Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a housing including an internal space; a reflection module accommodated in the internal space; and a lens module provided to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflection module to pass therethrough, in which the reflection module includes: a reflection member configured to change a path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and a reinforcing structure at least partially embedded in the interior of the bracket and disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0002] Cameras are implemented in portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and laptop computers, and cameras for mobile terminals may perform auto focus operations, optical image stabilization operations, and zoom operations.

[0003] In addition, the camera module may be equipped with an actuator that directly moves the lens module or indirectly moves a reflective module including a reflective member for optical image stabilization. In addition, the actuator may generally move or rotate the lens module or the reflective module in various directions by using a driving force generated by a magnet and a coil.

[0004] In addition to being driven by the actuator, the lens module or the reflection module may also rotate or move within the housing due to external impacts such as shaking or dropping of the camera module. In this example, since the size and weight of the actuator increase due to the higher performance of the camera module, the impact force transmitted to the reflection member increases, and cracks may occur in the reflection member, causing problems in ensuring reliability.

[0005] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a concise form, and these concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. The present summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In general, a camera module includes: a housing including an internal space; a reflective module accommodated in the internal space; and a lens module configured to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflective module to pass therethrough, wherein the reflective module includes: a reflective member configured to change the path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and a reinforcement structure at least partially embedded in an internal portion of the bracket and disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

[0008] The reflective member may include an inclined surface inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and the reinforcement structure may include an inclined portion parallel to the inclined surface of the reflective member and disposed to overlap the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0009] The inclined portion may include a first inclined portion disposed on a first side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0010] The inclined portion may further include a second inclined portion disposed on a second side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0011] The second inclined portion may include at least one first penetration hole penetrating the second inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the reflective member.

[0012] The reinforcement structure may include: a first reinforcement member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflection member in the first direction; and a second reinforcement member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflection member in the first direction.

[0013] The reinforcement structure may further include a connection member extending from a first side of the first reinforcement member to a first side of the second reinforcement member to connect the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member.

[0014] The second reinforcement member may include an expansion portion which expands in a plane parallel to the first direction and is disposed on one side of the reflective member; and an extension portion which extends from the expansion portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] The expansion portion may be provided in plural, and the plural expansion portions are provided such that each expansion portion faces the second direction.

[0016] The expansion portion may include at least one second penetration hole penetrating in the second direction.

[0017] The bracket may include a seating portion on which the reflective member is seated, and the bracket includes a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the reflective member, and the seating portion may have a groove portion in which a portion of the bottom surface is recessed in the first direction.

[0018] The bracket may be configured to guide movement of a ball member disposed between the housing and the bracket, and may include a guide groove having an opening whose planar shape is a hexagon.

[0019] The lens module may include a plurality of lens barrels arranged in a third direction parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0020] The plurality of lens barrels may include: a fixed lens barrel fixed to the housing; and a movable lens barrel configured to move relative to the housing.

[0021] The reinforcement structure may be configured to have a higher rigidity than the bracket.

[0022] The reinforcement structure may comprise stainless steel.

[0023] The reinforcement structure may include a damper extending from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

[0024] The damper may be configured to protrude through the bracket from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

[0025] The reflective member may include an inclined surface which is inclined at an angle relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and the reinforcement structure may also include: a first reinforcement member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction; and a second reinforcement member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction, and the damper is disposed on a first side of the first reinforcement member.

[0026] The first reinforcement member may include a hole penetrating through one side of the first reinforcement member in the first direction, and the damper is inserted into the hole.

[0027] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflective module in an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A plan view of a reflective module is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0035] Figure 8An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0036] Fig. 9 The stress distribution of the reflection module in the comparative example after being impacted is shown.

[0037] Fig.10 The stress distribution of the reflection module after being impacted according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0038] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the method, device and / or system described herein. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the method, device and / or system described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application. For example, the order in the operation described herein and / or the order of the operation described herein are merely examples, and except for the order in the operation that must occur in a specific sequence and / or the order of operations, it is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application. As another example, except for at least a portion of the order in the operation that must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence) and / or the order in the operation, the order in the operation and / or the operation can be performed in parallel. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, the description of the features known after understanding the disclosure of the application can be omitted.

[0040] Although terms such as "first", "second" and "third" or A, B, (a), (b) may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers or portions, these members, components, regions, layers or portions are not limited by these terms. Each of these terms is not used to define, for example, the importance, sequence or order of the corresponding member, component, region, layer or portion, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding member, component, region, layer or portion from other members, components, regions, layers or portions. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first member, first component, first region, first layer or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer or second portion.

[0041] Throughout the specification, when a component, element or layer is described as being "on another component, element or layer," "connected to," "coupled to," or "engaged to" another component, element or layer, it may be directly "on another component, element or layer," directly "connected to," "coupled to," or "engaged to" another component, element or layer (e.g., in contact with another component, element or layer), or there may reasonably be one or more other components, elements or layers between the component, element or layer and the other component, element or layer. When a component, element or layer is described as being "directly on another component, element or layer," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to," or "directly engaged to" another component, element or layer, there are no other components, elements or layers between the component, element or layer and the other component, element or layer. Similarly, expressions such as "between" and "directly between," as well as "adjacent" and "directly adjacent" may also be interpreted as described above.

[0042] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well. As non-limiting examples, the terms "comprise", "include" and "have" illustrate the existence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, or the existence of alternative features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof. In addition, although an embodiment can set forth the terms "comprise", "include" and "have" to illustrate the existence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, other embodiments may exist, in which one or more of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof are not present.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items. The phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and these phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C may be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and implementation require that the enumeration (e.g., "at least one of A, B, and C") be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0044] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the phrase “on a plane” means observing a target portion from the top, and the phrase “on a cross section” means observing a cross section formed by vertically cutting the target portion from the side.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when it is described that one component is “coupled” to another component, it includes not only “direct or physical coupling” but also “indirect or non-contact coupling” while another element is interposed between them.

[0046] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In this article, the use of the wording "may" relative to an example or implementation (e.g., content that may be included or implemented with respect to an example or implementation) means that there is at least one example or implementation that includes or implements such a feature, and all examples or implementations are not limited thereto. The words "example" or "implementation" used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase "in one example" has the same meaning as "in one implementation", and "in one or more examples" has the same meaning as "in one or more implementations").

[0047] One or more examples may provide a camera module capable of improving occurrence of cracks in a reflective member and ensuring reliability by reducing stress transferred to the reflective member.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 may include: a housing 20 provided with an internal space, a reflection module 100 provided in the internal space of the housing 20, a lens module 30 (31 and 32) including at least one lens barrel, an image sensor module (not shown), and a cover 21 covering the upper portion of the housing 20.

[0050] The reflection module 100 may be configured to change the moving direction of incident light. The moving direction of light originating from an object (not shown) outside the camera module 10 may be changed by the reflection module 100 to be guided to the lens module 30. For example, the path of light incident through the opening 22 in the thickness direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the camera module 10 may be changed by the reflection module 100 to approximately match the optical axis direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the lens module 30, wherein the opening 22 is formed by opening at least a portion of the top surface of the cover 21. In order to change the optical path, the reflection module 100 may be provided with a reflection member 120 that reflects light. The camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may perform an optical image stabilization operation by rotating the reflection member 120 included in the reflection module 100 around a rotation axis or moving the reflection member 120 in various directions.

[0051] The camera module 10 may be provided with a guide member 60 that guides the movement of the reflection module 100. The guide member 60 is provided adjacent to the reflection module 100 and may guide the reflection module 100 to rotate around a specific axis or move in a specific direction. In an example, the guide member 60 may be provided with a ball member 115 (see FIG. 1 ) that forms a rotation axis of the reflection module 100. Figure 3 ) or a pivoting member (not shown), or a track member (not shown) forming a movement path of the reflection module 100.

[0052] The lens module 30 includes one or more lens barrels 31 and 32 that accommodate lenses through which light whose paths have been changed by the reflection module 100 passes. When the lens barrels 31 and 32 are moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) or when the interval between the lens barrels 31 and 32 is adjusted, an automatic focusing operation or a zooming operation can be implemented. Alternatively, each of the lens barrels 31 and 32 can be moved to perform a shake correction operation.

[0053] The lens module 30 may include a plurality of lens barrels 31 and 32 arranged in a third direction parallel to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The lens module 30 may include a fixed lens barrel 31 fixed to the housing 20 and a movable lens barrel 32 configured to move relative to the housing 20. In an example, one or more movable lens barrels 32 may be provided.

[0054] An image sensor module (not shown) including an image sensor that converts light passing through the lens module 30 into an electrical signal may be disposed behind the lens module 30. The image sensor module may further include an optical filter (not shown) that filters light incident through the lens module 30.

[0055] In the camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments, with the lens module 30 as the center, the reflection module 100 can be disposed in front of the lens module 30 in the internal space of the housing 20, and the image sensor module can be disposed behind the lens module 30. Accordingly, incident light incident from an object outside the camera module 10 can sequentially pass through the reflection module 100 and the lens module 30, and then enter the image sensor module.

[0056] The image sensor module can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 50 and can transmit image information in the form of an electrical signal to the outside of the camera module 10.

[0057] Meanwhile, in one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 can be configured by combining a reflection module assembly including the reflection module 100 and a lens module assembly disposed adjacent to the reflection module assembly. In an example, the reflection module assembly can include the reflection module 100 and a housing having an internal space in which the reflection module 100 is movably received as described. The lens module assembly can include the lens module 30, an image sensor module (not shown), and a housing having an internal space for receiving the lens module 30 and the image sensor module (not shown). The housing of the reflection module assembly and the housing of the lens module assembly can be integrally formed with each other, or can be provided as separate housings. In this example, the separate housings can be combined with each other to form the entire housing of the camera module 10.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 can be received in the housing 20 of the camera module 10 and can change the path of the incident light. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the reflection module 100 can be received inside the housing 20 adjacent to the lens module 30 and can change the path of the incident light incident in the thickness direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the camera module 10 to the optical axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the lens module 30.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 includes a reflection member 120 capable of changing the optical path, a bracket 110 supporting the reflection member 120, and a driver 130 for moving the bracket 110 (see Figure 3 ).

[0060] The reflective member 120 of the reflective module 100 can change the path of light by refracting or reflecting incident light. In an example, the moving path of light incident on the reflective member 120 in a first direction (Y-axis direction) can be changed to a Z-axis direction intersecting with the first direction (Y-axis direction) based on the reflective member 120. The reflective member 120 is configured to reflect or refract the incident light. In an example, the reflective member 120 can change the path of light incident from an external object to the optical axis direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the lens module 30. As an example, the reflective member 120 can be a reflector or a prism that reflects light, but is not limited thereto, and can be any material that can change the path of light. In the following description, it is assumed that the reflective member 120 has the shape of a prism.

[0061] The support 110 supports the reflective member 120 so as to be movable. That is, the reflective member 120 is supported by the support 110 and can therefore move within a predetermined range. For example, the support 110 can rotate around a rotation axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the X-axis) passing through the support 110, or can reciprocate within a specific range. Therefore, the reflective member 120 supported by the support 110 can rotate or reciprocate according to the movement of the support 110.

[0062] The bracket 110 may be made of an injection molding material that is easily formed by an injection molding process. The bracket 110 may be made of a material such as, but not limited to, resin or plastic.

[0063] At least some surfaces of the bracket 110 are provided with a driver 130 for moving the bracket 110. For example, Figure 2 As shown in , the driver 130 may be disposed at an end of the bracket 110 in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In addition, the driver 130 may be disposed at an end of the bracket 110 in another direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The driver 130 may be a magnet (e.g., Figure 3 131) and coils (eg, Figure 3 The electronic actuator formed by 132) in the figure, but is not limited thereto, and may be any element that moves the bracket 110 within a specific range.

[0064] Meanwhile, in one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 may further include a position detector (not shown) that detects the movement amount of the bracket 110 .

[0065] The reflection module 100 may perform a shake correction operation by rotating or moving the bracket 110 and the reflection member 120 supported by the bracket 110 within the housing 20 based on a driving force generated by the driver 130 .

[0066] As described above, the camera module 10 may include a driver 130 to perform a shake correction operation using the movably disposed reflective member 120. With the development of high-performance camera modules, the size and weight of the driver 130 increase, and therefore, the impact force applied to the reflective member 120 when the camera module 10 falls may increase. In addition, it is noted that it may become difficult to ensure reliability when evaluating the drop reliability of the reflective module 100. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability of the reflective module 100 even when the size and weight of the driver 130 increase, the reinforcement structure 140 may be inserted into the inside of the bracket 110.

[0067] In the following, reference is made to Figures 3 to 6 , a reflection module 100 according to one or more embodiments will be described.

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflective module in an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a stent according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 6 is a plan view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 is a plan view of the reflection module 100 in the XY plane.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 5 According to one or more embodiments, the reflective module 100 may include a reflective member 120 capable of changing an optical path, a bracket 110 supporting the reflective member 120, a driver 130 for moving the bracket 110, and a reinforcing structure 140 at least partially embedded in the bracket 110 to be disposed between the reflective member 120 and the bracket 110.

[0070] The bracket 110 may have a seating portion 110a on which the reflective member 120 is seated. The seating portion 110a may have a surface that forms an angle with a line parallel to a first direction (Y-axis direction) that is a light incident direction. The seating portion 110a may have a shape in which at least one surface of the bracket 110 is concave.

[0071] The reflective member 120 may have an incident surface and an exiting surface. The reflective member 120 may refract or reflect light incident on the incident surface and change a path of the light to be directed toward the exiting surface and the lens module 30 disposed behind the exiting surface.

[0072] The reflective member 120 may have an inclined surface 120a, which is inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The inclined surface 120a may be a surface connected to the incident surface and the exit surface. The inclined surface 120a may have a shape corresponding to the placement portion 110a. The placement portion 110a may have a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface 120a. The inclined surface 120a is disposed on the placement portion 110a so that the reflective member 120 can be mounted on the bracket 110. The placement portion 110a may have a groove portion 110b whose bottom surface is partially concave in the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0073] The driver 130 may include a magnet 131 disposed in the bracket 110 and a coil 132 disposed to face the magnet 131. However, the configuration of the driver 130 is not limited thereto, and any article of the movable reflection module 100 may be configured.

[0074] The reinforcement structure 140 may be disposed between the reflective member 120 and the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may be at least partially embedded in the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may be disposed to overlap a portion of the bracket 110 forming the seating portion 110a. In an example, the bracket 110 and the reinforcement structure 140 may be integrally formed by an insert molding method.

[0075] The reinforcement structure 140 may have higher rigidity than the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may include stainless steel.

[0076] The reinforcing structure 140 may have an inclined portion parallel to the inclined surface 120a. The inclined portion may be arranged to overlap with the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The reflective member 120 may include a first portion disposed on one side of the inclined surface 120a in the first direction (Y-axis direction) and a second portion disposed on the other side of the inclined surface 120a in the first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, according to the first direction (Y-axis direction), the first portion may be disposed at the upper portion, and the second portion may be disposed at the lower portion.

[0077] The reinforcement structure 140 may include: a first reinforcement member 141, which is configured to support a first portion of the reflective member 120; a second reinforcement member 142, which is configured to support a second portion of the reflective member 120; and a damper 143, which is provided on one side of the first reinforcement member 141 and extends in a first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the first reinforcement member 141 may be configured to support an upper portion of the reflective member 120, and the second reinforcement member 142 may be configured to support a lower portion of the reflective member 120.

[0078] The inclined portion may include a first inclined portion 141a and a second inclined portion 142a, the first inclined portion 141a being arranged to support a first portion of the reflective member 120, and the second inclined portion 142a being arranged to support a second portion of the reflective member 120. The first inclined portion 141a may be arranged on a first side of an inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in a first direction (Y-axis direction). The second inclined portion 142a may be arranged on a second side of an inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in a first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the first reinforcement member 141 may include the first inclined portion 141a, and the second reinforcement member 142 may include the second inclined portion 142a. The first inclined portion 141a may have a plate shape parallel to the inclined surface 120a. The second inclined portion 142a may have a plate shape parallel to the inclined surface 120a.

[0079] The second inclined portion 142a may have at least one first penetration hole 142a1 that penetrates the second inclined portion 142a in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 120a. The weight of the reinforcing structure 140 may be adjusted by forming the first penetration hole 142a1 in the second inclined portion 142a. However, this is merely an example, and as will be described later, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , it is also possible that no penetration hole is formed in the second inclined portion 142 a.

[0080] The first reinforcing member 141 may further include a portion bent and extended from the first inclined portion 141a. As an example, the first reinforcing member 141 may further include a portion bent from the first inclined portion 141a and extending in a direction parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the first reinforcing member 141 may include a plane parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0081] The second reinforcing member 142 may have an extension portion 142b disposed on one side of the reflective member 120 and an extension portion 142c disposed in the groove portion 110b. The extension portion 142b may extend to a plane parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142b may enhance the rigidity of the side surface of the reflective member 120 in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142b may protect the side surface of the reflective member 120 in the second direction (X-axis direction) from external impact.

[0082] The extension part 142b may have at least one second penetration hole 142b1 that penetrates in the second direction (X-axis direction). The second penetration hole 142b1 may be formed in the extension part 142b so that the weight of the reinforcement structure 140 can be adjusted. However, this is not restrictive, and no penetration hole may be formed in the extension part 142b. In the example, the extension part 142b may be provided in plurality. The plurality of extension parts 142b may be arranged so that each extension part 142b faces the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0083] The extension portion 142c may extend from the expansion portion 142b in the second direction (X-axis direction). The extension portion 142c may enhance the rigidity of a portion of the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120. The extension portion 142c may protect the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 from external impact. The extension portion 142c may be arranged to overlap the groove portion 110b in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142c may be provided in plurality. The plurality of extension portions 142c may be arranged such that each extension portion 142c faces the first direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 5 , it is shown that the plurality of extension portions 142c are spaced apart from each other, but this is merely an example, and the plurality of extension portions 142c may extend to contact each other. In this example, the plurality of extension portions 142c may be integrally connected.

[0084] The reinforcement structure 140 may include a damper 143, which is arranged to extend from one side of the reinforcement structure 140 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The damper 143 may be located on one side of the first reinforcement member 141. The damper 143 may be provided on one side of the first reinforcement member 141 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). As an example, the first reinforcement member 141 may have a hole penetrating one side of the first reinforcement member 141 in the first direction (Y-axis direction), and the damper 143 may be inserted into the hole of the first reinforcement member 141. However, this is merely an example, and the position of the damper 143 may be any position as long as the damper 143 protrudes from one side of the bracket 110 along the first direction (Y-axis direction) on the first reinforcement member 141.

[0085] The damper 143 may extend in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The damper 143 may protrude from one side of the reinforcement structure 140 in the first direction (Y-axis direction) when the reinforcement structure 140 is inserted into the bracket 110. The damper 143 may include a resin material having elasticity. When the reflection module 100 is impacted in the optical axis direction, the damper 143 may protect the reflection module 100 by absorbing the impact.

[0086] Reference Figure 6The bracket 110 may include a guide groove that guides the movement of the ball member 115 located between the housing 20 and the bracket 110 on one side in a third direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0087] The guide groove may include a first guide groove 110c and a second guide groove 110d. The first guide groove 110c may be located in one edge region of the bracket 110. The opening of the first guide groove 110c may have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The inner wall surface of the first guide groove 110c may be inclined in a direction toward the bottom surface of the first guide groove 110c, and therefore, the bottom surface of the first guide groove 110c may have a triangular flat shape.

[0088] The second guide groove 110d may be provided on another edge region opposite to an edge region provided with the first guide groove 110c in the second direction (X-axis direction). In the example, the second guide groove 110d may have a polygonal or circular cross-sectional shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape different from the first guide groove 110c. Even if the centroid point of the reflection module is changed due to the addition of the reinforcing member, it may be easily adjusted by forming the first guide groove and the second guide groove of different shapes.

[0089] In the following, reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a reflection module 100 according to another embodiment will be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to another embodiment, and Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to another embodiment is shown.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 According to one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 is similar to the above reference Figures 3 to 6 Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0092] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , and according to Figures 3 to 6 Compared to the reflective module of the embodiment shown in , the reflective module 100 according to one or more embodiments may further include a protruding portion 110 e and a connecting member 144 .

[0093] The bracket 110 may have a protruding portion 110e on one side, which is configured to be inserted into the third penetration hole 142b3. The protruding portion 110e may be arranged on one side of the bracket 110 facing the reflective member 120 in the second direction (X-axis direction). The protruding portion 110e may have a protruding shape protruding from one side of the bracket 110 in the second direction (X-axis direction). In the example, the protruding portion 110e may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of protruding portions 110e may be arranged to face each other in the second direction (X-axis direction). Since the reflective module has a protruding portion that can be inserted into the penetration hole, the reinforcing member can be guided to the desired position more stably.

[0094] The reinforcement structure 140 may further include a connection member 144 configured to connect the first reinforcement member 141 and the second reinforcement member 142. The connection member 144 may extend from one side of the first reinforcement member 141 to one side of the second reinforcement member 142. The connection member 144 may be formed integrally with the first reinforcement member 141 and the second reinforcement member 142. Since the reflection module may be provided with the connection member, the structural stability of the reinforcement member may be more easily ensured during an external impact.

[0095] In the camera module according to the above-described embodiment, the rigidity of the reflection module is ensured so that the reinforcing member and the bracket can withstand greater stress when evaluating drop reliability. Therefore, it is possible to improve the occurrence of cracks in the reflection member and ensure reliability by reducing the stress transmitted to the reflection member. In addition, it is possible to distribute the load applied to the reflection module by reducing bending deformation during an external collision. In addition, even when the size and weight of the reflection member in the camera module with excellent optical performance are increased, the reflection module can have high rigidity and structural reliability, and the generation of foreign matter can be solved by promoting the absorption of impact force between injection molded products.

[0096] In the following, reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the effect of stress distribution when the camera module 10 according to the embodiment receives an impact will be described. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A simulation result of measuring stress applied to each position of the reflective module when the camera module is impacted is shown.

[0097] Fig. 9 shows the stress distribution when the reflection module in the comparative example is impacted, and Fig.10 The stress distribution when the reflection module in the exemplary embodiment (the example of the present invention) is impacted is shown.

[0098] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10, compared with the bracket 110' and the reinforcement structure 140' of the reflection module according to the comparative example, it can be confirmed that the bracket 110 and the reinforcement structure 140 of the reflection module of the exemplary embodiment are subjected to greater stress after being impacted. Specifically, compared with the bracket 110' and the reinforcement structure 140' in the comparative example, it can be confirmed that in the exemplary embodiment, the area subjected to large stress is more widely distributed in the corner area of ​​the bracket 110 and the reinforcement structure 140. When the bracket 110 and the reinforcement structure 140 of the exemplary embodiment are subjected to greater stress, it can be confirmed that the stress transmitted to the reflection member 120 of the exemplary embodiment is reduced compared with the reflection member 120' of the comparative example. In other words, it can be confirmed that the bracket 110 provided with the reinforcement structure 140 of the exemplary embodiment has higher rigidity, so that the reflection member 120 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0099] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. If the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, appropriate results can still be achieved.

[0100] Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure includes the claims and their equivalents in addition to the above disclosure and all the accompanying drawings, that is, all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: a housing, including an interior space; A reflection module, accommodated in the internal space; a lens module configured to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflection module to pass therethrough; as well as an image sensor module configured to convert the light passing through the lens module into an electrical signal, Wherein, the reflection module comprises: a reflective member configured to change a path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and A reinforcement structure is at least partially embedded in an inner portion of the bracket and is disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reflecting member includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and The reinforcement structure includes an inclined portion that is parallel to the inclined surface of the reflective member and is disposed to overlap the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The inclined portion includes a first inclined portion disposed on a first side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The inclined portion further includes a second inclined portion disposed on a second side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The second inclined portion includes at least one first penetration hole penetrating the second inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the reflective member.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcement structure comprises: a first reinforcing member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction; and A second reinforcing member is configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The reinforcement structure further includes a connecting member extending from a first side of the first reinforcement member to a first side of the second reinforcement member to connect the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member.

8. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The second reinforcing member comprises: an extended portion extending in a plane parallel to the first direction and disposed on one side of the reflective member; and An extension portion extends from the expansion portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein: The extension part is provided in a plurality, and The plurality of expansion portions are arranged such that each of the expansion portions faces the second direction.

10. The camera module of claim 9, wherein: The expansion portion includes at least one second penetration hole penetrated in the second direction.

11. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The bracket includes a seating portion on which the reflecting member is seated, and the bracket includes a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the reflecting member, and The seating portion has a recessed portion into which a portion of the bottom surface is recessed in the first direction.

12. The camera module of claim 1, wherein: The bracket is configured to guide movement of a ball member disposed between the housing and the bracket, and includes a guide groove having an opening whose planar shape is a hexagon.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The lens module includes a plurality of lens barrels arranged in a third direction parallel to the optical axis direction.

14. The camera module of claim 13, wherein: The plurality of lens barrels include: a fixed lens barrel fixed to the housing; and A movable lens barrel is configured to move relative to the housing.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure is configured to have a higher rigidity than that of the bracket.

16. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure comprises stainless steel.

17. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure includes a damper extending from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: The damper is configured to protrude through the bracket from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

19. The camera module of claim 17, wherein: The reflective member includes an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, The reinforcement structure further comprises: a first reinforcing member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction; and a second reinforcing member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction, and The damper is disposed on a first side of the first reinforcement member.

20. The camera module of claim 19, wherein: The first reinforcing member includes a hole penetrating through one side of the first reinforcing member in the first direction, and The damper is inserted into the hole.

Images