Camera Module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a liquid lens; a first connecting substrate, which is arranged on one of the top or bottom of the liquid lens; a second connecting substrate, which is arranged on the other of the top or bottom of the liquid lens; a temperature sensor, which is configured to sense the temperature of the liquid lens; and a controller, which is configured to output a heating voltage corresponding to the sensed temperature, wherein at least one of the first connecting substrate or the second connecting substrate includes a heater, which is configured to generate heat in response to the heating voltage, and wherein the heater is arranged at a position corresponding to at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the liquid lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a camera module. Background Art

[0002] People who use portable devices require optical devices with high resolution, small size and various shooting functions. For example, these various shooting functions may be at least one of an optical zoom-in / zoom-out function, an auto focus (AF) function, or a hand shake compensation or optical image stabilization (OIS) function.

[0003] In the conventional technology, in order to realize the above-mentioned various photographing functions, a method of combining a plurality of lenses and directly moving the combined lenses is used. However, when the number of lenses increases, the size of the optical device increases.

[0004] The autofocus function and the hand-shake compensation function are performed by moving or tilting a plurality of lenses in the direction of the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the plurality of lenses are fixed to a lens holder and aligned along the optical axis. To this end, a separate lens moving device is required to move the lens assembly including the plurality of lenses. However, the lens moving device has high power consumption, and an additional cover glass needs to be provided separately from the camera module to protect the lens moving device, resulting in a problem of an increase in the overall size of the conventional camera module. In order to solve this problem, a liquid lens unit that performs the autofocus function and the hand-shake compensation function by electrically adjusting the curvature of the interface between two types of liquids has been studied.

[0005] Such a liquid lens cell may not be able to accurately perform the above-mentioned functions due to phase changes at low temperatures. In particular, in the case where the liquid included in the liquid lens cell undergoes a phase change at low temperatures and becomes solid, the liquid lens cell may become unable to properly perform the OIS function due to a decrease in reaction speed, resulting in a decrease in its performance. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] Embodiments provide a camera module capable of maintaining a constant temperature regardless of temperature changes in an ambient environment.

[0008] Objectives to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned objectives, and other objectives not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0009] Technical Solutions

[0010] According to an embodiment, a camera module may include: a liquid lens; a first connecting substrate disposed on one of the top or bottom of the liquid lens; a second connecting substrate disposed on the other of the top or bottom of the liquid lens; a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the liquid lens; and a controller configured to output a heating voltage corresponding to the sensed temperature, wherein at least one of the first connecting substrate or the second connecting substrate may include a heater configured to generate heat in response to the heating voltage, and the heater may be disposed at a position corresponding to the upper surface or the lower surface of the liquid lens.

[0011] For example, the liquid lens may include: a first plate including a cavity having an inclined surface therein and containing a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid; a first electrode disposed on one surface of the first plate, the first electrode being electrically connected to a first connection substrate; a second electrode disposed on an opposite surface of the first plate, the second electrode being electrically connected to a second connection substrate; a second plate disposed on one of the top or bottom of the first plate; and a third plate disposed on the other of the top or bottom of the first plate. The first plate may include a first opening formed at a position corresponding to the second plate and a second opening formed at a position corresponding to the third plate, the second opening having a size different from that of the first opening.

[0012] For example, the heater may be disposed in the vicinity of the opening having a smaller size among the first opening and the second opening.

[0013] For example, the heater may further include a second heater disposed on the second connection substrate, the second heater being disposed near a second opening having a larger size among the first opening and the second opening, the second heater being configured to generate heat in response to a second heating voltage included in the heating voltage.

[0014] For example, the first connection substrate may include: a first through hole having a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the first opening; a first supporting portion disposed around the first through hole; and a first heating wire disposed at the first supporting portion as a first heater.

[0015] For example, the first heating wire may be embedded in the first supporting portion.

[0016] For example, the first connection substrate may further include a first connection pad electrically connected to the controller, and the first connection pad may include a first electrode terminal connecting the first electrode to the controller and a first heating terminal connecting the first heating wire to the controller.

[0017] For example, the second connection substrate may include: a second through hole having a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the second opening; a second supporting portion disposed around the second through hole; and a second heating wire disposed at the second supporting portion as a second heater.

[0018] For example, the second heating wire may be embedded in the second support portion.

[0019] For example, the second connection substrate may further include a second connection pad electrically connected to the controller, and the second connection pad may include a second electrode terminal connecting the second electrode to the controller and a second heating terminal connecting the second heating wire to the controller.

[0020] For example, the second connection pad may also include a temperature terminal connecting the temperature sensor to the controller.

[0021] For example, at least one of the first heating wire or the second heating wire may have a heating pattern.

[0022] For example, the camera module may further include a spacer disposed to surround the liquid lens, the spacer including an accommodation recess in which the temperature sensor is accommodated. The accommodation recess may be formed in an inner side of the spacer facing the liquid lens.

[0023] Beneficial Effects

[0024] In the camera module according to the embodiment, when the temperature of the liquid lens is low, heat is transferred to the liquid lens using a heater, and thus the liquid lens can be maintained at a constant temperature even at low temperatures, whereby the camera module can accurately perform its functions, especially the OIS function, regardless of the temperature.

[0025] In the camera module according to the embodiment, the liquid lens cell may be stably fixed or coupled to the holder using an adhesive member.

[0026] In the camera module according to the embodiment, a separate process of manufacturing a heater is not required, thereby avoiding an increase in the number of manufacturing processes and an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0027] However, effects achievable through the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a camera module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a camera module is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the camera module taken along line AA' in FIG.

[0031] Figures 4a to 4c It is used to illustrate Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a holding frame, a liquid lens cell, and a first adhesive member and a second adhesive member.

[0032] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A top perspective view and a bottom view of the first connection substrate are shown respectively.

[0033] Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c An upper front perspective view, an upper rear perspective view, and a plan view of the second connection substrate are respectively shown.

[0034] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the above-described liquid lens cell is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a camera module.

[0036] Fig. 9 (a) and Fig. 9 (b) is a view for explaining a liquid lens whose interface is adjusted in response to a driving voltage.

[0037] Fig.10 is a graph showing changes in OIS reaction speed according to temperature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where the present disclosure allows for various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings as examples. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of these embodiments.

[0039] It is understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are generally used only to distinguish one element from another. In addition, the terms specifically defined in view of the construction and operation of the embodiments are only used to describe the embodiments, rather than to limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0040] In the following description of the embodiment, it will be understood that when each element is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, the element may be directly on or under another element, or may be indirectly formed so that one or more intermediate elements are present. In addition, when an element is referred to as being "on" or "under", "under the element" as well as "on the element" based on the element may be included.

[0041] Additionally, relational terms such as “upper / upper” and “lower / lower / below” are used solely to distinguish one object or element from another object or element and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such objects or elements.

[0042] The variable lens may be a variable focus lens. In addition, the variable lens may be a lens with adjustable focus. The variable lens may be at least one of a liquid lens, a polymer lens, a liquid crystal lens, a VCM type, or an SMA type. The liquid lens may include a liquid lens containing one liquid and a liquid lens containing two liquids. The liquid lens containing one liquid may change the focus by adjusting a film disposed at a position corresponding to the liquid, such as by pressing the film using an electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil. The liquid lens containing two liquids may include a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, and the interface formed between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid may be adjusted using a voltage applied to the liquid lens. The polymer lens may change the focus by controlling the polymer material using a driver such as a piezoelectric actuator. The liquid crystal lens may change the focus by controlling the liquid crystal using an electromagnetic force. The VCM type may change the focus by adjusting a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using an electromagnetic force between a magnet and a coil. The SMA type may change the focus by controlling a solid lens or a lens assembly including a solid lens using a shape memory alloy.

[0043] Hereinafter, the camera modules 100 and 200 according to the embodiments will be described as including a liquid lens as a variable lens, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0044] Hereinafter, the camera module 100 according to the embodiment will be described using a Cartesian coordinate system, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, in the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may cross each other obliquely instead of being perpendicular to each other.

[0045] Hereinafter, a camera module 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a camera module 100 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0047] Reference Figure 1, the camera module 100 may include a lens assembly 22 , a control circuit 24 , and an image sensor 26 .

[0048] First, the lens assembly 22 may include a plurality of lens units and a holder in which the plurality of lens units are accommodated. As will be described later, the plurality of lens units may include a liquid lens unit and may also include a first lens unit or a second lens unit. Alternatively, the plurality of lens units may include a first lens unit and a second lens unit and a liquid lens unit.

[0049] The control circuit 24 is used to provide a driving voltage (or an operating voltage) to the liquid lens unit.

[0050] The above-mentioned control circuit 24 and image sensor 26 may be provided on a single printed circuit board (PCB), but this is given as an example only, and the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0051] When the camera module 100 according to the embodiment is applied to an optical device (or an optical instrument), the configuration of the control circuit 24 can be designed in various ways according to the specifications required for the optical device. In particular, the control circuit 24 can be implemented as a single chip, and the size of the driving voltage applied to the lens assembly 22 can be reduced. Thus, the size of the optical device installed in the portable device can also be reduced.

[0052] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a camera module 100 is shown.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The camera module 100 may include a lens assembly, a main board 150, an image sensor 182, and a heater H( Figure 2 100). In addition, the camera module 100 may further include a temperature sensor 190. In addition, the camera module 100 may further include an intermediate substrate 172. In addition, the camera module 100 may further include a filter 176 and a sensor substrate 178. In addition, the camera module 100 may further include at least one adhesive member. The at least one adhesive member is used to couple or fix the liquid lens unit 140 to the holder 120. Although in Figure 2In the embodiment, at least one adhesive member is shown as including both the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, according to another embodiment, at least one adhesive member may selectively include the first adhesive member 162 or the second adhesive member 164. Each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 may include an adhesive, an epoxy resin, etc., and the adhesive may include a silicon-based material, a sealing material, or a light-curing adhesive material. However, the embodiment is not limited to any specific material of each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164.

[0054] The first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 may include the same material as each other, or may include different materials from each other.

[0055] Depending on the implementation, the Figure 2 At least one of the components 110 to 190 of the camera module 100 shown. Alternatively, the camera module 100 may also include Figure 2 The illustrated components 110 to 190 differ in at least one component.

[0056] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module 100 taken along line AA′ in FIG.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lens assembly may include at least one of a first lens unit 110, a holder 120, a second lens unit 130, a liquid lens unit 140, a first adhesive member 162, or a second adhesive member 164, and may be Figure 1 The lens assembly 22 shown corresponds to the lens assembly 22. The lens assembly can be arranged on the main board 150.

[0058] In the lens assembly, the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 may be respectively referred to as a “first solid lens unit” and a “second solid lens unit” in order to be distinguished from the liquid lens unit 140 .

[0059] The first lens unit 110 may be disposed at the upper side of the lens assembly, and may be a region into which light is incident from outside the lens assembly. That is, the first lens unit 110 may be disposed above the liquid lens unit 140 within the holder 120. The first lens unit 110 may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses aligned along a central axis to form an optical system.

[0060] Here, the central axis may be an optical axis LX of an optical system formed by the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, and the second lens unit 130 included in the camera module 100, or may be an axis parallel to the optical axis LX. The optical axis LX may correspond to the optical axis of the image sensor 182. That is, the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, the second lens unit 130, and the image sensor 182 may be arranged to be aligned along the optical axis LX by active alignment (AA).

[0061] Here, active alignment may mean an operation of aligning optical axes of the first lens unit 110 , the second lens unit 130 , and the liquid lens unit 140 with each other and adjusting an axial relationship or a distance relationship between the image sensor 182 and the lens units 110 , 130 , and 140 to obtain an improved image.

[0062] In an embodiment, active alignment may be performed by analyzing image data generated by the image sensor 182 receiving light introduced from a specific object via at least one of the first lens unit 110, the second lens unit 130, or the liquid lens unit 140. For example, active alignment may be performed in the following order.

[0063] In one example, after active alignment (first alignment) for adjusting the relative position between the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 fixedly mounted to the holder 120 and the image sensor 182 is completed, active alignment (second alignment) for adjusting the relative position between the liquid lens cell 140 inserted into the holder 120 and the image sensor 182 may be performed. The first alignment may be performed as the jig clamps the intermediate substrate 172 and shifts the intermediate substrate 172 to various positions, and the second alignment may be performed as the jig clamps the spacer 143 of the liquid lens cell 140 and shifts the spacer to various positions.

[0064] However, active alignment may be performed in any other order than that described above.

[0065] Assuming the case where the intermediate substrate 172 is omitted, active alignment may be performed in a state where the protruding portion 124 of the holder 120 is clamped by a fixture. At this time, if the protruding portion 124 has a small thickness, active alignment may not be accurately performed. In order to prevent this, the camera module 100 may include an intermediate substrate 172 that is thicker than the protruding portion 124 of the holder 120. In order to form the holder 120 having a relatively complex shape compared to the shape of the intermediate substrate 172, it may be necessary to manage the thickness of the holder 120 using injection molding or the like. When the thickness of the portion of the holder 120 for performing active alignment is not thick enough to be clamped, the intermediate substrate 172 may be added so that active alignment may be performed in a state where a portion of the intermediate substrate 172 is clamped. However, when the thickness of the protruding portion 124 is large enough, the intermediate substrate 172 may be omitted. In addition, the protruding portion 124 and the intermediate substrate 172 may be coupled to each other using an adhesive member such as an epoxy resin.

[0066] In another example, after the active alignment (third alignment) for adjusting the relative positions between the first lens unit 110, the second lens unit 130, and the liquid lens unit 140 fixedly mounted to the holder 120 is completed, the active alignment (fourth alignment) for adjusting the relative positions between the lens of the lens assembly, which has been completely third-aligned, and the image sensor 182 may be performed. The third alignment may be performed with the jig clamping the spacer 143 of the liquid lens unit 140 and shifting the spacer to various positions, and the fourth alignment may be performed with the jig clamping the intermediate substrate 172 and shifting the intermediate substrate to various positions.

[0067] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the first lens unit 110 may include, for example, two lenses 110-1 and 110-3, but this is given only as an example, and the number of lenses included in the first lens unit 110 may be one or three or more. In addition, in order to maintain a constant interval between the two lenses 110-1 and 110-3 and thus compensate for errors in lens manufacturing, a first lens spacer 110-2 may be provided between the two lenses 110-1 and 110-3. In some cases, the lens spacer 110-2 may be omitted.

[0068] In addition, an exposure lens may be provided at the upper side of the first lens unit 110. Here, the exposure lens may be the outermost lens among the lenses included in the first lens unit 110. That is, the lens 110-1 located at the uppermost side of the first lens unit 110 may protrude upward, and thus may be used as an exposure lens. Since the exposure lens protrudes outward from the retaining frame 120, the exposure lens faces a risk of having its surface damaged. When the surface of the exposure lens is damaged, the quality of the image captured by the camera module 100 may deteriorate. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the surface of the exposure lens or to minimize damage to the surface of the exposure lens, a coating may be formed on the top of the exposure lens or a cover glass may be provided. Alternatively, in order to prevent damage to the surface of the exposure lens, the exposure lens may be formed of a wear-resistant material having a higher rigidity than the lenses of the other lens units.

[0069] In addition, the outer diameter of each of the lenses 110 - 1 and 110 - 3 included in the first lens unit 110 may gradually increase in a direction toward the bottom (eg, in the −z axis direction), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0070] Figures 4a to 4c It is used to illustrate Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the holder 120, the liquid lens unit 140, the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164. That is, Figure 4a 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the holder 120, the liquid lens cell 140, the first adhesive member 162, and the second adhesive member 164, Figure 4b An exploded plan view showing the holder 120, the liquid lens cell 140, the first adhesive member 162, and the second adhesive member 164, and Figure 4c FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the holder 120, the liquid lens cell 140, the first adhesive member 162, and the second adhesive member 164 in a coupled state. Figure 4c , the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 are hidden by the retainer 120 and are therefore not visible.

[0071] The holder 120 may include first and second holes H1 and H2 and first to fourth side walls (or side surfaces or side portions) S1 , S2 , S3 , and S4 .

[0072] The first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be formed in the upper part and the lower part of the holder 120, respectively, to open the upper part and the lower part of the holder 120, respectively. Here, the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 may be through holes. The first lens unit 110 may be accommodated in the first hole H1 formed in the holder 120, installed in the first hole H1, disposed in the first hole H1, contacting the first hole H1, fixed to the first hole H1, temporarily fixed to the first hole H1, supported by the first hole H1, coupled to the first hole H1, or disposed in the first hole H1, and the second lens unit 130 may be accommodated in the second hole H2 formed in the holder 120, installed in the second hole H2, disposed in the second hole H2, contacting the second hole H2, fixed to the second hole H2, temporarily fixed to the second hole H2, supported by the second hole H2, coupled to the second hole H2, or disposed in the second hole H2.

[0073] In addition, the first side wall S1 and the second side wall S2 of the holder 120 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis LX (for example, in the x-axis direction), and the third side wall S3 and the fourth side wall S4 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis LX (for example, in the y-axis direction). Figure 4a As shown, the first side wall S1 of the holder 120 may include a first opening OP1, and the second side wall S2 of the holder 120 may include a second opening OP2 having a shape identical or similar to that of the first opening OP1. Therefore, the first opening OP1 formed in the first side wall S1 and the second opening OP2 formed in the second side wall S2 may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis LX direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0074] The internal space in the holder 120 where the liquid lens cell 140 is to be disposed may be open due to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2. In this case, the liquid lens cell 140 may be inserted through the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2 to be installed in the internal space in the holder 120, disposed in the internal space in the holder 120, contacting the internal space in the holder 120, fixed to the internal space in the holder 120, temporarily fixed to the internal space in the holder 120, supported by the internal space in the holder 120, coupled to the internal space in the holder 120, or disposed in the internal space in the holder 120. For example, the liquid lens cell 140 may be inserted into the internal space in the holder 120 through the first opening OP1.

[0075] Thus, in order to be able to insert the liquid lens cell 140 into the internal space in the holder 120 through the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2, the size of the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2 in the holder 120 in the direction of the optical axis LX may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid lens cell 140 in the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction. For example, the height H corresponding to the size of each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 in the direction of the optical axis LX may be larger than the thickness T of the liquid lens cell 140.

[0076] The second lens unit 130 may be disposed below the liquid lens unit 140 within the holding frame 120. The second lens unit 130 may be spaced apart from the first lens unit 110 in an optical axis direction (eg, in a z-axis direction).

[0077] Light introduced into the first lens unit 110 from outside the camera module 100 may pass through the liquid lens unit 140 and may be introduced into the second lens unit 130. The second lens unit 130 may be implemented using a single lens, or may be implemented using two or more lenses aligned along a central axis to form an optical system. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second lens unit 130 may include three lenses 130-1, 130-3, and 130-5, but this is given only as an example, and the number of lenses included in the second lens unit 130 may be two or less, or may be four or more. In addition, a second lens spacer 130-2 and a third lens spacer 130-4 that maintain a constant interval between the three lenses 130-1, 130-3, and 130-5 and thus compensate for errors in lens manufacturing may be disposed between adjacent lenses. That is, the second lens spacer 130-2 may be disposed between the two lenses 130-1 and 130-3, and the third lens spacer 130-4 may be disposed between the two lenses 130-3 and 130-5. In some cases, at least one of the second lens spacer 130-2 or the third lens spacer 130-4 may be omitted.

[0078] In addition, the outer diameter of each of the lenses 130 - 1 , 130 - 3 , and 130 - 5 included in the second lens unit 130 may gradually increase in a direction toward the bottom (eg, in the −z axis direction), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0079] Unlike the liquid lens unit 140 , each of the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 may be a solid lens formed of glass or plastic, but embodiments are not limited to any specific material of each of the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 .

[0080] Reference Figure 4c , the liquid lens cell 140 may include a first portion 140 - 1 to a fifth portion 140 - 5 .

[0081] In the liquid lens cell 140, the first portion 140-1 may be a portion installed in the internal space between the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 in the holder 120 in the direction of the optical axis LX or in a direction parallel to the direction of the optical axis LX (e.g., in the z-axis direction), disposed in the portion in the internal space, contacting the portion in the internal space, fixed to the portion in the internal space, temporarily fixed to the portion in the internal space, supported by the portion in the internal space, coupled to the portion in the internal space, or disposed in the portion in the internal space. That is, the first portion 140-1 of the liquid lens cell 140 may be disposed between the first lens cell 110 and the second lens cell 130. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, according to another embodiment, the first lens cell 110 or the second lens cell 130 may be omitted, the liquid lens cell 140 may be disposed above the first lens cell 110 in the holder 120, or the liquid lens cell 140 may be disposed below the second lens cell 130 in the holder 120. In addition, the first portion 140-1 of the liquid lens unit 140 may be installed in a portion in the internal space between the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 in the retaining frame 120 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis LX (for example, in the x-axis direction), disposed in a portion in the internal space, contacting a portion in the internal space, fixed to a portion in the internal space, temporarily fixed to a portion in the internal space, supported by a portion in the internal space, coupled to a portion in the internal space, or disposed in a portion in the internal space.

[0082] In addition, the second portion 140-2 and the third portion 140-3 of the liquid lens cell 140 may be portions respectively disposed in the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 in the holder 120. The second portion 140-2 and the third portion 140-3 will be described in detail later in conjunction with the description of the first and second adhesive members 162 and 164.

[0083] In addition, the fourth portion 140-4 of the liquid lens unit 140 may be a portion protruding from the first side wall S1 of the holder 120. Figure 4c As shown, the fourth portion 140-4 of the liquid lens cell 140 may be a portion protruding from the first opening OP1 formed in the first sidewall S1 of the holder 120. That is, the fourth portion 140-4 may be a portion protruding from the first opening OP1 to the outside of the holder 120.

[0084] In addition, the fifth portion 140-5 of the liquid lens unit 140 may be a portion protruding from the second side wall S2 of the holder 120. Figure 4c As shown, the fifth portion 140-5 of the liquid lens cell 140 may be a portion protruding from the second opening OP2 formed in the second sidewall S2 of the holder 120. That is, the fifth portion 140-5 may be a portion protruding outside the holder 120 at the side of the second opening OP2.

[0085] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , the liquid lens cell 140 may include first to fifth areas A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5.

[0086] The first area A1 is an area between the second area A2 and the third area A3, and corresponds to Figure 4c The first portion 140-1 shown in FIG. 140-1, the second area A2 is an area disposed within the first opening OP1 in the holder 120, and corresponds to Figure 4c The second portion 140-2 shown in FIG. 140-2, and the third area A3 is an area provided in the second opening OP2 in the holder 120, and corresponds to Figure 4c The fourth area A4 is an area protruding from the first opening OP1 in the holder 120 and corresponds to Figure 4c The fourth portion 140-4 shown in FIG. That is, the fourth area A4 is an area disposed outside the holder 120 at the first opening OP1 side. The fifth area A5 is an area protruding from the second opening OP2 in the holder 120 and corresponds to Figure 4c That is, the fifth area A5 is an area provided outside the holder 120 at the second opening OP2 side.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the liquid lens unit 140 may include a first connection substrate 141 , a liquid lens (or a liquid lens body) 142 , a spacer 143 , and a second connection substrate 144 .

[0088] The first connection substrate 141 may be disposed on one of the top and bottom of the liquid lens 142. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first connection substrate 141 may be a separate electrode connection substrate provided on the liquid lens 142. The first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 are used to provide a voltage to the liquid lens 142. To this end, the first connection substrate 141 may electrically connect a plurality of first electrodes (not shown) included in the liquid lens 142 to the main board 150. The first connection substrate 141 may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0089] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An upper perspective view and a bottom view of the first connection substrate 141 are respectively shown.

[0090] The first connection substrate 141 can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of first electrodes via the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4, and can be electrically connected to the first substrate pad 150-1 formed on the main board 150 via the first connection pad ET electrically connected to the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4. To this end, after the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the internal space in the holder 120, the first connection substrate 141 can be bent toward the main board 150 in the -z-axis direction, after which the first connection pad ET and the first substrate pad 150-1 can be electrically connected to each other using a conductive epoxy resin or flux. In another embodiment, the first connection substrate 141 can be connected to a first holder surface electrode that is conductive and disposed, formed or coated on the surface of the holder 120 to be electrically connected to the main board 150 via the first holder surface electrode that is conductive and disposed on the surface of the holder 120, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0091] The second connection substrate 144 may be disposed on the other of the top and bottom of the liquid lens 142. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second connection substrate 144 may be a common electrode connection substrate disposed below the liquid lens 142. The first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 are used to provide a voltage to the liquid lens 142. To this end, the second connection substrate 144 may electrically connect a second electrode (not shown) included in the liquid lens 142 to the main board 150. Figure 7 The first electrode and the second electrode are described in detail. The second connection substrate 144 may be implemented as an FPCB or a single metal substrate (conductive metal plate).

[0092] Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c An upper front perspective view, an upper rear perspective view, and a plan view of the second connection substrate 144 are respectively shown.

[0093] The second connection substrate 144 can be electrically connected to the second electrode via the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the sixth wiring W6, W6-1, and can be electrically connected to the second substrate pad 150-2 formed on the main board 150 via the second connection pad CT (e.g., CT1) commonly connected to the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the wiring wiring W6, W6-1. To this end, after the liquid lens unit 140 is inserted into the internal space in the holder 120, the second connection substrate 144 can be bent toward the main board 150 in the -z axis direction, after which the second connection pad CT and the second substrate pad 150-2 can be electrically connected to each other using a conductive epoxy resin or flux. In another embodiment, the second connection substrate 144 can be connected to a second holder surface electrode that is conductive and disposed, formed or coated on the surface of the holder 120 to be electrically connected to the main board 150 via the second holder surface electrode that is conductive and disposed on the surface of the holder 120, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0094] The liquid lens 142 may include a cavity CA. Figure 3 As shown, the opening area in the direction in which light is introduced into the cavity CA may be smaller than the opening area in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the liquid lens 142 may be arranged so that the tilt direction of the cavity CA is opposite to the direction shown in the figure. That is, Figure 3 Different from the illustration, the opening area in the direction in which light is introduced into the cavity CA may be larger than the opening area in the opposite direction. In addition, when the liquid lens 142 is arranged so that the tilt direction of the cavity CA is opposite to the illustrated direction, the arrangement of all or some of the components included in the liquid lens 142 may be changed according to the tilt direction of the liquid lens 142, or only the tilt direction of the cavity CA may be changed without changing the arrangement of the remaining components. Figure 7 The detailed configuration of the liquid lens 142 is described in detail.

[0095] The spacer 143 may have an annular shape and may be disposed to surround the side surface of the liquid lens 142, thereby protecting the liquid lens 142 from external impact. To this end, the spacer 143 may have a shape that enables the liquid lens 142 to be installed in the spacer, placed in the spacer, contact the spacer, fixed to the spacer, temporarily fixed to the spacer, supported by the spacer, coupled to the spacer, or disposed in the spacer.

[0096] For example, the spacer 143 may include a hollow area 143H1 in which the liquid lens 142 is accommodated and a frame configured to surround the hollow area 143H1 formed at the center thereof. In this way, the spacer 143 may have a rectangular planar shape having a central hollow (hereinafter, referred to as a "□" shape), but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0097] In addition, the spacer 143 may be disposed between the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144. The spacer 143 may include uneven portions formed at upper and lower portions thereof to enhance bonding with the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 using an adhesive material. The spacer 143 may be disposed to protrude from at least one of the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2 in the retaining frame 120. That is, at least a portion of the spacer 143 may be shaped to protrude from at least one of the first side wall S1 or the second side wall S2 of the retaining frame 120 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis LX (e.g., in the x-axis direction) together with the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144. This is because the length of the spacer 143 in the x-axis direction is greater than the length of the retaining frame 120 in the x-axis direction. Therefore, the portions of the spacer 143 protruding from the first side wall S1 and the second side wall S2 may correspond to, respectively. Figure 4c The fourth portion 140-4 and the fifth portion 140-5 (ie, Figure 3 The fourth area A4 and the fifth area A5 shown).

[0098] Additionally, the spacer 143 may be brought into contact with the fixture when the spacer 143 is inserted into the holder 120 and during active alignment.

[0099] The spacer 143 may not be disposed in the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2. Alternatively, at least a portion of the spacer 143 may be disposed in at least one of the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2. Figure 2 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, it can be appreciated that at least a portion of the spacer 143 is disposed in each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 because the spacer 143 has a “□”-shaped form and surrounds the liquid lens 142 .

[0100] In addition, at least a portion of the liquid lens 142 may be disposed in at least one of the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2. Figure 3 , it can be recognized that the first plate 147 of the liquid lens 142 as a component of the liquid lens 142 is provided in each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 .

[0101] Alternatively, with Figure 3 Unlike the illustration, at least a portion of the spacer 143 may be disposed in each of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, and the liquid lens 142 may not be disposed therein.

[0102] Meanwhile, the first adhesive member 162 may be disposed between the holder 120 and the liquid lens cell 140 in the first opening OP1 in the holder 120. Figure 3 As shown, the first adhesive member 162 may be disposed in the second area A2 of the liquid lens cell 140 , and may be disposed on the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side portion of the second portion 140 - 2 of the liquid lens cell 140 .

[0103] In addition, the second adhesive member 164 may be disposed between the holder 120 and the liquid lens cell 140 in the second opening OP2 in the holder 120. Figure 3 As shown, the second adhesive member 164 may be disposed in the third area A3 of the liquid lens cell 140 , and may be disposed on the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side portion of the third portion 140 - 3 of the liquid lens cell 140 .

[0104] In addition, refer to Figure 3 , the holder 120 may include an upper holder region 120U disposed above the liquid lens cell 140 and a lower holder region 120D disposed below the liquid lens cell 140. In this case, the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 may couple the upper holder region 120U and the lower holder region 120D to the liquid lens cell 140.

[0105] As described above, by the arrangement of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 , the liquid lens cell 140 can be stably fixed and coupled to the holder 120 .

[0106] In addition, although each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 is Figure 2 162 and 164. In other words, as long as the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 can be disposed between the liquid lens unit 140 and the retaining frame 120 in the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, the embodiments are not limited to any specific shape of each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164. In other words, the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2. In addition, each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 can have a shape such as Figure 2 The overall shape shown, or can be Figure 2 The shape shown is different and is divided into multiple sections.

[0107] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the intermediate substrate 172 may be arranged to surround the second hole H2 in the holder 120. To this end, the intermediate substrate 172 may include a receiving hole 172H for receiving the second hole H2 therein. The inner diameter of the intermediate substrate 172 (i.e., the diameter of the receiving hole 172H) may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the second hole H2.

[0108] Here, each of the receiving hole 172H and the second hole H2 in the intermediate substrate 172 is illustrated as having a circular shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the holes may be changed to have any of various other shapes.

[0109] The filter 176 may be disposed between the intermediate substrate 172 and the image sensor 182, and may filter light within a specific wavelength range among the light passing through the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens 142, and the second lens unit 130. For example, the filter 176 may be an infrared (IR) light blocking filter or an ultraviolet (UV) light blocking filter, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The filter 176 may block ultraviolet light, particularly UV-A light, that may be transmitted from the lens assembly. UV-C light has a relatively short wavelength and therefore has low penetration, and therefore most UV-C light is blocked by the ozone layer. UV-B light is blocked by ordinary glass, while UV-A light passes through ordinary glass, and therefore a separate blocking layer may be particularly required. Alternatively, the filter 176 may also block infrared (IR) light.

[0110] Although the filter 176 is shown as a single layer, this is only provided to illustrate the presence of the filter 176. That is, the filter 176 may be as Figure 2 As shown in a single layer, or can be formed with Figure 2 The illustrations are different and are formed in multiple layers.

[0111] The filter 176 may be disposed within the sensor substrate 178. For example, the filter 176 may be disposed or mounted in an inner recess in the sensor substrate 178 or on a stepped portion thereof.

[0112] The sensor substrate 178 may be disposed below the intermediate substrate 172 and may be attached to the main board 150. The sensor substrate 178 may surround the image sensor 182 and may protect the image sensor 182 from foreign matter or external impact. In some cases, at least one of the filter 176 or the sensor substrate 178 may be omitted.

[0113] Although not shown, the camera module 100 may further include a first cover and a second cover (not shown).

[0114] The first cover may be provided to surround the holder 120, the liquid lens unit 140, and the intermediate substrate 172, and may protect a plurality of lenses (e.g., 120 and 140) forming the optical system from external impact. In addition, in order to enable the first lens unit 110 disposed in the holder 120 to be exposed to external light, the first cover may include an upper opening formed in an upper surface thereof. In addition, a window formed of a light-transmitting material may be provided in the upper opening, thereby preventing foreign matter such as dust or moisture from entering the camera module 100. Similar to the upper opening in the first cover, a receiving hole 172H may be formed near the center of the intermediate substrate 172 at a position corresponding to the position of the image sensor 182 disposed in the camera module 100.

[0115] The second cover may be installed over the main board 150 to protect the circuit element 151 disposed on the main board 150 from external impact. To this end, the second cover may include a space for accommodating the circuit element 151 therein in consideration of the shape and position of the circuit element 151 disposed on the main board 150.

[0116] Some of the plurality of circuit elements 151 may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) or noise. In particular, among the plurality of circuit elements 151, the power inductor may cause greater EMI than other elements. In order to block EMI or noise, the second cover may be provided to cover the circuit element 151 provided in the element region of the main board 150. When the second cover is provided to cover the circuit element 151, the circuit element 151 provided on the main board 150 may be protected from external impact.

[0117] The main board 150 may include a recess 150H, a circuit element 151, a connecting portion (or FPCB) 152 and a connector 153, and the image sensor 182 may be installed in the recess 150H, placed in the recess 150H, tightly arranged in the recess 150H, fixed to the recess 150H, temporarily fixed to the recess 150H, supported by the recess 150H, coupled to the recess 150H or accommodated in the recess 150H.

[0118] The main board 150 may include a holder region in which the holder 120 is disposed and an element region in which a plurality of circuit elements 151 are disposed.

[0119] The sensor substrate 178 may be mounted in a holder region spaced apart from the element region of the main board 150. The holder 120 in which the intermediate substrate 172, the second lens unit 130, the liquid lens unit 140, and the first lens unit 110 are disposed may be disposed above the sensor substrate 178.

[0120] The circuit element 151 of the main board 150 may constitute a control module that controls the liquid lens unit 140 and the image sensor 182. Figure 8 Describe the control module. The circuit element 151 may include at least one of a passive element and an active element, and may have any area and height among various areas and heights. The circuit element 151 may be provided in plural, and may have a height greater than the height of the mainboard 150 to protrude outward. In the mainboard 150, the element area provided with the circuit element 151 and the retaining frame area provided with the retaining frame 120 may be arranged not to overlap each other in a direction parallel to the optical axis LX. For example, the plurality of circuit elements 151 may include a power inductor, a gyro sensor, etc., but the embodiment is not limited to any specific type of the circuit element 151.

[0121] The connector 153 may electrically connect the mainboard 150 to a power source or other devices (eg, an application processor) external to the camera module 100 .

[0122] The main board 150 may be implemented as a rigid flexible printed circuit board (RFPCB) including an FPCB 152. The FPCB 152 may be bent according to requirements of a space in which the camera module 100 is mounted.

[0123] The image sensor 182 may perform a function of converting light having passed through the first lens unit 110, the liquid lens unit 140, and the second lens unit 130 of the lens assemblies 110, 120, 130, 140, 162, 164 into image data. More specifically, the image sensor 182 may generate image data by converting light into an analog signal through a pixel array including a plurality of pixels and synthesizing a digital signal corresponding to the analog signal.

[0124] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 7 An embodiment of the liquid lens cell 140 included in the camera module 100 according to the above-described embodiment is described.

[0125] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment 140A of the liquid lens cell 140 described above is shown.

[0126] Figure 7 The liquid lens unit 140A shown may include a first connection substrate 141, a liquid lens 142, a spacer 143, and a second connection substrate 144. Figure 7 The illustration of the spacer 143 is omitted. Since the spacer 143 is the same as the above-mentioned spacer, its repeated description is omitted.

[0127] The liquid lens 142 may include a plurality of different types of liquids LQ1 and LQ2 , first to third plates 147 , 145 , and 146 , first and second electrodes E1 and E2 , and an insulating layer 148 .

[0128] The plurality of liquids LQ1 and LQ2 may include a conductive first liquid LQ1 and a non-conductive second liquid (or insulating liquid) LQ2. The first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 may not mix with each other, and an interface BO may be formed at a contact portion between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2. In an example, the second liquid LQ2 may be disposed on the first liquid LQ1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0129] In addition, in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid lens 142 , the edges of the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 may be thinner than the central portion thereof.

[0130] The inner side surface of the first plate 147 may form a side wall i of the cavity CA. The first plate 147 may include a third opening and a fourth opening formed in the upper and lower portions of the first plate with a predetermined inclined surface therebetween. That is, the cavity CA may be defined as an area surrounded by the inclined surface of the first plate 147, the third opening disposed adjacent to the second plate 145, and the fourth opening disposed adjacent to the third plate 146.

[0131] The diameter of the fourth opening, which is the wider opening of the third opening and the fourth opening, may be set in consideration of the field of view (FOV) required by the liquid lens 142 or the role of the liquid lens 142 in the camera module 100. According to an embodiment, the size (or area or width or diameter) O2 of the fourth opening may be greater than the size (or area or width or diameter) O1 of the third opening. Here, the size of each of the third opening and the fourth opening may be a cross-sectional area in a horizontal direction (e.g., an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction). Alternatively, the size of each of the third opening and the fourth opening may mean a diameter when the opening is in a circular shape, and may mean a diagonal length when the opening is in a square shape.

[0132] The driving voltage may cause the interface BO formed by the two liquids LQ1 and LQ2 to move along the inclined surface of the cavity CA.

[0133] The cavity CA in which the inclined surface is formed and the first and second liquids LQ1, LQ2 are filled, contained or disposed is a portion through which light having passed through the first lens unit 110 passes. Therefore, the first plate 147 may be formed of a transparent material, or may include impurities so that light does not easily pass through the first plate.

[0134] Electrodes may be provided on one surface and the other surface of the first plate 147. The plurality of first electrodes E1 may be spaced apart from the second electrodes E2 and may be provided on one surface (e.g., an upper surface, a side surface, or a lower surface) of the first plate 147. The second electrode E2 may be provided on at least a portion of the other surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the first plate 147 and may be in direct contact with the first liquid LQ1.

[0135] In addition, the first electrode E1 may be "n" electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as "individual electrodes"), and the second electrode E2 may be a single electrode (hereinafter, referred to as "common electrode") Here, n may be a positive integer of 2 or more.

[0136] Each of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may include at least one electrode portion. For example, the first electrode E1 may include a plurality of first electrode portions electrically separated from each other, and the second electrode E2 may include at least one second electrode portion. Here, the electrode portion means a part of an electrode. For example, a plurality of first electrode portions may be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction (or counterclockwise direction) around the optical axis.

[0137] The first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the controller via the first connection substrate 141 and the first substrate pad 150-1. To this end, the first electrode E1 may be electrically connected to the first connection substrate 141, the first connection substrate 141 may be electrically connected to the first substrate pad 150-1 via a plurality of wirings and the first connection pad ET, and the first substrate pad 150-1 may be electrically connected to the controller. To this end, the first connection substrate 141 may include a plurality of wirings and the first connection pad ET. Here, the controller may be included in the above-mentioned control circuit 24.

[0138] For example, refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b, when the number of first electrode portions included in the first electrode E1 is four, one side of each of the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4 may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the four first electrode portions, and the other side of each of the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4 may be electrically connected to the first connection pad ET. Specifically, the first connection pad ET may include four first electrode terminals ET1 to ET4, and the other side of each of the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4 may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first electrode terminals ET1 to ET4. That is, one side of the first wiring W1 may be connected to one of the four first electrode portions, and the other side of the first wiring W1 may be electrically connected to one ET1 of the first electrode terminals ET1 to ET4. Similarly, one side of each of the second to fourth wirings W2 to W4 may be electrically connected to a corresponding electrode portion of the first electrode portion, and the other side thereof may be electrically connected to a corresponding electrode terminal of the first electrode terminals ET2 to ET4.

[0139] The first electrode terminals ET1 to ET4 of the first connection pads ET may be electrically connected to the controller via the first substrate pads 150 - 1 of the main board 150 .

[0140] The second electrode E2 may be electrically connected to the controller via the second connection substrate 144 and the second substrate pad 150-2. To this end, the second electrode E2 may be electrically connected to the second connection substrate 144, the second connection substrate 144 may be electrically connected to the second substrate pad 150-2 via a plurality of wirings and a second connection pad CT, and the second substrate pad 150-2 may be electrically connected to the controller. To this end, the second connection substrate 144 may include a plurality of wirings and a second connection pad CT.

[0141] For example, refer to Figures 6a to 6c , when the number of second electrode portions included in the second electrode E2 is four, one side of each of the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the sixth wiring W6, W6-1 may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the four second electrode portions, and the other side of each of the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the sixth wiring W6, W6-1 may be electrically connected to the second connection pad CT. Here, the wiring W5-1 may be a branch wiring of the fifth wiring W5, and the wiring W6-1 may be a branch wiring of the sixth wiring W6. Specifically, the second connection pad CT may include a second electrode terminal CT1, and the other sides of the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the sixth wiring W6, W6-1 may be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal CT1. Although the first to fourth wirings W1 to W4 included in the first connection substrate 141 are electrically separated from each other, the fifth wiring W5, W5-1 and the sixth wiring W6, W6-1 included in the second connection substrate 144 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0142] The second electrode terminal CT1 of the second connection pad CT may be electrically connected to the controller via the second substrate pad 150 - 2 of the main board 150 .

[0143] A portion of the second electrode E2 disposed on the other surface of the first plate 147 (ie, a second electrode portion of the second electrode E2 ) may be exposed to the conductive first liquid LQ1 , and thus may be electrically connected to the first liquid LQ1 .

[0144] Each of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may be formed of a conductive material. In addition, the second plate 145 may be disposed on one of the top and bottom of the first plate 147. Figure 7 As shown, the second plate 145 may be disposed above the first plate 147 and the first electrode E1. Specifically, the second plate 145 may be disposed on the upper surfaces of the cavity CA and the first electrode E1.

[0145] The third plate 146 may be disposed on the other of the top or bottom of the first plate 147. Figure 7 As shown, the third plate 146 may be disposed under the first plate 147 and the second electrode E2. Specifically, the third plate 146 may be disposed under the cavity CA and lower surfaces of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

[0146] The second plate 145 and the third plate 146 may be disposed to face each other with the first plate 147 interposed therebetween. In addition, at least one of the second plate 145 or the third plate 146 may be omitted.

[0147] At least one of the second plate 145 or the third plate 146 may have a rectangular flat shape. The third plate 146 may contact and be bonded to the first plate 147 in a bonding region around an edge thereof, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0148] In addition, the third plate 146 may include a central portion SEC and a first peripheral portion SEP1 and a second peripheral portion SEP2. Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the thickness of the second plate 145 may be uniform, and in the third plate 146, the thickness of the first peripheral portion SEP1 and the second peripheral portion SEP2 may be greater than the thickness of the central portion SEC. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 7 Unlike the illustration, in the third plate 146, the first and second peripheral portions SEP1, SEP2 and the central portion SEC may have the same thickness as each other.

[0149] Each of the second plate 145 and the third plate 146 may be a region through which light passes, and may be formed of a light-transmitting material. For example, each of the second plate 145 and the third plate 146 may be formed of glass, and may be formed of the same material for ease of processing. In addition, the edge of each of the second plate 145 and the third plate 146 may have a rectangular shape, without being limited thereto.

[0150] The second plate 145 may be configured to enable light introduced from the first lens unit 110 to enter the cavity CA in the first plate 147 .

[0151] The third plate 146 may be configured to enable light having passed through the cavity CA in the first plate 147 to travel to the second lens unit 130. The third plate 146 may be in direct contact with the first liquid LQ1.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the diameter of the third plate 146 may be greater than the diameter of the wider opening of the third opening and the fourth opening in the first plate 147 .

[0153] In addition, the actual effective lens area of ​​the liquid lens 142 may be narrower than the diameter of the wider opening (eg, O2 ) of the third opening and the fourth opening in the first plate 147 .

[0154] The insulating layer 148 may be disposed to cover a portion of the lower surface of the second plate 145 in the upper region of the cavity CA. That is, the insulating layer 148 may be disposed between the second liquid LQ2 and the second plate 145.

[0155] In addition, the insulating layer 148 may be provided to cover a portion of the first electrode E1 forming the side wall of the cavity CA. In addition, the insulating layer 148 may be provided on the lower surface of the first plate 147 to cover a portion of the first electrode E1, the first plate 147, and the second electrode E2. Therefore, the insulating layer 148 may prevent contact between the first electrode E1 and the first liquid LQ1 and contact between the first electrode E1 and the second liquid LQ2.

[0156] The insulating layer 148 may cover one electrode (eg, the first electrode E1 ) of the first and second electrodes E1 and E2 , and may expose a portion of the other electrode (eg, the second electrode E2 ) so that electric energy is applied to the conductive first liquid LQ1 .

[0157] Meanwhile, at least one of the first connection substrate 141 or the second connection substrate 144 may include a heater H.

[0158] The heater H is used to generate heat in response to the heating voltage. In order to enable the generated heat to be transmitted to the liquid lens 142, the heater H may be arranged to face the liquid lens 142, may be arranged near the liquid lens 142, or may be arranged to contact the liquid lens 142. The heater H may be arranged at a portion corresponding to the upper surface or the lower surface of the liquid lens 142.

[0159] The heating voltage for operating the heater H may be generated by a controller. The controller may be included in the above-mentioned control circuit 24. The controller may generate the heating voltage according to the temperature of the liquid lens 142, and may output the generated heating voltage to the heater H.

[0160] The heater H may include at least one of a first heater H1 or a second heater H2 , and the heating voltage may include at least one of a first heating voltage or a second heating voltage.

[0161] The first heater H1 may be disposed on the first connection substrate 141 and may be disposed near the third opening having a smaller size among the third opening and the fourth opening. Here, the first plate 147 may include a third opening formed at a position corresponding to the second plate 145 and a fourth opening formed at a position corresponding to the third plate 146 and having a size different from that of the third opening. Figure 7 As described above, the third opening may be an opening in contact with the second plate 145, the fourth opening may be an opening in contact with the third plate 146, and the size O1 of the third opening may be smaller than the size O2 of the fourth opening. The first heater H1 may generate heat in response to the first heating voltage generated by the controller, and the heat generated by the first heater H1 may be transferred to the liquid lens 142.

[0162] The second heater H2 may be disposed on the second connection substrate 144 and may be disposed near the fourth opening having a larger size among the third opening and the fourth opening. The second heater H2 may generate heat in response to a second heating voltage generated by the controller, and the heat generated by the second heater H2 may be transferred to the liquid lens 142.

[0163] Compared to the heat generated by the second heater H2 disposed near the fourth opening having a larger size, the heat generated by the first heater H1 disposed near the third opening having a smaller size may be transferred to the liquid lens 142 in a larger amount. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the heater H may include only the first heater H1, and according to another embodiment, the heater H may include both the first heater H1 and the second heater H2.

[0164] Reference Figure 5a and 5b, the first connection substrate 141 may include a first through hole 141H, a first supporting portion 141 - 1 , and a first heating wire HW1 .

[0165] The diameter of the first through hole 141H may be equal to or greater than the diameter O1 of the third opening. The reason is that when the diameter of the first through hole 141H is smaller than the diameter O1 of the third opening, the incidence of light may be blocked. Figure 7 As shown, the diameter of the first through hole 141H may be equal to the diameter O1 of the third opening. Figure 7 , the diameter of the first through hole 141H may be greater than the diameter O1 of the third opening.

[0166] The first supporting portion 141 - 1 may be disposed around the first through hole 141H.

[0167] The first heating wire HW1 is disposed in the first supporting portion 141 - 1 , and corresponds to the above-mentioned first heater H1 .

[0168] According to the implementation mode, Figure 7 As shown, the first heating wire H1: HW1 can be arranged to be embedded in the first support portion 141-1. In this case, the first heating wire HW1 is not visible from the outside. In this way, the first heater H1 can be embedded in the first support portion 141-1 in the form of a hot wire.

[0169] According to another embodiment, Figure 5b As shown, the first heating wire HW1 may be provided on the bottom surface of the first supporting portion 141 - 1 facing the liquid lens 142 to be exposed therefrom, rather than being embedded in the first supporting portion 141 - 1 .

[0170] The first heating wire HW1 generates heat in response to the first heating voltage output from the controller. To this end, the first connection pad ET may also include first heating terminals ET5 and ET6. The first heating terminals ET5 and ET6 may electrically connect the first heating wire HW1 to the controller. Specifically, one side of the first heating wire HW1 may be electrically connected to one ET5 of the first heating terminals ET5 and ET6, and the other side of the first heating wire HW1 may be electrically connected to another ET6 of the first heating terminals ET5 and ET6. Therefore, through the connection of the first heating terminals ET5 and ET6 to the first substrate pad 150-1, the first heating voltage output from the controller may be transmitted to the first heating wire HW1 via the first substrate pad 150-1 and the first heating terminals ET5 and ET6.

[0171] Reference Figures 6a to 6c , the second connection substrate 144 may include a second through hole 144H, a second supporting portion 144 - 1 , and a second heating wire HW2 .

[0172] The diameter of the second through hole 144H may be equal to or greater than the diameter O2 of the fourth opening. The reason for this is that when the diameter of the second through hole 144H is smaller than the diameter O2 of the fourth opening, the incidence of light may be blocked.

[0173] According to the implementation mode, Figure 7 As shown, the diameter O3 of the second through hole 144H may be greater than the diameter O2 of the fourth opening.

[0174] According to another embodiment, Figure 7 Different from the illustration, the diameter O3 of the second through hole 144H may be equal to the diameter O2 of the fourth opening.

[0175] Reference Figure 7 , in the third plate 176, the thickness of the central portion SEC is smaller than the thickness of each of the first peripheral portion SEP1 and the second peripheral portion SEP2. Figure 7 The thickness of the third plate 146 shown is not uniform, but if the second heating wire WH2 is arranged to extend to the edge areas SEC1 and SEC2 of the center part SEC, the vertical distance between the second heating wire WH2 and the edge areas SEC1 and SEC2 in the z-axis direction is greater than the vertical distance between the second heating wire WH2 and the first peripheral part SEP1 and the second peripheral part SEP2 in the z-axis direction, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating wire WH2 to the liquid lens 142 via the third plate 146. Therefore, the second heating wire WH2 can be arranged only below the first peripheral part SEP1 and the second peripheral part SEP2. Therefore, the heat generated by the second heating wire WH2 can be more effectively transferred to the liquid lens 142 via the third plate 146. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second heating wire WH2 can be arranged to extend to the edge areas SEC1 and SEC2.

[0176] In addition, in the case where the thickness of the central portion SEC of the third plate 176 and the thickness of the first peripheral portion SEP1 and the second peripheral portion SEP2 are equal to each other, the diameter O3 of the second through hole 144H may be equal to the diameter O2 of the fourth opening. That is, the second heating wire WH2 may be arranged to extend from the central portion SEC to the edge areas SEC1 and SEC2 except for the fourth opening. In this case, the transfer efficiency of the heat generated by the second heating wire HW2 to the liquid lens 142 via the third plate 146 may be improved.

[0177] The second supporting portion 144 - 1 may be disposed around the second through hole 144H.

[0178] The second heating wire HW2 is provided in the second supporting portion 144 - 1 , and corresponds to the above-mentioned second heater H2 .

[0179] According to the implementation mode, Figure 7 As shown, the second heating wire H2: HW2 can be arranged to be embedded in the second support portion 144-1. In this case, the second heating wire HW2 is not visible from the outside.

[0180] According to another embodiment, Figures 6a to 6c As shown, the second heating wire HW2 may be provided on the top surface of the second supporting portion 144 - 1 facing the liquid lens 142 to be exposed therefrom, rather than being embedded in the second supporting portion 144 - 1 .

[0181] The second heating wire HW2 generates heat in response to the second heating voltage output from the controller. To this end, the second connection pad CT may further include second heating terminals CT2 and CT3. The second heating terminals CT2 and CT3 may electrically connect the second heating wire HW2 to the controller.

[0182] One side of the second heating wire HW2 can be electrically connected to one CT2 of the second heating terminals CT2 and CT3, and the other side of the second heating wire HW2 can be electrically connected to the other CT3 of the second heating terminals CT2 and CT3. Therefore, through the connection of the second heating terminals CT2 and CT3 with the second substrate pad 150-2, the second heating voltage output from the controller can be transmitted to the second heating wire HW2 via the second substrate pad 150-2 and the second heating terminals CT2 and CT3.

[0183] As described above, in order for the controller to generate a heating voltage, it is necessary to measure the temperature of the liquid lens. To this end, the temperature sensor 190 can sense the temperature of the liquid lens 142, and the sensed temperature can be output to the controller. In order to sense the temperature of the liquid lens 142, the temperature sensor 190 can be set at any of a variety of positions. The embodiment is not limited to any specific position of the temperature sensor 190.

[0184] According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor 190 may be disposed on the spacer 143. In an example, Figure 2 As shown, the spacer 143 may further include an accommodation recess 143H2 for accommodating the temperature sensor 190 therein. The accommodation recess 143H2 may be formed in the inner side of the spacer 143 facing the liquid lens 142 .

[0185] According to another embodiment, the temperature sensor 190 may be disposed outside, above, or below the spacer 143 .

[0186] According to yet another embodiment, the temperature sensor 190 may be disposed directly in the liquid lens 142 .

[0187] The temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 190 may be provided to the controller via the first connection substrate 141 or the second connection substrate 144. Figures 6a to 6c As shown, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 190 can be provided to the controller via the second connection substrate 144. To this end, the second connection substrate 144 may also include a seventh wiring W7 and an eighth wiring W8. One side of the temperature sensor 190 may be electrically connected to the seventh wiring W7, and the other side of the temperature sensor 190 may be electrically connected to the eighth wiring W8. In addition, the second connection pad CT may also include temperature terminals CT4 and CT5. The temperature terminals CT4 and CT5 may connect the temperature sensor 190 to the controller. That is, the seventh wiring W7 may be connected to one CT4 of the temperature terminals CT4 and CT5, the eighth wiring W8 may be connected to the other CT5 of the temperature terminals CT4 and CT5, and the temperature terminals CT4 and CT5 may be connected to the second substrate pad 150-2, thereby providing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 190 to the controller.

[0188] In addition, at least one of the first heating wire HW1 or the second heating wire HW2 may have a heating pattern. Figure 5b As shown, the first heating wire HW1 may be arranged around the first through hole 141H in a zigzag pattern. Figures 6a to 6c As shown, similar to the first heating wire HW1, the second heating wire HW2 can be arranged around the second through hole 144H in a zigzag pattern. When each of the first heating wire HW1 and the second heating wire HW2 has the above pattern, more heat generated by each of the first heating wire HW1 or the second heating wire HW2 can be quickly and evenly transferred to the liquid lens 142.

[0189] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method of manufacturing the camera module 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The camera module 100 according to the embodiment may also be manufactured by a method different from the manufacturing method to be described below.

[0190] First, the image sensor 182 can be mounted on the main board 150, and the retaining frame 120 coupled to the intermediate substrate 172 can be mounted on the main board 150, placed on the main board 150, contact the main board 150, temporarily fixed to the main board 150, supported by the main board 150, coupled to the main board 150, or set on the main board 150.

[0191] At this time, active alignment (first alignment) between the first lens unit 110 and the second lens unit 130 installed in the holder 120 and the image sensor 182 may be performed. The first alignment may be performed by adjusting the positions of the intermediate substrate 172 and the holder 120 while supporting the two opposite sides of the intermediate substrate 172. The first alignment may be performed while moving a jig that presses and fixes the two opposite sides of the intermediate substrate 172. The intermediate substrate 172 may be fixed to the main board 150 in a completed state of the first alignment.

[0192] Subsequently, the liquid lens cell 140 may be inserted into the holder 120 through at least one of the first opening OP1 or the second opening OP2 in the holder 120, and active alignment between the liquid lens cell 140 and the image sensor 182 may be performed as a second alignment. The second alignment may be performed by adjusting the position of the liquid lens cell 140 while supporting the liquid lens cell 140 in the x-axis direction. The second alignment may be performed while moving a jig that presses and fixes the liquid lens cell 140 in the x-axis direction.

[0193] Subsequently, each of the first and second adhesive members 162 and 164 may be formed in an empty space between the holder 120 and the liquid lens cell 140 in a corresponding one of the first and second openings OP1 and OP2 , thereby fixing the liquid lens cell 140 to the holder 120 .

[0194] Subsequently, each of the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 may be bent to be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first substrate pad 150-1 and the second substrate pad 150-2 of the main board 150. After the bending process, a welding process is performed to make an electrical connection between each of the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144 and the main board 150.

[0195] Subsequently, a first cover is disposed to cover the first lens unit 110 , the holding frame 120 , the second lens unit 130 , the liquid lens unit 140 , and the intermediate substrate 172 , thereby completing the manufacture of the camera module 100 .

[0196] At the same time, epoxy resin can be used Figures 1 to 7 1 to 190 are kept in contact, coupled, fixed or joined to each other. To this end, when trying to make two of the components 110 to 190 contact, couple, fix or join, epoxy coating, UV curing and thermal curing can be performed sequentially. In some embodiments, depending on the material or characteristics of the components, any one curing process can be omitted, or other joining processes can be added.

[0197] In addition, when a driving voltage is applied to the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 through the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144, the interface BO between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 may be deformed, and thus the shape of the liquid lens 142, such as at least one of the curvature or the focal length, may be changed (or adjusted). For example, as at least one of the curvature or the inclination of the interface BO formed in the liquid lens 142 changes according to the driving voltage, the focal length of the liquid lens 142 may be adjusted. When the deformation or the curvature radius of the interface BO is controlled, the liquid lens 142, the lens assembly 110, 120, 130, 140, 162, and 164 including the liquid lens 142, the camera module 100, and the optical device may perform an auto focus (AF) function and a hand shake compensation or optical image stabilization (OIS) function.

[0198] The first connection substrate 141 may transmit four different driving voltages (hereinafter referred to as "individual voltages") to the liquid lens 142, and the second connection substrate 144 may transmit one driving voltage (hereinafter referred to as "common voltage") to the liquid lens 142. The common voltage may include a DC voltage or an AC voltage. When the common voltage is applied in a pulsed form, the pulse width or duty cycle may be constant. The individual voltages provided via the first connection substrate 141 may be applied to a plurality of first electrodes E1 (or a plurality of electrode portions) exposed at the respective corners of the liquid lens 142. The common voltage provided via the second connection substrate 144 may be applied to a plurality of second electrodes E2 (or a plurality of electrode portions) exposed at the respective corners of the liquid lens 142.

[0199] Due to the conductive epoxy resin disposed between the first connection substrate 141 and the plurality of first electrodes E1, the first connection substrate 141 and the plurality of first electrodes E1 may contact each other, may be coupled to each other, and may be electrically connected to each other. In addition, due to the conductive epoxy resin disposed between the second connection substrate 144 and the second electrode E2, the second connection substrate 144 and the second electrode E2 may contact each other, may be coupled to each other, and may be electrically connected to each other.

[0200] In addition, the first connection substrate 141 and the plurality of first electrodes E1 may be implemented as separate elements or may be integrally formed. In addition, the second connection substrate 144 and the second electrodes E2 may be implemented as separate elements or may be integrally formed.

[0201] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the camera module 200 .

[0202] Reference Figure 8 , the camera module 200 may include a control circuit 210 and a lens assembly 250. The control circuit 210 may be connected to Figure 1The control circuit 24 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the control circuit 24 shown in FIG. 2 , and the lens assembly 250 can be connected to the Figure 1 The lens assembly 22 shown in Figure 2 The lens assemblies 110, 120, 130, 140, 162 and 164 shown in FIG. 1 correspond to each other.

[0203] The control circuit 210 may include a controller 220, and may control the operation of the liquid lens unit 140 including the liquid lens 280. Here, the controller 220 may correspond to the controller that generates the heating voltage and outputs the heating voltage to the heater H as described above.

[0204] The controller 220 may have a configuration for performing an AF function and an OIS function, and may control a liquid lens 280 included in the lens assembly 250 using a user request or a detection result (eg, a motion signal of the gyro sensor 225). Here, the liquid lens 280 may correspond to the above-described liquid lens 142.

[0205] The controller 220 may include a gyro sensor 225, a controller 230, and a voltage driver 235. The gyro sensor 225 may be an independent component not included in the controller 220, or may be included in the controller 220.

[0206] The gyro sensor 225 can sense the angular velocity of movement in two directions including the yaw axis direction and the pitch axis direction to compensate for hand shake in the vertical and horizontal directions of the optical device. The gyro sensor 225 can generate a motion signal corresponding to the sensed angular velocity and can provide the motion signal to the controller 230.

[0207] In order to implement the OIS function, the controller 230 can use a low-pass filter (LPF) to remove high-frequency noise components from the motion signal to extract only the desired frequency band, can use the motion signal from which the noise has been removed to calculate the amount of hand shake, and can calculate a driving voltage corresponding to the shape that the liquid lens 280 of the liquid lens module 260 needs to have in order to compensate for the calculated amount of hand shake.

[0208] The controller 230 may receive information for the AF function (i.e., information about the distance to the object) from an internal component (e.g., image sensor 182) or an external component (e.g., distance sensor or application processor) of the optical device or camera module 200, and may calculate a driving voltage corresponding to a desired shape of the liquid lens 280 based on a focal length required to focus on the object using the distance information. The controller 230 may store a driving voltage table in which driving voltages and driving voltage codes for causing the voltage driver 235 to generate the driving voltages are mapped, and the controller 230 may acquire a driving voltage code corresponding to the calculated driving voltage by referring to the driving voltage table, and may output the acquired driving voltage code to the voltage driver 235.

[0209] In addition, the controller 230 may analyze the temperature of the liquid lens 142 sensed by the temperature sensor 190. When it is determined based on the analysis result that the temperature of the liquid lens 142 is low, the controller 230 may calculate a heating voltage for causing the heater H to generate heat. The controller 230 may store a heating voltage table in which the heating voltage and a heating voltage code for causing the voltage driver 235 to generate the heating voltage are mapped, and the controller 230 may obtain a heating voltage code corresponding to the calculated heating voltage by referring to the heating voltage table, and may output the obtained heating voltage code to the voltage driver 235.

[0210] The voltage driver 235 may generate driving voltage and heating voltage in analog form corresponding to the driving voltage code and heating voltage code based on the driving voltage code and heating voltage code provided in digital form from the controller 230 , and may provide the driving voltage and heating voltage to the lens assembly 250 .

[0211] The voltage driver 235 may include: a booster that receives a power supply voltage (e.g., a voltage provided by a separate power supply circuit) and increases the voltage level; a regulator that is used to stabilize the output of the booster; and a switch that is used to selectively provide the output of the booster to each terminal of the liquid lens 280.

[0212] Here, the switch may include a circuit configuration known as an H-bridge. The high voltage output from the booster is applied as the power supply voltage of the switch. The switch may selectively provide the applied power supply voltage and the ground voltage as a driving voltage to two opposite ends of the liquid lens 280. Here, as described above, the liquid lens 280 may include four first electrodes E1, a first connection substrate 141, a second electrode E2, and a second connection substrate 144 including four electrode portions for driving. The two opposite ends of the liquid lens 280 may mean any one of the multiple first electrodes E1 and the second electrode E2. Alternatively, the two opposite ends of the liquid lens 280 may mean any one of the four electrode portions of the four first electrodes E1 and one electrode portion of the second electrode E2.

[0213] A pulse-shaped driving voltage having a predetermined width may be applied to each electrode portion of the liquid lens 280 , and the driving voltage applied to the liquid lens 280 is a difference between voltages applied to the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 .

[0214] In addition, the switch may selectively supply the applied power voltage and ground voltage to two opposite ends of the heater H as heating voltages.

[0215] In addition, in order to enable the voltage driver 235 to control the driving voltage applied to the liquid lens 280 according to the driving voltage code in digital form provided from the controller 230, the booster can control the increase of the voltage level and the switch can control the phase of the pulse voltage applied to the common electrode and the individual electrode, thereby generating an analog driving voltage corresponding to the driving voltage code.

[0216] In addition, in order to enable the voltage driver 235 to control the heating voltage applied to the heater H according to the heating voltage code in digital form provided from the controller 230, the booster can control the increase of the voltage level, and the switch can control the phase of the pulse voltage applied to the two opposite ends of the heater H, thereby generating an analog heating voltage corresponding to the heating voltage code.

[0217] That is, the controller 220 may control a driving voltage applied to each of the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 and a heating voltage applied to two opposite ends of the heater H. As shown in FIG.

[0218] The control circuit 210 may further include a connector (not shown) that performs a communication or interface function of the control circuit 210. For example, the connector may perform a communication protocol conversion to perform communication between the control circuit 210 using an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication method and the lens assembly 250 using a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) communication method. In addition, the connector may receive power from an external power source (e.g., a battery) and may provide power required for the operation of the controller 220 and the lens assembly 250. In this case, the connector may correspond to Figure 2 Connector 153 shown in FIG.

[0219] The lens assembly 250 may include a liquid lens module 260 , and the liquid lens module 260 may include a voltage provider 270 and a liquid lens 280 .

[0220] The voltage provider 270 may receive the driving voltage and the heating voltage from the voltage driver 235, may provide the driving voltage to the liquid lens 280, and may provide the heating voltage to the heater H. Here, the driving voltage may be an analog voltage applied across any one of "n" individual electrodes and one common electrode.

[0221] The voltage provider 270 may include a voltage adjustment circuit (not shown) or a noise elimination circuit (not shown) for compensating for a loss caused by a terminal connection between the control circuit 210 and the lens assembly 250. Alternatively, the voltage provider 270 may transfer a driving voltage provided from the voltage driver 235 to the liquid lens 280, or may transfer a heating voltage provided from the voltage driver 235 to the heater H.

[0222] The voltage provider 270 may be disposed on an FPCB (or substrate) constituting at least a portion of the connection portion 152 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The connection portion 152 may include the voltage provider 270 .

[0223] The liquid lens 280 may perform at least one of an AF function or an OIS function by deforming the interface BO between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 in response to the driving voltage. In addition, the heater H may generate heat in response to the heating voltage and may provide the heat to the liquid lens 142.

[0224] Fig. 9 (a) and Fig. 9 (b) is a view for explaining the liquid lens 142 whose interface is adjusted in response to the driving voltage. Specifically, Fig. 9 (a) shows a perspective view of a liquid lens 142 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 9 (b) shows an equivalent circuit of the liquid lens 142. Figure 2 The liquid lens 142 is identical to that of FIG. 1 and is therefore denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0225] First, refer to Fig. 9 (a) The liquid lens 142 whose shape of the interface BO is adjusted in response to the driving voltage can receive the driving voltage via the plurality of electrode portions E11, E12, E13 and E14 of the plurality of first electrodes E1 arranged in four different directions at regular angular intervals from each other and the electrode portion C0 of the second electrode E2. When the driving voltage is applied via any one of the plurality of electrode portions E11, E12, E13 and E14 of the plurality of first electrodes E1 and the electrode portion C0 of the second electrode E2, the shape of the interface BO between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 disposed in the cavity CA can be changed. The controller 230 can control the deformation degree and shape of the interface BO between the first liquid LQ1 and the second liquid LQ2 to realize at least one of the AF function or the OIS function.

[0226] In addition, refer to Fig. 9 (b) The liquid lens 142 can be interpreted as a plurality of capacitors 143, wherein one side of the liquid lens 142 receives voltages from different electrode portions E11, E12, E13 and E14 of the first electrode E1, and the other side of the liquid lens 142 is connected to the electrode portion C0 of the second electrode E2 to receive voltages therefrom.

[0227] Although in Fig. 9 (a) shows that the number of different electrode parts E11 , E12 , E13 , and E14 included in the plurality of first electrodes E1 is four, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0228] In the lens assembly according to the above-mentioned embodiment, each of the first adhesive member 162 and the second adhesive member 164 is arranged in a corresponding one of the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 in an empty space between the retaining frame 120 and the liquid lens unit 140, thereby coupling the retaining frame 120 and the second area A2 and the third area A3 of the liquid lens unit 140 to each other, whereby the liquid lens unit 140 can be firmly fixed to the retaining frame 120.

[0229] Fig.10 is a graph showing changes in OIS reaction speed according to temperature, wherein the horizontal axis represents temperature, and the vertical axis represents OIS reaction speed.

[0230] Generally, when the temperature near the camera module 100 is low, the temperature of the liquid lens 142 may also be low. The liquid lens 142 may undergo a phase change from a liquid state to a solid state at low temperatures. In particular, the conductive first liquid LQ1 may undergo a phase change from a liquid state to a solid state. Therefore, Fig.10As shown, the OIS reaction speed decreases as the temperature of the liquid lens 142 decreases, thereby causing the performance of the camera module 100 to deteriorate.

[0231] However, in the case of the camera module 100 according to the embodiment, the temperature sensor 190 detects the temperature of the liquid lens 142 and outputs the detection result to the controller. At this time, when it is determined that the temperature of the liquid lens 142 is low based on the detection result, the controller controls the heaters H: H1 and H2 to generate heat using a heating voltage and transfer the heat to the liquid lens 142, thereby increasing the low temperature of the liquid lens 142. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to maintain a constant temperature of the liquid lens 142, and thus maintain a constant OIS reaction speed regardless of the temperature at the location of the camera module 100, thereby preventing the performance of the camera module 100 from being degraded. For example, as long as the temperature of the liquid lens 142 is -20°C or higher, the heater H can be used to prevent the performance of the camera module 100 from being degraded.

[0232] In addition, in the case where the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 are respectively embedded in the first supporting portion 141-1 and the second supporting portion 144-1 of the first connection substrate 141 and the second connection substrate 144, a separate manufacturing process of respectively arranging the first heater H1 and the second heater H2 on the first supporting portion 141-1 and the second supporting portion 144-1 can be omitted, thereby simplifying the process of manufacturing the camera module 100 and reducing the manufacturing cost. The reason is that the first heating wire WH1 and the second heating wire WH2 can be formed at the same time when the first to eighth wirings W1 to W8 are formed, and can also be embedded in the first supporting portion 141-1 and the second supporting portion 144-1 at the same time when the first to eighth wirings W1 to W8 are embedded in the first supporting portion 141-1 and the second supporting portion 144-1 using epoxy resin or the like.

[0233] Although only a limited number of embodiments are described above, various other embodiments are possible. The technical contents of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined in various forms as long as they are not incompatible with each other, and thus can be implemented as new embodiments.

[0234] Meanwhile, an optical device may be implemented using the camera module 100 including a lens assembly according to the above-described embodiments. Here, the optical device may include a device that can process or analyze an optical signal. Examples of optical devices may include camera / video devices, telescope devices, microscope devices, interferometers, photometers, polarimeter, spectrometer, reflectometer, autocollimator, and mirror meter, and the embodiments may be applied to optical devices that may include a lens assembly.

[0235] In addition, the optical device may be implemented in a portable device such as a smart phone, a laptop computer, and a tablet computer. Such an optical device may include a camera module 100, a display (not shown) configured to output an image, a battery (not shown) configured to provide power to the camera module 100, and a main housing in which the camera module 100, the display, and the battery are installed. The optical device may also include a communication module that can communicate with other devices and a memory that can store data. The communication module and the memory may also be installed in the main housing.

[0236] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and essential features of the disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, the above detailed description is not intended to be interpreted as limiting the disclosure in all respects, but is to be considered as an example. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all equivalent modifications made without departing from the disclosure should be included in the appended claims.

[0237] Embodiments of the present invention

[0238] Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure.

[0239] Industrial Applicability

[0240] The camera module according to the embodiment may be used in camera / video equipment, telescope equipment, microscope equipment, interferometer, photometer, polarimeter, spectrometer, reflectometer, autocollimator, mirror meter, smart phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: Liquid lens; a first connection substrate disposed on top of the liquid lens; a second connection substrate, which is arranged on the bottom of the liquid lens; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the liquid lens; as well as a controller configured to output a heating voltage corresponding to the sensed temperature, wherein the first connection substrate includes a first heater configured to generate heat in response to the heating voltage, wherein the second connection substrate includes a second heater configured to generate heat in response to the heating voltage, Wherein, the first heater is arranged at a position corresponding to the upper surface of the liquid lens, Wherein, the second heater is arranged at a position corresponding to the lower surface of the liquid lens, Wherein, the liquid lens comprises: a first plate including a cavity having an inclined surface therein and containing a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid; A first electrode is provided on one surface of the first plate, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first connection substrate; a second electrode disposed on an opposite surface of the first plate, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second connection substrate; a second plate disposed on one of the top or bottom of the first plate; and a third plate disposed on the other of the top or the bottom of the first plate, and Wherein, the third plate comprises: The center part, and a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion provided at the periphery of the central portion, each of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion being thicker than the central portion, and wherein the second heater is disposed below the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion, wherein the first plate includes a first opening formed at a position corresponding to the second plate and a second opening formed at a position corresponding to the third plate, the second opening having a size different from that of the first opening, Wherein, the first connection substrate comprises: a first through hole having a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the first opening; a first supporting portion disposed around the first through hole; and a first heating wire, which is provided at the first supporting portion as the first heater, wherein the first heating wire is embedded in the first supporting portion, Wherein, the second connection substrate comprises: a second through hole having a diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the second opening; a second supporting portion disposed around the second through hole; and a second heating wire provided at the second supporting portion as the second heater; and Wherein, the second heating wire is configured to be embedded in the second supporting part.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The first heater is disposed near an opening having a smaller size among the first opening and the second opening.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The first heating wire has a heating pattern.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The first connection substrate also includes a first connection pad electrically connected to the controller.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The first connecting pad comprises: A first electrode terminal connects the first electrode to the controller.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: The first connection pad includes a first heating terminal connecting the first heating wire to the controller. 7 . The camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising a spacer disposed to surround the liquid lens, the spacer comprising an accommodation recess in which the temperature sensor is accommodated.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein: The accommodation recess is formed in an inner side of the spacer facing the liquid lens.

9. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The second heater is disposed in the vicinity of an opening having a larger size among the first opening and the second opening.

10. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The second heating wire is provided on a top surface of the second supporting portion to be exposed therefrom, the top surface facing the liquid lens.

11. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The second connection substrate includes a second connection pad electrically connected to the controller.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein: The second connection pad includes a second electrode terminal connected to the controller.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The second connection pad includes a second heating terminal connecting the second heating wire to the controller.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The second connection pad includes a temperature terminal connecting the temperature sensor to the controller.

15. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The second heating wire has a heating pattern.

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