Lens module

Abstract

A lens module according to an embodiment of the present application may include: a substrate having a plurality of light-emitting regions; light-emitting elements provided in each of the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light; a lens unit provided on the substrate to cover the light-emitting elements; an adhesive portion contacting the substrate and the lens unit to fix the substrate and the lens unit; and a support member provided within the adhesive portion and mounted on the substrate. The support member may include an extension portion for increasing the contact area between the support member and the adhesive portion and a joining portion connected to the lens unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens module including an adhesive, and more particularly to a lens module for preventing the adhesive or the lens from detaching from a substrate. Background Art

[0002] Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have many advantages compared to existing light sources. Compared to existing light sources, LEDs have the directivity of light, can achieve control of various colors, and are excellent in adjusting the amount of light according to the change in voltage and current.

[0003] A light emitting diode is a semiconductor light emitting device that emits light due to a potential difference when electrons and holes recombine in a P-N semiconductor junction structure by an applied current. A light emitting device using such a light emitting diode has advantages such as being environmentally friendly, having a low voltage, a long lifespan, and a low price.

[0004] Generally, a lens is adhered to the upper end of a light emitting diode package by an adhesive or an adhesive sheet. Thus, in the case of using an adhesive, when the adhesive hardens, the alignment position of the optical lens may shift due to the flow of the adhesive. In addition, the adhesive and the adhesive sheet include organic adhesive substances such as acrylic and epoxy. Temperature changes from high to low and from low to high can cause a decrease in the adhesive characteristics of the above-mentioned adhesive substances. Therefore, a problem may occur in that the optical lens detaches from the light emitting diode package. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens module for preventing an adhesive or a lens from detaching from a substrate.

[0006] A lens module according to an embodiment of the present application may include: a substrate having a plurality of light emitting regions; light emitting elements provided in each of the plurality of light emitting regions to emit light; a lens unit provided on the substrate to cover the light emitting elements; an adhesive part contacting the substrate and the lens unit to fix the substrate and the lens unit; and a support member provided in the adhesive part and mounted on the substrate, wherein the support member may include an extension part for increasing the contact area between the support member and the adhesive part and a joining part connected to the lens unit.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, the support member may be configured as a metal sheet, and may further include a joining bracket for supporting the joining part and a pad mounted on the substrate.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, a hole may be provided in the extension part.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the extension portion may be configured to have a length with a preset first ratio to the length at which the support member contacts the substrate, or the extension portion may be configured to have a length with a preset second ratio to the thickness of the adhesive portion.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the engagement bracket may have elasticity such that its shape deforms when an external force is applied in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate. The shape of the engagement bracket may deform so that the engagement portion and the end of the lens unit are fastened, and if the engagement portion and the lens unit are fastened thereafter, the shape of the deformed engagement bracket is restored.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the shape of the engagement bracket may be configured to correspond to the shape of the end of the lens unit, or the length of the engagement bracket may have a preset third ratio to the thickness of the end of the lens unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the engagement portion may have elasticity such that its shape deforms when an external force is applied in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate. The shape of the engagement portion may deform so that the support member fixes the lens unit, and if the lens unit is fixed thereafter, the shape of the engagement portion is restored.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, the shape of the engagement portion may be configured to correspond to the shape of the end of the lens unit, or the distance between the engagement portion and the substrate may be configured to have a preset fourth ratio to the thickness of the end of the lens unit.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the lens module may include a plurality of support members of different types determined in consideration of the shapes of the substrate, the lens unit, and the adhesive portion.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the plurality of support members may further include at least two of the following support members: a first support member including a first extension portion having a first length and including a hole; a second support member including a second extension portion having the first length and not including a hole; a third support member including a third extension portion having a second length shorter than the first length and including a hole; and a fourth support member including a fourth extension portion having the second length and not including the hole.

[0016] One embodiment of the present application can prevent the adhesive contained in the lens module from detaching from the substrate.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present application can prevent the lens unit contained in the lens module from detaching from the substrate. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lens module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the lens module.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of the lens module according to an embodiment of the present application including an adhesive portion.

[0021] Figures 4a to 4c is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the lens module of the present application including a support member.

[0022] Figures 5a to 5c is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the lens module of the present application including a support member.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a support member according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing both the support member and the substrate according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 8 is a front view showing the shape of the support member according to a first embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate.

[0026] Figure 9 is a side view showing the shape of the support member according to a first embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate.

[0027] Figures 10a to 10c is a side view showing the process of connecting the support member to the lens unit according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a support member according to a second embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a support member according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 13a is a perspective view showing both the support member and the substrate according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 13b is a front view showing the support member according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 13c is a side view showing the support member according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 14 is a front view showing the shape of the support member according to the third embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate.

[0034] Figure 15 is a side view showing the shape of the support member according to the third embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate.

[0035] Figures 16a to 16c is a side view showing the process of connecting the support member to the lens unit according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the support member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figures 18a to 18d is a view showing the process of designing a lens module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figures 19a to 19c is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of implementing the support member on the substrate of the present application.

[0039] Reference signs:

[0040] 100: lens module 10: substrate

[0041] 20: light-emitting element 30: lens unit

[0042] 40, 40-1: bonding part 50: fastening member

[0043] 60, 60a, 60b, 60c, 70: support member 61a, 61b, 61c: extension part

[0044] 62a, 62b, 62c: joining bracket 63a, 63b, 63c: joining part

[0045] 64a, 64b, 64c: pad Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0046] The present invention can be variously modified and can have various forms. Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the lens module according to an embodiment of the present application,Figure 2 is Figure 1 exploded perspective view of the lens module.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present application, the lens module 100 includes a substrate 10, a light-emitting element 20, a lens unit 30, an adhesive portion 40, and a fastening member 50.

[0050] The substrate 10 is provided to mount one or more light-emitting elements 20 on its upper portion. A light-emitting region for mounting the light-emitting element 20 to emit light is provided on the substrate 10, and one or more light-emitting elements 20 can be provided in each light-emitting region.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of light-emitting regions can be provided on the upper surface of the substrate 10. Accordingly, the size and light amount of the lens module 100 can be determined. For example, the light-emitting regions can be arranged in a 2×2 row and column shape. However, this is only illustrative, and the light-emitting regions can be arranged in various forms such as 3×4, 2×6, etc.

[0052] The substrate 10 can be provided in various shapes. For example, the substrate 10 can be provided as a plate-shaped having a quadrilateral shape and a predetermined height when viewed in a plane. However, the shape of the substrate 10 is not limited thereto, and it can also be provided as an oval or a circle.

[0053] Wiring and a terminal portion for supplying power to the light-emitting element 20 are provided on the substrate 10. In an embodiment of the present application, the substrate 10 can be a printed circuit board. However, the type of the substrate 10 is not limited thereto, and it can be configured in various materials and various forms.

[0054] For example, at least a part of the substrate 10 can be made of a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity. For example, the substrate 10 can include metals such as copper, iron, nickel, chromium, aluminum, silver, gold, titanium, and alloys thereof. Or, the substrate 10 can include non-conductive materials such as ceramics, polymer resins, glass, or composite materials thereof (e.g., composite resins or hybrid materials of composite resins and conductive materials).

[0055] In an embodiment of the present application, the light-emitting element 20 may emit light in the upward direction of the substrate 10. For example, the light-emitting element 20 may emit light radially on the surface of the substrate 10. In this case, the light-emitting element 20 may emit light isotropically and uniformly in all directions. However, the direction of light emission of the light-emitting element 20 according to the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the light emission direction of the light-emitting element 20 may be limited within a partial angle, and in this case, light may be emitted anisotropically in a predetermined direction. Thus, in the case where light having directivity in a predetermined direction is required, by using the light-emitting element 20 that emits light anisotropically, light emission in a specific direction can be easily achieved.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present application, the light-emitting element 20 may be implemented as a light-emitting diode chip. Although not shown, the light-emitting element 20 may include a light-emitting structure and an electrode portion.

[0057] The light-emitting structure may include a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer provided in sequence.

[0058] The first semiconductor layer is a semiconductor layer doped with a first-conductive-type dopant. The first-conductive-type dopant may be an n-type dopant. The first-conductive-type dopant may be Si, Ge, Se, Te, or C. In an embodiment of the present application, the first semiconductor layer may include a nitride-based semiconductor material. For example, the first semiconductor layer may utilize a semiconductor material having a composition formula of In x Al y Ga 1-x-y N (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1, 0 ≤ x + y ≤ 1). The active layer is provided on the first semiconductor layer and corresponds to a light-emitting layer.

[0059] The active layer is a layer that causes electrons (or holes) injected through the first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and holes (or electrons) injected through the second semiconductor layer to combine with each other, and thus emits light due to the bandgap difference of the energy band of the material forming the active layer. The active layer may emit at least one peak wavelength of ultraviolet, blue, green, and red. The active layer may be implemented as a compound semiconductor. As an example, the active layer may be implemented as at least one of group-III-V or group-II-VI compound semiconductors, and is arranged with a material having a composition formula of In x Al y Ga 1-x-y N (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1, 0 ≤ x + y ≤ 1).

[0060] The second semiconductor layer is provided on the active layer. The second semiconductor layer is a semiconductor layer doped with a second conductivity type dopant having a polarity opposite to that of the first conductivity type dopant. The second conductivity type dopant may be a p-type dopant. For example, the second conductivity type dopant may include Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, etc. In one embodiment of the present application, the second semiconductor layer may include a nitride-based semiconductor material. The second semiconductor layer may be formed of a semiconductor material having a composition formula of In x Al y Ga 1-x-y N (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1, 0 ≤ x + y ≤ 1).

[0061] In one embodiment of the present application, a cathode and an anode connected to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are respectively provided on the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The cathode and the anode are connected to the wiring or terminal portion of the substrate 10, so that a power supply can be received.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lens module 100 includes a lens unit 30 covering the light-emitting element 20. The lens unit 30 can be applied as an optical element that simply transmits or guides the light emitted from the light-emitting element 20 in a predetermined direction while protecting the light-emitting element 20.

[0063] The lens unit 30 can be provided in various shapes when viewed from a plane. For example, the lens unit 30 can be provided in a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the lens unit 30 is not limited thereto, and it can also be provided in other polygons or an elliptical shape, etc.

[0064] The lens unit 30 can correspond to the shape of the light-emitting area on the substrate 10 where the light-emitting element 20 is located, and may include a lens portion 30a at least partially configured as a curved surface and a flat portion 30b provided around the lens portion 30a and having an upper surface parallel to the surface of the substrate 10.

[0065] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a case where each lens unit 30 includes 4 lens portions 30a. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lens unit 30 may include various numbers of lens portions 30a according to design specifications.

[0066] The lens portion 30a may have an ellipsoidal shape protruding in the upper direction. The flat portion 30b may be provided in a plate shape substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate 10 around the lens portion 30a. However, the shape of the lens portion 30a is not limited thereto, and in addition, according to the light emission efficiency and the light emission direction, etc., it can be provided in other forms.

[0067] Further, the upper surface of the flat portion 30b can be provided to be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the substrate 10. However, this is merely illustrative, and the surface of the flat portion 30b can be provided such that a part thereof is parallel to the upper surface of the substrate 10 and a part thereof is inclined to the upper surface of the substrate 10 to be easily coupled to other components. In an embodiment of the present application, the lens portion 30a and the flat portion 30b can be formed as an inseparable integral body.

[0068] The lens portion 30a can be provided with a variety of materials that satisfy the above functions, and the materials thereof are not limited. For example, the lens portion 30a can be made of quartz or a polymer organic material. Among them, for the polymer glass material, since the absorbed / transmitted wavelength varies depending on the type of monomer, molding method, and conditions, it is possible to select in consideration of the wavelength emitted from the light-emitting element 20. For example, organic polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (PE), and polycarbonate (PC) hardly absorb ultraviolet rays, while organic polymers such as polyester can absorb ultraviolet rays.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lens module 100 includes an adhesive portion 40 for fixing the lens unit 30 to the substrate 10. The adhesive portion 40 can be implemented as a sealing glue or a plastic type.

[0070] For example, the adhesive portion 40 can include at least one of an acrylic-based adhesive, a silicone-based adhesive, a urethane-based adhesive, a polyvinyl butyral adhesive (PMB), an ethylene-vinyl acetate adhesive (EVA), a polyethylene ether, a saturated amorphous polyester, and a melamine resin.

[0071] For example, the adhesive portion 40 can be a plastic and can include at least one of ABS, PC, PMMA, PA, TPU, TPE, PBT, PET, PP, PVC, and POM.

[0072] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lens module 100 includes a fastening member 50 that connects the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40. In an embodiment of the present application, a screw can be tightened within the fastening member 50 to firmly connect the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40. For example, tightening a screw within the fastening member 50 means fixing the lens module 100 to a designated lamp, and of course, the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40 can also be firmly connected indirectly.

[0073] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of a lens module including an adhesive part according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the lens module 100 includes a lens part 31 having an ellipsoidal shape protruding in an upward direction, a lens unit 30 including the lens part 31, and a substrate 10.

[0075] The adhesive part 40 may be arranged to be in contact with the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30 respectively to fix the lens unit 30 to the substrate 10.

[0076] The present invention relates to a technique of fixing a lens to a substrate (e.g., a PCB) using an adhesive in the case of generating a lens module, and the adhesive force between the adhesive and the substrate may be determined by the contact area or the roughness of the contact surface between the adhesive and the substrate.

[0077] For example, in the case where the contact area between the adhesive and the substrate is small, the adhesive may detach from the substrate. In the present invention, a method of including a support member inside the adhesive is proposed to increase the adhesive force between the adhesive and the substrate.

[0078] Among them, the support member may be configured as a metal sheet, and the metal sheet may increase the contact area between the adhesive and the substrate. At the same time, the metal sheet plays a role of a skeleton inside the adhesive and can prevent the adhesive from detaching structurally. To increase the adhesive force, the surface of the metal sheet may have a roughness above a predetermined value.

[0079] Moreover, in the case where the thickness of the adhesive is thin, since the adhesive force between the adhesive and the substrate is insufficient, the lens may detach from the substrate. In this case, to increase the adhesive force between the adhesive and the substrate, a metal sheet may also be included inside the adhesive.

[0080] According to an embodiment, a part of the metal sheet may be elastic, and one end of the metal sheet may be in contact with the lens. According to an embodiment, a force in the Z-axis direction is applied to the end of the lens in contact with the part of the metal sheet, so that the lens can be fixed and the lens can be prevented from detaching from the substrate.

[0081] Figures 4a to 4c is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a lens module of the present application including a support member.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1 to 4a, the lens module includes a substrate 10, a light-emitting element 20 located on the substrate 10, a lens unit 30 covering the light-emitting element 20, and an adhesive portion 40 bonded to the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30 to firmly connect the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30.

[0083] According to an embodiment, after the adhesive portion 40 is cured, the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30 are fixed by the adhesive force of the adhesive portion 40, and the lens module can be waterproofed.

[0084] As Figure 4b shown, if the contact area between the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40 decreases, the adhesive force between the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40 may decrease. In particular, at the edge of the substrate 10, the possibility of the adhesive force between the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40 decreasing is relatively high.

[0085] If the adhesive force between the adhesive portion 40 and the substrate 10 decreases and the adhesive portion 40 detaches (or peels) from the substrate 10, it may also affect the waterproof performance of the lens module.

[0086] In this case, in order to prevent the adhesive portion 40 from detaching (or peeling) from the substrate 10, a solution of including a support member 60 in the adhesive portion 40 is proposed in the present invention as Figure 4c shown. The support member 60 can be a metal sheet, and the metal sheet can be implemented to increase the contact area between the adhesive portion 40 and the substrate 10 or increase the roughness. At the same time, the metal sheet plays a role of a skeleton inside the adhesive, and structurally can prevent the adhesive from detaching. Accordingly, the support member 60 can prevent the adhesive portion 40 from detaching from the substrate 10.

[0087] In this case, the support member 60 can be mounted on the substrate 10 in a surface mount technology (SMT) process. The support member 60 can be implemented in various shapes to prevent the adhesive portion 40 from loosening or peeling on the substrate 10.

[0088] Figure 4c The shape of the support member 60 shown is only one form for solving the technical problem of the present application, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited to Figure 4c the shape of the support member 60 shown in the figure, and the support member 60 can be implemented in various forms.

[0089] Moreover, the support member 60 is not limited to a metal sheet, and can also be implemented as other substances that can strengthen the connection between the adhesive portion 40 and the substrate 10.

[0090] Figures 5a to 5c is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the lens module of the present application including a support member.

[0091] Reference Figures 1 to 5a As shown in Figures 1 to 5a , the lens module includes a substrate 10, a light-emitting element 20 located on the substrate 10, a lens unit 30 covering the light-emitting element 20, and an adhesive portion 40 bonded to the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30 and firmly connecting the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30. Among them, the lens unit 30 can be fixed by the pressure of the adhesive portion 40.

[0092] Figure 5b In , when an external force is applied in a direction weakening the connection between the lens unit 30 and the substrate 10, a part of the contact surface of the lens unit 30 detaches from the substrate 10, and thus a gap may occur between the lens unit 30 and the substrate 10. In this case, since the contact area between the lens unit 30 and the adhesive portion 40 decreases, the adhesive force between the lens unit 30 and the adhesive portion 40 may be reduced.

[0093] As Figure 5b shown, in order to prevent the lens unit 30 from detaching from the substrate 10, in the present invention, a solution of including a support member 60 in the adhesive portion 40 as shown in Figure 5c is proposed. Figure 5c As shown in Figure 5c , a solution of including a support member 60 in the adhesive portion 40 is proposed.

[0094] In this case, the support member 60 can be mounted on the substrate 10 in a surface mount technology (SMT) process. The support member 60 can be implemented in various shapes to prevent the lens unit 30 from loosening or peeling off the substrate 10.

[0095] Figure 5c The shape of the support member 60 shown in Figure 5c is only one form for solving the technical problems of the present application, and the technical gist of the present application is not limited to the shape of the support member 60 shown in Figure 5c , and the support member 60 can be implemented in various forms. Figure 5c As shown in Figure 5c , the support member 60 can be implemented in various forms.

[0096] The support member 60 can be implemented as a metal sheet. The support member 60 can be implemented to contact one end of the lens unit 30 and apply pressure to one end of the lens unit 30 in the Z-axis direction, thereby fixing the lens unit 30. Accordingly, the lens unit 30 can be prevented from detaching from the substrate 10.

[0097] Moreover, the support member 60 is not limited to a metal sheet, and can also be implemented as other substances capable of strengthening the connection between the lens unit 30 and the substrate 10.

[0098] Figure 6 FIG. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a support member according to a first embodiment of the present application. Figure 7FIG. 0 is a perspective view showing a support member and a substrate according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Referring to Figure 6 , the support member 60a according to the first embodiment of the present application can be implemented as a metal sheet. The support member 60a may include an extension portion 61a, a bonding bracket 62a, a bonding portion 63a, and a pad 64a. The extension portion 61a may be referred to as a hump, the bonding bracket 62a may be referred to as a clip holder, and the bonding portion 63a may be referred to as a clip.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the extension portion 61a may be set to maximize the contact area between the support member 60a included in the lens module and the bonding portion 40. According to an embodiment, the extension portion 61a may be implemented such that the contact area between the support member 60a and the bonding portion 40 is equal to or greater than a preset area.

[0101] Moreover, in order to increase the contact area between the support member 60a and the bonding portion, the extension portion 61a may be implemented to include a hole. In this case, a glue is inserted into the hole in the extension portion 61a, thereby increasing the contact area between the support member 60a and the bonding portion.

[0102] The bonding bracket 62a is a configuration that supports the bonding portion 63a, and the bonding portion 63a may be used to connect the lens unit included in the lens module and the support member 60a.

[0103] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the pad 64a of the support member 60a is located on the pad region 11 on the substrate 10, so that the support member 60a can be mounted on the substrate 10.

[0104] Figure 8 FIG. 25 is a front view showing the shape of the support member according to the first embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate, Figure 9 FIG. 27 is a side view showing the shape of the support member according to the first embodiment of the present application mounted on the substrate.

[0105] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 , the support member 60a may be included in the bonding portion 40 and mounted on the substrate 10. The support member 60a may be implemented in various forms, so that the bonding portion 40 and the substrate 10 are firmly connected.

[0106] The pad 64a of the support member 60a may be fixed to the pad region 11 on the substrate 10 by an SMT process.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the length A of the extension portion 61a of the support member 60a can be implemented to be longer than the length B of the main body of the support member 60a that contacts the substrate 10.

[0108] When the length A of the extension portion 61a is implemented to be greater than the length B of the main body of the support member 60a, there is an effect as follows: by increasing the contact area between the support member 60a and the adhesive portion, the adhesive force between the support member 60a and the adhesive portion can be improved.

[0109] Also, when the length A of the extension portion 61a is implemented to be greater than the length B of the main body of the support member 60a, there is an effect as follows: by increasing the roughness of the contact surface between the support member 60a and the adhesive portion, the adhesive force between the support member 60a and the adhesive portion can be improved.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the length A of the extension portion 61a can be implemented to be greater than the thickness C of the adhesive portion 40.

[0111] When the length A of the extension portion 61a is implemented to be greater than the thickness C of the adhesive portion 40, there can be an effect of increasing the supporting force of the support member 60a against the adhesive portion 40.

[0112] Referring to Figures 6 to 9 , the support member 60a can be fastened to the end portion of the lens unit 30 through the engaging portion 63a formed in the support member 60a. The process of fastening the support member 60a to the end portion of the lens unit 30 is specifically illustrated in Figures 10a to 10c In

[0113] Figures 10a to 10c FIG. is a side view illustrating the process of connecting the support member and the lens unit according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0114] Referring to Figures 6 to 10a , the engaging bracket 62a that supports the engaging portion 63a in the support member 60a can be elastic and can be formed to be stressed in the Z-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the shape and size of the engaging bracket 62a of the support member 60a can be adjusted according to the shape and size of the end portion of the lens unit 30.

[0115] When the engaging bracket 62a that supports the engaging portion 63a is elastic, there is an effect as follows: the engaging portion 63a can be more easily fastened to the end portion of the lens unit 30, and the force required for fastening can be reduced.

[0116] Also, when the shape and size of the engaging bracket 62a of the support member 60a are adjusted according to the shape and size of the end portion of the lens unit 30, there is an effect as follows: the force required for fastening the engaging portion 63a to the end portion of the lens unit 30 can be reduced, and the power consumption in the process can be reduced.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the shape of the fastening hole of the engaging bracket 62a may be formed to correspond to the end portion of the lens unit 30 to be fastened. According to an embodiment, the size of the fastening hole of the engaging bracket 62a may be formed to correspond to the thickness of the end portion of the lens unit 30 to be fastened.

[0118] When the size of the fastening hole of the engaging bracket 62a is formed to be a size corresponding to the thickness of the end portion of the lens unit 30 to be fastened, there is an effect that the engaging portion 63a can be more easily fastened to the end portion of the lens unit 30.

[0119] Refer to Figures 6 to 10b , when an external force in the Z-axis direction that fastens the engaging portion 63a of the support member 60a to the end portion of the lens unit 30 is applied, the shape of the elastic engaging bracket 62a can be deformed.

[0120] Refer to Figures 6 to 10c , when the engaging portion 63a of the support member 60a and the end portion of the lens unit 30 are fastened, the engaging bracket 62a can return to its original shape.

[0121] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a support member according to a second embodiment of the present application.

[0122] Refer to Figure 11 , the support member 60b according to the second embodiment of the present application may be implemented as a metal sheet. The support member 60b may include an extension portion 61b, an engaging bracket 62b, an engaging portion 63b, and a pad 64b.

[0123] The extension portion 61b according to the second embodiment of the present application may be implemented to have a preset length to increase the contact area between the support member 60b included in the lens module and the adhesive portion 40.

[0124] However, differently from the support member 60a according to the first embodiment of the present application as shown in 6, Figure 11 the extension portion 61b in the support member 60b according to the second embodiment of the present application as shown may be implemented not to include a hole. In this case, since the extension portion 61b does not include a hole, there is an effect that the process of manufacturing the support member 60b can be more simplified.

[0125] The support member 60b according to the second embodiment of the present application does not have a hole in the extension portion 61b, so that the support member 60b can be manufactured more easily. Moreover, although there is no hole in the extension portion 61b, when the roughness of the end surface of the extension portion 61b in contact with the bonding portion is equal to or greater than a preset critical value, the following effects can be obtained: the frictional force between the extension portion 61b and the bonding portion can be increased, and the support member 60b can support the bonding portion more firmly.

[0126] Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view showing a support member according to a third embodiment of the present application. Figure 13a FIG. is a perspective view showing a support member and a substrate according to a third embodiment of the present application. Figure 13b FIG. is a front view showing a support member according to a third embodiment of the present application. Figure 13c FIG. is a side view of a support member according to a third embodiment of the present application.

[0127] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13a , the support member 60c according to the third embodiment of the present application can be implemented as a metal sheet. The support member 60c may include an extension portion 61c, a bonding bracket 62c, a bonding portion 63c, and a pad 64c.

[0128] Since the length of the extension portion 61c of the support member 60c according to the third embodiment of the present application is not implemented to be long, it can also be disposed in a small area within the lens module.

[0129] The support member 60a according to the first embodiment of the present application and the support member 60b according to the second embodiment have a long extension portion to increase the contact area between the support member and the bonding portion. On the contrary, the support member 60c according to the third embodiment of the present application is characterized by having an extension portion 61c with a narrow width, so that the support member can be implemented within the bonding portion even when the width of the bonding portion or the substrate is narrow.

[0130] When the support member 60c has a narrow-width extension portion 61c, it has the effect that the support member 60c can be easily disposed even at the edge portion of the substrate to which the bonding portion is bonded. Moreover, when the lens module has a large lens unit, the support member 60c having a narrow-width extension portion 61c is installed within the lens module, so that the light emission function of the lens module can be increased.

[0131] Moreover, by installing a plurality of support members 60c having a narrow-width extension portion 61c within the lens module, it has the effect that a greater supporting force can be ensured compared to other types of support members.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the length of the extension portion 61c can be set to a preset ratio with respect to the width of the substrate. According to another embodiment, the length of the extension portion can be set to a preset ratio with respect to the thickness of the bonding portion.

[0133] However, in order to increase the contact area between the support member 60c and the bonding portion, the extension portion 61c can be implemented to include holes. In this case, since the bonding portion is inserted into the holes in the extension portion 61c, the contact area between the support member 60c and the bonding portion can be increased.

[0134] Refer to Figures 12 to 13b , the pad 64c of the support member 60c can be configured to be located on the pad region 11 on the substrate 10. The pad 64c of the support member 60c is mounted on the pad region 11 on the substrate 10, and the support member 60c can be connected to the substrate 10.

[0135] Refer to Figures 12 to 13c , the engaging portion 63c of the support member 60c can be configured to fix the lens unit included in the lens module. The engaging portion 63c of the support member 60c can be fastened to the end of the lens unit, and the support member 60c can be connected to the lens unit.

[0136] Figure 14 is a front view showing the shape of the support member mounted on the substrate according to the third embodiment of the present application, Figure 15 is a side view showing the shape of the support member mounted on the substrate according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0137] Refer to Figures 12 to 14 , the support member 60c can be included in the bonding portion 40 and can be mounted on the substrate 10. The support member 60c can be implemented in various forms to firmly connect the bonding portion 40 and the substrate 10.

[0138] The pad 64c of the support member 60c can be fixed to the pad region 11 on the substrate 10 by an SMT process.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the length A' of the extension portion 61c of the support member 60c can be implemented to be shorter in a manner of a preset ratio with respect to the length B' of the main body of the support member 60c in contact with the substrate 10.

[0140] Even if the length A' of the extension portion 61c is implemented to be shorter than the length B' of the main body of the support member 60c, by implementing the extension portion 61c in a curved form, the contact area between the support member 60c and the bonding portion 40 can be increased, thereby having the effect of enhancing the adhesive force between the support member 60c and the bonding portion 40.

[0141] Moreover, even if the length A' of the extension portion 61c is shorter than the length B' of the main body of the support part 60c, by implementing the extension portion 61c in a curved shape, the roughness between the support part 60c and the adhesive part 40 can be increased, thereby having the effect of improving the bonding force between the support part 60c and the adhesive part 40.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the length A′ of the extension portion 61 c may be formed shorter to have a predetermined ratio with respect to the thickness C′ of the adhesive portion 40 .

[0143] Even if the length A' of the extension portion 61c is shorter than the thickness C' of the adhesive portion 40, the curved extension portion 61c can increase the support force of the supporting member 60c for the adhesive portion.

[0144] Reference Figures 12 to 15 The support member 60c can firmly fix the lens unit 30 by using the joint portion 63c implemented in the support member 60c. The process of firmly fixing the lens unit 30 by the support member 60c is specifically illustrated in FIG. Figures 16a to 16c middle.

[0145] Figures 16a to 16c is a side view illustrating a process of connecting a supporting member and a lens unit according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0146] Reference Figures 12 to 16a The joint portion 63c of the support member 60c can be implemented to be elastic and to be subjected to force along the Z-axis direction. The shape and size of the joint portion 63c of the support member 60c can be adjusted according to the shape and size of the end portion of the lens unit 30.

[0147] For example, the shape of the engaging portion 63c may be formed to correspond to the end portion of the lens unit 30 to be fixed. For example, the height of the engaging portion 63c (i.e., the distance from the substrate 10 to the engaging portion 63c) may be set to a predetermined ratio relative to the thickness of the end portion of the lens unit 30 to be fixed.

[0148] Reference Figures 12 to 16b If an external force along the Z-axis direction is applied to fasten the joint portion 63 c of the support member 60 c and the end portion of the lens unit 30 , the elastic joint portion 63 c may be deformed.

[0149] Reference Figures 12 to 16c If the joint portion 63c of the support member 60c is fastened to the end portion of the lens unit 30, the joint portion 63c can be restored to its original shape.

[0150] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a supporting member according to a fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0151] ReferenceFigure 17 According to the fourth embodiment of the present application, the support member can be implemented as a metal sheet. Similarly to the support member according to the third embodiment of the present application, the support member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application may include an extension portion, a joining bracket, a joining portion, and a pad.

[0152] However, Figure 12 different from the support member according to the third embodiment of the present application shown, Figure 17 the extension portion in the support member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application shown is implemented as not including a hole. In this case, since the extension portion does not include a hole, it has the effect of simplifying the process of manufacturing the support member.

[0153] The support member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application has the effect that the support member can be more easily manufactured because there is no hole in the extension portion. And, although there is no hole in the extension portion, when the roughness of the end face where the extension portion contacts the bonding portion is above a preset critical value, it has the following effects: increasing the friction between the extension portion and the bonding portion, and the support member can support the bonding portion more firmly.

[0154] Although the support members according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present application are illustrated and described in detail herein, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto. In order to prevent the adhesive or the lens from detaching from the substrate, the support member installed in the lens module can be implemented in other forms than the first to fourth embodiments.

[0155] For example, the support member can be implemented as an extension portion in a more curved form in order to increase the contact area with the bonding portion. For example, the support member may have a plurality of holes in the extension portion and may also have at least one hole in the pad.

[0156] Figures 18a to 18d is a diagram illustrating the process of designing a lens module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0157] Referring to Figures 1 to 18a , in the SMT process, a plurality of light-emitting elements 20 and a plurality of support members 60 can be mounted on the substrate 10. Among them, the plurality of support members 60 can be any one of the support members according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present application.

[0158] Although Figure 18a illustrates an example in which 12 support members 60 are mounted on the substrate, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various numbers of support members 60 can be mounted on the substrate 10 in the SMT process.

[0159] Referring to Figures 1 to 18b, the lens unit 30 can be located on the substrate 10 on which a plurality of light-emitting elements 20 and a plurality of support members 60 are mounted. In this case, at least one end of the lens unit 30 can be fixed by the engaging portions or engaging brackets included in each of the plurality of support members 60. That is, the lens unit 30 can be firmly connected to the substrate 10 by the plurality of support members 60 mounted on the substrate 10.

[0160] Referring to Figures 1 to 18d , an adhesive portion 40 can be filled in the lens module to which the substrate 10 and the lens unit 30 are connected by using a preset special mold. The adhesive portion 40 can be composed of a sealing adhesive or plastic.

[0161] Referring to Figures 1 to 18d , if the adhesive portion 40 filled in the lens module solidifies (or cures), the lens module including the support member according to the embodiment of the present application can be completed.

[0162] Figures 19a to 19c is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of implementing a support member on the substrate of the present application.

[0163] Referring to Figures 1 to 19a , the adhesive portion 40-1 located on the substrate 10 can be implemented as a plastic type. By the frictional force between the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40-1, the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40-1 can be firmly connected to each other.

[0164] However, in Figure 19b , when the surface of the substrate 10 is smooth and the adhesion between the substrate 10 and the adhesive portion 40-1 becomes small, the adhesive portion 40-1 separates from the substrate 10, and thus a gap may be generated between a part of the adhesive portion 40-1 and the substrate 10.

[0165] To solve the problem that the plastic-type adhesive portion 40-1 separates from the substrate 10, the present invention proposes a solution of including a support member 70 on the substrate 10 as Figure 19c shown. The support member 70 can be implemented in the form of a countersunk hole. If the plastic-type adhesive portion 40-1 is filled in the countersunk hole, the adhesive portion 40-1 can be prevented from separating from the substrate 10.

[0166] Figure 19c The shape of the support member 70 shown is only one form for solving the technical problem of the present application, and the technical idea of the present application is not limited to Figure 19c the shape of the support member 70 shown, and the support member 70 can be implemented in various forms.

[0167] As mentioned above, although the description has been made with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it can be understood that those skilled in the relevant technical field or those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention described in the claims.

[0168] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined only by the scope of the claims and is not limited by the content described in the detailed description of the specification.

Claims

1. A lens module, characterized in that, Comprising: A substrate having a plurality of light-emitting regions; Light-emitting elements provided on each of the plurality of light-emitting regions to emit light; A lens unit provided on the substrate to cover the light-emitting elements; An adhesive portion contacting the substrate and the lens unit to fix the substrate and the lens unit; And A support member provided within the adhesive portion and mounted on the substrate, wherein the support member includes an extension portion for increasing the contact area between the support member and the adhesive portion and a joining portion connected to the lens unit and fixing the lens unit, The adhesive portion is arranged to cover a part of the substrate and the lens unit.

2. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that The support member is configured as a metal sheet and further includes a joining bracket for supporting the joining portion and a pad mounted on the substrate.

3. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that The extension portion is provided with holes.

4. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that The extension portion is configured to have a length with a preset first ratio to the length of the support member contacting the substrate, or The extension portion is configured to have a length with a preset second ratio to the thickness of the adhesive portion.

5. The lens module according to claim 2, characterized in that The joining bracket has elasticity such that its shape deforms when an external force is applied in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate, The shape deformation of the joining bracket causes the joining portion and the end portion of the lens unit to be fastened, and if the joining portion and the lens unit are fastened thereafter, the shape of the deformed joining bracket is restored.

6. The lens module according to claim 5, characterized in that The shape of the joining bracket is configured to correspond to the shape of the end portion of the lens unit, or The length of the joining bracket has a preset third ratio to the thickness of the end portion of the lens unit.

7. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that The joining portion has elasticity such that its shape deforms when an external force is applied in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate, The shape deformation of the joining portion causes the support member to fix the lens unit, and if the lens unit is fixed thereafter, the shape of the joining portion is restored.

8. The lens module according to claim 7, characterized in that The shape of the joining portion is configured to correspond to the shape of the end portion of the lens unit, or The distance between the joining portion and the substrate is configured to have a preset fourth ratio to the thickness of the end portion of the lens unit.

9. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that It includes a plurality of support members of different types determined in consideration of the shapes of the substrate, the lens unit, and the adhesive portion.

10. The lens module according to claim 9, characterized in that The plurality of support members includes at least two of the following support members: A first support member including a first extension portion having a first length and including holes A second support member, including a second extension having the first length and not including a hole; A third support member, including a third extension having a second length shorter than the first length and including a hole; and A fourth support member, including a fourth extension having the second length and not including the hole.

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