Camera module

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera module. The camera module includes: a first housing; a lens module disposed in the first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing; a substrate disposed between the first housing and the second housing; and a groove formed in a lower surface of the first housing. The groove is formed to be upwardly recessed in a lower surface of the first housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of November 11, 2020 (entered the Chinese national stage on May 9, 2022), national application number 202080077849.2 (international application number PCT / KR2020 / 095143), and invention name “Camera Module”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0003] The following description provides background information about the present embodiments and does not describe prior art.

[0004] Recently, ultra-small camera modules have been developed and widely used in small electronic products such as smartphones, notebook computers, and game consoles.

[0005] With the popularization of automobiles, ultra-small cameras are widely used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, black box cameras that provide objective data for vehicle protection or traffic accidents, rear monitoring cameras that allow drivers to monitor the blind spot behind the vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when the vehicle moves backward, and peripheral detection cameras that can monitor the environment around the vehicle.

[0006] The camera may include a lens, a lens holder accommodating the lens, an image sensor for converting an 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 forming the outer shape of the camera has a structure in which the entire area of ​​the camera is sealed to prevent the internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances including moisture. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present embodiment aims to provide a camera module capable of improving space efficiency and optimizing the assembly process.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] As an exemplary embodiment, a camera module includes: a first shell; a lens module, which is arranged in the first shell; a second shell, which is connected to the first shell; a substrate, which is arranged in an internal space of the first shell and the second shell; an image sensor, which is arranged on the substrate; and a bonding member, which is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, wherein the second shell includes a stepped portion and a protrusion, the substrate is arranged on the stepped portion, and the protrusion is formed on the inner side surface of the second shell to contact the side surface of the substrate.

[0011] Additionally, the protruding portion may include a plurality of protrusions.

[0012] In addition, a separation space may be formed between the plurality of protruding portions and the substrate, and an adhesive member may be disposed in the separation space.

[0013] In addition, the first housing may include a groove formed in the lower surface, and the groove may face the separation space.

[0014] In addition, the width of the lower surface of the first shell may be greater than the width of the upper surface of the second shell.

[0015] In addition, the protruding portion may be provided on the stepped portion.

[0016] In addition, the first housing may include a groove formed in the lower surface, and the groove may face the protruding portion.

[0017] In addition, the lower surface of the first shell includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is arranged on the outer side of the groove, and the second surface is arranged on the inner side, wherein the first surface and the second surface may be arranged on the same plane.

[0018] In addition, the adhesive member may be disposed between the first surface of the first shell, the second surface, the groove in the first shell, the upper surface of the second shell, the protruding portion of the second shell, and the stepped portion of the second shell.

[0019] In addition, the width of the first surface of the first shell may be greater than the width of the upper surface of the second shell.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera module for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes: a first shell; a lens module, which is arranged in the first shell; a second shell, which is connected to the first shell; a substrate, which is arranged in the internal space of the first shell and the second shell; and an image sensor, which is arranged on the substrate; and a bonding member, which is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, wherein the bonding member is arranged between the internal surface of the second shell and the side surface of the substrate.

[0021] Beneficial Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, a camera module capable of improving space efficiency and optimizing an assembly process can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a plan view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 is a bottom view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.11 is a perspective view illustrating an assembling process of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some 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 of the constituent elements can be selectively combined or replaced between the embodiments.

[0034] In addition, unless explicitly defined and described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that can be generally understood by those skilled in the art, and commonly used terms such as terms defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in consideration of the meaning of the background of the relevant technology.

[0035] In addition, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] In this specification, unless specifically stated in a phrase, a singular form may include a plural form, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and B and C", it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B and C.

[0037] In addition, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish a component from other components, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0038] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled” or “interconnected” to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled or interconnected to the other components but may also include a case where the component is “connected,” “coupled” or “interconnected” due to another component between the other components.

[0039] In addition, when described as being formed or arranged "on (above)" or "under (below)" each component, "on (above)" or "under (below)" means not only including the case where the two components are in direct contact, but also including the case where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "on (above)" or "under (below)", it can include not only the meaning of the upward direction based on one component, but also the meaning of the downward direction based on one component.

[0040] The "optical axis direction" used hereinafter is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens coupled to the lens driving device. Meanwhile, the "optical axis direction" may correspond to the "up-down direction", "z-axis direction" and the like.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a plan view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a bottom view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 is a perspective view illustrating an assembling process of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 11According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera module 10 may include a first shell 100, a second shell 200, a lens module 300, a first elastic member 400, a substrate 500, an image sensor 510, a shielding cover 600, a cable 700, an adhesive member 800 and a second elastic member 900, but the camera module 10 may be implemented by excluding some of these configurations, and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0044] The camera module 10 may include a first housing 100. The first housing 100 may form an appearance of the camera module 10. The first housing 100 may be coupled to the second housing 200. The first housing 100 may be disposed on one side of the second housing 200. The first housing 100 may be formed in a hexahedral shape having an open lower portion. The first housing 100 may be coupled to the second housing 200 by an adhesive member 800. The lens module 300 and the first elastic member 400 may be disposed in the first housing 100. The width of the lower surface 110 and the lower surface 130 of the first housing 200 may be greater than the width of the upper surface of the second housing 200.

[0045] The groove 120 may be formed in the first housing 200. The groove 120 may be formed in the lower surface 110 and the lower surface 130 of the first housing 200. The groove 120 may be formed to be recessed upward in the lower surface 110 and the lower surface 130 of the first housing 200. The groove 120 may face a separation space formed between the side surface of the substrate 500 and the protruding portion 220 or a plurality of protrusions of the second housing 200. The groove 120 may face the protruding portion 220. The adhesive member 800 may be inserted into the groove 120.

[0046] The lower surface 110 and the lower surface 130 of the first housing 200 may include a first surface 110 disposed on the outer side of the groove 120 and a second surface 130 disposed on the inner side of the groove 120. The first surface 110 and the second surface 130 may be disposed on the same plane. The adhesive member 800 may be disposed on the first surface 110 and the second surface 130. The width of the first surface 110 may be greater than the width of the upper surface of the second housing 200.

[0047] The camera module 10 may include a second housing 200. The second housing 200 may form an appearance of the camera module 10. The second housing 200 may be coupled to the first housing 100. The second housing 200 may be disposed on the other side of the first housing 100. The second housing 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open top. The second housing 200 may be coupled to the first housing 100 by an adhesive member 800. The substrate 500, the image sensor 510, the shielding cover 600, the cable 700, and the second elastic member 900 may be disposed in the second housing 200.

[0048] The second shell 200 may include a stepped portion 210. The stepped portion 210 may be formed to be recessed downward from the upper surface of the second shell 200. The stepped portion 210 may be formed to be recessed from the inner side surface of the second shell 200 toward the outer side. The stepped portion 210 may face the lower surface of the first shell 100. The stepped portion 210 may be disposed on the substrate 500. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner side surface of the second shell 200 means the inner side surface of the second shell 200 formed on the stepped portion 210, but does not mean the inner side surface of the second shell 200 formed under the stepped portion 210.

[0049] The second shell 200 may include a protrusion 220. The protrusion 220 may be formed in the step portion 210. Specifically, the protrusion 220 may be formed to protrude upward from the step portion 210. The protrusion 220 may be formed on the inner side surface of the second shell 200. Specifically, the protrusion 220 may be formed to protrude from the inner side surface of the second shell 200 toward the inner side. The protrusion 220 may contact the side surface of the substrate 500. Thus, the protrusion 220 may guide the position of the substrate 500 disposed on the step portion 210 of the second shell 200. Referring to Figure 5 , the protruding portion 220 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the second housing. Thus, a space may be formed in which the substrate 500 may be seated on the stepped portion 210. In contrast, the protruding portion 220 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the second housing 200. That is, the area in which the stepped portion 210 is exposed upward may be increased. Thus, the area in which the adhesive member 800 is inserted may be widened.

[0050] The protruding portion 220 may include a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be spaced apart from each other. A separation space may be formed between the plurality of protrusions and the substrate 500. The separation space may be formed between the plurality of protrusions and the side surface of the substrate 500. The adhesive member 800 may be inserted into the separation space formed between the plurality of protrusions and the side surface of the substrate 500.

[0051] The second housing 200 may include a hole 230. The hole 230 may be formed in a lower plate of the second housing 200. The cable 700 may pass through the hole 230. The second elastic member 700 may be disposed in a space between the hole 230 and the cable 700.

[0052] The camera module 10 may include a lens module 300. The lens module 300 may be disposed in the first housing 100. The lens module 300 may be disposed in the opening 140 of the first housing 100. The lens module 300 may be coupled to the first housing 100. The lens module 300 may be threadedly coupled to the first housing 100. A portion of the lens module 300 may be exposed toward an upper side of the first housing 100. The first elastic member 400 may be disposed between the lens module 300 and the first housing 100. The lens module 300 may include at least one lens. The lens module 300 may face the image sensor 510.

[0053] The camera module 10 may include a first elastic member 400. The first elastic member 400 may be disposed between the lens module 300 and the first housing 100. The first elastic member 400 may be formed of a material having elasticity. The first elastic member 400 may be formed in an annular belt shape. The first elastic member 400 may be referred to as an O-ring. The first elastic member 400 may seal the interior of the camera module 10 by removing a separation space disposed between the lens module 300 and the first housing 100.

[0054] The camera module 10 may include a substrate 500. The substrate 500 may be disposed in the inner space of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The substrate 500 may be disposed in the second housing 200. The substrate 500 may be disposed on the stepped portion 210. The substrate 500 may be in contact with the protruding portion 220. The side surface of the substrate 500 may be in contact with the protruding portion 220. A separation space may be formed between the substrate 500 and the plurality of protrusions. The adhesive member 800 may be inserted into the separation space formed between the substrate 500 and the plurality of protrusions. The substrate 500 may be electrically connected to the image sensor 510. The substrate 500 may be electrically connected to the cable 700. The shielding cover 600 may be disposed on the substrate 500. The substrate 500 may include a plurality of substrates. The plurality of substrates may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The shielding cover 600 may be disposed between the plurality of substrates.

[0055] The camera module 10 may include an image sensor 510. The image sensor 510 may be disposed on the substrate 500. The image sensor 510 may be disposed on an upper surface of the substrate 500. The substrate 500 may be electrically connected to the substrate 500. The image sensor 510 may face the lens module 300. The image sensor 500 may form an image by light passing through the lens module 300.

[0056] The camera module 10 may include a shielding cover 600. The shielding cover 600 may be disposed on the substrate 500. The shielding cover 600 may be disposed between a plurality of substrates. The shielding cover 600 may be formed of metal. The shielding cover 600 may be used to conduct electricity or to ground the substrate 500.

[0057] The camera module 10 may include a cable 700. The cable 700 may be disposed in the second housing 200. The cable 700 may pass through the hole 230 of the second housing 200. The cable 700 may be coupled to the substrate 500. The cable 700 may be coupled to the lower surface of the substrate 500. The cable 700 may be electrically connected to the substrate 500. The cable 700 may provide external power to the substrate 500. The second elastic member 900 may be disposed between the cable 700 and the hole 230 of the second housing 200.

[0058] The camera module 10 may include an adhesive member 800. The adhesive member 800 may be inserted between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. The adhesive member 800 may be disposed between the first surface 110, the second surface 130, the groove 120, the upper surface of the second housing 200, the protrusion 220 of the second housing 200, and the stepped portion 210 of the second housing 200 of the first housing 100. The adhesive member 800 may be disposed in a separation space formed between a plurality of protrusions of the second housing 200 and a side surface of the substrate 500. Thus, the adhesive member 800 may fix the substrate 500 to the second housing 200.

[0059] The adhesive member 800 may include an adhesive such as epoxy resin. Fig.11 The adhesive member 800 is disposed between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, and the adhesive member 800 may be cured after the optical axis alignment process of the lens module 300 and the image sensor 510. Thus, the product assembly process may be reduced.

[0060] The camera module 10 may include a second elastic member 900. The second elastic member 900 may be disposed between the cable 700 and the second housing 200. Specifically, the second elastic member 900 may be disposed between the cable 700 and the hole 230 of the second housing 200. The second elastic member 900 may be formed in an annular belt shape. The second elastic member 900 may be referred to as a cable seal. The second elastic member 900 may seal the interior of the camera module 10 by removing the separation space formed between the second housing 200 and the cable 700.

[0061] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: a first shell; A lens module, wherein the lens module is disposed in the first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing; a substrate, the substrate being disposed between the first shell and the second shell; as well as a groove formed in a lower surface of the first housing, The groove is formed in the lower surface of the first housing to be concave upward.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The lower surface of the first housing includes a first surface disposed on an outer side of the groove and a second surface disposed on an inner side of the groove.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The first surface and the second surface are arranged on the same plane.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing includes a stepped portion formed to be recessed downward from an upper surface of the second housing.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The stepped portion faces the lower surface of the first housing.

6. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: A protruding portion is provided on the stepped portion.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The protruding portion is formed to protrude upward from the stepped portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The protruding portion is spaced apart from an inner surface of the second housing.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the lower surface of the first shell is greater than the width of the upper surface of the second shell.

10. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: A first elastic member is disposed between the lens module and the first housing.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing includes a hole through which the cable passes, and Wherein, a second elastic member is arranged between the hole and the cable.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate is provided in plural numbers, and the plural substrates are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.

13. The camera module of claim 12, comprising a shielding cover located between a plurality of the substrates.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The shielding cover contacts the inner surface of the second housing.

15. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: A separation space is formed between the protruding portion and the substrate.

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