DE102023108100A1 - OPTICAL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT FOR A CAMERA DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an optical system assembly (100) for a camera device adapted to be used in a variable temperature environment, the optical system assembly (100) comprising: at least two lenses (L4, L5), a lens barrel having an inner side (IS) adapted to receive the at least two lenses (L4, L5), the lens barrel consisting of and/or comprising: a first opening (102) and a second opening (104), at least two lens slots (LS) arranged on the inner side (IS) of the lens barrel to receive the at least two lenses (L4, L5), characterized by at least one spacer spring (150, 150') configured in the lens barrel to allow distribution and/or compensation of stress and/or force caused by thermal compression and/or thermal expansion of the lens barrel under a variable temperature.

Description

The disclosure relates to an optical arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the disclosure relates to an optical arrangement to be used in a camera device for capturing a static or a dynamic scene. The disclosure further relates to an optical arrangement that can be used in a wide range of temperature environments.

Typical optical systems used in camera devices are configured with image processing modules to adapt to a lighting condition to obtain a consistent output image or video; however, there are certain design requirements that must be considered to accommodate the physical environmental conditions. For example, the weather may be hot, cold, humid, dusty, rainy, etc., and there is a possibility of environmental influence on the performance of the hardware, software, and electronics included in the camera system. Consequently, design and isolation requirements must be considered during the configuration and design of the camera systems or the optical systems of the camera device.

Modern camera devices can withstand various environmental conditions such as dust, mud, water, etc. by making the chamber of the camera device dustproof, waterproof, etc. so that the internal components of the camera systems are not affected and the device is operable in a wide range of environmental conditions.

The modern camera device primarily includes a plurality of lenses, a lens barrel, one or more sensors, a circuit board, and a housing unit for housing the components. The lenses are housed in the lens barrel in one or more slots - depending on the number of lenses used in a particular arrangement. Generally, the lenses are securely snap-fitted in one or more slots within the lens barrel so that the lens does not rattle or come out of the slot in the event of shock, vibration, etc. However, under certain thermal environments, such as excessive heat or cold, the material used to make the lens barrel and even the slots is subject to thermal expansion or thermal compression, respectively. In such a case, the lens may either come loose and/or exert pressure in the adjacent region, causing the lens to fall out of the slot or break due to the stress generated in the region.

The patent US10,928,606 B2 (US'606) disclosed a lens assembly comprising a spacer ring that absorbs compression forces due to thermal expansion of the lenses. The lens assembly may also be adapted to be used in a vehicle. However, US'606 does not disclose maintaining a bias constant and at the same time comprises a complicated spacer structure consisting of multiple spacer cavities offset from each other to eliminate the resulting force, making the spacer structure less effective during fluctuations in force lines. Consequently, the resistance along a line may compromise the structural rigidity of the counter cavities of the spacer.

The patent JP 6 054 819 B2 (JP'819) discloses the use of an elastic element as a spacer between two lenses to prevent play in the event of a temperature change. However, the elastic element disclosed in the JP'819 patent tends to introduce additional structural constraints, thereby increasing the cost and overall packaging.

The patent US9,658,423 B2 (US'423) discloses a springless lens assembly that includes a thermal spacer that compensates for defocusing of the lens assembly due to thermal expansion. The length of the spacer changes according to temperature changes, and it moves the inner tube and the outer tube of the lens assembly to move the focal point. However, the lens assembly of US'423 patent does not allow for compensation for structural deformations due to thermal expansion or contraction and/or for preventing damage to the internal parts of the assembly.

Apart from that, none of the above examples of the prior art discloses an optical system arrangement that allows avoiding stresses on its optical elements, in particular the lenses, due to contraction or expansion caused by thermal expansion or thermal contraction of a support structure in a cost and design efficient manner.

This object is achieved by the characterising features of claim 1, in particular a spacer which acts as a structural element and at the same time prevents contraction or expansion caused by thermal expansion or thermal contraction of a support structure of the arrangement. Embodiments of the optical system arrangement according to the present disclosure are described in claims 2 to 26.

• mindestens zwei Linsen; und einen Linsentubus mit einer Innenseite, die dazu angepasst, die mindestens zwei Linsen aufzunehmen, wobei der Linsentubus aus Folgendem besteht und/oder umfasst: eine erste Öffnung und eine zweite Öffnung, mindestens zwei Linsenschlitze, angeordnet auf der Innenseite des Linsentubus, um die mindestens zwei Linsen aufzunehmen, wobei die mindestens eine Abstandsfeder, die in dem Linsentubus konfiguriert ist, eine Verteilung und/oder Kompensation von Belastung und/oder Kraft, die durch eine thermische Kompression und/oder eine thermische Expansion des Linsentubus unter einer variablen Temperatur verursacht wurde, zu ermöglichen.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an optical system arrangement for a camera device adapted to be used in a variable temperature environment, the optical system comprising:

• at least two lenses; and a lens barrel having an interior adapted to receive the at least two lenses, the lens barrel consisting of and/or comprising: a first opening and a second opening, at least two lens slots arranged on the interior of the lens barrel to receive the at least two lenses, wherein the at least one spacer spring configured in the lens barrel enables distribution and/or compensation of stress and/or force caused by thermal compression and/or thermal expansion of the lens barrel under a variable temperature.

• - die Anordnung eine Mehrzahl von Linsen umfasst,
• - der Tubus eine Außenseite aufweist,
• - der Tubus eine Mehrzahl von Linsenschlitzen umfasst, die über die Innenseite, die erste Öffnung und die zweite Öffnung verteilt sind, und/oder
• - die Abstandsfeder dazu konfiguriert ist, ihre Längsausdehnung entlang einer Längsachse zwischen der ersten Öffnung und der zweiten Öffnung innerhalb des Linsentubus anzupassen.

It is further proposed that

• - the arrangement comprises a plurality of lenses,
• - the tube has an outside,
• - the tube comprises a plurality of lens slots distributed over the inside, the first opening and the second opening, and/or
• - the spacer spring is configured to adjust its longitudinal extent along a longitudinal axis between the first opening and the second opening within the lens barrel.

In one embodiment, the lenses comprise at least one concave lens, at least one convex lens and/or a combination of a concave lens and a convex lens.

In a further embodiment, the lens tube comprises material and/or is made of material comprising at least one metal, at least one alloy and/or at least one polymer.

In a further embodiment, the lens barrel is and/or comprises an arrangement of at least one, optionally a plurality of, cylindrical tube parts, at least one, optionally a plurality of spacer elements and/or at least one, optionally a plurality of, sealing elements.

In another embodiment, the lens barrel further comprises a first holder and a second holder, optionally for sandwiching the lenses, the cylindrical part(s), the spacer element(s) and/or the sealing element(s) together.

In a further embodiment, the first holder and the second holder are fastened and/or screwed to the cylindrical part(s), the spacer element(s) and/or the sealing element(s) by one or more fastening means.

In a further embodiment, the lenses, the cylindrical part(s) and/or the spacer spring(s) are arranged axially in one or more combinations, in particular in a tube shape, to form the optical system arrangement.

In a further embodiment, the spacer spring is arranged between the at least two lenses, at least two cylindrical tube parts and/or a combination of a lens and a cylindrical part.

In a further embodiment, the first opening and/or the second opening is/are round in shape.

In another embodiment, the first opening is configured to allow a beam of light to enter the lens barrel, exit through the second opening, and/or be received by at least one photoreceptor.

In a further embodiment, the first opening and the second opening have a similar diameter or a different diameter.

In a further embodiment, each of the lenses has a lens thickness.

In a further embodiment, the lens thickness of each of the lenses is the same or different with respect to at least one of the other lenses and/or each other and/or the lens thickness of at least one pair of lenses is the same or different.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of lens slits has a slit thickness.

In a further embodiment, the slot thickness for each of the plurality of lens slots is equal to or less than different and/or the slit thickness of at least one pair of lens slits is the same or different.

In a further embodiment, at least one, optionally each, of the plurality of lens slots is configured with a thickness that is the same as the thickness of the corresponding lens among the plurality of lenses, preferably to avoid any rattling and any loose fitting of the at least one lens, optionally each of the lenses, within the corresponding lens slot, optionally each of the corresponding lens slots.

In a further embodiment, the spacer spring has at least partially a cylindrical shape and/or has at least one groove, at least one step and/or at least one cutout, which preferably runs at least partially along an outer surface of the spacer spring, optionally around a circumferential direction.

For the embodiment described above, it is proposed that the groove, the step and/or the cutout is formed in a wall, in particular comprising the outer surface, of the spacer spring, wherein optionally the wall extends mainly in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis extending from the first opening to the second opening, and/or the groove and/or the step extends inwards from the wall with respect to the longitudinal axis or extends radially outwards from the wall with respect to the longitudinal axis.

It is also proposed that the groove and/or the step has a first side wall which is at least partially inclined with respect to the wall of the spacer spring, and/or the groove has a second side wall which is at least partially inclined with respect to the wall of the spacer spring.

Furthermore, in the optical system arrangement it is proposed that the first side wall and the second side wall are directly connected or the first side wall and the second side wall are connected via at least one groove bottom, wherein the groove bottom optionally extends at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In a further embodiment, the first side wall, the second side wall and/or the groove bottom is/are at least partially curved, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall and/or the groove bottom optionally form at least one single curved wall element.

In a further embodiment, the groove and/or the step of the spacer spring have and/or form a thickness configured to absorb any load and/or force caused by the thermal deformation and/or a thermal compression expansion or a thermal expansion of the cylindrical parts along a load line, in particular a load line (SL) which extends at least partially mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis.

• (i) ein relativer Winkel zwischen der ersten Seitenwand und der zweiten Seitenwand, insbesondere elastisch, verändert wird und/oder
• (ii) ein relativer Winkel zwischen der ersten Seitenwand und dem Nutboden oder ein relativer Winkel zwischen der ersten Seitenwand und der Wand, insbesondere elastisch, verändert wird und/oder
• (iii) ein relativer Winkel zwischen der zweiten Seitenwand und dem Nutboden oder ein relativer Winkel zwischen der zweiten Seitenwand und der Wand, insbesondere elastisch, verändert wird und/oder
• (iv) eine Wölbung der ersten Seitenwand, der zweiten Seitenwand, der unteren Nut und/oder des gewölbten Wandelements, insbesondere elastisch, verändert wird.

It is further proposed that a load and/or a force acting on the spacer spring, in particular along the load line,

• (i) a relative angle between the first side wall and the second side wall is changed, in particular elastically, and/or
• (ii) a relative angle between the first side wall and the groove bottom or a relative angle between the first side wall and the wall is changed, in particular elastically, and/or
• (iii) a relative angle between the second side wall and the groove bottom or a relative angle between the second side wall and the wall is changed, in particular elastically, and/or
• (iv) a curvature of the first side wall, the second side wall, the lower groove and/or the curved wall element is changed, in particular elastically.

It is also proposed that a plurality of cutouts be provided, wherein the cutouts are preferably connected by webs and/or the webs are located between the cutouts, wherein the cutouts and/or the webs optionally have a shape and/or dimensions configured to absorb any stress and/or force caused by the thermal deformation and/or a thermal compression expansion or a thermal expansion of the cylindrical parts along a load line, in particular a load line extending at least partially mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis.

For the embodiment described above, it is proposed that the cutouts and/or webs are configured to absorb stress and/or force by a deformation, in particular elastic deformation, of at least a portion of the cutouts and/or at least a portion of the webs.

In a further embodiment, the load line is at least partially defined by connection points of the plurality of cylindrical parts, of the spacer element and/or the sealing element.

In a further embodiment, the optical system arrangement is adapted to be used with a camera unit of a vehicle. However, various embodiments are possible in which the optical system arrangement can be mounted separately on the vehicle. In further possible embodiments, the optical system arrangement can also be used in non-vehicle systems.

In a further embodiment, the at least one lens is provided with a projection for releasably attaching to the optical system arrangement. Consequently, the assembly process can be simple and quick.

• 1: eine isometrische Ansicht und eine optische Systemanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulicht;
• 2: eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht und die optische Systemanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulicht;
• 3: eine Querschnittsansicht der optischen Systemanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulicht;
• 4a-4d: die isometrischen Ansichten und die Querschnittsansichten einer Abstandsfeder der optischen Systemanordnung gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulichen;
• die 5a-5c: Querschnittsansichten einer Abstandsfeder der optischen Systemanordnung gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulichen;
• die 6a-6b Querschnittsansichten einer Abstandsfeder der optischen Systemanordnung gemäß einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulichen; und
• 7a eine perspektivische Sicht auf eine Abstandsfeder der optischen Systemanordnung gemäß einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung veranschaulicht;
• 7b eine Sicht auf die Abstandsfeder von 7a in der Richtung Di veranschaulicht; und
• 7c-7d Sichten auf die Abstandsfeder von 7a in der Richtung D₂ veranschaulichen.

Further aspects, advantages and outstanding features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which together with the appended figures discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

• 1 : illustrates an isometric view and an optical system arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 : is an exploded view illustrating the optical system arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 3 : illustrates a cross-sectional view of the optical system assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4a-4d : illustrates isometric and cross-sectional views of a spacer spring of the optical system assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
• the 5a-5c : illustrate cross-sectional views of a spacer spring of the optical system assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;
• the 6a-6b illustrate cross-sectional views of a spacer spring of the optical system assembly according to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
• 7a illustrates a perspective view of a spacer spring of the optical system assembly according to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 7b a view of the spacer spring of 7a illustrated in the direction Di; and
• 7c-7d Views of the spacer spring of 7a in the direction D ₂ .

It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or reduced to show details of particular components. Accordingly, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

The term "vehicle" refers to any motor-driven vehicle with or without a trailer that is driven by a driver, where the driver requires information about people, other vehicles or objects in the (immediate) surroundings of the vehicle in order to drive safely. The vehicles are, for example, cars, trucks, tractors or trailers.

The term “rear view” here refers to a view of the surrounding area that is not in the field of vision of a driver, i.e. the directions opposite, left, right, below and above the line of sight, but may also include the view in the direction of the driver’s line of sight and/or any combination of the directions.

The term "lens" is defined as a transmissive optical device that focuses or disperses a beam of light by means of refraction. Generally, a simple lens is made of a single piece of transparent material, while a compound lens is made of several simple lenses (elements) usually arranged along a common axis. Lenses are made of materials such as glass or plastic and are ground, polished, or molded into the required shape. The lens can focus light to form an image.

The term "camera device" is defined as an optical system that captures images aligned or integrated by one or more lenses. Most cameras can capture 2D images, while some more advanced models can capture 3D images. In general, a camera consists of a sealed box with a small hole, called an "aperture," that allows light to pass through and capture an image on a photoreceptor or light/photosensitive surface. The photore The photoreceptor is usually a digital sensor or photographic film. Cameras may have various mechanisms to control the light falling on the photoreceptor, including lenses that focus the light and a shutter that determines the length of time the photoreceptor is exposed to the light beam.

As in the 1 and 2 , disclosed herein is an optical system assembly 100 for a camera device (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical system assembly 100 is adapted to be used in a variable temperature environment. The optical system assembly 100 includes a plurality of lenses L1-L7, a lens barrel (in particular, the optical system assembly 100 includes at least part or all of its elements described herein, e.g., cylindrical parts, spacer element(s), holder(s), fastener(s), and sealing element(s), excluding the plurality of lenses), and a spacer spring 150. The plurality of lenses includes a first lens L1, a second lens L2, a third lens L3, a fourth lens L4, a fifth lens L5, a sixth lens L6, and a seventh lens L7.

The plurality of lenses L1-L7, as used above, are arranged within the lens barrel along a single axis, particularly a longitudinal axis LA. The plurality of lenses L1-L7 include, but are not limited to, a concave lens, a convex lens, and/or a combination thereof. Furthermore, each of the plurality of lenses L1-L7 has a thickness that is decided in advance based on a particular lens slot so that a proper fit is provided without generating chatter. The plurality of lenses L1-L7 focus or disperse a light beam (not shown) before it faces one or more photoreceptors. The plurality of lenses L1-L7 are made of materials that include, but are not limited to, glass and plastic.

The lens barrel in the above sense has an inner side IS and an outer side OS. The lens barrel further comprises a first opening 102 and a second opening 104 for light to enter and exit. The lens barrel is further configured to accommodate the plurality of lenses L1-L7 by means of one or more lens slots LS distributed over the inner side IS of the lens barrel, from the first opening 102 to the second opening 104 of the lens barrel. The lens barrel is made of a material comprising at least one of a metal, an alloy, a polymer, and a combination thereof. The lens barrel is an assembly of at least a plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132, a spacer element 122, and/or a sealing element 120. In one embodiment, the first opening 102 and the second opening 104 have a similar diameter or a different diameter. Further, each of the plurality of (lens) slots LS and lenses has a slot thickness and a lens thickness, respectively. The slot thickness for each of the plurality of slots is the same or different with respect to each other. Moreover, each of the plurality of lens slots LS is configured with a thickness that is the same as that of the corresponding lens among the plurality of lenses L1-L7 to avoid any rattling and any loose fit of each of the lenses within the corresponding slot.

In one embodiment, the spacer element 122 in the lens barrel assembly is configured to maintain sufficient spacing between two lenses or to provide a pre-configured focal length for refracting light. The spacer element 122 is made of a material including, but not limited to, aluminum, iron, a metal alloy, a polymer, etc.

Further, the sealing member 120 is configured to provide a seal by creating a dust and/or water resistant chamber of the optical system assembly 100. In addition, the lens barrel includes an infrared filter 140. In one embodiment, the lens barrel includes a first holder 110 and a second holder 112 for sandwiching the plurality of lenses L1-L7 and the plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132, the spacer member 122, the sealing member 120, and the infrared filter 140 together. The infrared filter 140 can be replaced with any other filter to form a desired image.

The spacer spring 150 as used above is configured in the lens barrel to allow distribution of stress and/or force developed in a stress line SL caused by thermal compression or thermal expansion of the lens barrel at variable temperature. The stress line SL is defined by connection points of the plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132 and is at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The plurality of lenses L1-L7, the plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132 and the spacer spring 150 are arranged axially, in a tube shape, in one or more combinations to form the optical system assembly 100. The spacer spring 150 is between at least two lenses, at least two cylindrical parts 130, 132 or a combination of a lens (any of L1-L7) and a cylindrical part (any of 130, 132). The spacer spring 150 has a cylindrical shape with at least one groove 152 in a wall of the spacer spring. The wall runs at least partially primarily parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The groove 152 runs along an outer surface of the spacer spring, in particular an outer surface of the wall of the spacer spring 150, around a circumferential direction. The at least one groove 152 of the spacer spring 150 has a thickness configured to absorb any stress and/or force caused by the thermal deformation and/or one caused by a thermal compression expansion or a thermal expansion of the tube and/or the cylindrical parts 130, 132 along a load line SL.

As in 3 , a cross-sectional view of the optical system assembly 100 is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical system assembly 100 includes the plurality of lenses, the lens barrel, and the spacer spring 150, all stacked in a barrel shape. The lens barrel includes a plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132, the spacer member 122, and the sealing member 120. The lens slots LS and the corresponding lens have a corresponding thickness, in particular, to have a proper fit so that no rattling and no misfit occurs. Further, as shown in the 1 and 2 , the plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132, the spacer element 122, the sealing element 120 and the spacer spring 150 of the optical system assembly 100 are stacked together by the first holder 110 and the second holder 112. The first holder 110 and the second holder 112 are also secured to a plurality of cylindrical parts 130, 132, the spacer element 122, the sealing element 120 or the spacer spring 150 by at least one fastening means 115 as shown in 3 illustrated. After attaching and forming the optical system assembly 100, a load line SL is developed that ultimately holds the plurality of lenses L1-L7, the lens barrel (100 without the plurality of lenses), and the spacer spring 150 together. A portion of the load line (SL) runs primarily parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). Due to thermal compression and/or thermal expansion caused by a change in temperature beyond an ideal temperature, a change in the load and/or force occurs along the load line SL; however, due to the spacer spring 150, a change in the load along the load line SL is absorbed or cancelled out, and thus a preload is maintained.

In one embodiment, as in the 4a and 4d illustrated, the spacer spring 150 with the groove 152, which has a thickness in the ideal temperature range, is disclosed here. As in 4a As shown, the groove 152 extending inward into the spacer spring 150, in particular in a direction to the longitudinal axis (LA), has a first side wall 154 and a second side wall 156. The first side wall 154 and the second side wall 156 are connected to one another via a groove bottom 158. The first side wall 154 and the second side wall 156 are inclined relative to a wall 160 of the spacer spring 150, and the groove bottom 158 is located at the ends of the side walls 154, 156, opposite the ends of the side walls 154, 156 that are connected to the wall 160.

When the optical system assembly 100 is exposed to a temperature above the ideal temperature range, the thickness of the groove 152 increases due to the thermal expansion of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element 122, etc. along the load line SL, as shown in the 4b and 4d wherein the same load/preload is maintained along the load line SL because there is no loosening of the components within the lens barrel, and in particular, the plurality of lenses L1-L7 do not fall out of the lens slots LS and do not loosen therein. Alternatively, when the optical system assembly 100 is exposed to a temperature below the ideal temperature range, the thickness of the groove 152 increases along the load line SL due to thermal compression of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element 122, etc., as shown in FIGS. 4b and 4d , the same load/preload is maintained along the load line SL because there is no loosening of the components within the lens barrel, and in particular the majority of lenses L1-L7 do not fall out of the lens slots LS and do not loosen therein. The change in the thickness of the groove is achieved in particular by a change in the relative inclination of the side walls 154, 156 with respect to each other. In 4a the side walls 154, 156 have a first relative angle which is greater than the 4b shown second relative angle, which is mainly zero degrees, ie, in 4b the first side wall 154 and 156 are mainly parallel to each other. In particular, the angle between the first side wall 154 and/or the second side wall 156 on the one hand and the lower groove 158 in the 4a situation shown is less than 90 degrees, compared to about 90 degrees in the 4b shown situation.

Furthermore, in a case where the optical system arrangement 100 is exposed to a temperature below the ideal temperature range, is set, the thickness of the groove 152 due to the thermal compression of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element 122, etc. along the load line SL, as shown in the 4c and 4d wherein the same load is maintained along the load line SL because no force is applied to the components within the lens barrel, and in particular, the plurality of lenses L1-L7 are not subjected to any load at the lens slots, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the plurality of lenses L1-L7. Alternatively, when the optical system assembly 100 is exposed to a temperature above the ideal temperature range, the thickness of the groove 152 decreases along the load line SL due to thermal expansion of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element 122, etc., as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d wherein the same load is maintained along the load line SL since no force is exerted on the components within the lens barrel, and in particular the plurality of lenses L1-L7 are not subjected to any load at the lens slots, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the plurality of lenses L1-L7. In other words, the relative angle between the first side wall 154 and the second side wall 156 and a relative angle between the first side wall 154 and the second side wall 156 on the one hand and the groove bottom 158 in the in 4c situation shown, compared with the situation in 4a situation shown. In addition, the absorption of stress on the spacer spring 150 allows the lenses L1-L7 to be in the same position during expansion or compression, which can avoid the need for adjusting the focal lengths for multiple lenses L1-L7. In particular, the position of the lens L5 remains unchanged because the groove bottom 158 adjacent to the lens L5 does not change its shape.

In one embodiment, as in the 5a to 5c , a spacer spring 150' may have a groove 152' extending outwardly. Elements of the spacer spring 150' that correspond to the corresponding elements of the spacer spring 150 have the same reference numerals, but with an apostrophe. As in 5a As shown, the groove 152' extends outwardly outside the wall 160' of the spacer spring 150', in particular in a direction away from the longitudinal axis (LA'). The spacer spring 150' has a first side wall 154' and a second side wall 156'. The first side wall 154' and the second side wall 156' are connected to one another via a groove bottom 158'. The first side wall 154' and the second side wall 156' are, as shown in 5a shown inclined relative to a wall 160' of the spacer spring 150', and the groove bottom 158' is located at the ends of the side walls 154', 156', opposite the ends of the side walls 154', 156 connected to the wall 160'.

When the optical system assembly including the spacer spring 150' is exposed to a temperature below the ideal temperature range, the thickness of the groove 152' increases as shown in 5b The change in the thickness of the groove 152' is achieved in particular by a change in the relative inclination of the side walls 154', 156' with respect to each other. In 5a the side walls 154', 156' have a first relative angle which is greater than the 5b shown second relative angle, which is mainly zero degrees, ie, in 5b the first side wall 154' and second side wall 156' are mainly parallel to each other. In particular, the angle between the first side wall 154' and/or the second side wall 156' on the one hand and the lower groove 158' in the 5a situation shown is less than 90 degrees, compared to about 90 degrees in the 5b shown situation.

Furthermore, when the optical system assembly including the spacer spring 150' is exposed to a temperature above the ideal temperature range, the thickness of the groove 152' decreases, as shown in 5c In other words, the relative angle between the first side wall 154' and the second side wall 156' and a relative angle between the first side wall 154' and the second side wall 156' on the one hand and the groove bottom 158' in the 5c situation shown, compared with the situation in 5a shown situation, enlarged.

Although in the specific embodiment of the 1 to 4d the spacer spring 150 has been described with an inwardly extending groove 152, it is understood that the groove could also extend outwardly and perform the same functionality as previously described for the spacer spring 150' shown in the 5a to 5c . Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to a groove with straight wall elements. At least one of the side walls 154, 156 and/or the bottom groove 158 could be at least partially curved, and/or the entire groove could be formed as a single curved wall element. The variation in the thickness of the groove could then be achieved by varying the curvature.

In the 6a and 6b another embodiment of a spacer spring 150" is shown. Elements of the spacer spring 150'' that correspond to corresponding elements of the spacer spring 150 have the same reference numbers. chen, but with two apostrophes. As in 6a , the spacer spring 150'' includes a step 162'' extending outwardly from the spacer spring 150'' instead of a groove. In particular, a first side wall 154'' of the step 150'' extends in a direction away from the longitudinal axis (LA''). The first side wall 154'' is relative to the wall 160'' of the spacer spring 150'', as shown in 6a shown, especially when the spacer spring 150'' is exposed to an ideal temperature.

When the optical system assembly in which the spacer spring 150'' is located is exposed to a temperature below the ideal temperature range, the length of the spacer spring 150'' along the longitudinal axis LA'' increases due to the thermal compression of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element, etc. along the load line SL, as shown in 6b wherein the same load/preload is maintained along the load line SL, whereby there is no loosening of the components within the lens barrel, and in particular the majority of lenses L1-L7 do not fall out of the lens slots LS and do not loosen therein. In 6a the side wall 154'' has a first relative angle 164'' to the wall 160'' which is less than 90 degrees, while in the 6b In the situation shown, the relative angle has increased to 90 degrees.

When the optical system assembly in which the spacer spring 150'' is located is exposed to a temperature above the ideal temperature range, the length of the spacer spring 150'' along the longitudinal axis LA'' decreases due to the thermal expansion of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element, etc. along the load line SL, while maintaining the same load/preload along the load line SL, thereby preventing loosening of the components within the lens barrel, and in particular, the plurality of lenses L1-L7 do not fall out of the lens slots LS and do not loosen therein. Compared to 6a the side wall 154'' has a first relative angle to the wall 160'' which is even smaller than that in 6a shown relative angle is 164''.

In the 7a and 7d a further embodiment of a spacer spring 150''' is shown. Elements of the spacer spring 150''' that correspond to corresponding elements of the spacer spring 150 have the same reference numerals, but with three apostrophes.

As shown in Figure 7a, the wall 160''' of the spacer spring 150''' includes a plurality of cutouts 166'''. The cutouts 166''' are connected to each other by webs 168''' or, in other words, webs 168''' are located between the cutouts 166'''.

In 7b is a view of the spacer spring 150''' in the direction D ₁ ''' from 7a shown.

In the 7c and 7d are views from the direction D ₂ ''' of 7a shown on detail E'''. As the 7c and 7d As can be seen, the cutouts 166''' and the webs 168''' allow to absorb stresses and/or forces caused by thermal deformation and/or thermal compression expansion or thermal expansion of the cylindrical parts along a stress line (SL) contained in an optical system arrangement in which the spacer spring 150''' is integrated. In 7d the spacer spring 150''' is shown in a situation where the temperature is compared to that in 7c situation shown. Due to the increased temperature, the length of the spacer spring 150''' along the longitudinal axis LA''' has changed from the 7c situation shown to that in 7d shown situation. The reduction is caused by thermal expansion of the plurality of cylindrical parts, the spacer element, etc. along the load line SL. The reduction is caused by elastic deformation of the cutouts 166''' and at least a portion of the webs 168'''.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical system assembly 100 is used with a camera device (not shown) of the vehicle (not shown). Further, the optical system assembly 100 is adapted to be used as a rearview camera device (not shown) of the vehicle (not shown).

Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementation of the claims, so that other equivalent features and acts are included within the scope of the claims. That is, the features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims, and drawings may be essential to the fulfillment of the present disclosure in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. The embodiments shown here are only examples of the present disclosure and thus should not be understood as limiting. From Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally covered by the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference symbol

100

optical system arrangement

102

first opening

104

second opening

110

first owner

112

second holder

115

Fasteners

L1

first lens

L2

second lens

L3

third lens

L4

fourth lens

L5

fifth lens

L6

sixth lens

L7

seventh lens

120

Sealing element

122

Spacer element

130

cylindrical part

132

cylindrical part

140

Infrared filter

150, 150', 150''

Spacer spring

152, 152'

Groove

154, 154', 154''

Side wall

156, 156'

Side wall

158, 158'

Groove bottom

160, 160', 160''

Wall

162''

Level

164''

angle

166'''

Excerpt

168''

Bridge

IS

inside

OS

Outside

SL

Load line

LS

Lens slot

LA, LA', LA'', LA'''

Longitudinal axis

D1''', D2'''

Direction

E'''

detail

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 10928606 B2 [0005]
• JP 6054819 B2 [0006]
• US 9658423 B2 [0007]

Claims (28)

An optical system arrangement (100) for a camera device adapted to be used in a variable temperature environment, the optical system arrangement (100) comprising: • at least two lenses (L4, L5); • a lens barrel having an inner side (IS) adapted to receive the at least two lenses (L4, L5), the lens barrel comprising and/or consisting of: a first opening (102) and a second opening (104), and at least two lens slots (LS) arranged on the inner side (IS) of the lens barrel to receive the at least two lenses (L4, L5), characterized by at least one spacer spring (150, 150', 150'', 150''') configured in the lens barrel to enable distribution and/or compensation of stress and/or force caused by thermal compression and/or thermal expansion of the lens barrel under a variable temperature. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein - the arrangement comprises a plurality of lenses (L1-L7), - the tube has an outer side (OS), - the tube comprises a plurality of lens slots (LS) distributed over the inner side, the first opening (102) and the second opening (104), and/or - the spacer spring (150) is configured to adjust its longitudinal extent along a longitudinal axis (LA) between the first opening (102) and the second opening (104) within the lens tube. Optical arrangement (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the lenses (L1-L7) comprise at least one concave lens, at least one convex lens and/or a combination of at least one concave lens and at least one convex lens. Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens barrel comprises and/or is made of material comprising at least one metal, at least one alloy and/or at least one polymer. Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens barrel is and/or comprises an arrangement of at least one, optionally a plurality of, cylindrical parts (130, 132), at least one, optionally a plurality of spacer elements (122) and/or at least one, optionally a plurality of, sealing elements (120). An optical system assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the lens barrel further comprises a first holder (110) and a second holder (112), optionally for sandwiching the lenses (L1-L7), the cylindrical part(s) (130, 132), the spacer element(s) (122) and/or the sealing element(s) (120) together. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 6 , wherein the first holder (110) and the second holder (112) are fastened and/or screwed to the cylindrical part(s) (130, 132), the spacer element(s) (122) and/or the sealing element(s) (120) by one or more fastening means (115). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lenses (L1-L7), the cylindrical part(s) (130, 132) and/or the spacer spring(s) (150) are arranged axially in one or more combinations, in particular in a tube shape, to form the optical system arrangement (100). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer spring (150) is arranged between the at least two lenses, at least two cylindrical parts (130, 132) and/or a combination of a lens and a cylindrical part. Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (102) and/or the second opening (104) is/are round in shape. The optical system assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the first opening (102) is configured to allow a beam of light to enter the lens barrel, exit through the second opening (104) and/or be received by at least one photoreceptor. An optical system arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first opening (102) and the second opening (104) have a similar diameter or a different diameter. An optical system arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the lenses (L1-L7) has a lens thickness. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 13 , where the lens thickness of each of the lin sen (L1-L7) is the same or different with respect to at least one of the other lenses and/or each other and/or the lens thickness of at least one pair of lenses (L1-L7) is the same or different. An optical system arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of lens slots has a slot thickness. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 15 , wherein the slot thickness for each of the plurality of lens slots is the same or different with respect to at least one of the lens slots and/or to each other and/or the slot thickness of at least one pair of the lens slots is the same or different. An optical system arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one, optionally each, of the plurality of lens slots (LS) is configured with a thickness that is the same as the thickness of the corresponding lens among the plurality of lenses (L1-L7), preferably to avoid any rattling and any loose fit of the at least one lens (L1-L7), optionally each of the lenses, within the corresponding lens slot (LS), optionally each of the corresponding lens slots (LS). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer spring (150, 150', 150'', 150''') has at least partially a cylindrical shape and/or at least one groove (152, 152'), at least one step (162'') and/or at least one cutout (166'''), which preferably runs at least partially along an outer surface of the spacer spring (150, 150', 150'', 150'''), optionally around a circumferential direction. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 18 , wherein the groove (152, 152'), the step (162'') and/or the cutout (166''') is formed in a wall (160, 160', 160'', 160'''), in particular comprising the outer surface, of the spacer spring (150, 150', 150'', 150'''), wherein optionally the wall (160, 160', 160'', 160''') extends mainly in a direction that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (LA, LA', LA'', LA''') that extends from the first opening (102) to the second opening (104), and/or the groove (152, 152') and/or the step (162'') extends inward from the wall (160) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA) or extends inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA', LA''') extends radially outward from the wall (160', 160''). Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 19 , wherein the groove (152, 152') and/or the step (162'') has/have a first side wall (154, 154', 154'') which is at least partially inclined with respect to the wall (160, 160', 160'') of the spacer spring (150, 150', 150''), and/or the groove (152, 152') has a second side wall (156, 156') which is at least partially inclined with respect to the wall (160, 160') of the spacer spring (152, 152'). Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 20 , wherein the first side wall (154, 154') and the second side wall (156, 156') are directly connected or the first side wall (154, 154') and the second side wall (156, 156') are connected via at least one groove bottom (158, 158'), wherein the groove bottom (158, 158') optionally extends at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA, LA'). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 19 until 21 , wherein the first side wall (154, 154', 154''), the second side wall (156, 156') and/or the groove bottom (158, 158') is/are at least partially curved, wherein the first side wall (154, 154'), the second side wall (156, 156') and/or the groove bottom (158, 158') optionally form at least one single curved wall element. Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 18 until 22 , wherein the at least one groove (152, 152') and/or the step (162'') of the spacer spring (150, 150', 150'') has/have and/or forms/forms a thickness configured to absorb any stress and/or force caused by the thermal deformation and/or a thermal compression expansion or a thermal expansion of the cylindrical parts (130, 132) along a load line (SL), in particular a load line (SL) which extends at least partially mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 20 until 23 , wherein by a load and/or force acting on the spacer spring (150, 150', 150''), in particular along the load line (SL), (i) a relative angle between the first side wall (154, 154') and the second side wall (156, 156') is changed, in particular elastically, and/or (ii) a relative angle between the first side wall (154, 154') and the groove bottom (158, 158') or a relative angle between the first side wall (154, 154', 154'') and the wall (160, 160', 160'') is changed, in particular elastically, and/or (iii) a relative angle between the second side wall (156, 156') and the groove bottom (158, 158') or a relative angle between the second side wall (156, 156') and the wall (160, 160'), in particular elastically, is changed and/or (iv) a curvature of the first side wall (154, 154', 154''), the second side wall (156, 156'), the lower groove (158, 158') and/or the curved wall element is changed, in particular elastically. Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 18 or Claim 19 , wherein a plurality of cutouts (166''') are provided, wherein the cutouts (166''') are preferably connected by webs (168''') and/or the webs (168''') are located between the cutouts (166'''), wherein the cutouts (166''') and/or webs (168''') optionally have a shape and/or dimensions configured to absorb any stress and/or force caused by the thermal deformation and/or a thermal compression expansion or a thermal expansion of the cylindrical parts (130, 132) along a load line (SL), in particular a load line (SL) which extends at least partially mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA). Optical system arrangement (100) according to Claim 25 , wherein the cutouts (166''') and/or the webs (168''') are configured to absorb stress and/or force by a, in particular elastic, deformation of at least a portion of the cutouts (166''') and/or at least a portion of the webs (168'''). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the Claims 23 until 26 , wherein the load line (SL) is at least partially defined by connection points of the plurality of cylindrical parts (130, 132), the spacer element (122) and/or the sealing element (120). Optical system arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical system arrangement (100) is adapted to be used with the camera device of a vehicle.

Images