Multi-aperture imaging devices, methods for producing same and imaging system

A multi-aperture imaging device comprising:

• at least one image sensor;
• and
• an array of juxtaposed optical channels, wherein each optical channel comprises optics for projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor;
• wherein the array comprises a housing in which the optics of the optical channels are arranged and fixed with respect to one another, wherein the housing is formed of juxtaposed plate-shaped structures and comprises at least one wall structure facing or facing away from the image sensor and comprises at least one sidewall structure;
• wherein the optics are arranged in a contact-less manner to an adjacent partition wall structure or laterally supported by a soft material;
• and wherein the optics deform during a thermally induced deformation along an optical length of the optical channel and along a direction perpendicular to the optical length of the optical channel, wherein each optical channel is not affected by the deformation in the direction perpendicular to the optical length of an adjacent optical channel;
• or
• wherein one of the optics comprises a plurality of serially arranged optics elements which are mechanically connected to one another, such that the optics are arranged along a direction perpendicular to an optical path through the optics and along a line-extension direction of the array in an area of at least 50% of a length of the optical channel along an optical axis of the same in a contactless manner with respect to other mechanical elements.

A method for producing a multi-aperture imaging device, comprising:

• providing at least one image sensor;
• and
• arranging optics of optical channels, such that the same form an array of juxtaposed optical channels, and such that each optical channel comprises optics for projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, wherein forming the array comprises:
• arranging the optics of the optical channels in a housing, such that a wall structure of the housing through which the optical channels pass is facing or facing away from the image sensor and a sidewall structure arranged on the wall structure is arranged on the wall structure, wherein the wall structure or the sidewall structure is formed comprising glass, ceramic, glass ceramic or a crystalline material, wherein the optics are arranged such that the wall structure is connected to the optics of the optical channels and fixes the optics with respect to one another;
• wherein arranging the optics is performed such that the optics are arranged in a contactless manner with respect to an adjacent partition wall structure or are supported by a soft material such that the optics deform during a thermally induced deformation along an optical length of the optical channel and along a direction perpendicular to the optical length of the optical channel, wherein each optical channel is not affected by the deformation in the direction perpendicular to the optical length of an adjacent optical channel;
• or
• such that one of the optics comprises a plurality of serially arranged optics elements which are mechanically connected to one another, such that the optics are arranged along a direction perpendicular to an optical path through the optics and along a line-extension direction of the array in an area of at least 50% of a length of the optical channel along an optical axis of the same in a contactless manner with respect to other mechanical elements.

A method for producing a multi-aperture imaging device, comprising:

• providing at least one image sensor;
• and
• arranging optics of optical channels, such that the same form an array of juxtaposed optical channels, and such that each optical channel comprises optics for projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor;
• forming a housing of joined plate-shaped structures such that the housing comprises at least one wall structure facing or facing away from the image sensor and comprises at least one sidewall structure;
• and
• arranging the optics of the optical channels of the array in the housing, such that the optics are fixed with respect to one another;
• wherein arranging the optics is performed such that the optics are arranged in a contactless manner with respect to an adjacent partition wall structure or are supported by a soft material such that the optics deform during a thermally induced deformation along an optical length of the optical channel and along a direction perpendicular to the optical length of the optical channel, wherein each optical channel is not affected by the deformation in the direction perpendicular to the optical length of an adjacent optical channel;
• or
• such that one of the optics comprises a plurality of serially arranged optics elements which are mechanically connected to one another, such that the optics are arranged along a direction perpendicular to an optical path through the optics and along a line-extension direction of the array in an area of at least 50% of a length of the optical channel along an optical axis of the same in a contactless manner with respect to other mechanical elements.