JP7206860B2 - Lens unit, object detection device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a lens unit having a lens and a base, and an object detection device having the lens unit, and more particularly to a technique for attaching the lens to the base.

For example, an object detection device such as an in-vehicle laser radar includes a light projecting unit for projecting measurement light and a light receiving unit for receiving the reflected light of the measurement light from the object, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. It has a light receiving section and an optical component such as a lens that optically adjusts the measurement light and the reflected light.

In the object detection device, measurement light emitted from a light emitting element provided in a light projecting section is converted into parallel light by a light projecting lens, and then projected over a predetermined range. When the measurement light is reflected by an object within a predetermined range, the reflected light is collected by a light receiving lens and then received by a light receiving element provided in the light receiving section. Then, the object detection device detects the presence or absence of the object and the distance to the object based on the light receiving signal output from the light receiving element according to the light receiving state of the reflected light.

In order to improve the detection accuracy of an object in an object detection device, each part needs to be installed at a predetermined position with high accuracy. Since the light emitting element arranged at the starting point of the light projecting path and the light receiving element arranged at the end point of the light receiving path are electronic components, they are mounted on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is fixed to the base in the housing with screws or the like. A lens arranged in the middle of the light projection path and the light reception path is attached to the base after being optically adjusted in three orthogonal optical axis directions including the optical axis direction. More specifically, for example, a base is installed on the stage of an automatic machine, the lens is gripped by an arm of the automatic machine and moved to a predetermined position on the base, and light (measurement light or reflected light) is transmitted through the lens. Then, the emitted light from the lens is observed with an optical measuring instrument, and after adjusting the position of the lens in the three orthogonal optical axis directions with an arm so that the emitted light is in an appropriate state, the lens is attached to the base with an adhesive or the like. fixed.

The lens is made of a translucent material such as synthetic resin or glass. The base is made of synthetic resin, metal, or the like, which has a light-shielding property. In this way, since the lens and the base are made of different materials, when the lens is fixed to the base, a difference in thermal expansion and contraction occurs between the two due to changes in the surrounding temperature, causing the lens to shift its position, resulting in an optical deterioration of the lens. Characteristics may deteriorate.

In the lens unit disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200021, as a countermeasure against lens position shift due to thermal expansion, a groove-shaped holding portion for fixing the outer peripheral portion of the lens is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the lens holder held by the base. there is A portion thinner than the thinnest portion within the effective diameter of the lens is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lens.

Further, in Patent Document 3, the outer peripheral portion of the lens (optical element) is fixed to the frame-shaped base (holding body) with an adhesive. , the lens may be misaligned. Therefore, a plurality of recesses are formed in the mounting plane of the lens mounting base, and the recesses are filled with an adhesive to increase the thickness of the adhesive and improve the strength of the adhesive against shear stress.

On the other hand, Patent Document 4 discloses a method of joining a metal member and a resin member. Specifically, after forming uneven perforations by irradiating a laser beam on the bonding region on the surface of the metal member, the bonding region of the resin member is bonded to the bonding region of the metal member by laser welding. ing. Part of the resin member is melted during laser welding and filled into the recessed portion of the drilled portion, and then part of the resin member is solidified, resulting in an anchor effect and a strong bond between the metal member and the resin member. be done. Further, in Patent Document 4, in order to suppress the occurrence of thermal deformation strain in the resin member, the joint region of at least one of the metal member and the resin member protrudes from the surface.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-91730 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-3130 JP 2017-44947 A JP 2017-94653 A

As described above, in the object detection device, in order to improve the object detection accuracy, it is necessary to optically adjust the position of the lens and attach it to the base. However, if the lens and the lens holder are tightly engaged and the lens holder and the base are also tightly engaged as in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to adjust the position of the lens with respect to the base. Also, as in Patent Document 3, even if the gap between the inner peripheral portion of the frame-shaped base and the outer peripheral portion of the lens is small and the lens and the base are in close contact with each other in the thickness direction of the lens, the lens is not attached to the base. Difficult to adjust position.

In addition, in vehicle-mounted object detection devices that are used in high-temperature and low-temperature environments, the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the lens and the base increases, and vibration and impact are frequently applied to the lens and the base. As a result, the stress (particularly shear stress) applied to the joint between the lens and the base increases, and the joint is likely to be broken (particularly sheared). If the joint between the lens and the base is broken, the fixed state of the lens is not maintained, the lens is displaced, the optical characteristics of the lens are deteriorated, and the detection accuracy of the object is lowered. .

An object of the present invention is to optically adjust the position of a lens and to attach it firmly to a base.

A lens unit according to the present invention includes a lens, a base to which the lens is attached, leg portions provided at the ends of the lens, and the leg portions whose positions can be adjusted two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally before the lens is attached. and a mounting portion provided on the base. At least one of the mounting portion and the leg portion is provided with an uneven portion composed of a plurality of concave portions and convex portions, and the mounting portion and the leg portion are joined by laser welding or an adhesive through the uneven portion. .

Further, an object detection device according to the present invention includes the above lens unit, a light projecting section for projecting measurement light onto an object, and a light receiving section for receiving reflected light from the object. is optically adjusted by the lens of the lens unit, and the object is detected based on the received light signal output from the light receiving portion according to the received state of the reflected light.

According to the above, the mounting portion to which the lens is mounted is provided on the base so that the leg portion of the lens can be adjusted in two or three dimensions before the lens is mounted. Therefore, it is possible to optically adjust the position of the lens in the two-dimensional direction or the three-dimensional direction while positioning the leg portion on the mounting portion. Further, the mounting portion or the leg portion is provided with an uneven portion, and the mounting portion and the leg portion are joined by laser welding or an adhesive via the uneven portion. For this reason, a portion of the mounting portion or the leg portion melted by the laser beam, or the adhesive solidifies in a state in which each concave portion of the mounting portion or the leg portion is filled, thereby producing an anchor effect in the solidified portion. can be done. Therefore, it is possible to optically adjust the position of the lens and attach it firmly to the base. As a result, even if stress due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the lens and the base, vibration, impact, etc., is applied to the connecting portion between the mounting portion and the leg portion, the connecting portion is less likely to be broken, preventing the lens from being displaced. can be prevented. In addition, since the stress is relieved by the leg, the connecting portion between the leg and the mounting portion is less likely to be broken, making it possible to more effectively prevent displacement of the lens. Furthermore, in an object detection device equipped with such a lens unit, it is possible to maintain high positional accuracy of the lens, prevent deterioration of the optical characteristics of the lens, and stably detect the object over a long period of time. Accurate detection is possible.

In the present invention, an uneven portion formed by irradiating a laser beam may be provided on a portion of the mounting portion or the leg made of metal.

Further, in the present invention, the mounting portion is made of metal and provided with uneven portions, the leg portion includes a synthetic resin portion made of synthetic resin, and the uneven portion of the mounting portion and the synthetic resin portion of the leg portion are formed. The parts may be joined by laser welding.

In addition, in the present invention, the synthetic resin portion of the leg is composed of an amorphous synthetic resin portion and a crystalline synthetic resin portion, and one end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion is connected to the end of the lens to form a non-crystalline synthetic resin portion. The other end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion is connected to one end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion. good.

Further, in the present invention, a through-hole may be provided in the mounting portion so that the diameter decreases from one opening to the other opening, and the leg portion may be inserted into the through-hole. . Alternatively, the through hole may be filled with a photocurable adhesive, and the through hole may be closed with a stopper from one or the other opening side to support the photocurable adhesive. Further, uneven portions may be provided in the through holes where the legs are inserted or on the inner peripheral surface of the through holes, and the mounting portions and the leg portions may be bonded with a solidified photocurable adhesive.

Further, in the present invention, the leg includes a metal portion inserted into the through hole and a synthetic resin portion exposed from the through hole, one end of the synthetic resin portion is connected to the end of the lens, and the synthetic resin An uneven portion is provided on one end of the metal portion facing the other end of the synthetic resin portion, and an uneven portion is provided on the surface of the metal portion inserted into the through hole or on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole. and one end of the metal portion may be joined by laser welding, and the metal portion and the mounting portion may be joined by a photocurable adhesive.

Further, in the present invention, an inclined portion may be provided in the portion of the through-hole in which the leg is inserted.

Furthermore, in the present invention, three legs are provided so as to be arranged on the same circle at equal angular intervals when viewed from the axial direction, and three through holes are provided so as to correspond to the legs. The through-hole may be formed in a circular shape or a shape extending in the radial direction of the same circle when viewed from the axial direction of the leg.

According to the present invention, it is possible to optically adjust the position of the lens and attach it firmly to the base.

1 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of an object detection device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the object detection device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the object detection device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the base is omitted from FIG. 3; 4A and 4B are views showing the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4A and 4B are views showing the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4A and 4B are views showing the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a lens unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; It is the figure which showed the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a through hole according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a through hole and a stopper according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a through hole and a stopper according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view and a top view showing the structure of a lens unit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a top view showing another example of through holes; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a leg;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts.

First, the electrical configuration of the object detection device 100 of the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the object detection device 100. As shown in FIG. The object detection device 100 is an in-vehicle laser radar. The control unit 1 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the operation of each unit of the object detection device 100 .

The LD (laser diode) module 2 is packaged. The LD module 2 includes a plurality of LDs. Each LD is a light-emitting element that emits high-power light pulses. The charging circuit 3 is connected with the LD module 2 .

A control unit 1 controls the operation of each LD of the LD module 2 . Specifically, for example, the control unit 1 causes each LD to emit light and projects measurement light onto an object such as a person or an object within a predetermined range. Further, the control unit 1 causes each LD to stop emitting light, and the charging circuit 3 charges each LD. The LD module 2 is an example of the "projecting section" of the present invention.

The motor 4c is a drive source for the optical scanning unit 4 (see FIG. 3, etc.), which will be described later. The motor drive circuit 5 drives the motor 4c. The encoder 6 detects the rotation state (angle, number of revolutions, etc.) of the motor 4c. The control unit 1 rotates the motor 4 c by the motor driving circuit 5 to control the operation of the optical scanning unit 4 . The control unit 1 also detects the operating state (movement amount, operating position, etc.) of the optical scanning unit 4 based on the output of the encoder 6 .

A PD (photodiode) module 7 is packaged. The PD module 7 includes a PD that is a light receiving element, a TIA (transimpedance amplifier), a MUX (multiplexer), and a VGA (variable gain amplifier) (detailed circuits are not shown).

A plurality of PDs (for example, 32 channels) are provided in the PD module 7 . The MUX allows the output signal of the TIA to be input to the VGA. The booster circuit 9 supplies each PD of the PD module 7 with a boosted voltage necessary for the operation of the photodiode. An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) 8 converts the analog signal output from the PD module 7 into a digital signal.

The control section 1 controls the operation of each section of the PD module 7 . More specifically, for example, the control unit 1 causes the LD of the LD module 2 to emit light, thereby projecting measurement light in a predetermined range, and transmitting the measurement light reflected by the object in the predetermined range to the PD module 7. Light is received by the PD. Then, the control unit 1 processes the received light signal output from the PD according to the light receiving state by the TIA and VGA of the PD module 7 . Furthermore, the control unit 1 converts the analog light reception signal output from the PD module 7 into a digital light reception signal by the ADC 8, and detects the presence or absence of the object based on the digital light reception signal. Further, the control unit 1 calculates the time from when the LD emits light to when the PD receives the reflected light from the object, and detects the distance to the object based on this time. The PD module 7 is an example of the "light receiving section" of the present invention.

The storage unit 10 is composed of volatile or nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 10 stores information for the control unit 1 to control each unit of the object detection device 100, information for detecting objects, and the like. The interface 11 consists of communication circuits. The control unit 1 transmits/receives information about an object and various control information to/from other devices mounted on the vehicle through the interface 11 .

Next, the structure and function of the object detection device 100 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the object detection device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the object detection device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the base 30 is omitted from FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the case 12 of the object detection device 100 is a rectangular box when viewed from the front. The opening 12 a of the case 12 is covered with a translucent cover 13 . The translucent cover 13 is formed in a dome shape with a predetermined thickness.

The internal space surrounded by the case 12 and the light-transmitting cover 13 accommodates the optical system shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrical system shown in FIG. 1, and the like. The translucent cover 13 shown in FIG. 2 transmits light to the inside and outside of the case 12 .

The object detection device 100 is installed, for example, at the front, rear, or left and right sides of the vehicle so that the translucent cover 13 faces the front, rear, or left and right sides of the vehicle. At that time, the object detection device 100 is installed in the vehicle so that the short side direction of the case 12 faces the vertical direction Y as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical system accommodated in the inner space of the case 12 or the like includes the LD of the LD module 2, the projection lens 14, the optical scanning unit 4, the light receiving lens 16, the reflector 17, and the PD. It consists of a module 7 PD.

Among them, the LD of the LD module 2, the projection lens 14, and the optical scanning unit 4 are a projection optical system. Also, the light scanning unit 4, the light receiving lens 16, the reflecting mirror 17, and the PD of the PD module 7 are a light receiving optical system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the LD module 2 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. On one side surface of the LD module 2, light emitting portions of a plurality of LDs (portions indicated by symbol LD in FIG. 4) are exposed. Each LD projects measurement light (high-power light pulse).

The LD module 2 is mounted on one surface of the first substrate 21 . The LD module 2 is arranged in the central part of the object detection device 100 . The light-emitting portion of each LD of the LD module 2 faces the center side of the object detection device 100 and in the Z direction parallel to the surface of the first substrate 21 . Therefore, each LD projects measurement light in the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first substrate 21 is fixed to the mounting surface 30a of the base 30 facing the object side with screws or the like. The base 30 is made of die-cast metal such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum, and is fixed to the inner surface of the case 12 with screws or the like.

A projection lens 14 is arranged on the light emission direction side of the LD module 2 . The projection lens 14 is fixed to the mounting surface 30a of the base 30 (detailed illustration is omitted). The projection lens 14 adjusts the spread of light emitted from each LD of the LD module 2 and converts the light into parallel light.

The PD module 7 is formed in the shape of a square bar. On one side surface of the PD module 7, a plurality of light-receiving portions of PDs are arranged in a row in the vertical direction Y (detailed illustration is omitted). The PD module 7 is mounted on one surface of the second substrate 22 . Each PD of the PD module 7 faces the translucent cover 13 side.

The second substrate 22 is fixed by screws or the like to the mounting surface 30b of the base 30 facing away from the object. The PD module 7 is exposed through an opening 30k provided in the upper portion of the base 30. As shown in FIG. That is, the light receiving portion of the PD of the PD module 7 can be viewed from the object side through the opening 30k. The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 are arranged parallel to each other with a predetermined interval in the plate thickness direction of the substrates 21 and 22 . Also, the first substrate 21 is formed smaller than the second substrate 22 and arranged closer to the object side than the second substrate 22 .

The charging circuit 3 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on the first substrate 21 in addition to the LD module 2 . In addition to the PD module 7, the second substrate 22 is mounted with the ADC 8, the booster circuit 9, the motor drive circuit 5, the control section 1, the storage section 10, the interface 11, and the like shown in FIG. The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 are electrically connected by a connector (not shown) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

A light projecting lens 14 , an optical scanning unit 4 , a light receiving lens 16 , and a reflecting mirror 17 are arranged on the object side of the second substrate 22 .

The optical scanning unit 4 is also called an optical deflector, and includes a double-sided mirror 4a, a motor 4c, and the like. The motor 4 c is mounted on the third board 23 . The third board 23 is fixed inside the case 12 by a fixture so that the rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor 4c is parallel to the vertical direction Y. As shown in FIG. The plate surface of the third substrate 23 is perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 . The third substrate 23 and the second substrate 22 are electrically connected by a connector or FPC (not shown). A double-sided mirror 4a is connected to one end of the rotating shaft of the motor 4c. The double-sided mirror 4a rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft of the motor 4c.

The light receiving lens 16 and the reflecting mirror 17 are arranged above the first substrate 21 (FIG. 4). The light-receiving lens 16 is composed of a condensing lens and formed larger than the light-projecting lens 14 . The light receiving lens 16 is attached to the base 30 so that the light incident surface (convex surface) faces the optical scanning unit 4 . In the light-receiving lens 16, the diameter in the front-rear direction X of the object detection device 100 is larger than the diameter in the up-down direction Y. As shown in FIG.

The reflecting mirror 17 is arranged on the opposite side of the light receiving lens 16 from the light scanning section 4 . The reflecting mirror 17 is attached to the mounting surface 30c of the base 30 so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the light receiving lens 16 and the light receiving portion of each PD of the PD module 7. FIG.

4, the measurement light projected from the LD of the LD module 2 is adjusted in spread by the light projection lens 14, and then is projected onto the lower half of the double-sided mirror 4a of the light scanning unit 4. hit the part. The measurement light is deflected by the lower half of the double-sided mirror 4a, passes through the translucent cover 13 (FIG. 2), and irradiates the object. That is, the optical scanning unit 4 deflects the measurement light emitted from the LD of the LD module 2 toward the object. At that time, the motor 4c rotates to change the angle (orientation) of the double-sided mirror 4a, so that the measurement light emitted from the LD scans a predetermined range outside the translucent cover 13. FIG.

The measurement light transmitted through the translucent cover 13 is reflected by objects such as people and objects within a predetermined range. After passing through the light-transmitting cover 13, the reflected light is deflected by the upper half of the double-sided mirror 4a of the optical scanning unit 4 and enters the light-receiving lens 16, as indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. do. At that time, the motor 4c rotates to change the angle (orientation) of the double-sided mirror 4a, so that the reflected light coming from a predetermined range outside the translucent cover 13 is reflected by the double-sided mirror 4a, and the light receiving lens 16. Reflected light incident on the light receiving lens 16 via the light scanning unit 4 is condensed by the light receiving lens 16 , reflected by the reflecting mirror 17 , and received by the PD of the PD module 7 .

A received light signal output from the PD according to the received state of the reflected light is processed by the PD module 7 and the ADC 8 . Based on the processed received light signal, the control unit 1 detects the presence or absence of the object and calculates the distance to the object. The light projection path and the light reception path described above are separated by a partition wall 30 w provided in the base 30 .

Next, the structure of the lens unit including the light receiving lens 16 and the base 30 will be described.

5A to 5C are diagrams showing the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit 41 of the first embodiment.

In the lens unit 41 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the leg portion 18 is provided at the lower end portion of the light receiving lens 16 . Specifically, the leg portion 18 is provided so as to protrude downward from the lower end portion of the light receiving lens 16 . The diameter (thickness) of the leg portion 18 is smaller than the diameter of the light receiving lens 16 .

The light-receiving lens 16 is made of translucent amorphous synthetic resin such as PC (polycarbonate). The leg portion 18 is made of the same amorphous synthetic resin as the light receiving lens 16, and is formed simultaneously with the light receiving lens 16 by injection molding or the like. That is, the light receiving lens 16 and the leg portion 18 are integrated.

As another example, the upper surface of leg 18 may be fixed to the lower end of light receiving lens 16 by laser welding, adhesive, or the like.

The lower surface of the leg portion 18 and the upper surface of the base 30 are substantially flat and parallel. A predetermined area of the base 30 serves as a mounting portion 30p to which the light receiving lens 16 is mounted. Since the upper surface of the mounting portion 30p is substantially flat, before the light receiving lens 16 is mounted, the leg portion 18 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the mounting portion 30p, and the X axis and the Z axis are aligned in the radial direction thereof. It can be aligned in two dimensions of the axis. The area of the attachment portion 30p is slightly larger than the area of the lower end face of the leg portion 18. As shown in FIG. The light receiving lens 16 is attached to the attachment portion 30p of the metal base 30 via the leg portion 18, as will be described later.

The manufacturing method of the lens unit 41 includes steps for attaching the light receiving lens 18 to the base 30 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

First, as shown in FIGS. 5A(a) to 5A(e), the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 is surface-treated with a laser beam L1 to provide the mounting portion 30p with an uneven portion 30z.

More specifically, after the base 30 is placed on a work table (not shown), a fiber laser, for example, irradiates the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 with laser light L1 for uneven processing in a sub-pulse manner, as shown in FIG. 5A(a). Then, as shown in FIG. 5A(b), the metal in the portion irradiated with the laser beam L1 in the mounting portion 30p melts, and the molten metal accumulates around the irradiated portion with the laser beam L1. Further, when the metal of the mounting portion 30p continues to be melted by the laser beam L1, a depression 30u is formed in the mounting portion 30p as shown in FIG. As it accumulates around, it also accumulates in the inner peripheral portion of the depression 30u. Then, as the metal of the mounting portion 30p is melted by the laser beam L1 and the metal melt accumulates, a minute (for example, diameter) is formed in the mounting portion 30p as shown in FIG. A concave portion 30x and a convex portion 30y of about 10 to 100 μm are formed. A constricted portion 30v protruding toward the center is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 30x.

The area of the mounting portion 30p irradiated with the laser light is extremely small compared to the area of the upper surface of the mounting portion 30p and the area of the lower surface of the leg portion 18. As shown in FIG. By irradiating the mounting portion 30p with the laser beam L1 a plurality of times while changing the irradiation position, as shown in FIG. is formed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, with the lower surface of the leg portion 18 in contact with the uneven portion 30z of the mounting portion 30p, the light receiving lens is moved in the orthogonal two axial directions X and Z included in the radial direction of the leg portion 18. 16 are optically aligned. (In FIG. 5B, (f) shows a side view of the lens unit 41, and (g) shows a front view of the lens unit 41.)

Specifically, the base 30 is installed on a stage of an automatic machine (not shown), and the arm of the automatic machine grasps the light-receiving lens 16 or the leg portion 18 and moves it to a predetermined position on the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 . Then, the arm is moved to bring the lower surface of the leg portion 18 into contact with the mounting portion 30p, thereby allowing the light receiving lens 16 to transmit light (reflected light, etc.). Then, the output light from the light receiving lens 16 or the light receiving state of each PD of the PD module 7 is observed by an optical measuring instrument (not shown), and the leg portion 18 is moved by the arm so that the output light or the light receiving state is appropriate. Each position of the light receiving lens 16 is adjusted in the orthogonal two axial directions X and Z (see arrows a and b in FIG. 5B). The X direction (arrow a) is parallel to the longitudinal radial direction of the light receiving lens 16 (FIG. 5B (g)), and the Z direction (arrow b) is parallel to the optical axis direction of the light receiving lens 16 (FIG. 5B (f )).

In the object detection apparatus 100, the optical scanning unit 4 (FIG. 3, etc.) scans the measurement light and the reflected light within the XZ plane. It should be stricter than the positional accuracy. The positional accuracy of the light receiving lens 16 in the Y direction is ensured by, for example, increasing the dimensional accuracy of the height of the leg portion 18 .

After adjusting the position of the light receiving lens 16 as described above, as shown in FIG. 5C, the leg portion 18 and the mounting portion 30p are laser-welded with the uneven portion 30z sandwiched therebetween. (In FIG. 5C, (h) shows a side view of the lens unit 41, and (i) shows an enlarged view of the connecting portion between the leg portion 18 and the mounting portion 30p.)

Specifically, for example, an arm that holds the light receiving lens 16 or the leg 18 presses the leg 18 against the concave and convex portion 30z of the mounting portion 30p, and a welding laser beam is emitted from above the light receiving lens 16. By emitting the light L2, the laser light L2 is transmitted through the light-receiving lens 16 and the leg portion 18, and is irradiated to the attachment portion 30p of the base 30. As shown in FIG. Then, of the contact portions between the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18, the contact portion of the metal mounting portion 30p becomes hot, the contact portion of the synthetic resin leg portion 18 melts, and the molten resin is generated. Each concave portion 30x of the mounting portion 30p is filled. After that, the irradiation of the laser beam L2 is stopped, and the molten resin between the leg portion 18 and the mounting portion 30p is solidified. As a result, the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18 are coupled via the concave-convex portion 30z (FIG. 5C(h)), and an anchor effect occurs at the joint portion between the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18 (FIG. 5C(i)). ), the light-receiving lens 16 is firmly attached to the base 30 .

According to the first embodiment, the leg portion 18 is provided at the end portion of the light receiving lens 16 of the lens unit 41, and the mounting portion 30p to which the light receiving lens 16 is mounted is provided on the base 30. The mounting portion 30p serves as a lens mount. The upper surface is substantially flat so that the position of the front leg 18 can be adjusted in two orthogonal axial directions X and Z (two-dimensional directions) included in the radial direction thereof. Therefore, the position of the light-receiving lens 16 can be optically adjusted in the orthogonal two-axis directions X and Z while the leg portion 18 is in contact with the mounting portion 30p. The leg portion 18 is made of synthetic resin, the mounting portion 30p is made of metal, and the mounting portion 30p is provided with an uneven portion 30z by surface treatment with the laser beam L1. The mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18 are coupled via the uneven portion 30z by laser welding using the laser beam L2. For this reason, a part of the leg portion 18 melted by the laser beam L2 is solidified in a state in which each concave portion 30x of the mounting portion 30p is filled. An anchor effect can be produced. Therefore, it is possible to optically adjust the position of the light receiving lens 16 appropriately within the XZ plane and to attach it firmly to the base 30 .

As a result, even if stress due to the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the light receiving lens 16 and the base 30, vibrations and impacts from the vehicle is applied to the connecting portion between the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18, the connecting portion is unlikely to break. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the light receiving lens 16 from being displaced. In addition, since the stress is relieved by the leg portion 18, the joint portion between the leg portion 18 and the mounting portion 30p is less likely to be broken, and it becomes possible to more effectively prevent the positional deviation of the light receiving lens 16. . Furthermore, in the object detection apparatus 100 having such a lens unit 41, it is possible to maintain high positional accuracy of the light receiving lens 16 and prevent deterioration of the optical characteristics of the light receiving lens 16. can be stably and accurately detected over a long period of time.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the mounting portion 30p of the metal base 30 is provided with the concave-convex portion 30z by irradiation with the laser beam L1 for concave-convex processing. Therefore, it is possible to form a plurality of strong concave portions 30x and convex portions 30y whose shapes are not deformed by the irradiation of the welding laser beam L2 in the mounting portion 30p. Then, when the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18 are laser-welded, the molten resin of the leg portion 18 melted by the laser beam L2 is filled in the recesses 30x of the mounting portion 30p and solidified to form the mounting portion 30p and the leg portion 18. An anchor effect can be reliably generated at the connecting portion of the leg portion 18 .

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the leg portion 18 is molded at the same time as the light receiving lens 16 , so the leg portion 18 can be firmly provided at the end portion of the light receiving lens 16 . Moreover, the number of steps for manufacturing the lens unit 41 can be reduced as compared with the case where a separate leg is attached to the end of the light receiving lens 16 . Further, since the light receiving lens 16 is laser-welded to the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 via the leg portion 18, the heat generated at the mounting portion 30p by the laser beam L2 deforms the light receiving lens 16 or causes the light receiving lens 16 to deform. Distortion can be prevented. Then, it becomes possible to ensure the optical characteristics of the light receiving lens 16 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of the lens unit 42 according to the second embodiment.

In the lens unit 42 of the second embodiment, the leg 28 provided at the end of the light receiving lens 16 is composed of an amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a and a crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b. The amorphous synthetic resin portion 28 a is made of the same material as the light receiving lens 16 and is formed at the same time as the light receiving lens 16 . One end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28 a is connected to the end of the light receiving lens 16 .

The crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b is made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) or the like, and is formed separately from the light receiving lens 16 and the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a. The other end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a and one end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b are connected by laser welding.

Specifically, while the other end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a and the one end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b are pressed into contact with each other, a laser beam is emitted from above the light receiving lens 16 to weld the resins together. , the laser beam is transmitted through the light receiving lens 16 and the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a, and is irradiated to the contact portion between the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a and the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b. As a result, a portion of the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a or the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b is melted, and then the laser light irradiation is stopped to solidify the melted material to solidify the amorphous synthetic resin portion 28a. and the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b. The bonding strength between the noncrystalline synthetic resin portion 28a and the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b, which are synthetic resins, obtained by laser welding is higher than the bonding strength obtained by laser welding between a synthetic resin and a metal.

The other end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b and the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 are coupled by laser welding with the uneven portion 30z interposed therebetween. The connecting procedure and connecting state between the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b and the mounting portion 30p are the same as the connecting procedure and connecting state between the leg portion 18 and the mounting portion 30p in the first embodiment.

The bonding strength is higher when the crystalline synthetic resin is laser-welded to the mounting portion 30p of the metal base 30 than when the non-crystalline synthetic resin is laser-welded. Therefore, by joining the crystalline synthetic resin portion 28b of the leg portion 28 to the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 by laser welding as in the second embodiment, the bonding strength between the leg portion 28 and the mounting portion 30p can be increased. By increasing the height, the light-receiving lens 16 can be attached to the base 30 more firmly.

7A to 7C are diagrams showing the structure and manufacturing process of the lens unit 43 according to the third embodiment.

In the lens unit 43 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A(a), the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 is provided with a through hole 30h. An inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h is tapered and inclined. The diameter of the through hole 30h gradually decreases from one (lower) opening 30i toward the other (upper) opening 30j. In the third embodiment, since the mounting portion 30q is provided with the through hole 30h, the position of the light receiving lens 16 can be adjusted not only in the X and Z directions but also in the Y direction, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 7B(f), the leg 38 provided at the end of the light receiving lens 16 is composed of an amorphous synthetic resin portion 38a and a metal portion 38b. The synthetic resin portion 38 a is made of the same material as the light receiving lens 16 and formed at the same time as the light receiving lens 16 . One end of the synthetic resin portion 38 a is connected to the end of the light receiving lens 16 . The metal portion 38b is made of the same material as the base 30. As shown in FIG.

In order to attach the light receiving lens 18 to the base 30, first, as shown in FIG. 7A(a), the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h is irradiated with the laser beam L1 to perform surface treatment to form the uneven portion 30z'. set up. As shown in FIG. 7A(b), the uneven portion 30z' is composed of a plurality of fine concave portions 30x' and convex portions 30y'. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A(c), the uneven portion 38z is provided by irradiating the upper end 38c of the metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 with the laser beam L1. Furthermore, the uneven portion 38z' is provided by irradiating the lower end 38d of the metal portion 38b and the region extending from the central portion to the lower portion of the peripheral surface 38e with the laser beam L1. The concave-convex portion 38z provided on the upper end 38c of the metal portion 38b consists of a plurality of fine concave portions 38x and convex portions 38y, as shown in FIG. 7A(d). The concave and convex portions 38z' provided on the lower end 38d and the peripheral surface 38e of the metal portion 38b are composed of a plurality of minute concave portions 38x' and convex portions 38y', as shown in FIG. 7A(e).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B(f), while the other end of the synthetic resin portion 38a is pressed against the upper end 38c of the metal portion 38b, a laser beam L2 is applied from above the light receiving lens 16, The synthetic resin portion 38a and the metal portion 38b are laser-welded with the uneven portion 38z interposed therebetween. As a result, a leg portion 38 made up of a synthetic resin portion 38a and a metal portion 38b is formed at the end portion of the light receiving lens 16. As shown in FIG. In addition, a part of the synthetic resin portion 38a is melted by the laser beam L2, and the melted resin is solidified while being filled in the concave portion 38x (FIG. 7A(d)) of the metal portion 38b. An anchor effect is generated at the joint with the metal portion 38b, and the synthetic resin portion 38a and the metal portion 38b are firmly connected.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B(g), a transparent plate-like stopper 51 is attached to the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 with an adhesive or tape so as to close the large diameter opening 30i side of the through hole 30h. paste.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B(h), the photocurable adhesive 52 is filled from the small-diameter opening 30j into the through hole 30h. The photocurable adhesive 52 in the through hole 30h is supported from below by a stopper 51. As shown in FIG. In addition, the photocurable adhesive 52 is also filled into the concave portion 30x' (FIG. 7A(b)) of the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7C(i), while inserting the metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 from the opening 30j into the through hole 30h, it is extended in the orthogonal three-axis directions X, Y, and Z (three-dimensional directions). The receiving lens 16 is optically adjusted. The three orthogonal axial directions X, Y, Z consist of the X direction and Z direction included in the radial direction of the leg 38 and the Y direction parallel to the axial direction of the leg 38 . At this time, by immersing the lower end 38d and the peripheral surface 38e of the metal portion 38b in the photocurable adhesive 52, the photocurable adhesive 52 is applied to the concave portions 38x' (FIG. 7A(e)) of the lower end 38d and the peripheral surface 38e. be filled.

As another example, with the leg portion 38 inserted into the through hole 30h, the position of the light receiving lens 16 is optically adjusted along with the leg portion 38 in the orthogonal three-axis directions X, Y, and Z, and then the light receiving lens 16 is inserted into the through hole 30h. may be filled with the photocurable adhesive 52 .

After filling the photocurable adhesive 52 and adjusting the position of the light-receiving lens 16 as described above, as shown in FIG. UV (ultraviolet) light L3 is transmitted through the stopper 51 and applied to the photocurable adhesive 52 to solidify the photocurable adhesive 52 . As a result, the attachment portion 30q and the leg portion 38 are joined together by the photocurable adhesive 52 in the solidified state. In addition, the inner peripheral surface 38g of the through hole 30h of the mounting portion 30q and the photocurable adhesive 52 are joined with the uneven portion 30z′ interposed therebetween, and the metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 and the photocurable adhesive 52 are uneven. Since they are coupled across the portion 38z', an anchor effect is produced between them. Therefore, the attachment portion 30 q and the leg portion 38 are firmly connected by the photocurable adhesive 52 , and the light receiving lens 16 is firmly attached to the base 30 .

According to the third embodiment, the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 is provided with the through hole 30h. 16 can be optically aligned. Further, the lower end 38d and the peripheral surface 38e of the metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 that is inserted into the through-hole 30h and the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through-hole 30h are subjected to surface treatment using the laser beam L1 to form uneven portions 38z', 30z' is provided. For this reason, the photocurable adhesive 52 filled in the through hole 30h is also filled in the concave portion 38x' of the metal portion 38b and the concave portion 30x' of the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h and solidified. In other words, an anchor effect can be produced in the joint portions between the attachment portion 30q and the photocurable adhesive 52 of the leg portions 38, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to optically adjust the position of the light receiving lens 16 appropriately in the orthogonal three-axis directions X, Y, and Z, and to attach it firmly to the base 30 .

Further, in the third embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 30h provided in the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 is gradually reduced from one opening portion 30i toward the other opening portion 30j. The inner peripheral surface 30g is tapered and inclined. Therefore, even if the depth of the through-hole 30h is deep, the laser beam L1 for processing the unevenness can be easily irradiated to the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through-hole 30h, and the uneven portion 30z' can be provided in a wide range on the inner peripheral surface 30g. can be done.

As another example, as shown in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8, the diameter of a through hole 30h' provided in the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 is changed stepwise from one opening portion 30i toward the other opening portion 30j. , and the inner peripheral surface 30g' of the through hole 30h' may be inclined stepwise. Further, in this case, the laser beam L1 for uneven processing is irradiated from the opening 30i of the through-hole 30h' having a larger diameter, and each step parallel to the Z direction on the inner peripheral surface 30g' of the through-hole 30h' Concavo-convex portions may be provided on the stepped portions 30f or on each of the stepped portions 30e parallel to the Y direction.

Further, as shown in the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9, a stepped portion 30d parallel to the Z direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h of the base 30, and an annular stopper 54 is engaged with the stepped portion 30d. Together, the through hole 30h may be blocked.

In the lens unit 44 shown in FIG. 9, the stopper 54 is made of a light-impermeable material. At the center of the stopper 54, a through hole 54h is provided through which the metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 passes. In order to allow the position of the leg portion 38 to be adjusted in the Y direction with respect to the stopper 54, the diameter of the through hole 54h is slightly larger than the diameter of the portion of the metal portion 38b where the uneven portion 38z' is not provided. Further, the outer diameter of the stopper 54 is smaller than the diameter of the stepped portion 30d so that the position of the stopper 54 can be adjusted within the XZ plane with respect to the stepped portion 30d.

The leg portion 38 is provided with an inclined portion 38v by sharpening the distal end side thereof. The inclined portion 38v and the peripheral surface 38e of the leg portion 38 are provided with uneven portions 38z'. An uneven portion 30z' is provided on an inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h.

When the light receiving lens 16 is attached to the base 30, the leg portion 38 is inserted into the through hole 30h after the uneven portions 38z' and 30z' are provided on the leg portion 38 and the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h. Also, the stopper 54 is inserted into the through hole 30h from the opening 30i, and the metal portion 38b of the leg 38 is passed through the through hole 54h of the stopper 54. As shown in FIG. Then, the position of the light receiving lens 16 is adjusted in the orthogonal three axial directions X, Y, and Z together with the leg portion 38, and the stopper 54 is engaged with the stepped portion 30d.

Next, with the large-diameter opening 30i facing upward, the photocurable adhesive 52 is filled from the opening 30i into the through hole 30h. The filled photocurable adhesive 52 is supported by the stopper 54 from the opening 30j side. Then, UV light L3 (FIG. 7C) is irradiated from the opening 30i side to solidify the photocurable adhesive 52, and the leg 38, the mounting portion 30q and the stopper 54 are joined.

As a result, the light-receiving lens 16 can be firmly attached to the base 30 while being optically adjusted in the orthogonal three-axis directions X, Y, and Z. As shown in FIG. In addition, since the inclined portion 38v is provided on the tip side of the leg portion 38, and the uneven portion 38z' is provided on the inclined portion 38v, the contact area between the leg portion 38 and the photocurable adhesive 52 is increased. , the location of the anchor effect can be increased. Further, it is possible to further improve the strength of attachment of the light-receiving lens 16 to the base 30 by increasing the bonding strength of the photo-curable adhesive 52 between the leg portion 38 and the attachment portion 30q.

Further, as shown in the sixth embodiment of FIG. 10, an annular stopper 55 may be engaged with the outside of the opening 30j of the through hole 30h to block the opening 30j side.

In the lens unit 45 shown in FIG. 10, the stopper 55 is made of a light-impermeable material. The stopper 55 is provided with a protrusion 55t that protrudes into the through hole 30h. Further, a through hole 55h is provided so as to pass through the projecting portion 55t. The metal portion 38b of the leg portion 38 passes through the through hole 55h. In order to allow the position of the leg portion 38 to be adjusted in the Y direction with respect to the stopper 55, the diameter of the through hole 55h is slightly larger than the diameter of the portion of the metal portion 38b where the uneven portion 38z' is not provided. Further, the outer diameter of the projecting portion 55t of the stopper 55 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 30j of the through hole 30h so that the position of the stopper 55 can be adjusted within the XZ plane with respect to the through hole 30h.

By using such a stopper 55, the non-hardened photocurable adhesive 52 filled in the through hole 30h can be removed from the opening 30j side with the opening 30i having the larger diameter facing upward. 55. In addition, since the contact area between the stopper 55 and the leg portion 38 is large due to the provision of the projecting portion 55t, the unhardened photocurable adhesive 52 does not leak through the gap between the stopper 55 and the leg portion 38. can be prevented.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the lens unit 46 according to the seventh embodiment.

In the lens unit 46 of the seventh embodiment, a holder 49 is provided at the end of the light receiving lens 16, as shown in FIG. 11(a). The light-receiving lens 16 is fixed to a holder 49 while being pressed in the X and Y directions by a leaf spring 47 . The holder 49 is provided with three legs 48 projecting downward. As shown in FIG. 11B, which is a top view, the three legs 48 are arranged on the same circle Q at equal angular intervals when viewed from the axial direction Y of the legs 48 . Three through holes 30h into which the legs 48 are inserted are provided in the mounting portion 30q of the base 30 so as to correspond to the legs 48. As shown in FIG. Each through hole 30 h is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the axial direction Y of the leg portion 48 .

As another example, as shown in FIG. 12, when viewed from the axial direction Y of the leg portion 48, the through hole 30h may be elliptical (FIG. 12(a)) or rectangular (FIG. 12(a)) or rectangular (FIG. 12(b)). A radial direction R of the circle Q belongs to the XZ plane.

As shown in FIG. 11A, an uneven portion 30z' is provided on the inner peripheral surface 30g of each through hole 30h. Concavo-convex portions 48z are provided in portions of the legs 48 that are inserted into the through holes 30h. The concave-convex portion 48z is composed of a plurality of concave portions and convex portions (reference numerals omitted). A stopper 51 is attached to the mounting portion 30q so as to block one opening of each through hole 30h. Each leg portion 48 is coupled to the mounting portion 30q by a photocurable adhesive 52 filled in each through hole 30h. The connection state of the leg portion 48 to the mounting portion 30q is the same as the connection state of the leg portion 38 to the mounting portion 30q of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7C and the like. Also, the procedure for optically adjusting the position of the light receiving lens 16 with respect to the base 30 is the same as in the case of the third embodiment.

According to the seventh embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 30g of the through hole 30h of the mounting portion 30q and the photocurable adhesive 52 are coupled to each other with the uneven portion 30z′ interposed therebetween, and the leg portion 48 and the photocurable adhesive 52 are connected. are joined with the uneven portion 48z interposed therebetween, an anchor effect can be produced between them. Therefore, the attachment portion 30 q and each leg portion 48 are firmly connected by the photocurable adhesive 52 , so that the light receiving lens 16 can be attached firmly to the base 30 .

Further, in the seventh embodiment, the light receiving lens 16 can be attached to the attachment portion 30q of the base 30 while being stably supported by the three leg portions 48. FIG. Three legs 48 are provided at equal angular intervals on the same circle Q when viewed from the axial direction Y of the legs 48, and three through holes 30h are provided in the mounting portion 30q so as to correspond to each leg 48. ing. For this reason, the stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the light-receiving lens 16 and the base 30, vibration, impact, etc., is applied evenly from the three leg portions 48 in the radial direction R of the circle Q, thereby forming the three through holes 30h. It can be relieved by the photocurable adhesive 52 inside. Further, it is possible to make it more difficult to break the connection portion between the leg portion 48 and the mounting portion 30q, thereby making it possible to more effectively prevent the light receiving lens 16 from being displaced. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of distortion in the light-receiving lens 16 due to heat, and to secure the optical characteristics of the light-receiving lens 16 .

In particular, as shown in FIG. 12, by forming each through hole 30h in an elliptical or rectangular shape, the stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the light receiving lens 16 and the base 30 can be transferred from each leg 48 to a circle Q can be made to act more uniformly in the radial direction R of . Then, the stress is absorbed by the photocurable adhesive 52 in each through hole 30h, and it is possible to more effectively prevent the light-receiving lens 16 from being displaced and distorted.

The present invention can adopt various embodiments other than those described above. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5A to 6, the mounting portion 30p of the metal base 30 is provided with an uneven portion 30z, and the synthetic resin leg portions 18 and 28 provided at the end of the light receiving lens 16 are attached to the mounting portion. Although an example of laser welding to 30p is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the mounting portion 30p of the base 30 is made of synthetic resin, the tips of the legs 18 and 28 are made of metal, and the tips of the legs 18 and 28 are provided with uneven portions. and the mounting portion 30p may be laser-welded.

9 and 10, by sharpening the distal end side of the leg portion 38 that is inserted into the through hole 30h of the base 30, an inclined portion 38v is provided, and the uneven portion 38z is formed on the inclined portion 38v. Although an example in which ' is provided is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, for example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the tip portion of the leg portion 38 may be formed in a hemispherical shape, or as shown in FIG. 13(b), the tip portion of the leg portion 38 may One or more inclined portions 38v' may be provided by forming the portion into a rhombus shape, or by forming the distal end portion of the leg portion 38 into an inverted M shape as shown in FIG. 13(c). An uneven portion 38z' may be provided on the inclined portion 38v'. By providing such a leg portion 38 at the end portion of the light receiving lens 16 and inserting it into the through holes 30h and 30h' of the base 30, the photocurable adhesive 52 filled in the through holes 30h and 30h' is removed. By increasing the bonding area and bonding strength between the base 38 and the leg 38, the light-receiving lens 16 can be attached to the base 30 more firmly.

Further, in the above embodiment, by irradiating the legs 18, 28, 38, and 48 provided at the ends of the light receiving lens 16 or the mounting portions 30p and 30q of the base 30 with the laser beam L1 for uneven processing, Although an example in which uneven portions 38z, 38z', 48z, 30z, and 30z' are provided has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, the uneven portions may be provided on the leg portion or the mounting portion by applying a mechanical surface treatment such as blasting, a chemical surface treatment using chemicals, or the like. Moreover, the uneven portions may be provided not only on the portions of the legs and mounting portions formed of metal, but also on the portions formed of synthetic resin or other materials.

In addition, in the first embodiment (FIGS. 5A to 5C), an example of adjusting the position of the legs 18 in the orthogonal two-axis directions X and Z was given, but the legs 18 can be adjusted in any direction included in the radial direction. Position adjustment is possible, and position adjustment is possible not only in the directions of two orthogonal axes X and Z, but also in the radial direction oblique to these two axes. Furthermore, in the third embodiment (FIGS. 7A to 7C), an example of adjusting the position of the legs 38 in the orthogonal three-axis directions X, Y, and Z was given. Position adjustment is also possible.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the lens units 41 to 46 having the light receiving lens 16 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, the present invention can also be applied to lens units having other lenses such as projection lenses.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the examples in which the present invention is applied to the vehicle-mounted lens units 41 to 46 and the object detection device 100 have been given. It is possible to apply the invention.

2 LD module (projector)
7 PD module (light receiving part)
16 light receiving lens (lens)
18, 28, 38, 48 Leg 28a Amorphous synthetic resin portion 28b Crystalline synthetic resin portion 30 Base 30g, 30g' Inner peripheral surface 30h, 30h' Through hole 30i, 30j Opening 30p, 30q Attachment 30x, 30x ', 38x, 38x' concave portions 30y, 30y', 38y, 38y' convex portions 30z, 30z', 38z, 38z', 48z uneven portions 38a synthetic resin portion 38b metal portion 38d lower end (surface)
38e peripheral surface (surface)
38v, 38v' Inclined part (surface)
41 to 46 lens unit 51, 54, 55 stopper 52 light-curable adhesive 100 object detection device L2 laser beam for uneven processing Q same circle R radial direction of same circle

Claims (6)

a lens;
a base to which the lens is attached;
said lens having a leg at its end,
The base has a mounting portion to which the lens is mounted,
In the lens unit, wherein the mounting portion is provided so that the leg portion can be position-adjusted in a two-dimensional direction or a three-dimensional direction before mounting the lens,
The mounting portion is made of metal, and is provided with an uneven portion composed of a plurality of concave portions and convex portions,
The leg includes a synthetic resin portion made of synthetic resin,
The synthetic resin portion of the leg is composed of an amorphous synthetic resin portion and a crystalline synthetic resin portion,
one end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion is connected to an end of the lens;
the other end of the amorphous synthetic resin portion is connected to one end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion;
A lens unit, wherein the other end of the crystalline synthetic resin portion and the mounting portion of the base are joined by laser welding via the uneven portion. a lens;
a base to which the lens is attached;
said lens having a leg at its end,
The base has a mounting portion to which the lens is mounted,
In the lens unit, wherein the mounting portion is provided so that the leg portion can be position-adjusted in a two-dimensional direction or a three-dimensional direction before mounting the lens,
The mounting portion is provided with a through hole so that the diameter decreases from one opening toward the other opening,
The leg is inserted into the through hole,
a photocurable adhesive filled in the through-hole;
a stopper that closes the through hole from the one or the other opening side and supports the photocurable adhesive;
An uneven portion composed of a plurality of concave portions and convex portions is provided on the portion of the through hole where the leg portion is inserted or on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole,
The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion and the leg portion are coupled to each other by the photocurable adhesive in a solidified state via the uneven portion . In the lens unit according to claim 2 ,
The leg includes a metal portion inserted into the through hole and a synthetic resin portion exposed from the through hole,
one end of the synthetic resin portion is connected to an end of the lens;
The concave-convex portion is provided on one end of the metal portion facing the other end of the synthetic resin portion, and the concave-convex portion is provided on the surface of the metal portion that is inserted into the through hole or on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole. provided,
The other end of the synthetic resin portion and one end of the metal portion are joined by laser welding,
A lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the metal portion and the mounting portion are bonded by the photocurable adhesive. In the lens unit according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 ,
A lens unit according to claim 1, wherein an inclined portion is provided at a portion of said through-hole in which said leg portion is inserted. In the lens unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
Three of the legs are provided so as to be arranged at equal angular intervals on the same circle when viewed from the axial direction,
Three through-holes are provided to correspond to the legs,
A lens unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the through holes is formed in a circular shape or a shape expanding in a radial direction of the same circle when viewed from the axial direction of the leg portion. a lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ;
a light projecting unit that projects measurement light onto an object;
a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the object,
The measurement light or the reflected light is optically adjusted by a lens of the lens unit, and the object is detected based on a light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit according to the light receiving state of the reflected light. An object detection device characterized by:

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