Camera for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The camera for a vehicle includes: a first body; a second body coupled to the first body; an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body; a lens module coupled with the actuator; and a substrate assembly including an image sensor arranged to face the lens module, in which the actuator includes: a bobbin to which the lens module is coupled; a first driving unit disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; and a second driving unit disposed outside the first driving unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a camera for a vehicle and the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Recently, ultra-small camera modules have been developed and widely used in small electronic products such as smart phones, notebook computers, and game consoles.

[0003] As cars become more common, ultra-small cameras are widely used in vehicles and small electronic products. For example, black box cameras provide objective data for vehicle protection or traffic accidents, rear monitoring cameras allow drivers to monitor blind spots behind the vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and surrounding detection cameras that can monitor the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0004] The camera may be provided with a lens, a lens holder accommodating the lens, an image sensor that converts an image of a subject captured by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. A housing forming the exterior of the camera is formed with a structure that seals the entire area to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign matter containing moisture.

[0005] For cameras used in vehicles, there is a problem of image quality degradation due to changes in the focal length between the lens and the image sensor under various environmental conditions. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present embodiment is directed to providing a camera module for a vehicle and a vehicle that implements an auto focus (AF) function.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] In this embodiment, a camera for a vehicle includes: a first body; a second body, the second body is combined with the first body; an actuator, the actuator is arranged on the inner side of the first body and the second body; a lens module, the lens module is combined with the actuator; and a substrate assembly, the substrate assembly includes an image sensor arranged to face the lens module, wherein the actuator includes: a bobbin, the lens module is combined with the bobbin; a first drive unit, arranged on the outer surface of the bobbin; and a second drive unit, arranged on the outer side of the first drive unit.

[0010] The actuator includes a cover for accommodating the bobbin, and the cover may be integrally formed with the first body by insert molding.

[0011] The material of the cover is metal, and the material of the first body can be plastic.

[0012] The substrate assembly includes a first substrate having an image sensor arranged on an upper surface thereof, and may include an adhesive member arranged between the first substrate and the actuator.

[0013] The bonding member may include epoxy resin.

[0014] The first driving unit may include a coil, and the second driving unit may include a magnet.

[0015] The lens module can be threadedly coupled to the wire barrel.

[0016] A first protrusion protruding downward is arranged on a lower surface of the first body, a second protrusion protruding upward is arranged on an upper surface of the second body, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be welded and joined.

[0017] A groove having a shape recessed upward than other regions is arranged on the lower surface of the first body, the groove includes an inclined surface having a shape closer to the actuator as it goes inward, and one region of the second protrusion may be arranged in the groove.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a camera for a vehicle includes: a first body; a second body, the second body is combined with the first body; an actuator, the actuator is arranged inside the first body and the second body; a lens module, the lens module is combined with the actuator; a substrate assembly, the substrate assembly includes an image sensor arranged facing the lens module; and a lens, the lens is arranged on the first body, wherein the actuator includes a cover can for accommodating a bobbin, and wherein the cover can and the first body are formed to be in direct contact with each other.

[0019] Beneficial Effects

[0020] Through this embodiment, in the external environment where the camera for a vehicle is installed, the resolution change caused by temperature change and the target position change caused by the movement of the vehicle correspond through the AF function of the actuator, which is conducive to obtaining high-quality photography.

[0021] In addition, since the main body forming the outer shape of the camera module for a vehicle and the actuator are integrally molded by insert molding, there is an advantage that the actuator in the main body can be firmly fixed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is shown in decomposed form Figure 2 Figure of the lens in .

[0025] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a side surface of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the partial 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 replaced between the embodiments.

[0032] 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 common terms (for example, terms defined in dictionaries) may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] 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 more than one of all combinations that can be combined with A, B and C.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “interconnected” with another component, the component is not only directly “connected,” “coupled,” or “interconnected” with the other component but may also include a case where the component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “interconnected” due to another component between the other components.

[0037] In addition, when described as being formed or disposed “on” or “below” each component, “on” or “below” means not only including a case where two components are in direct contact, but also including a case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when expressed as “on” or “below”, it may include not only a meaning in an upward direction relative to a component, but also a meaning in a downward direction relative to a component.

[0038] The "optical axis direction" used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. On the other hand, the "optical axis direction" may correspond to the "up-down direction", "z-axis direction" or the like.

[0039] The "auto focus function" used hereinafter is defined as a function of automatically focusing on a subject by adjusting the distance from the image sensor by moving the lens module in the optical axis direction according to the distance of the subject so that a clear image of the subject can be obtained on the image sensor. On the other hand, "auto focus" can be used interchangeably with "auto focus (AF)".

[0040] The "hand shake correction function" used hereinafter is defined as a function of moving or tilting the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to offset the vibration (movement) caused by an external force to the image sensor. On the other hand, "hand shake correction" can be used interchangeably with "optical image stabilization (OIS)".

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

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle body 2, a door 3, a glass 4, a headlight 5, a taillight 6, and a camera 10 for the vehicle.

[0044] The above-mentioned body 2 may be an exterior member of the vehicle 1. The body 2 may have various forms, for example, a frame type and a single shell type. One or more doors 3 may be coupled to the side of the body 2. In addition, glass 4 may be coupled to the front and rear of a portion of a pillar formed by an upper portion of the body 2 and the door 3. A headlamp 5 may be mounted on the front side of the lower portion of the body 2. A taillamp 6 may be mounted on the rear side of the lower portion of the body 2.

[0045] The camera 10 for a vehicle may be installed on the side of the vehicle body 2 or on a door disposed on the front side among one or more doors 3. The camera 10 for a vehicle may be installed in front of the glass 4 combined with the door 3. That is, the rearview mirror in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment may be rearranged using the camera 10 for a vehicle.

[0046] The above-mentioned camera 10 for a vehicle can capture images of the rear of both sides of the vehicle. The images captured by the camera 10 for a vehicle can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) through an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like. Therefore, the images captured by the camera 10 for a vehicle can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played on the display unit.

[0047] An interior space for a driver may be formed inside the vehicle body 2. A display unit may be installed inside the vehicle body 2. The display unit may output an image captured by the camera 10 for a vehicle. The display unit may be installed on a dashboard (not shown) inside the vehicle body 2.

[0048] The installation form of the camera 10 for a vehicle in the above-mentioned vehicle 1 is exemplary, and the camera 10 for a vehicle may be used for more than one of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle 1 .

[0049] Hereinafter, a camera module for a vehicle according to the present embodiment is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is shown in decomposed form Figure 2 Figure of the lens in ; Figure 4 is a plan view showing a side surface of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figures 2 to 7 , a camera module for a vehicle may include a first body 100. The first body 100 may be referred to as one of a front body, an upper housing, and a first housing. The first body 100 may include a first area 110. The first body 100 may include a second area 120. The first area 110 and the second area 120 of the first body 100 may be integrally formed. As a modified embodiment, the first area 110 and the second area 120 may be formed separately.

[0052] The first region 110 may be combined with the second region 120. The first region 110 may be integrally formed with the second region 120. The first region 110 may be formed of a plastic material. The first region 110 may be arranged on a second body 200 to be described later. The first region 110 may be combined with the second body 200. The lower end of the first region 110 may be fixed to the second body 200. The first region 110 may be combined with the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. As a modified embodiment, the first region 110 may be combined with the second body 200 by an adhesive.

[0053] The first area 110 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open lower portion. The corner portion of the first area 110 may be formed in a circular shape. The first area 110 may include an upper plate 110a and a side plate 110b extending downward from the upper plate 110a. The upper plate 110a may be formed in a rectangular shape. The upper plate 110a may extend outward from the lower end outer periphery of the second area 120. The side plate 110b may extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate 110a. The side plate 110b may be provided in a plurality. The side plate 110b may include four side plates. The side plate 110b may be formed in a square plate shape. The side plate 110b may include a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate arranged on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate arranged on the opposite side of the second side plate. The side plate 110b may include first to fourth corner portions respectively arranged between the first to fourth side plates. Each of the first to fourth corner portions may include a circular shape at least in part.

[0054] The first region 110 may include a first protrusion 111 (see Figure 5 ). The first protrusion 111 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the side plate 110b. The first protrusion 111 may be combined with the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be welded to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be welded to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be welded to the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. As a modified embodiment, the first protrusion 111 may be fixed to the second body 200 by an adhesive. Alternatively, a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be welded to the second body 200, and the remaining portion may be welded using an adhesive. The area where the first protrusion 111 and the second body 200 are joined may be formed in an area horizontally overlapping with the actuator 300, which will be described later.

[0055] A groove 115 having a shape that is recessed upward from other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the first body 100. The groove 115 may be formed on the lower surface of the first region 110. The groove 115 may be arranged inside the first protrusion 111. Figure 5 As shown, the groove 115 may include an inclined surface of a shape in which the distance to the actuator 300 becomes closer toward the inner side relative to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Through the groove 115, a coupling process between the first body 100 and the actuator 300 to be described later may be performed more easily.

[0056] The first body 100 may include a second area 120. The second area 120 may be formed of a plastic material. The second area 120 may extend upward from the upper surface of the first area 110. The second area 120 may be integrally formed with the first area 110. As a modified embodiment, the second area 120 may be combined with the first area 110. In this case, the second area 120 may be fixed to the first area 110 by an adhesive. The second area 120 may accommodate the lens 190 therein.

[0057] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 120 may be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 110 .

[0058] A space 121 may be formed inside the first body 100. At least a portion of a lens module 500 and an actuator 300, which will be described later, may be accommodated in the space 121. The space 121 may be opened upward and downward through holes formed on upper and lower surfaces of the first body 100, respectively.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the space 121 may include a first space formed by the inner surface 128 of the first region 110 and a second space formed by the inner surface 127 of the second region 120. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first space may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second space. The first space and the second space may be connected to each other. The corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface 128 of the first region 110 and the inner surface 127 of the second region 120 may be formed to be rounded.

[0060] In other words, the protrusion 127 a protruding inwardly compared to other regions may be formed on the inner surface 128 of the space 121 , and it may be understood that the protrusion 127 a is formed on the inner side of the second region 120 .

[0061] The lens 190 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first body 100. The lens 190 is formed of a transparent material and may be disposed to face the lens module 500 to be described later in an optical axis direction. Foreign matter may be prevented from entering the space 121 through the lens 190.

[0062] A guide portion combined with the lens 190 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first body 100. The guide portion may include a first guide portion 125, a second guide portion 123 disposed at an inner side of the first guide portion 125, and a guide groove 126 disposed between the first guide portion 125 and the second guide portion 123. The bottom surface of the guide groove 126 may be the upper surface of the second region 120.

[0063] The first guide portion 125 may have a shape that protrudes upward more from the upper surface of the second region 120 than other regions. The inner surface of the first guide portion 125 may be arranged to overlap with at least a portion of the side surface of the lens 190 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the first guide portion 125 may be arranged to be higher than the upper surface of the second guide portion 123. The upper surface of the lens 190 may be arranged to be higher than the upper surface of the first guide portion 125.

[0064] The second guide portion 123 may have a shape protruding more upward from the upper surface of the second region 120 than other regions. The upper surface of the second guide portion 123 may support the lower surface of the lens 190. The upper surface of the second guide portion 123 may contact the lower surface of the lens 190.

[0065] The guide groove 126 may be disposed between the first guide portion 125 and the second guide portion 123. When viewed from above, the guide groove 126 may have a groove shape. At least a portion of the guide groove 126 may be covered by the lens 190. An adhesive for bonding with the lens 190 may be disposed in the guide groove 126.

[0066] The camera 10 for a vehicle may include a second body 200. The second body 200 may be referred to as one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The second body 200 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open upper portion. The second body 200 may be formed of a plastic material. The second body 200 may be arranged below the first body 100. The second body 200 may be combined with the first body 100. The second body 200 may be welded to the first body 100. The second body 200 may be combined with the first body 100 by one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. At this time, ultrasonic welding may refer to a process of welding the welded portions of the second body 200 and the first body 100 to integrate them by vibrating the first body 100 while applying pressure in a state where the second body 200 is fixed. The second body 200 may form an internal space by combining with the first body 100.

[0067] The second body 200 may include a bottom plate 201. The bottom plate 201 may face the upper plate 110a of the first area 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be spaced apart from the upper plate 110a of the first area 110 of the first body 100 in the optical axis direction. The bottom plate 201 may be parallel to the upper plate 110a of the first area 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be formed in a square shape. At this time, at least a portion of a corner portion of the bottom plate 201 may include a round shape.

[0068] The bottom plate 201 may include a hole for the connector 690 to be described later to pass through. A connector extraction portion 230 may be arranged in the hole. The connector extraction portion 230 may pass through the hole. A bottom plate of a shielding cover 800 to be described later may be arranged in the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shielding cover 800 may be in surface contact with the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shielding cover 800 may be combined with the bottom plate 201 by insert injection molding.

[0069] The second body 200 may include a side plate 202. The side plate 202 may extend from the bottom plate 201. The side plate 202 may extend from the outer edge of the bottom plate 201. The shielding cover 800 may be arranged in the side plate 202. The shielding cover 800 may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shielding cover 800 may be combined with the side plate 202 by insert injection molding. The upper end portion of the side plate 202 may be combined with the first body 100. The outer side surface of the side plate 202 may be arranged on the same plane as the outer side surface of the side plate 110b of the first body 100.

[0070] The side plate 202 may include a first area in which a hole 223 is formed and a second area extending from the first area and not formed with the hole 223. The first area of ​​the side plate 202 may be attached to the shielding cover 800. The second area of ​​the side plate 202 may not be attached to the shielding cover 800. The inner side surface of the side plate 202 may include a step structure formed by the first area and the second area. The inner side surface of the first area of ​​the side plate 202 may be arranged on the outer side of the inner side surface of the second area of ​​the side plate 202. The inner side surface of the second area of ​​the side plate 202 may protrude inward from the inner side surface of the first area of ​​the side plate 202.

[0071] The side panel of the shielding cover 800 may be arranged in the first area of ​​the side panel 202. The side panel of the shielding cover 800 may be attached to the first area of ​​the side panel 202. The side panel of the shielding cover 800 may be attached to the first area of ​​the side panel 202 by direct contact. The coating of the shielding cover 800 may be attached to the first area of ​​the side panel 202. The side panel 202 may include a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel arranged on the opposite side of the first side panel, and a fourth side panel arranged on the opposite side of the second side panel. The side panel may include a first corner portion arranged between the first side panel and the second side panel, a second corner portion arranged between the second side panel and the third side panel, a third corner portion arranged between the third side panel and the fourth side panel, and a fourth corner portion arranged between the fourth side panel and the first side panel. The first to fourth corner portions of the side panel may include a round shape.

[0072] The side plate 202 may include a second protrusion 221. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may contact the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be arranged to overlap with the first protrusion 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second protrusion 221 may be arranged on the inner side of the first protrusion 111. In this case, the outer side surface of the second protrusion 221 may be arranged to face the inner side surface of the first protrusion 111. The outer side surface of the second protrusion 221 may contact the inner side surface of the first protrusion 111. At this time, the second protrusion 221 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the actuator 300 to be described later. That is, an air gap may be formed between the second protrusion 221 and the actuator 300. Since the air gap has a function of blocking heat, the air gap minimizes the transfer of heat from the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 or from the outside to the actuator 300 , thereby minimizing damage and axis variation caused by heat.

[0073] The second protrusion 221 may be combined with at least a portion of the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be melt-welded with at least a portion of the first protrusion 111. At this time, melt welding may refer to any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and thermal welding. When the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 are melt-welded by laser welding, the laser must be transmitted to weld the inner surface of the first protrusion 111 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 221, so the thickness of the first protrusion 111 may be less than the thickness of the second protrusion 221.

[0074] An outer region of the second protrusion 221 of the upper surface of the side plate 202 may have a groove shape.

[0075] The side plate 202 may include a hole 223. The side plate 202 may be formed with the hole 223. The hole 223 may be formed by penetrating the outer side surface and the inner side surface of the side plate 202. The shielding cover 800 may be exposed to the outside through the hole 223. The hole 223 may expose at least a portion of the side plate of the shielding cover 800 to the outside. The hole 223 may be provided in plurality and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0076] The second body 200 may include a connector take-out portion 230. The connector take-out portion 230 may be combined with the bottom plate 201. The connector take-out portion 230 may be disposed in a hole of the bottom plate 201. The connector 690 may be disposed inside the connector take-out portion 230. The connector take-out portion 230 may be formed of a plastic material.

[0077] The camera module for a vehicle may include a shielding cover 800. The shielding cover 800 may be formed of a metal material. The shielding cover 800 may include a bottom plate, side plates extending from the bottom plate, and corner portions arranged on the plurality of side plates. The bottom plate, the side plates, and the corner portions may be integrally formed.

[0078] The bottom plate of the shielding cover 800 may contact the bottom plate 201 of the second body 200. The side plate of the shielding cover 800 may contact the side plate 202 of the second body 200. The corner portion of the shielding cover 800 may contact the corner portion of the second body 200. A hole may be formed in the bottom plate of the shielding cover 800 so that the connector 690 can pass through the hole.

[0079] The shield case 800 may be combined with the second body 200 to be waterproof. The waterproof may meet a waterproof / dustproof level of IP52 or higher according to the intended use, and may meet an IP69K level when the camera for a vehicle is arranged outside the vehicle.

[0080] The shield cover 800 may be integrally formed by metal forming. That is, the bottom plate, the side plates, and the corner portions of the shield cover 800 may be integrally formed by metal forming.

[0081] The shielding cover 800 may be fixed to the second body 200 by insert molding. The shielding cover 800 may be fixed to the second body 200 by insert molding. Insert molding or insert molding may refer to a molding method that integrates a metal component with a plastic component. A portion of the second body 200 may be melted by the heat generated during the insert molding process and may be introduced into the hole S generated during the pre-processing process of the shielding cover 800.

[0082] The camera module for a vehicle may include a substrate assembly 600. The substrate assembly 600 may be disposed in the second body 200. The substrate assembly 600 may be disposed in an inner space formed by combining the first body 100 with the second body 300. At least a portion of the substrate assembly 600 may be disposed in the shield case 800.

[0083] The substrate assembly 600 may include a first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 610 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 612 may be arranged in the first substrate 610. At this time, the first substrate 610 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The first substrate 610 may include a first surface facing the first body 100 and a second surface arranged on the opposite side of the first surface. The image sensor 612 may be arranged on the first surface of the first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may be combined with the actuator 300 to be described later. The first substrate 610 may be combined with the actuator 300 by an adhesive member 700.

[0084] The substrate assembly 600 may include a second substrate 620. The second substrate 620 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 620 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second substrate 620 may be arranged below the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 610 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 620 may supply power to the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be arranged parallel to the first substrate 610. The second substrate 620 may be electrically connected to the connector 690. The second substrate 620 may include a first surface facing the first substrate 610 and a second surface arranged on the opposite side of the first surface. The connector 690 may be arranged on the second surface of the second substrate 620.

[0085] The substrate assembly 600 may include a third substrate 630. The third substrate 630 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The third substrate 630 may electrically connect the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620. One end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the first substrate 610, and the other end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the second substrate 620. The third substrate 630 may have elasticity.

[0086] The substrate assembly 600 may include a spacer 650. The spacer 650 may be referred to as an electromagnetic shielding member. The spacer 650 may block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves. The spacer 650 may perform a function of spacing a plurality of substrates apart. The spacer 650 may be formed of a metal material.

[0087] The spacer 650 may include a protrusion and a hole for supporting the first substrate 610 or the second substrate 620. A protrusion combined with the hole of the spacer 650 may be formed on a side of the first substrate 610 or the side of the second substrate 620. The protrusion of the spacer 650 may support a surface of the first substrate 610 or the surface of the second substrate 620.

[0088] The spacer 650 may be arranged in the shielding cover 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the shielding cover 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the bottom plate of the shielding cover 800 in the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the side plate of the shielding cover 800 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be formed of a metal material. The thickness of the spacer 650 may be thinner than the thickness of the side plate of the shielding cover 800. The spacer 650 may face the side plate of the shielding cover 800.

[0089] The substrate assembly 600 may include a connector 690. The connector 690 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 620. The connector 690 may be fixed to the second surface of the second substrate 620. The connector 690 may be electrically connected to the second substrate 620.

[0090] The camera module for a vehicle may include a lens module 500. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may be combined with the actuator 300. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may protrude upward more than an upper surface of the actuator 300. The lens module 500 may include a lens barrel 530 (see Figure 4 ) and at least one lens 520 disposed in the lens barrel 530.

[0091] The interior of the lens barrel 530 includes a space with an upper surface and a lower surface opened, and the lens 520 can be arranged in the space. A first threaded portion 510 can be formed on the outer circumference of the lens barrel 530. The first threaded portion 510 includes a male thread or a female thread, and the lens barrel 530 can be threadedly combined with the actuator 300 through the first threaded portion 510.

[0092] The lens 520 may be arranged in the lens barrel 530. The lens 520 may be provided in a plurality and arranged along the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be aligned with the image sensor 612. The lens 520 may be arranged to face the image sensor 612 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be arranged to face the lens 190 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be moved in the optical axis direction by the actuator 300.

[0093] The camera module for a vehicle may include an actuator 300. The actuator 300 may be an auto focus (AF) actuator applying a voice coil motor to move the lens module 500 in the optical axis direction, but is not limited thereto, and unlike the illustration, the embodiment may be applied to an optical image stabilization (OIS) type.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, the actuator 300 may include a bobbin 310, a coil 320, a magnet 330, a housing 340, a cover 360, a base 350, and an elastic member 370. In addition, the actuator 300 may further include a position sensor 392, a circuit board 390, and a sensing magnet 380 for AF feedback driving.

[0095] The bobbin 310 is formed in a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower surfaces, and a hollow portion 312 may be formed at the center of the bobbin 310 coupled to the lens module 500. A male thread or a female thread may be formed on the inner surface of the hollow portion 312 so that the lens barrel 530 may be threadedly coupled through the first threaded portion 510. Therefore, the lens module 500 may be threadedly coupled to the bobbin 310.

[0096] A coil coupling part 315 coupled with the coil 320 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 310 , and the coil coupling part 315 may have a groove shape recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 310 .

[0097] The coil 320 may be arranged on the outer surface of the bobbin 310. The coil 320 may be combined with the coil combining portion 315. The coil 320 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly 600. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 610. The coil 320 may be referred to as a first driving unit.

[0098] The housing 340 may be arranged outside the bobbin 310. The housing 340 may be in the shape of a hexahedron having an open upper surface and an open lower surface. A coupling groove 342 may be formed on the lower surface of the housing 340 in a shape that is recessed upwards compared to other areas. The coupling groove 342 may be formed on the outer surface of the four corner areas of the housing 340. The housing 340 may be coupled to the base 350 through the coupling groove 342.

[0099] A magnet coupling part 344 coupled to the magnet 330 may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling part 344 may be formed in a corner region of the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling part 344 may have a groove shape. The magnet coupling part 344 may be provided in plurality and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0100] The magnet 330 may be arranged outside the coil 320. The magnet 330 may be combined with the housing 340. The magnet 330 may be combined with the magnet combining portion 344. The magnet 330 is provided in four, and the four magnets 330 may be respectively arranged in the corner areas on the inner surface of the housing 340. Therefore, through the electromagnetic interaction between the coil 320 and the magnet 330, the bobbin 310 may move in the optical axis direction together with the lens module 500. The magnet 330 may be referred to as a second driving unit.

[0101] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first driving unit is a coil and the second driving unit is a magnet, but this is not limited to the present invention, and the magnet may be arranged on the outer surface of the bobbin 310 and the coil may be arranged to face the magnet of the housing 340.

[0102] The base 350 may support the lower surface of the housing 340. The base 350 may be disposed below the housing 340 and the bobbin 310. The base 350 may include a hole 352 to expose the lens module 500 downward. The lens module 500 may be disposed to face the image sensor 612 through the hole 352.

[0103] The base 350 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A protrusion 354 may be formed on the upper surface of the base 350 facing the coupling groove 342 of the housing 340. The protrusion 354 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 350 more than other areas. The protrusions 354 may be arranged at the corner areas of the base 350, respectively. When the base 350 is coupled to the housing 340, the protrusions 354 may be coupled to the coupling groove 342.

[0104] The elastic member 370 may elastically support the movement of the bobbin 310. The elastic member 370 may include an upper elastic member 372 coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340, and a lower elastic member 374 coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340.

[0105] The upper elastic member 372 may include an inner elastic portion coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic portion coupled to the upper surface of the housing 340, and a connecting elastic portion connecting the inner elastic portion and the outer elastic portion. A protrusion for coupling with the upper elastic member 372 may be formed on the upper surface of the bobbin 310 or the upper surface of the housing 340.

[0106] The lower elastic member 374 may include an inner elastic portion coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic portion coupled to the lower surface of the housing 340, and a connecting elastic portion connecting the inner elastic portion and the outer elastic portion. A protrusion for coupling with the lower elastic member 374 may be formed on the lower surface of the bobbin 310 or the lower surface of the housing 340.

[0107] The cover 360 may be arranged on the outside of the housing 340. The cover 360 may be formed of a non-magnetic metal material. The cover 360 may be formed in a box shape having an open bottom and including an upper plate 363 and a side plate 364. A hole 362 may be formed in the upper plate 363 of the cover 360 so that the lens 500 may pass through the hole. The corner area connecting the upper plate 363 and the side plate 364 may be formed in a circular shape. The housing 340, the bobbin 310, and at least a portion of the lens module 500 may be arranged in the cover 360. A space in which the components in the actuator 300 may be accommodated may be formed by combining the cover 360 with the base 350. The lower end of the cover 360 may be combined with the base 350.

[0108] The sensing magnet 380 may be disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310. A groove-shaped coupling area may be formed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310 so that the sensing magnet 380 can be coupled. The sensing magnet 380 may be provided in plural and may be arranged to face each other with the hollow portion 312 of the bobbin 310 as the center.

[0109] The circuit board 390 may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 340 or the inner surface of the cover 360. The circuit board 390 may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly 600. The position sensor 392 may be arranged on the surface of the circuit board 390 facing the sensing magnet 380. Therefore, the position sensor 392 may detect the magnetic field of the sensing magnet 380 that changes due to the movement of the bobbin 310, thereby detecting the position of the bobbin 310. The drive of the actuator 300 arranged to adjust the optical axis of the lens 520 may detect the temperature and drive the actuator 300 by a temperature sensor (not shown) separately arranged in the substrate 390, or the temperature sensor (not shown) may be arranged on a part of the substrate in the substrate assembly 600 to detect the temperature to drive the actuator 300. Alternatively, the actuator 300 may be driven by including a function for adjusting the resolution in the image sensor 610.

[0110] The actuator 300 and the substrate assembly 600 may be bonded to each other by an adhesive member 700. The adhesive member 700 may include epoxy resin. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between the lower surface of the actuator 300 and the upper surface of the first substrate 610. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between the lower surface of the base 350 and the upper surface of the first substrate 610. By adjusting the thickness of the adhesive member 700, the distance between the image sensor 612 and the lens 520 in the lens module 500 may be adjusted. That is, the active alignment (AA: active alignment) distance for lens focusing may be adjusted.

[0111] On the other hand, the actuator 300 can be integrally formed with the first body 100 by insert molding. The cover 360 of the actuator 300 can be combined with the first body 100 by insert molding. Therefore, since the cover 360 made of metal and the first body 100 made of plastic are combined into one, there is an advantage that the actuator 300 can be firmly fixed in the first body 100. That is, since the lens module 500 is arranged in the actuator 300, axial alignment may be a problem when the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are combined. In order to prevent this, by insert molding the first body 100, the cover 360 of the actuator 300 can be fixed as a body, thereby reducing the points of axial alignment and facilitating axial alignment. At this time, a part of the protrusion 127a of the first body 100 can be arranged on the upper surface of the cover 360.

[0112] When the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are combined, the side plate 364 of the cover 360 may be combined with the inner surface 128 of the space 121 in the first body 100. The upper plate 363 of the cover 360 may be combined with the lower surface of the protrusion 127a of the space 121 in the first body 100. The corner area connecting the side plate 364 and the upper plate 363 of the cover 360 may be combined with the corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface of the protrusion 127a and the inner surface of the space 121.

[0113] The cover 360 and the first body 100 may be combined to be waterproof. To this end, the surface of the cover 360 combined with the first body 100 may be surface-treated.

[0114] According to the above structure, in an external environment where a vehicle camera is installed, the resolution change caused by temperature change corresponds to the target position change caused by vehicle movement through the AF function of the actuator, thereby facilitating obtaining high-quality photographic objects.

[0115] In addition, since the main body forming the outer shape of the camera module for a vehicle and the actuator are integrally molded by insert molding, there is an advantage that the actuator in the main body can be firmly fixed.

[0116] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] In the present modified embodiment, the difference from the above-described embodiment lies in the bonding region of the lens. Therefore, components having the same structure and function will be described by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0118] Reference Figure 8, the lens 1390 may be disposed on the actuator 1300. The lens 1390 may be disposed on an upper surface of the cover 1360. In this case, the lens module 500 may be accommodated in a space within the cover 1360.

[0119] In the space within the cover 1360, a cover plate 1365 may be arranged to protrude inward from the inner surface of the side plate forming the side of the cover 1360. A hole 1366 may be formed at the center of the cover plate 1365 so that the lens module 500 may pass through the hole. The lens module 500 may be at least partially arranged to protrude upward from the cover plate 1365 by passing through the hole 1366.

[0120] Therefore, the actuator 1300 can be formed with the first body 100 (see Figure 4 ) is integrally combined with the inner surface 128 of the space 111 in the first body 100. The side plate of the cover 1360 of the actuator 1300 can be integrally combined with the inner surface 128 by insert injection molding. Therefore, in this modified embodiment, the protrusion 127 of the space 111 in the first body 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be omitted.

[0121] According to the above structure, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent external foreign matter from being introduced into the space within the actuator 1300 through the lens 1390 .

[0122] On the other hand, an infrared blocking film for infrared blocking may be attached to the surface of the lens 1390, or an infrared blocking agent may be coated.

[0123] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A camera module for a vehicle, comprising: First subject; a second body, the second body being combined with the first body; an actuator, the actuator being arranged inside the first body and the second body; a lens module, the lens module being combined with the actuator; as well as a substrate assembly including an image sensor arranged to face the lens module, Wherein, the actuator comprises: A bobbin, the lens module being combined with the bobbin; a first driving unit disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; and A second driving unit is arranged outside the first driving unit.

2. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, The actuator includes a cover for accommodating the bobbin, and Wherein, the cover is integrally formed with the first main body by insert injection molding.

3. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The cover is made of metal, and the first body is made of plastic.

4. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, The substrate assembly includes a first substrate, the image sensor is arranged on an upper surface of the first substrate, and The camera module for a vehicle includes an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate and the actuator.

5. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: The bonding member includes epoxy resin.

6. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, The first driving unit includes a coil, and Wherein, the second driving unit includes a magnet.

7. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The lens module is threadably coupled to the wire barrel.

8. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, A first protrusion protruding downward is arranged on the lower surface of the first body, wherein a second protrusion protruding upward is arranged on the upper surface of the second body, and The first protrusion and the second protrusion are welded together.

9. The camera module for a vehicle according to claim 8, in, A groove is arranged on the lower surface of the first body, which is recessed upwards than other areas. wherein the groove includes an inclined surface having a shape that becomes closer to the actuator as it goes to the inner side, and Wherein, a region of the second protrusion is arranged in the groove.

10. A camera module for a vehicle, comprising: First subject; a second body, the second body being combined with the first body; an actuator, the actuator being arranged inside the first body and the second body; a lens module, the lens module being combined with the actuator; a substrate assembly including an image sensor arranged to face the lens module; as well as a lens, wherein the lens is arranged on the first body, wherein the actuator includes a cover housing a bobbin, and wherein the cover and the first body are formed to be in direct contact with each other.

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