fourth engaged portion 34d has a fourth protrusion 34d1 on the fourth flange end face 32c4.

[0070] As a result, the first protrusion 34a1 of the first engaged portion 34a is fitted into the second hole 83a1 of the first engaged portion 83a, the second protrusion 34b1 of the second engaged portion 34b is fitted into the third hole 83b1 of the second engaged portion 83b, the third protrusion 34c1 of the third engaged portion 34c is fitted into the fourth hole 83c1 of the third engaged portion 83c, and the fourth protrusion 34d1 of the fourth engaged portion 34d is fitted into the fifth hole 83d1 of the fourth engaged portion 83d.

[0071] Therefore, since the protrusion of the engaged portion is fitted into the hole of the engaged portion, the second shield 80 can be securely fixed to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the shield end 71 of the first shield 70 is configured in a third shape having at least a first shield end 71a, a second shield end 71b, a third shield end 71c facing the first shield end 71a, and a fourth shield end 71d (not shown) facing the second shield end 71b. The first shield end 71a corresponds to the first side 80a of the second shield 80, the second shield end 71b corresponds to the second side 80b of the second shield 80, the third shield end 71c corresponds to the third side 80c of the second shield 80, and the fourth shield end 71d corresponds to the fourth side 80d of the second shield 80.

[0073] Furthermore, the first shield end 71a has a fifth recess 71a1, and the third shield end 71c has a sixth recess 71c1 and a seventh recess 71c2.

[0074] Therefore, the first rib 35a of the flange portion 32 contacts the first side wall 60a of the housing 60 through the fifth recess 71a1 of the first shield end 71a of the first shield 70, the second rib 35c1 contacts the third side wall 60c of the housing 60 through the sixth recess 71c1 of the third shield end 71c of the first shield 70, and the third rib 35c2 contacts the third side wall 60c of the housing 60 through the seventh recess 71c2 of the third shield end 71c of the first shield 70.

[0075] Therefore, the ribs of the flange portion 32 pass through the recess of the shield end portion 71 and contact the side wall of the housing 60, allowing the lens unit 30 to be stably fixed to the housing 60.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B, the shape of the opening of the first hole 81 of the second shield 80 is circular, the first shape of the second shield 80 is a first square shape, the second shape of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is a second square shape, and the third shape of the shield end portion 71 of the first shield 70 is a third square shape.

[0077] Therefore, since the second shield 80, flange portion 32, and first shield end portion 71a have a square shape, and the opening of the first hole 81 of the second shield 80 has a circular shape, the second shield 80, flange portion 32, and first shield 70 can be easily formed.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3A, the end face 40c of the circuit board 40 has a fourth quadrangular shape, having a first end face 40c1, a second end face 40c2, a third end face 40c3 (not shown) facing the first end face 40c1, and a fourth end face 40c4 facing the second end face 40c2. The first end face 40c1 faces the inner surface of the first side surface 70a of the first shield, the second end face 40c2 faces the inner surface of the second side surface 70b of the first shield, the third end face 40c3 faces the inner surface of the third side surface 70c of the first shield 70, and the fourth end face 40c4 faces the inner surface of the fourth side surface 70d of the first shield 70. Because the circuit board 40 has a quadrangular shape, it can be easily placed on the first shield 70, which also has a quadrangular shape.

[0079] 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.

[0080] (1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) comprising: at least one lens; a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 37) housing the at least one lens; and a flange portion (flange portion 32) formed around the first cylindrical portion with respect to the optical axis of the lens, having a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a), a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) opposite to the first flange surface, and a flange end surface (flange end surface 32c) connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface; A circuit board (circuit board 40) having a first surface (first surface 40a), a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface, and an end surface (end surface 40c) connecting the first surface and the second surface, Mounted on the first surface of the circuit board and positioned on the optical axis of at least one lens, The flange portion of the lens unit is fixed to a housing (housing 60) having a second cylindrical portion (large-diameter cylindrical portion 61) that houses at least the circuit board and the image sensor, In the internal space formed by the second cylindrical portion of the housing and the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, a first metal shield (first shield 70) is arranged to surround the circuit board, The lens unit comprises a second metal shield (second shield 80) which is arranged along the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and facing the first surface of the circuit board, and which has a first hole (first hole 81) corresponding to the image sensor, At least a portion of the flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit faces the inner surface of the first shield, The second shield includes at least one contact portion (contact portion 82) on at least one side of the flange portion in a plan view, which is arranged from the second flange surface of the flange portion along the flange end surface of the flange portion. At least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield contacts the first shield, The shield end (shield end 71) of the first shield is positioned in a direction along the optical axis closer to the first flange surface of the flange portion than at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera (In-car camera 100).

[0081] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, at least one contact point of the second shield is positioned along the flange end face from the second flange surface of the flange portion. Therefore, when the lens unit and the second shield are inserted into the housing with the second shield positioned on the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, the contact point is less likely to obstruct insertion, making it easier to assemble the in-vehicle camera.

[0082] Furthermore, the shield end of the first shield is positioned closer to the first flange surface of the flange portion than at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield that contacts the first shield. Therefore, at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield reliably contacts the first shield, ensuring conductivity between the first and second shields and maintaining the first and second shields at the same potential.

[0083] (2) The in-vehicle camera described in (1), The contact portion of the second shield is formed by bending metal. In-car camera.

[0084] This makes it easy to form the contact points of the second shield in an in-vehicle camera.

[0085] (3)(2) The in-vehicle camera described above, At least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield is the tip portion of the contact portion, In-car camera.

[0086] This ensures a firm contact between the first shield and the contact point in the in-vehicle camera.

[0087] (4) An in-vehicle camera described in any one of (1) to (3), The second shield has a first shape having at least a first side (first side 80a), a second side (second side 80b), a third side (third side 80c), and a fourth side (fourth side 80d) in a plan view of the second shield. The at least one contact portion of the second shield includes a first contact portion (first contact portion 82a), a second contact portion (second contact portion 82b), a third contact portion (third contact portion 82c), and a fourth contact portion (fourth contact portion 82d), The first contact portion is arranged on the first side, The second contact portion is arranged on the second side, The third contact portion is arranged on the third side, The fourth contact portion is arranged on the fourth side. In-car camera.

[0088] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the second shield has at least four contact points, making it possible to more reliably ensure electrical conductivity between the first shield and the second shield.

[0089] (5)(4) The in-vehicle camera described above, The flange portion of the lens unit has a second shape in a plan view of the flange portion. The flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit has at least a first flange end face (first flange end face 32c1), a second flange end face (second flange end face 32c2), a third flange end face (third flange end face 32c3), and a fourth flange end face (fourth flange end face 32c4), The first flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the first side and the first contact portion of the second shield. The second flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the second side and the second contact portion of the second shield. The third flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the third side and the third contact portion of the second shield. The fourth flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the fourth side and the fourth contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

[0090] As a result, in an in-vehicle camera, the flange portion of the lens unit has at least four flange end faces, and at least four contact portions of the second shield can be arranged along the four flange end faces.

[0091] (6)(5) The in-vehicle camera described above, The first flange end face of the flange portion has a first recess (first recess 33a) that accommodates the first contact portion of the second shield, The second flange end face of the flange portion has a second recess (second recess 33b) that accommodates the second contact portion of the second shield, The third flange end face of the flange portion has a third recess (third recess 33c) that accommodates the third contact portion of the second shield, The fourth flange end face of the flange portion has a fourth recess (fourth recess 33d) that accommodates the fourth contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

[0092] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the recess formed on the flange end face accommodates the contact portion of the second shield, preventing the contact portion from excessively protruding beyond the flange end face towards the housing side and creating a gap between the flange end face and the housing.

[0093] (7)(5) The in-vehicle camera described above, The previous 2nd shield is, On the first side of the second shield, a first engaging portion (first engaging portion 83a) extends from the second flange surface of the flange portion along the first flange end surface, On the second side of the second shield, a second engaging portion (second engaging portion 83b) extends from the second flange surface of the flange portion along the second flange end surface, On the third side of the second shield, a third engaging portion (third engaging portion 83c) extends from the second flange surface to the third flange end surface of the flange portion, The second shield comprises a fourth engaging portion (fourth engaging portion 83d) on the fourth side of the flange portion, extending from the second flange surface to the fourth flange end surface, The first engaging portion engages with the first engaged portion (first engaged portion 34a) formed on the first flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The second engaging portion engages with the second engaged portion (second engaged portion 34b) formed on the second flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The third engaging portion engages with the third engaged portion (third engaged portion 34c) formed on the third flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The fourth engaging portion engages with the fourth engaged portion (fourth engaged portion 34d) formed on the fourth flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit. In-car camera.

[0094] This allows the second shield to be fixed to the flange portion of the lens unit.

[0095] (8)(7) The in-vehicle camera described above, The housing comprises a first side wall (first side wall 60a), a second side wall (second side wall 60b), a third side wall (third side wall 60c) facing the first side wall, and a fourth side wall (fourth side wall 60d) facing the second side wall. The first side wall of the housing corresponds to the first flange end face of the flange portion, The second side wall of the housing corresponds to the second flange end face of the flange portion, The third side wall of the housing corresponds to the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth side wall of the housing corresponds to the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, The first flange end face of the flange portion has a first rib (first rib 35a) that contacts the inner surface of the first side wall of the housing to position the lens unit in the housing. The third flange end face of the flange portion, facing the first flange end face, has a second rib (second rib 35c1) and a third rib (third rib 35c2) that contact the inner surface of the third side wall of the housing to position the lens unit in the housing. The first rib of the flange portion is positioned between the first contact portion and the first engagement portion of the second shield in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face. The second rib of the flange portion is in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face and is positioned outside the third contact portion of the second shield in a first direction with reference to the center of the third flange end face. The third rib of the flange portion is positioned outside the third engaging portion of the second shield in a second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction with respect to the center of the third flange end face, in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face. In-car camera.

[0096] As a result, with respect to the ribs that position the lens unit on the housing, at least one rib and at least two ribs are arranged on the opposing first flange end face and third flange end face of the flange portion, respectively, so that the lens unit can be stably positioned on the housing.

[0097] (9)(8) The in-vehicle camera described above, The previous 2nd shield is, A fifth contact portion (fifth contact portion 82e) and a sixth contact portion (sixth contact portion 82f) are provided on the first side of the second shield, The second shield further comprises a seventh contact portion (seventh contact portion 82g) on ​​the third side, The first contact portion and the fifth contact portion are arranged adjacent to each other outside the first rib in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face and in a third direction with respect to the center of the first flange end face. The sixth contact portion is located outside the first engagement portion of the first rib and the second shield in a fourth direction which is in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face and is opposite to the third direction with respect to the center of the first flange end face. The third contact portion and the seventh contact portion of the second shield are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face and in the first direction. In-car camera.

[0098] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the second shield has three additional contact points, which further ensures reliable conductivity between the first and second shields.

[0099] (10)(9) The in-vehicle camera described above, The first shield comprises a first side (first side 70a), a second side (second side 70b), a third side (third side 70c) facing the first side, and a fourth side (fourth side 70d) facing the second side. The first side of the first shield corresponds to the first edge of the second shield, The second side of the first shield corresponds to the second edge of the second shield. The third side of the first shield corresponds to the third edge of the second shield. The fourth side of the first shield corresponds to the fourth edge of the second shield. At least a portion of the first contact portion, at least a portion of the fifth contact portion, and at least a portion of the sixth contact portion on the first side of the second shield are in contact with the inner surface of the first side of the first shield. The third contact portion and the seventh contact portion on the third side of the second shield are in contact with the inner surface of the third side of the first shield. In-car camera.

[0100] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the three contact points on the first side of the second shield contact the first side surface of the first shield, and the two contact points on the third side of the second shield contact the third side surface of the first shield, thereby ensuring even more reliable electrical conductivity between the first and second shields.

[0101] (11)(9) The in-vehicle camera described above, The first recess of the flange portion accommodates the first contact portion and the fifth contact portion of the second shield. The third recess of the flange portion accommodates the third contact portion and the seventh contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

[0102] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the first recess formed on the flange end face accommodates the two contact points of the second shield, and the third recess formed on the flange end face accommodates the two contact points of the second shield. This prevents the contact points from protruding excessively beyond the flange end face towards the housing, thus preventing a gap from forming between the flange end face and the housing.

[0103] (12)(9) The in-vehicle camera described above, The first rib of the flange portion is located at the center of the first flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit. In-car camera.

[0104] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the first rib is positioned at the center of the first flange end face, allowing the lens unit to be stably positioned within the housing.

[0105] (13)(7) The in-vehicle camera described above, At least a portion of the first contact portion extends along the first flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the first flange end face of the flange portion, At least a portion of the second contact portion extends along the second flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the second flange end face of the flange portion, At least a portion of the third contact portion extends along the third flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the third flange end face of the flange portion, At least a portion of the fourth contact portion extends along the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, The first engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the first flange end face of the flange portion, The second engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the second flange end face of the flange portion, The third engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, In-car camera.

[0106] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the contact portion of the second shield extends at an angle away from the flange end face, and the engaging portion of the second shield extends along the flange end face. Therefore, when the lens unit and the second shield are inserted into the housing with the second shield positioned on the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, the contact portion and engaging portion do not obstruct insertion, thus making the assembly of the in-vehicle camera easier.

[0107] (14)(13) The in-vehicle camera described above, The first engaging portion of the second shield has a second hole (second hole 83a1), The second engaging portion of the second shield has a third hole (third hole 83b1), The third engaging portion of the second shield has a fourth hole (fourth hole 83c1), The fourth engaging portion of the second shield has a fifth hole (fifth hole 83d1), The first engaged portion of the flange portion has a first protrusion (first protrusion 34a1) on the first flange end face of the flange portion, The second engaged portion of the flange portion has a second protrusion (second protrusion 34b1) on the second flange end face of the flange portion, The third engaged portion of the flange portion has a third protrusion (third protrusion 34c1) on the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth engaged portion of the flange portion has a fourth protrusion (fourth protrusion 34d1) on the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, The first protrusion of the first engaged portion is fitted into the second hole of the first engaged portion. The second protrusion of the second engaged portion is fitted into the third hole of the second engaged portion. The third protrusion of the third engaged portion is fitted into the fourth hole of the third engaged portion. The fourth protrusion of the fourth engaged portion is fitted into the fifth hole of the fourth engaged portion. In-car camera.

[0108] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the protrusion of the engaged part fits into the hole of the engaged part, so that the second shield can be securely fixed to the flange part of the lens unit.

[0109] (15)(10) The in-vehicle camera described above, The shield end of the first shield is configured in a third shape having at least a first shield end (first shield end 71a), a second shield end (second shield end 71b), a third shield end (third shield end 71c) facing the first shield end, and a fourth shield end (fourth shield end 71d) facing the second shield end. The first shield end of the first shield corresponds to the first side of the second shield, The second shield end of the first shield corresponds to the second side of the second shield, The third shield end of the first shield corresponds to the third side of the second shield, The fourth shield end of the first shield corresponds to the fourth side of the second shield, The first shield end of the first shield has a fifth recess (fifth recess 71a1), The third shield end of the first shield has a sixth recess (sixth recess 71c1) and a seventh recess (seventh recess 71c2), The first rib of the flange portion contacts the first side wall of the housing through the fifth recess of the first shield end of the first shield, The second rib of the flange portion contacts the third side wall of the housing through the sixth recess of the third shield end of the first shield, The third rib of the flange portion contacts the third side wall of the housing through the seventh recess of the third shield end of the first shield. In-car camera.

[0110] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the ribs of the flange portion pass through the recess at the end of the shield and contact the side wall of the housing, allowing the lens unit to be stably fixed to the housing.

[0111] (16)(15) The in-vehicle camera described above, The shape of the opening of the first hole in the second shield is circular. The first shape of the second shield is a first quadrangular shape, The second shape of the flange portion of the lens unit is a second quadrangular shape. The third shape of the shield end of the first shield is a third quadrangular shape. In-car camera.

[0112] As a result, in an in-vehicle camera, the second shield, flange portion, and shield end of the first shield have a square shape, and the opening of the first hole in the second shield has a circular shape, making it easy to form the second shield, flange portion, and first shield.

[0113] (17)(16) The in-vehicle camera described above, The end face of the circuit board is a fourth quadrilateral shape having a first end face (first end face 40c1), a second end face (second end face 40c2), a third end face (third end face 40c3) facing the first end face, and a fourth end face (fourth end face 40c4) facing the second end face. The first end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the first side surface of the first shield, The second end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the second side surface of the first shield, The third end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the third side surface of the first shield, The fourth end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the fourth side surface of the first shield, In-car camera.

[0114] As a result, in the in-vehicle camera, the circuit board has a rectangular shape, and therefore can be easily placed on the first shield, which also has a rectangular shape.

[0115] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents are possible within the scope of the claims, and that these also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] This disclosure is useful as an in-vehicle camera that can be manufactured at low cost while ensuring excellent imaging performance. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 10 caps 20 Ring Member 30 Lens Units 31 Lens barrel 32 Flange section 32a First flange surface 32b Second flange surface 32c flange end face 32c1 First flange end face 32c2 Second flange end face 32c3 Third flange end face 32c4 Fourth flange end face 33a First recess 33b Second recess 33c Third recess 33d Fourth recess 34a First engaged part 34a1 First protrusion 34b Second engaged part 34b1 Second protrusion 34c Third engaged part 34c1 Third protrusion 34d 4th engaged part 34d1 Fourth protrusion 35a First Rib 35c1 2nd Rib 35c2 Third Rib 37. First cylindrical section 40 Circuit boards 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 40c end face 40c1 1st end face 40c2 2nd end face 40c3 3rd end face 40c4 4th end face 50 Image sensors 60 cabinets 60a First side wall 60b 2nd side wall 60c 3rd side wall 60d Fourth side wall 61 Large diameter cylindrical section (second cylindrical section) 62 Small diameter cylindrical part 70 Shield 1 70a 1st side 70b 2nd side 70c 3rd side 70d 4th side 71 Shield end 71a First Shield End 71a1 Fifth recess 71b Second Shield End 71c Third Shield End 71c1 Sixth recess 71c2 Seventh recess 71d Fourth Shield End 80 2nd Shield 80a First side 80b Second side 80c Third side 80d, 4th side 81 Hole 1 82 Contact point 82a First contact point 82b 2nd contact part 82c 3rd contact part 82d Fourth contact point 82e Fifth contact point 82f Sixth contact point 82g 7th contact part 83a First engaging portion 83a1 2nd hole 83b Second engaging part 83b1 Hole 3 83c Third engaging part 83c1 Hole 4 83d 4th engagement part 83d1 Hole 5 100 In-Car Cameras

Claims

1. A lens unit comprising: at least one lens; a first cylindrical portion housing the at least one lens; and a flange portion formed around the first cylindrical portion with respect to the optical axis of the lens, having a first flange surface, a second flange surface opposite to the first flange surface, and a flange end surface connecting the first flange surface and the second flange surface; A circuit board having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, Mounted on the first surface of the circuit board and positioned on the optical axis of at least one lens, The flange portion of the lens unit is fixed to a housing having a second cylindrical portion that houses at least the circuit board and the image sensor, In the internal space formed by the second cylindrical portion of the housing and the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit, a first metal shield is arranged to surround the circuit board, The lens unit comprises a second metal shield which is arranged along the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit and opposite the first surface of the circuit board, and which has a first hole corresponding to the image sensor, At least a portion of the flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit faces the inner surface of the first shield, The flange portion of the lens unit is polygonal in plan view. The second shield includes at least one contact portion located along the second flange surface of the flange portion and the flange end surface of the flange portion, on at least one side of the polygon in a plan view of the flange portion. At least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield contacts the first shield, The shield end of the first shield is positioned in a direction along the optical axis closer to the first flange surface of the flange portion than at least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

2. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The contact portion of the second shield is formed by bending metal. In-car camera.

3. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 2, At least a portion of the contact portion of the second shield is the tip portion of the contact portion, In-car camera.

4. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, The second shield has a first shape having at least a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side in a plan view of the second shield. The at least one contact portion of the second shield includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, a third contact portion, and a fourth contact portion. The first contact portion is arranged on the first side, The second contact portion is arranged on the second side, The third contact portion is arranged on the third side, The fourth contact portion is arranged on the fourth side. In-car camera.

5. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 4, The flange portion of the lens unit is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit has at least a first flange end face, a second flange end face, a third flange end face, and a fourth flange end face. The first flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the first side and the first contact portion of the second shield. The second flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the second side and the second contact portion of the second shield. The third flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the third side and the third contact portion of the second shield. The fourth flange end face of the flange portion connects the first flange surface and the second flange surface, and corresponds to the fourth side and the fourth contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

6. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 5, The first flange end face of the flange portion has a first recess that accommodates the first contact portion of the second shield, The second flange end face of the flange portion has a second recess that accommodates the second contact portion of the second shield. The third flange end face of the flange portion has a third recess that accommodates the third contact portion of the second shield. The fourth flange end face of the flange portion has a fourth recess that accommodates the fourth contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

7. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 5, The aforementioned second shield is On the first side of the second shield, a first engaging portion extends from the second flange surface of the flange portion along the first flange end surface, On the second side of the second shield, a second engaging portion extends from the second flange surface of the flange portion along the second flange end surface, On the third side of the second shield, a third engaging portion extends from the second flange surface to the third flange end surface of the flange portion, The second shield comprises a fourth engaging portion on the fourth side of the flange portion, extending from the second flange surface to the fourth flange end surface, The first engaging portion engages with the first engaged portion formed on the first flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The second engaging portion engages with the second engaged portion formed on the second flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The third engaging portion engages with the third engaged portion formed on the third flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit, The fourth engaging portion engages with the fourth engaged portion formed on the fourth flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit. In-car camera.

8. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 7, The housing comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall facing the first side wall, and a fourth side wall facing the second side wall. The first side wall of the housing corresponds to the first flange end face of the flange portion, The second side wall of the housing corresponds to the second flange end face of the flange portion, The third side wall of the housing corresponds to the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth side wall of the housing corresponds to the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, The first flange end face of the flange portion has a first rib that contacts the inner surface of the first side wall of the housing to position the lens unit in the housing. The third flange end face of the flange portion, opposite the first flange end face, has a second rib and a third rib that contact the inner surface of the third side wall of the housing to position the lens unit in the housing. The first rib of the flange portion is positioned between the first contact portion and the first engagement portion of the second shield in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face. The second rib of the flange portion is in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face and is positioned outside the third contact portion of the second shield in a first direction with reference to the center of the third flange end face. The third rib of the flange portion is positioned outside the third engaging portion of the second shield in a second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction with respect to the center of the third flange end face, in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face. In-car camera.

9. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 8, The aforementioned second shield is A fifth contact portion and a sixth contact portion are provided on the first side of the second shield, The second shield further comprises a seventh contact portion on the third side, The first contact portion and the fifth contact portion are arranged adjacent to each other outside the first rib in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face and in a third direction with reference to the center of the first flange end face. The sixth contact portion is located in the longitudinal direction of the first flange end face and in a fourth direction which is opposite to the third direction with respect to the center of the first flange end face, and is positioned outside the first engagement portion of the first rib and the second shield. The third contact portion and the seventh contact portion of the second shield are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the third flange end face and in the first direction. In-car camera.

10. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 9, The first shield comprises a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface facing the first side surface, and a fourth side surface facing the second side surface. The first side of the first shield corresponds to the first edge of the second shield, The second side of the first shield corresponds to the second edge of the second shield. The third side of the first shield corresponds to the third edge of the second shield. The fourth side of the first shield corresponds to the fourth edge of the second shield. At least a portion of the first contact portion, at least a portion of the fifth contact portion, and at least a portion of the sixth contact portion on the first side of the second shield are in contact with the inner surface of the first side of the first shield. The third contact portion and the seventh contact portion on the third side of the second shield are in contact with the inner surface of the third side of the first shield. In-car camera.

11. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 9, The first recess of the flange portion accommodates the first contact portion and the fifth contact portion of the second shield. The third recess of the flange portion accommodates the third contact portion and the seventh contact portion of the second shield. In-car camera.

12. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 9, The first rib of the flange portion is located at the center of the first flange end face of the flange portion of the lens unit. In-car camera.

13. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 7, At least a portion of the first contact portion extends along the first flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the first flange end face of the flange portion. At least a portion of the second contact portion extends along the second flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the second flange end face of the flange portion, At least a portion of the third contact portion extends along the third flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the third flange end face of the flange portion, At least a portion of the fourth contact portion extends along the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, and is inclined away from the fourth flange end face of the flange portion. The first engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the first flange end face of the flange portion, The second engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the second flange end face of the flange portion, The third engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth engaging portion extends from the second shield so as to be along the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, In-car camera.

14. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 13, The first engaging portion of the second shield has a second hole, The second engaging portion of the second shield has a third hole, The third engaging portion of the second shield has a fourth hole, The fourth engaging portion of the second shield has a fifth hole, The first engaged portion of the flange portion has a first protrusion on the first flange end face of the flange portion. The second engaged portion of the flange portion has a second protrusion on the second flange end face of the flange portion. The third engaged portion of the flange portion has a third protrusion on the third flange end face of the flange portion, The fourth engaged portion of the flange portion has a fourth protrusion on the fourth flange end face of the flange portion, The first protrusion of the first engaged portion is fitted into the second hole of the first engaged portion. The second protrusion of the second engaged portion is fitted into the third hole of the second engaged portion. The third protrusion of the third engaged portion is fitted into the fourth hole of the third engaged portion. The fourth protrusion of the fourth engaged portion is fitted into the fifth hole of the fourth engaged portion. In-car camera.

15. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 10, The shield end of the first shield is configured in a third shape having at least a first shield end, a second shield end, a third shield end facing the first shield end, and a fourth shield end facing the second shield end. The first shield end of the first shield corresponds to the first side of the second shield, The second shield end of the first shield corresponds to the second side of the second shield, The third shield end of the first shield corresponds to the third side of the second shield, The fourth shield end of the first shield corresponds to the fourth side of the second shield, The first shield end of the first shield has a fifth recess, The third shield end of the first shield has a sixth recess and a seventh recess, The first rib of the flange portion contacts the first side wall of the housing through the fifth recess of the first shield end of the first shield, The second rib of the flange portion contacts the third side wall of the housing through the sixth recess of the third shield end of the first shield, The third rib of the flange portion contacts the third side wall of the housing by passing through the seventh recess of the third shield end of the first shield. In-car camera.

16. The in-vehicle camera according to claim 15, The shape of the opening of the first hole in the second shield is circular. The first shape of the second shield is a square shape, The third shape of the shield end of the first shield is a square shape. In-car camera.

17. An in-vehicle camera according to claim 16, The end face of the circuit board is rectangular in shape, having a first end face, a second end face, a third end face facing the first end face, and a fourth end face facing the second end face. The first end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the first side surface of the first shield, The second end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the second side surface of the first shield, The third end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the third side surface of the first shield, The fourth end face of the circuit board faces the inner surface of the fourth side surface of the first shield, In-car camera.

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