Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a first housing including a lens, a second housing coupled to the first housing, a substrate assembly positioned inside a space formed by coupling of the first housing and the second housing, and a guard positioned inside the second housing. The substrate assembly includes at least one substrate and a spacer positioned outside the substrate, wherein the spacer includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from an outer surface and contacting the guard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This implementation relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, ultra-miniature camera modules have been developed, and these miniature camera modules are widely used in small electronic products such as smartphones, laptops, and game consoles.

[0003] As automobiles have become more widespread, ultra-compact cameras are not only widely used in small electronic products but also in vehicles. Examples include black box cameras that provide objective data for vehicle protection or traffic accidents, rearview cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots behind the vehicle via a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and peripheral detection cameras that can monitor the vehicle's surroundings.

[0004] The camera may include a lens, a lens holder that houses the lens, an image sensor that converts the image of an object collected in the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing that forms the exterior of the camera has a structure in which the entire area is sealed to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances, including moisture. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical topics

[0006] This embodiment aims to provide a camera module that can improve heat dissipation efficiency by improving the structure and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] The camera module according to this embodiment includes: a first housing including a lens; a second housing coupled to the first housing; a substrate assembly disposed inside a space formed by connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a protective cover disposed inside the second housing, wherein the substrate assembly includes at least one substrate and a spacer disposed outside the substrate, and wherein the spacer includes a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the outer surface and contact the protective cover.

[0009] The spacer may include: a first plate component; a second plate component configured to be adjacent to the first plate component; a third plate component configured to be adjacent to the second plate component and facing the first plate component; and a fourth plate component configured to be adjacent to the third plate component and facing the second plate component.

[0010] The protrusions may be respectively provided in at least three of the first to fourth plate components.

[0011] The substrate assembly may include: a first substrate in which an image sensor is disposed; a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate in the optical axis direction and connected to a connector; and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0012] The third plate component may include: a first protrusion that protrudes from an outer surface; and a first connecting hole that is disposed below the first protrusion and penetrates the outer surface from an inner surface connected to a side surface of the second substrate.

[0013] At least one of the first to fourth plate components may include: a second protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer surface; and a third protrusion disposed below the second protrusion and protruding outward from the outer surface.

[0014] The second plate component includes a second protrusion, and the fourth plate component may include a third protrusion.

[0015] Each of the second plate component and the fourth plate component includes: a first region, a second protrusion disposed in the first region; and a second region formed below the first region and a third protrusion disposed in the second region, wherein the first region may be configured to be further inward than the second region to have a stepped portion.

[0016] The second and third protrusions can be configured to have stepped portions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0017] A camera module according to another embodiment includes: a first housing including a lens; a second housing coupled to the first housing; a substrate assembly disposed inside a space formed by the coupling of the first and second housings; and a protective cover disposed inside the second housing, wherein the substrate assembly includes at least one substrate and spacers disposed outside the substrate, wherein the protective cover is made of a metallic material, wherein the second housing is made of a plastic material, wherein the protective cover and the second housing are integrally formed by insert injection molding, wherein the protective cover includes four plate members, and wherein at least one of the four plate members includes a plurality of protrusions in contact with the protective cover.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] According to the present invention, an advantage is that heat dissipation efficiency can be improved by forming multiple contact structures between the spacer and the protective cover. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating a side surface of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a substrate assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 It is illustrated from another angle. Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the substrate assembly.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 It is viewed from another perspective. Figure 7 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the spacer. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described, but can be implemented in various forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more constituent elements can be selectively combined or substituted between the various embodiments.

[0030] Furthermore, unless explicitly defined or described, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this invention may be interpreted as having meanings that are commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, may be interpreted in terms of meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0031] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0032] In this specification, unless specifically stated in the phrase, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A, B, and C,” the singular form may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0033] Furthermore, when describing the components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and they do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0034] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “linked,” or “interconnected” to another component, the component is not only directly connected, linked, or interconnected to another component, but may also include cases where the component is “connected,” “linked,” or “interconnected” because the other component is located between other components.

[0035] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" means not only the case where two components are in direct contact, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning based on an upward direction of a component, but also the meaning based on a downward direction of a component.

[0036] The term "optical axis direction" used below refers specifically to the optical axis direction of the lens. However, "optical axis direction" can also correspond to "vertical direction," "z-axis direction," etc.

[0037] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating a side surface of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a substrate assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It is illustrated from another angle. Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the substrate assembly;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 It is viewed from another perspective. Figure 7 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the spacer.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 8According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 100 can be a vehicle camera module. The camera module 100 can be connected to a vehicle. The camera module 100 can be used for any or more of a front-facing camera, a side-facing camera, a rear-facing camera, and a black box. The camera module 100 can be disposed on the front side of the vehicle. The camera module 100 can be disposed on the rear side of the vehicle. The camera module 100 can be connected to the windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 100 can be connected to the front or rear windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 100 can be disposed on the side of the vehicle. The camera module 100 can capture images of objects and output the images to a display screen (not shown).

[0041] Camera module 10 may include a first housing 110. The first housing 110 may be referred to as a front housing, an upper housing, or a first body. The first housing 110 may include a body component 111. The first housing 110 may include a lens barrel unit 112. The first housing 110 may include a lens 118. The body component 111, lens barrel unit 112, and lens 118 of the first housing 110 may be integrally formed. Any two or more of the body component 111, lens barrel unit 112, and lens 118 of the first housing 110 may be integrally formed. As a modified embodiment, the body component 111, lens barrel unit 112, and lens 118 may be formed separately.

[0042] The body component 111 can be attached to the lens barrel unit 112. The body component 111 can be integrally formed with the lens barrel unit 112. The body component 111 can be formed of a plastic material. The body component 111 can be disposed above the second housing 130, which will be described later. The first housing 110 can be attached to the second housing 130. The lower end of the first housing 110 can be fixed to the second housing 130. The first housing 110 can be attached to the second housing 130 by any of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. As a modified embodiment, the first housing 110 can be attached to the second housing 130 by adhesive. The first housing 110 can be attached to the first substrate 140 of the substrate assembly, which will be described later.

[0043] The first housing 110 can be formed in a rectangular shape with an open lower portion. In this case, the corners of the body component 111 can be rounded. The body component 111 can include an upper plate 111a and side plates 112b extending from the upper plate 111a. The upper plate 111a can be formed in a rectangular shape. The upper plate 111a can extend outward from the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel unit 112. The side plates 111b can extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate 111a. The side plates 111b can include multiple side plates 111b. The side plates 111b can include four side plates. The side plates 111b can be formed in the shape of a square plate. The side plates 111b can include a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the second side plate. The side panel 111b may include a first corner portion to a fourth corner portion respectively disposed between the first side panel and the fourth side panel. Each of the first corner portion to the fourth corner portion may include a shape that is at least partially circular.

[0044] The first housing 110 may include a first protrusion 114. The first protrusion 114 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper plate 111a. The first protrusion 114 may be located further inward than the second protrusion 115, which will be described later. The first protrusion 114 may be coupled to the first substrate 140. The first protrusion 114 may be coupled to the outer edge of the first substrate 140. The first protrusion 114 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the first substrate 140. The lower end of the first protrusion 114 may be coupled to the first substrate 140. The lower end of the first protrusion 114 may be fixed to the first substrate 140 by adhesive.

[0045] The lower end of the first protrusion 114 may be located at a side portion lower than the lower end of the second protrusion 115. The protruding length of the first protrusion 114 in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the second protrusion 115 in the optical axis direction. The maximum length of the first protrusion 114 in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the second protrusion 115 in the optical axis direction. The first protrusion 114 may be spaced apart from the second protrusion 115. The first protrusion 114 may be spaced apart from the second protrusion 115 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. At least a portion of the first protrusion 114 may face the second protrusion 115.

[0046] The first protruding portion 114 may protrude further than the side plate 111b. The length of the first protruding portion 114 in the optical axis direction may be longer than the length of the side plate 111b in the optical axis direction. The first protruding portion 114 may include: a first-first protruding portion facing the first side plate; a first-second protruding portion facing the second side plate; a first-third protruding portion facing the third side plate; and a first-fourth protruding portion facing the fourth side plate. The first-first to first-fourth protruding portions may be integrally formed. The first protruding portion 114 may be spaced apart from the side plate 111b. The first protruding portion 114 may be spaced apart from the side plate 111b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0047] The first housing 110 may include a second protrusion 115. The second protrusion 115 may protrude from the lower surface of the upper plate 111a. The second protrusion 115 may be located further outward than the first protrusion 114. The second protrusion 115 may be attached to the second housing 130. At least a portion of the second protrusion 115 may be fused to the second housing 130. At least a portion of the second protrusion 115 may be attached to the second housing 130 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. As a modified embodiment, the second protrusion 115 may be fixed to the second housing 130 by an adhesive. Alternatively, a portion of the second protrusion 115 may be fused to the second housing 130, and the remaining portion may be attached by an adhesive.

[0048] The length of the second protrusion 115 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the first protrusion 114 in the optical axis direction. The maximum length of the second protrusion 115 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the first protrusion 114 in the optical axis direction. The second protrusion 115 may face at least a portion of the first protrusion 114. The second protrusion 115 may include: a second-first protrusion facing the first-first protrusion; a second-second protrusion facing the first-second protrusion; a second-third protrusion facing the first-third protrusion; and a second-fourth protrusion facing the first-fourth protrusion. The second-first to second-fourth protrusions may be integrally formed. The second protrusion 115 may include four corner protrusions disposed between the second-first and second-fourth protrusions. The four corner protrusions of the second protrusion 115 may be formed at positions corresponding to the four corner portions of the first housing 110. The second protrusion 115 may be spaced apart from the first protrusion 114. The second protrusion 115 may be spaced apart from the first protrusion 114 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0049] The second protruding portion 115 may include: a first side surface facing the first protruding portion 114; and a second side surface disposed on the opposite side of the first side surface and in contact with the second side plate 111b. The length of the first side surface of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the second side surface of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction.

[0050] The second protruding portion 115 may include an inclined surface 115a. The inclined surface 115a may be inclined in a direction from the first side surface of the second protruding portion 115 toward the second side surface of the second protruding portion 115. The length of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction may increase as the second protruding portion extends from the first side surface of the second protruding portion 115 toward the second side surface of the second protruding portion 115. The inclined surface 115a may be fused to the second housing 130. At least a portion of the inclined surface 115a may be fused to the second housing 130.

[0051] The second protrusion 115 may contact the side plate 111b. The second side surface of the second protrusion 115 may contact the inner surface of the side plate 111b. The second protrusion 115 may not be spaced apart from the side plate 111b. The second protrusion 115 may not be spaced apart from the side plate 111b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second protrusion 115 may extend along the inner surface of the side plate 111b.

[0052] The second protruding portion 115 may not protrude further downward than the side plate 111b. The length of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the side plate 111b in the optical axis direction. The maximum length of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction may be shorter than the length of the side plate 111b in the optical axis direction. In this case, the maximum length of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction may refer to the length of the second side surface of the second protruding portion 115 in the optical axis direction.

[0053] The second protruding portion 115 may be disposed between the first protruding portion 114 and the side plate 111b. The second protruding portion 115 may be disposed closer to the side plate 111b than the first protruding portion 114. The second protruding portion 115 may include: a second-first protruding portion disposed on the first side plate; a second-second protruding portion disposed on the second side plate; a second-third protruding portion disposed on the third side plate; and a second-fourth protruding portion disposed on the fourth side plate. The second protruding portion 115 may include a corner protruding portion disposed between the second-first protruding portion and the second-fourth protruding portion. The corner protruding portion of the second protruding portion 115 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first corner portion to the fourth corner portion of the side plate 112.

[0054] The first housing 110 may include a lens barrel unit 112. The lens barrel unit 112 may be a lens barrel. The lens barrel unit 112 may be formed of a plastic material. The lens barrel unit 112 may be disposed within the first housing 110. The lens barrel unit 112 may extend upward from the upper surface of the body component 111. The lens barrel unit 112 may be integrally formed with the body component 111. As a modified embodiment, the lens barrel unit 112 may be coupled to the body component 111. In this case, the lens barrel unit 112 may be fixed to the body component 111 by an adhesive. The lens barrel unit 112 may house a lens 118. The lens barrel unit 112 may include a hole. The lens 118 may be disposed in the hole of the lens barrel unit 112. The inner peripheral surface of the hole in the lens barrel unit 112 may be formed with a shape and size corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the lens 118.

[0055] The first housing 110 may include a lens 118. The lens 118 may be disposed within the lens barrel unit 112. The lens 118 may be coupled to the lens barrel unit 112. The lens 118 may be disposed in a hole in the lens barrel unit 112. The lens 118 may include multiple lenses. The lens 118 may be aligned with the image sensor 142, which will be described later. The lens 118 may be optically aligned with the image sensor 142. The optical axis of the lens 118 may coincide with the optical axis of the image sensor 142. The first housing 110 may include an infrared filter (IR filter) disposed between the lens 118 and the image sensor 142.

[0056] The camera module 100 may include a second housing 130. The second housing 130 may be referred to as a rear body, a lower housing, or a second body. The second housing 130 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open upper portion. The second housing 130 may be formed of a plastic material. The second housing 130 may be disposed below the first housing 110. The second housing 130 may be coupled to the first housing 110. The second housing 130 may be fused to the first housing 110. The second housing 130 may be coupled to the first housing 110 by any of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. Ultrasonic welding can refer to a process in which the first housing 110 is vibrated under pressure while the second housing 130 is fixed, such that the molten portions of the second housing 130 and the first housing 110 melt and become integral. The second housing 130 may form an internal space by being coupled to the first housing 110.

[0057] The second housing 130 may include a bottom plate 133. The bottom plate 133 may face the upper plate 111a of the first housing 110. The bottom plate 133 may be spaced apart from the upper plate 111a of the first housing 110 in the optical axis direction. The bottom plate 133 may be parallel to the upper plate 111a. The bottom plate 133 may be formed in a quadrilateral shape. In this case, at least a portion of the corners of the bottom plate 133 may have a circular shape.

[0058] The bottom plate 133 may include at least one hole (not shown). As a result, heat generated in the interior spaces of the first housing 110 and the second housing 130 can be released to the outside.

[0059] The second housing 130 may include a side plate 134. The side plate 134 may extend from the bottom plate 133. The side plate 134 may extend from the outer edge of the bottom plate 133. A protective cover 180, which will be described later, may be disposed in the side plate 134. The protective cover 180 may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the side plate 134. The second housing 130 may be integrally connected to the protective cover 180 by insert molding. The upper end of the side plate 134 may be connected to the first housing 110. The outer surface of the side plate 134 may be disposed on the same plane as the outer surface of the side plate 111b of the first housing 110.

[0060] The side plate 134 may include a third protrusion 131. The third protrusion 131 may protrude upward from the upper end of the side plate 134. The third protrusion 131 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the side plate 134. The third protrusion 131 may contact a second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110. The third protrusion 131 may be disposed on the inclined surface 115a of the second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110. The third protrusion 131 may be coupled to at least a portion of the second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110. The third protrusion 131 may be fused to at least a portion of the second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110. Here, fusion bonding may mean any of ultrasonic melting, laser melting, and thermal melting. The third protrusion 131 may protrude from a portion of the upper surface of the side plate 134. The outer surface of the third protrusion 131 may contact the inner surface of the side plate 111b of the first housing 110. A portion of the third protrusion 131 contacts the inclined surface 115a of the second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110 by melting, and the remainder of the third protrusion 131 may contact the side plate 111b of the first housing 110.

[0061] The side plate 134 may include a recess 137. The recess 137 may be located outside the third protrusion 131. The second protrusion 115 of the first housing 110 may be connected to the recess 137. Therefore, the lower end of the first housing 110 may surround the upper end of the second housing 130.

[0062] The side plate 134 may include a hole 132. The hole 132 may be formed in the side plate 134. The hole 132 may be formed through the outer surface and the inner surface of the side plate 134. At least a portion of the protective cover 180 may be exposed to the outside through the hole 132. The hole 132 may expose at least a portion of the protective cover 180 to the outside.

[0063] Multiple holes 132 may be provided. For example, five holes 132 may be spaced apart from each other on each side surface of the second housing 130. However, the holes are not limited to this, and the holes may be formed and arranged in various shapes to maximize the external exposure of the protective cover 180. The holes 132 may be formed in an elliptical shape, wherein the length of the elliptical shape in the optical axis direction is longer than its length in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0064] The second housing 130 may include a connector extraction member 139. The connector extraction member 139 may be coupled to the bottom plate 133. The connector 190 may be disposed inside the connector extraction member 139. The connector extraction member 139 may be formed of a plastic material. The connector extraction member 139 may include a first portion that protrudes upwards beyond the bottom plate 133. The connector extraction member 139 may include a second portion that protrudes downwards beyond the bottom plate 133. The first and second portions of the connector extraction member 139 may be integrally formed. The length of the first portion of the connector extraction member 139 in the optical axis direction may be less than the length of the second portion of the connector extraction member 139 in the optical axis direction. The length of the first portion in the optical axis direction may correspond to the thickness of the bottom plate 310 of the protective cover 180. The upper surface of the first portion may be disposed on the same plane as the upper surface of the bottom plate of the protective cover 180. The connector extraction member 139 may include an inner space. The connector 190 may be disposed in this space. This space may accommodate at least a portion of the connector 190. Thus, the connector extraction component 139 can fix the connector 190.

[0065] The camera module 100 may include a protective cover 180. The protective cover 180 may be formed of a metallic material. The protective cover 180 may include a bottom plate 181 and a side surface plate 182. The bottom plate 181 and the side surface plate 182 may be formed as a single body.

[0066] A protective cover 180 may be disposed on the inner surface of the second housing 130. A space 130a, in which the substrate assembly (described later) is disposed, may be formed inside the second housing 130, and the protective cover 180 may form the inner surface of the space 130a. A bottom plate 181 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 133 of the second housing 130, and a side surface plate 182 may be disposed on the inner surface of the side plate 134 of the second housing 130. In the inner surface of the second housing 130, the area where the protective cover 180 is disposed may be formed to be more outwardly recessed than other areas. The inner surface of the side surface plate 182 may protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the side plate 134 of the second housing 130.

[0067] A hole can be formed in the bottom plate 181 so that the connector 190 can penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface.

[0068] The protective cover 180 can be integrally formed with the second housing 130 made of plastic by insert molding. The protective cover 180 can be configured to overlap with the spacer 160 of the substrate assembly or the second printed circuit board 150, which will be described later, in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0069] At least a portion of the protective cover 180 may be exposed to the external area of ​​the camera module 100 through the opening 132 of the second housing 130. The protective cover 180 may be attached to the second housing 130 for waterproofing. Depending on the application, the waterproofing may meet an IP52 or higher rating for water and dust resistance, and when the protective cover is installed on the exterior of a vehicle, the waterproofing may meet an IP69K rating.

[0070] The camera module 100 may include a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may be disposed inside the second housing 130. The substrate assembly may be disposed within the internal space formed by the connection of the first housing 110 and the second housing 130. The substrate assembly may be disposed inside the protective cover 180.

[0071] The substrate assembly may include a first substrate 140. The first substrate 140 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 140 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 142 may be disposed in the first substrate 140. In this case, the first substrate 140 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The first substrate 140 may include a first surface facing the first housing 110 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The image sensor 142 may be disposed on the first surface of the first substrate 140. The first substrate 140 may be coupled to the first housing 110. The first substrate 140 may be coupled to a first protrusion 114 of the first housing 110. The outer edge of the first surface of the first substrate 140 may be coupled to the first protrusion 114 of the first housing 110.

[0072] The substrate assembly may include a second substrate 150. The second substrate 150 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 150 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second substrate 150 may be disposed below the first substrate 140. The second substrate 150 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 140. The second substrate 150 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 140 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 150 may supply power to the first substrate 140. The second substrate 150 may be configured parallel to the first substrate 140. The second substrate 150 may be electrically connected to a connector 190. The second substrate 150 may include a first surface facing the first substrate 140 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the second surface. The connector 190 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 150. The second substrate 150 may be electrically connected to the connector 190. When an external terminal is connected to the connector 190, power can be provided through the connector 190.

[0073] The substrate assembly may include a flexible printed circuit board 149. The flexible printed circuit board 149 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The flexible printed circuit board 149 can electrically connect the first substrate 140 and the second substrate 150. One end of the flexible printed circuit board 149 is connected to the first substrate 140, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 149 can be connected to the second substrate 150. The flexible printed circuit board 149 may be elastic.

[0074] The substrate assembly may include spacer 160. Spacer 160 may also be referred to as a protective shield. Spacer 160 may also be referred to as an electromagnetic wave shielding member. Spacer 160 can block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves. Spacer 160 can space multiple substrates apart in the optical axis direction. Spacer 160 may be formed of a metallic material. For example, the material of spacer 160 may include aluminum (Al).

[0075] Spacer 160 may be referred to as a first protective cover, and in this case, protective cover 180 may be referred to as a second protective cover. Spacer 160 may be disposed below the first substrate 140. Spacer 160 may be disposed above the second substrate 150. Spacer 160 may be disposed between the first substrate 140 and the second substrate 150. Spacer 160 can space the first substrate 140 and the second substrate 150 apart.

[0076] The spacer 160 has a space in which the first substrate 140 and the second substrate 150 are disposed, and at least one protrusion for contacting the protective cover 180 may be provided on the outer surface of the spacer 160. For example, the protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of three of the four regions forming the side portion of the spacer 160. The protrusion may be formed to protrude outward from other regions on the outer surface of the spacer 160. Through the protrusion, the spacer 160 can come into contact with the protective cover 180 to dissipate heat generated by driving the substrate assembly.

[0077] Spacer 160 may have a rectangular cross-section with an open upper surface and a bottom surface. Spacer 160 may include a first plate member 161, a second plate member 162, a third plate member 163, and a fourth plate member 164. Spacer 160 may be formed by joining the first to fourth plate members 161, 162, 163, and 164. The first to fourth plate members 161, 162, 163, and 164 may be formed as a single body. The first to fourth plate members 161, 162, 163, and 164 may form four sides of spacer 160.

[0078] The first plate component 161 and the third plate component 163 may be configured to face each other. The second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164 may be configured to face each other. The first plate component 161 is configured to be adjacent to the second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164; the second plate component 162 is configured to be adjacent to the first plate component 161 and the third plate component 163; the third plate component 163 is configured to be adjacent to the second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164; and the fourth plate component 164 may be configured to be adjacent to the first plate component 161 and the third plate component 163.

[0079] The first to fourth plate components 161, 162, 163, and 164 can be interconnected via connecting portions 174. Connecting portions 174 can be disposed in each corner region of the spacer 160 to connect adjacent plate components. Connecting portions 174 can form the lower surface of the spacer 160. Connecting portions 174 may include curved surfaces. Connecting portions 174 can be disposed on the upper surface of the second substrate 150. Connecting portions 174 can press the second substrate 150 downwards.

[0080] The first board component 161 may include a first recess 161a. The first recess 161a may be disposed on the upper end of the first board component 161. The first recess 161a may have a shape in which a portion of the upper surface of the first board component 161 is recessed downward. At least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 149 may be disposed outside the first board component 161. At least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 149 may overlap with the first board component 161 in the horizontal direction. At least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board 149 may be disposed inside the first recess 161a. One end of the flexible printed circuit board 149 may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board 140 through the first recess 161a.

[0081] The spacer 160 may include a lower plate portion. The lower plate portion may be bent inward from the lower end of the first plate member 161. The lower plate portion may be configured to be perpendicular to the first to fourth plate members 161, 162, 163, and 164. The lower surface of the lower plate portion may face the upper surface of the second substrate 150. The lower surface of the lower plate portion may contact the upper surface of the second substrate 150. Alternatively, the lower surface of the lower plate portion may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the second substrate 150 by a predetermined distance. The lower surface of the lower plate portion may form the same plane as the lower surface of the connecting portion 174. A portion of the open lower surface of the spacer 160 may be covered by the lower plate portion.

[0082] Each of the second to fourth plate components 162, 163, and 164 may include a first region and a second region. For example, the second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164 may include a first region 170 and a second region 172, and the third plate component 163 may also include a first region 166 and a second region 168a. The second region may be located at the lower portion of the first region. The first and second regions may be connected to each other by a connecting portion. The first and second regions may be configured to have stepped portions. The first region may be configured to be relatively more inward than the second region to have a stepped portion. The second region may be configured to be relatively more outward than the first region to have a stepped portion. In this case, the first and second regions may not overlap each other in the optical axis direction. The connecting portion connecting the first and second regions may be formed to be inclined outward as the connecting portion moves downward.

[0083] The third plate component 163 may include a first region 166 and a second region 168. The third plate component 163 may include a first connecting component 168a. The first connecting component 168a may be configured such that a portion of the lower end of the second region 168 protrudes downward. The first connecting component 168a may be disposed at the center of the lower end of the second region 168. The first connecting component 168a may include a first connecting hole 169 penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface. A portion of the second substrate 150 may be disposed in the first connecting hole 169. Ribs connecting to the first connecting hole 169 may be formed on the side surface of the second substrate 150. The second substrate 150 may be engaged with the first connecting hole 169 via the ribs and fixed inside the spacer 160.

[0084] The third plate component 163 may include a first protrusion 167. The first protrusion 167 may be disposed in the first region 166. The first protrusion 167 may be formed by cutting a portion of the first region 166 or a region that joins the first region 166 and the connecting portion. The first protrusion 167 may be formed by cutting a portion of the first region 166 and pressing the cut area outward. The upper end of the first region 166 may be divided into multiple regions by the cut area.

[0085] The first protrusion 167 can be disposed at the center of the third plate component 163 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0086] The first protrusion 167 may protrude further outward than the outer surface of the third plate member 163. The first protrusion 167 may be formed to protrude outward from the third plate member 163 when its lower end is connected to the upper end of the second region 169. The first protrusion 167 may have a predetermined elasticity. For example, the first protrusion 167 may be elastic in the direction of protruding outward from the spacer 160. The first protrusion 167 may be elastic in the direction of pressing against the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0087] The first protrusion 167 may have an area that bends at least once. The bent area may be located between the upper and lower ends of the first protrusion 167. The bent area may be positioned further outward than other areas. The bent area may contact the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0088] Since the second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164 have the same configuration and function, the second plate component 162 and the fourth plate component 164 will be described below based on the second plate component 162.

[0089] The second plate component 162 may include a first region 170 and a second region 172. The second plate component 162 may include a second protrusion 171. The second protrusion 171 may be disposed in the first region 170. The second protrusion 171 may be formed by cutting a portion of the first region 170 or a region where the first region 170 and the connecting portion are joined. The second protrusion 171 may be formed by cutting a portion of the first region 170 and pressing the cut area outwards. The upper end of the first region 170 may be divided into multiple regions by the cut area.

[0090] The second protrusion 171 may protrude further outward than the outer surface of the second plate member 162. The second protrusion 171 may be formed to protrude outward from the third plate member 163 when its lower end is connected to the upper end of the second region 169. The second protrusion 171 may have a predetermined elasticity. For example, the second protrusion 171 may be elastic in the direction of protruding outward from the spacer 160. The second protrusion 171 may be elastic in the direction of pressing against the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0091] The second protrusion 171 may have a region that bends at least once. The bent region may be located between the upper and lower ends of the second protrusion 171. The bent region may be positioned further outward than other regions. The bent region may contact the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0092] The second plate member 162 may include a third protrusion 176. Specifically, the third protrusion 176 can be formed by cutting a portion of the second region 172. Because of the area cut to form the third protrusion 176, a hole 175 penetrating the inner surface from the outer surface can be formed in the second region 172. The third protrusion 176 may have a shape in which one end engages with the inner peripheral surface of the hole 175, while the remaining area protrudes outward from the second plate member 162. For example, the lower end of the third protrusion 176 may engage with the inner peripheral surface of the hole 175, and the remaining area may protrude further outward than the outer surface of the second plate member 162.

[0093] The third protrusion 176 may have a predetermined elasticity. For example, the third protrusion 176 may be elastic in the direction of protruding outward from the spacer 160. The third protrusion 176 may be elastic in the direction of pressing against the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0094] The third protrusion 176 may have an area that bends at least once. The bent area may be located between the upper and lower ends of the third protrusion 176. The bent area may be positioned further outward than other areas. The bent area may contact the inner surface of the protective cover 180.

[0095] The second protrusion 171 and the third protrusion 176 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction (optical axis direction). At least a portion of the third protrusion 176 and the second protrusion 171 may overlap each other in the vertical direction. Each of the second protrusion 171 and the third protrusion 176 may have a region in which at least a portion does not overlap each other in the vertical direction. The second protrusion 171 and the third protrusion 176 may be configured to have a stepped portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Therefore, the contact area between the protective cover 180 and the spacer 160 can be formed to be wide.

[0096] The second plate member 162 may include a fourth protrusion 178. The fourth protrusion 178 may be formed to protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the spacer 160. At least a portion of the fourth protrusion 178 has a region parallel to the second substrate 150 and can support the second substrate 150. The fourth protrusion 178 can support the lower surface of the second substrate 150. The fourth protrusion 178 may be disposed inside the second region 172. The fourth protrusion 178 may protrude further inward than the inner surface of the second region 172.

[0097] Specifically, the fourth protrusion 178 may be formed by bending upward from a region extending from the lower end of the second plate member 162. The fourth protrusion 178 may include an inclined portion 178a and a horizontal portion 178b. The inclined portion 178a bends upward from the lower end of the second region 172, and the horizontal portion 178b bends outward from the extended end portion of the inclined portion 178a and connects to the second connecting hole 173. The horizontal portion 178b may be configured to be parallel to the second substrate 150. The horizontal portion 178b may support the lower surface of the second substrate 150. The horizontal portion 178b may contact the lower surface of the second substrate 150. The inclined portion 178a may be formed in a shape in which the distance to the inner surface of the second region 172 increases as the inclined portion 178a ascends.

[0098] Simultaneously, the second plate component 162 may include a second connecting hole 173 extending from the outer surface through the inner surface, and the end portion of the fourth protrusion 178 may be connected to the second connecting hole 173. The region of the fourth protrusion 178 connected to the second connecting hole 173 may be the end portion of the horizontal portion 178b. The second connecting hole 173 may be spaced apart from the hole 175 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The second connecting hole 173 may be configured to overlap with the hole 175 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0099] In this embodiment, a protrusion is provided inside the spacer 160 in the second to fourth plate members 162, 163, and 164, but this is not a limitation, and the protrusion may also be provided on the first plate member 161. In this case, the protrusion in the first plate member 161 may be provided on the outer surface of the first plate member 161 that avoids the area in which the flexible printed circuit board 149 is provided.

[0100] Based on the above configuration, since the spacer 160 and the protective cover 180 have multiple contact structures, even if the housings 110 and 130 are made of plastic, there is an advantage in improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0101] In other words, in the structure where the second housing 130 is formed of plastic material and the protective cover 180 is formed of metal material, heat dissipation efficiency is improved by exposing at least a portion of the protective cover 180 to the outside of the camera module 100. At the same time, the structure has the advantage of making it easier to release the heat generated in the camera module 100 to the outside: in this structure, the spacer 160 has a contact structure with the exposed protective cover 180 through a plurality of protrusions.

[0102] In addition, due to the contact structure between the protective cover 180 and the spacer 160, the grounding structure of the substrate assembly can be made more compact.

[0103] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A first housing, the first housing including a lens; A second housing is connected to the first housing; A substrate assembly disposed inside a space formed by connecting the first housing and the second housing; and A protective cover, wherein the protective cover is disposed inside the second housing, The substrate assembly includes at least one substrate and a spacer disposed on the outer side of the substrate. The spacer includes multiple protrusions that protrude from the outer surface and contact the protective cover. The spacer includes: First plate component; The second plate component is configured to be adjacent to the first plate component; A third plate component, the third plate component being configured to be adjacent to the second plate component and facing the first plate component; and A fourth plate component, configured to be adjacent to the third plate component and facing the second plate component, wherein at least one of the first to fourth plate components includes a second protrusion and a third protrusion, the second protrusion projecting outward from an outer surface, and the third protrusion being disposed below the second protrusion and projecting outward from an outer surface. Wherein, at least one of the second plate component and the fourth plate component includes a first region and a second region disposed below the first region. The first region is positioned further inward than the second region to form a stepped portion. The second protrusion is disposed on the first region, and the third protrusion is disposed on the second region. Wherein, the second protrusion and the third protrusion are spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction, and The second protrusion and the third protrusion partially overlap each other in the optical axis direction, and partially do not overlap each other in the optical axis direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, in, The protruding portions are respectively disposed in at least three of the first to fourth plate components.

3. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, in, The substrate assembly includes: A first substrate, wherein an image sensor is disposed in the first substrate; A second substrate, spaced apart from the first substrate in the optical axis direction, and connected to a connector; and A flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board connects the first substrate and the second substrate.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, in, The third plate component includes a first protrusion and a first connecting hole. The first protrusion protrudes from the outer surface, and the first connecting hole is disposed below the first protrusion and penetrates the outer surface from the inner surface connected to the side surface of the second substrate.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, in, The second plate component includes the second protrusion, and The fourth plate component includes the third protrusion.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, in, The second protrusion and the third protrusion are configured to have a stepped portion in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The second plate component and the fourth plate component each include an inwardly projecting fourth protrusion, and The fourth protrusion is spaced apart from the third protrusion, and the upper surface of the fourth protrusion supports the lower surface of the second substrate.

Images