Camera module

Abstract

The invention provides a camera module. A camera module according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a lens; a frame accommodating the lens; a support member provided inside the frame and having a first portion exposed to the outside of the frame; and the retainer is combined with the frame to form an accommodating space of the lens, and the retainer further comprises a second part directly combined with the first part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module, and more particularly, to a camera module capable of safely protecting a structure installed inside. Background Art

[0002] With the development of hardware technology for image processing and the increasing demand of users for image capture, various functions such as auto focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) have been applied to independent camera devices and camera modules installed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones and smartphones.

[0003] The autofocus (auto focus) function is a function that adjusts the focal distance with the subject by linearly moving a carrier equipped with a lens etc. along the optical axis, thereby generating a clear image in an image sensor (CMOS, CCD, etc.) provided at the rear end of the lens.

[0004] The optical image stabilization function is a function of improving the clarity of an image by adaptively moving a carrier on which the lens is mounted in a direction to compensate for the shaking caused by hand shaking.

[0005] In order to achieve the above functions, multiple carriers and various driving parts separated from each other are installed in a base (frame). In this case, a stopper is used in a form combined with the above base to prevent the structure installed on the base from separating to the outside and losing its function.

[0006] Recently, with the trend of miniaturization of camera modules, the base (frame) and the like are usually made of resin injection molding, while the stopper is made of a thin metal material. However, the camera module with the above structure has the following problem: when a strong impact is transmitted from the outside to the inside, the stopper and the resin injection molding structure are easily separated due to the weak connection force between the stopper and the resin injection molding. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues to be solved An object of the present invention is to provide a camera module with improved connection force between a frame and a stopper.

[0008] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0009] Means of solving the problem According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera module may include: a lens; a frame that accommodates the lens; a supporting component that is arranged inside the frame and has a first portion exposed to the outside of the frame; and a stopper that is combined with the frame to form a accommodating space for the lens, the stopper also including a second portion directly combined with the first portion.

[0010] At this time, the camera module may further include a first frame on which the lens is mounted and driven to move forward and backward along the optical axis.

[0011] At this time, the camera module may further include a second frame, which is installed between the lens and the first frame or installed on the first frame to be driven forward and backward along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0012] In this case, the camera module may further include a third frame installed in a manner such that the first frame and the second frame can move forward and backward inside.

[0013] At this time, in the camera module, the support member may be integrally injection-molded with the frame in such a manner that the first portion is exposed to the outside of the frame.

[0014] At this time, in the camera module, the stopper and the supporting component can be made of the same metal material.

[0015] Effects of the Invention A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stopper protrusion exposed to the outside, thereby improving the connection force between the stopper and the frame.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the description of the present invention or the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention observed from one direction.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from another direction.

[0020] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a side view of a first frame of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 Line AA shows a cross-sectional view of the cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts of the drawings that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are added to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0026] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be limited to the usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical ideas of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his invention.

[0027] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings are equivalent to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, when the present invention is applied for, there may be multiple equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0028] In this specification, terms such as "including" or "having" should be understood as being used to describe the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof recorded in the specification, rather than excluding the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] If a certain component is located in the “front”, “rear”, “above” or “below” of another component, it includes not only the case where it is directly in contact with the other component and is arranged in the “front”, “rear”, “above” or “below” but also the case where another component is arranged in between, unless there are special circumstances. Furthermore, if a certain component is “connected to” another component, it includes not only the case where they are directly connected to each other but also the case where they are indirectly connected to each other, unless there are special circumstances.

[0030] Hereinafter, a camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention observed from one direction. Figure 3 FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from another direction.

[0032] The camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment that realizes both auto focus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) by driving the lens 10, but the camera module 1 of the present invention can also be realized as a camera module only for AF or OIS according to the implementation mode.

[0033] The Z-axis direction shown in the drawings refers to the optical axis direction in which light enters the lens 10, and corresponds to the direction in which the first frame 30 described later moves forward and backward. The optical axis refers to the central axis of the image sensor.

[0034] Furthermore, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, which are two directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), indicate directions in which the lens 10 moves by OIS driving in order to compensate for shake caused by hand shaking.

[0035] In the following description, the X-axis direction is referred to as the first direction and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the second direction, but this is only an example based on a relative viewpoint, and one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may be the first direction and the other may be the second direction. In addition, although the first direction and the second direction are not consistent, they are not necessarily perpendicular.

[0036] The camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a lens 10 , a housing 20 , a frame, a support member 60 , and a stopper 70 .

[0037] The lens 10 may have a hollow cylindrical shape so as to accommodate a plurality of optical lenses for photographing a subject, and the plurality of optical lenses are mounted on the lens 10 along an optical axis. The plurality of optical lenses are provided in a required number according to the design of the lens 10, and each optical lens has the same or different optical properties such as refractive index.

[0038] The frame is a structure for moving the lens 10. The frame can adjust the focus by moving the lens 10 in the optical axis direction, and can correct the shake during shooting by moving the lens 10 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0039] The frame may be composed of a first frame 30, a second frame 40, and a third frame 50. Thus, the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the first frame 30, the second frame 40, the lens 10, the stopper 70, and the third frame 50 are sequentially combined, and may be installed so that the housing 20 exposes the lens 10 in a state in which these structures are combined.

[0040] At this time, the lens 10, the first frame 30 and the second frame 40 are accommodated in the third frame 50. The third frame 50 is in a shape with an upper portion and a lower portion open, and an image sensor can be disposed at the lower portion of the third frame 50.

[0041] The housing 20 is coupled to the third frame 50 in a manner surrounding the outer surface of the third frame 50 , and has a function of protecting internal components of the camera module 1 .

[0042] In addition, the housing 20 may provide a function of shielding electromagnetic waves. The housing 20 may shield electromagnetic waves to prevent electromagnetic waves generated from the camera module from affecting other electronic components within the portable electronic device.

[0043] In addition, various electronic components are mounted in the portable electronic device in addition to the camera module, and thus the housing 20 can shield electromagnetic waves to prevent electromagnetic waves generated by such electronic components from affecting the camera module.

[0044] The housing 20 may be made of metal material and grounded to a ground pad provided in the printed circuit board, thereby shielding electromagnetic waves.

[0045] On the other hand, the image sensor converts light incident through the lens 10 into an electric signal. The image sensor may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

[0046] In the camera module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens 10 is moved in order to focus on the subject through the frame.

[0047] The present invention includes a first frame 30 that moves the lens 10 along the optical axis. At this time, the first frame 30 provides a structure that enables the lens 10 to move along the optical axis.

[0048] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a side view of a first frame and a stopper of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a side view of a first frame of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is along Figure 4 Line AA shows a cross-sectional view of the cross section.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lens 10 is accommodated in the first frame 30. At this time, the lens 10 can be directly combined with the first frame 30 and accommodated, or can be accommodated in the first frame 30 in a state of being accommodated in the second frame 40. In this embodiment, the case where the lens 10 is accommodated in the first frame 30 in a state of being accommodated in the second frame 40 is described.

[0050] A driving unit is coupled to the outer side of the first frame 30. The driving unit provides an external force to enable the lens 10 to move along the optical axis. The type of external force provided by the driving unit to the first frame 30 is not limited. In this embodiment, the driving unit provides an electromagnetic force to move the first frame 30.

[0051] At this time, in this embodiment, the driving part provides external force to the first frame 30 so that the first frame 30 can move along the optical axis direction. However, this is not limited to this, and if necessary, external force can also be provided to enable the first frame 30 to move along the first direction or the second direction.

[0052] As shown in this embodiment, when the first frame 30 is moved in the optical axis direction by the driving unit, the first frame 30 becomes an AF (Auto Focus) support for auto focusing.

[0053] The first frame 30 may support one side of the lens 10. Figure 5 As shown, the first frame 30 is formed with an opening at the center portion. The image sensor can sense light introduced through the lens 10 through the opening.

[0054] The shape of the first frame 30 is not limited, as long as it can accommodate the lens 10. Figure 5 As shown, it is formed in a shape that four supporting parts protruding upward are provided at four corners of a quadrangular plate-shaped main body including an opening. In addition, a side wall may be formed between two adjacent supporting parts in the four supporting parts.

[0055] At this time, the material for manufacturing the first frame 30 is not limited. However, with the trend of requiring miniaturization of camera modules, it is preferably made of plastic, which is a material that is easily manufactured in a small size.

[0056] The support member 60 is disposed inside the frame for the rigidity of the frame. At this time, the support member 60 can be disposed inside one or all of the first frame 30, the second frame 40 or the third frame 50 as needed.

[0057] Since the support member 60 is provided inside the frame for the rigidity of the frame, a high rigidity material is used. In this embodiment, the support member 60 is described as being made of a metal material.

[0058] Preferably, the frame and the support member 60 are manufactured in a manner of being attached and not separated. In this embodiment, the frame is manufactured by injection molding on the outer surface of the support member 60 to avoid separation of the frame and the support member 60, and the case of such insert injection molding is described. However, it is not limited to this, and it can also be manufactured by other known methods.

[0059] At this time, the support member 60 is insert-molded with one of the first frame 30, the second frame 40, or the third frame 50 as required. Hereinafter, the case where the support member 60 is insert-molded in the first frame 30 will be described. However, the description of the structure in which the support member 60 is insert-molded and combined with the stopper 70 described later is not limited thereto, and the description of the structure in which the support member 60 is insert-molded and combined with the stopper 70 described later can be understood as the description of the content that the support member 60 can be insert-molded in the second frame 40 or the third frame 50 and the support member 60 is combined with the stopper 70.

[0060] The supporting member 60 is disposed inside the first frame 30 in a manner that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside. Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the support member 60 is exposed to the outside at the side of the first frame 30. At this time, the side of the support portion protruding from the corner of the first frame 30 and the exposed portion of the support member 60 can be formed in a manner that does not form a step. At this time, the portion of the support member 60 exposed to the outside is defined as the first portion 62 for description.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve the rigidity of the first frame 30, the support member 60 is formed so as to be disposed inside the first frame 30. That is, the support member 60 is formed in a plate shape having an opening corresponding to the opening of the first frame 30.

[0062] At this time, the support member 60 has a support member protrusion 61 protruding in the optical axis direction at the edge thereof. That is, the support member protrusion 61 protrudes upward from the outermost side of the support member 60. Thus, the first portion 62 is located on the outer surface of the support member protrusion 61 protruding upward.

[0063] The supporting member protrusion 61 is not limited to being formed by protruding upward. In this embodiment, the supporting member protrusion 61 is described as having a structure in which the supporting member protrusion 61 is bent upward from the end of the supporting member 60 so as to protrude upward.

[0064] A support member through hole 63 is formed in the support member protrusion 61. The support member through hole 63 may be formed in a manner perpendicular to the first portion 62. However, it is not necessary to be formed in a manner perpendicular to the first portion 62, and the shape of the inner circumference of the support member through hole 63 is not limited as long as it can penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the first portion 62.

[0065] If the support member through hole 63 is formed, even if the first portion 62 of the support member protrusion 61 is exposed to the outside during the injection molding process of the first frame 30, material can be introduced into the support member through hole 63. Thus, the first frame 30 and the support member 60 are firmly attached, so that the rigidity of the first frame 30 can be improved.

[0066] The first portion 62 exposed to the outside can be formed into different areas or shapes as needed. That is, the exposed area and shape of the first portion 62 can be determined by comparing the effect of improving the adhesion to the stopper 70 by exposing the first portion 62 and the effect of reducing the adhesion between the first frame 30 and the support member 60 by exposing the first portion 62.

[0067] A plurality of support member protrusions 61 may be formed. Figure 5 As shown, a pair of supporting member protrusions 61 may be provided. In addition, preferably, the pair of supporting member protrusions 61 are arranged in a manner opposite to each other with the opening of the supporting member 60 placed therebetween. In addition, a pair of supporting member protrusions 61 may be provided in multiple pairs. In this case, as Figure 5 As shown, preferably, they are arranged in a manner that they are maximally spaced apart from each other along the first direction. This is to improve the connection force with the stopper 70 described later.

[0068] The stopper 70 is coupled to the frame. The stopper 70 limits the upward movement of the lens 10. The stopper 70 may be coupled to one of the first frame 30, the second frame 40, and the third frame 50. At this time, the support member 60 is insert-molded in the frame coupled to the stopper 70.

[0069] Hereinafter, the case where the stopper 70 is combined with the first frame 30 is described. However, the description of the structure in which the first frame 30 is combined with the stopper 70 is not limited thereto, and the description of the structure in which the second frame 40 or the third frame 50 can be combined with the stopper 70 can be understood as the description of the content that the second frame 40 or the third frame 50 can be combined with the stopper 70.

[0070] The stopper 70 is coupled to the upper portion of the first frame 30. The stopper 70 restricts the lens 10, and in this embodiment, restricts the second frame 40 housing the lens 10 from moving upward.

[0071] That is, the first frame 30 can support the second frame 40 including the lens 10 so as to prevent it from being disengaged downward, and the stopper 70 can support the second frame 40 so as to prevent it from being disengaged upward.

[0072] At this time, being able to support means that a certain space is formed between the first frame 30 and the stopper 70 so that the second frame 40 accommodated in the first frame 30 can move in the up and down directions, but when the second frame 40 is at the lower end, it is supported by the first frame 30, and when the second frame 40 is at the upper end, it is supported by the stopper 70.

[0073] One side of the stopper 70 is attached and fixed to the first portion 62 of the support member 60. At this time, the part of the stopper 70 attached to the first portion 62 is defined as the second portion 72 for description. That is, the support member 60 includes the first portion 62, and the stopper 70 can be coupled in a manner that the second portion 72 is in direct contact with the first portion 62.

[0074] At this time, the stopper 70 may be formed of the same metal material as the support member 60 exposed to the outside through the first portion 62. Thus, when the second portion 72 of the stopper 70 and the first portion 62 of the support member 60 are attached to each other, the adhesion can be improved. This is because the adhesion between metallic materials is better than the adhesion between metallic materials and non-metallic materials.

[0075] At this time, there is no limitation on the method of attaching the first part 62 and the second part 72. For example, the first part 62 and the second part 72 may be attached by using an adhesive, or by welding the first part 62 and the second part 72.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the second portion 72 of the stopper 70 is located on the inner surface of the stopper protrusion 71 protruding downward from the edge of the stopper 70. The stopper protrusion 71 is provided with the same number as the supporting member protrusion 61.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the stopper protrusion 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the position of the support member protrusion 61. Thus, the second portion 72 of the stopper protrusion 71 can be attached to the first portion 62 of the support member protrusion 61, and the stopper 70 is combined with the first frame 30.

[0078] On the other hand, Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in order to improve the combining force between the stopper 70 and the first frame 30 , a protrusion 31 protrudes from the side of the first frame 30 , and a stopper through hole 73 is formed in the stopper protrusion 71 .

[0079] The protrusion 31 can be inserted into the stopper through hole 73, so that the stopper 70 can be firmly coupled to the first frame 30. At this time, the stopper 70 can be elastically deformed in such a manner that the protrusion 31 can be inserted into the stopper protrusion 71.

[0080] The protrusion 31 and the stopper through hole 73 are formed in a manner corresponding to each other. Figure 7 As shown, the stopper through hole 73 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the protrusion 31 is also formed in a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the protruding direction so as to be insertable into the stopper through hole 73 .

[0081] At this time, if Figure 7 As shown, the upper end of the protrusion 31 may be formed obliquely to move from the upper side to the lower part of the first frame 30 and easily engage the stopper 70. Thus, when the stopper protrusion 71 moves along the inclined surface of the protrusion 31 and the stopper 70 is in a state of being fully moved, the protrusion 31 is inserted into the stopper through hole 73 of the stopper protrusion 71.

[0082] The number of protrusions 31 is formed to correspond to the number of stopper protrusions 71 of the stopper 70. Figure 5 As shown, in the case where two pairs of stopper protrusions 71 are provided at both ends of the stopper 70 , the protrusions 31 may be formed in two pairs at positions connected to the stopper protrusions 71 .

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 31 may extend downward toward the first portion 62 of the support member protrusion 61 of the support member 60 in a state of protruding from the side surface of the first frame 30 .

[0084] Thus, the lower end of the protrusion 31 supports one side of the first portion 62 of the supporting member protrusion 61. Figure 8 As shown, even if the first portion 62 protrudes to the outside, the first frame 30 supports all of the two surfaces of the supporting member protrusion 61 along the optical axis direction and the two surfaces along the first direction.

[0085] This prevents the support member protrusion 61 and the first frame 30 from being separated from each other due to an external impact or slight deformation caused by use while the first portion 62 of the support member protrusion 61 of the support member 60 is directed to the outside.

[0086] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second frame 40 may be disposed between the first frame 30 and the stopper 70 .

[0087] At this time, in this embodiment, the driving unit provides external force to the second frame 40 to enable the second frame 40 to move in the first direction or the second direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the external force may be provided to enable the second frame 40 to move along the optical axis direction as required.

[0088] As shown in this embodiment, when the second frame 40 is moved in the first direction or the second direction by the driving unit, the second frame 40 becomes an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) support for correcting hand shake. The operation for autofocus will be described later.

[0089] The second frame 40 is movable between the first frame 30 and the stopper 70 in at least one of the first direction and the second direction, and the first frame 30 is movable in the optical axis direction inside the third frame 50 .

[0090] At this time, since the second frame 40 is in a state of being accommodated in the first frame 30 , it can move together with the first frame 30 when the first frame 30 moves.

[0091] The lens 10 is mounted on the second frame 40 and accommodated in the third frame 50. The third frame 50 provides a moving space for the lens 10. Therefore, the lens 10 can move together when the second frame 40 and the first frame 30 move.

[0092] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second frame 40 is formed in a manner corresponding to a space formed between the first frame 30 and the stopper 70. The second frame 40 may be separated into an upper frame and a lower frame.

[0093] The second frame 40 is formed with an opening portion at the center thereof for exposing the image sensor in the optical axis direction, so that the image sensor can sense light entering from the lens 10 .

[0094] When the second frame 40 moves in at least one of the first direction and the second direction, the lens 10 also moves along the second frame 40 to correct the shaking caused by hand shaking in the first direction and the second direction, thereby realizing the OIS function.

[0095] When the first frame 30 moves forward and backward along the optical axis, the lens 10 mounted on the second frame 40 also moves forward and backward along the optical axis to adjust the focal length between the image sensor and the lens 10 , thereby realizing the AF function.

[0096] One embodiment of the present invention only illustrates the case where the lens drives the image sensor. However, it can also be applied as another embodiment of the present invention to the case where a different graphic sensor drives the lens. In addition, it can also be applied to all forms of combination of stoppers and supporting components in which the image sensor and the lens divide their driving functions.

[0097] The present invention has been described above by means of limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations within the technical concept of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

[0098] In the above description of the present invention, modifiers such as first and second are merely terms used to relatively distinguish components from each other, and should be understood not to indicate a specific order, priority, etc.

[0099] In order to highlight or emphasize the technical content of the present invention, the drawings and the like for illustrating the present invention and its embodiments may be illustrated in a slightly exaggerated form, but it should be interpreted that, considering the above-mentioned content and the matters shown in the drawings, it goes without saying that various forms of modified application examples can be made at the level of technical personnel in this field.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, comprising: a lens; a frame for housing the lens; a support member disposed inside the frame and having a first portion exposed to the outside of the frame; and a stopper coupled to the frame to form a housing space for the lens, the stopper further including a second portion directly coupled to the first portion.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, the camera module further includes a first frame for mounting the lens and driving it to move forward and backward along the optical axis direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, the camera module further includes a second frame, the second frame being disposed to be mounted between the lens and the first frame or to mount the first frame and driving it to move forward and backward along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, the camera module further includes a third frame mounted in such a manner that the first frame and the second frame can move forward and backward inside.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the camera module, the support member is integrally injection-molded with the frame in such a manner that the first portion is exposed to the outside of the frame.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the camera module, the stopper and the support member are made of the same metal material.

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