Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a lens holder having a first hole; at least a portion of the lens module is combined with the first hole and protrudes upward from the lens holder; a mounting holder disposed on the lens holder and having a second hole in which a portion of the lens module is disposed; the glass is arranged on the mounting holder; the heating component is arranged on the surface of the glass; a substrate module disposed at a lower portion of the lens holder; and a connecting member for connecting the heating member and the substrate module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a camera module. Background Art

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

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

[0004] A camera may be equipped with a lens, a lens holder that houses the lens, an image sensor that converts an image of an object collected by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. A housing forming the appearance of the camera is formed with a structure that seals the entire area to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0005] Due to the characteristics of cars being located outdoors, the temperature inside and outside the car forms different distributions according to the time of year. For example, in summer, the temperature inside may be higher than the temperature outside, and in winter, it may drop to sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, due to sudden temperature changes, condensation (including frosting) may occur in components including the lens and glass of the camera. As a result, a satisfactory image of the object may not be obtained, or the product may malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] An object of this embodiment is to provide a camera module that can quickly remove frost or ice appearing on the lens surface through a heating function and can more accurately detect the temperature of the lens surface.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] The camera module according to this embodiment includes: a lens holder including a first hole; a lens module, at least a part of which is combined with the first hole and the lens module protrudes upward from the lens holder; a mounting holder provided on the lens holder and including a second hole in which a part of the lens module is disposed; a glass provided on the mounting holder; a heating member provided on the surface of the glass; a substrate module provided under the lens holder; and a connection member for connecting the heating member and the substrate module.

[0010] The mounting holder may include a through hole in which a part of the connection member is disposed.

[0011] The upper surface of the mounting holder may be provided with a protrusion to which one end of the connection member is coupled.

[0012] The connection member includes a first region and a second region having a width smaller than the width of the first region, and the first region may be disposed in the protrusion.

[0013] The camera module may include: a glass cover coupled to the mounting holder, and the upper surface of the glass cover is combined with the glass.

[0014] The camera module may include: a housing coupled to the lower part of the mounting holder and accommodating a substrate module and a lens holder therein.

[0015] At least a part of the connection member may be disposed outside the lens holder.

[0016] The lens holder includes a main body portion and a support portion protruding from a side surface of the main body portion, and a part of the connection member may be in contact with the support portion.

[0017] The support portion includes a portion having a concave guiding groove, and a part of the connection member may be disposed in the guiding groove.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a camera module includes: a substrate module; a connection member electrically connected to the substrate module; a lens module disposed on an upper side of the substrate module; a mounting holder having a plurality of holes through which the lens module and the connection member pass; a glass disposed on the mounting holder; and a heating member disposed on a lower surface of the glass and electrically connected to the connection member, wherein the mounting holder includes a base, a through hole formed in the base and a part of the connection member is disposed therein, and a protrusion formed to protrude from one surface of the base, wherein a part of the connection member is disposed on the protrusion, and wherein a part of the connection member is in contact with the heating member.

[0019] Advantageous Effects

[0020] Through this embodiment, the power connection structure of the heating member for heating the glass surface is compactly disposed in the housing, so that power supply and control of the heating member can be performed integrally together with the control of the camera module, which is advantageous.

[0021] In addition, since the temperature sensor can be disposed close to the glass to more accurately detect the temperature of the lens, it has the advantage of being able to more effectively control the heating member.

[0022] In addition, since only the glass cover and the glass can be replaced when the glass is damaged, it has the advantages of being easy to maintain and repair. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the glass, glass holder, and heating member in

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 shows from different angles Figure 4 in

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the combined structure of a mounting holder, a lens module, and a substrate module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view showing one surface of a heating member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting holder and a connecting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] However, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the partial embodiments to be described, but can be implemented in different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, one or more constituent elements can be selectively combined or replaced between the embodiments.

[0035] In addition, unless clearly defined and described, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be interpreted as meanings that are generally understood by those skilled in the art, and common terms (e.g., terms defined in a dictionary) can be interpreted in consideration of the meaning in the context of the related art.

[0036] In addition, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0037] In this specification, unless specifically stated in a phrase, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as "at least one (or more) of A, B, and C", it may include more than one of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0038] In addition, when describing components of embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish components from other components, and these terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0039] Moreover, when a component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "interconnected" to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled, or interconnected to the other component, but may also include cases where it is "connected", "coupled", or "interconnected" due to another component between the other components.

[0040] In addition, when described as being "on" (above) or "under" (below) each component, "on" (above) or "under" (below) means not only including the case where two components are in direct contact, but also including the case where one or more other components are formed or provided between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "on (above)" or "under (below)", it may not only include the meaning of the upward direction relative to a component, but also include the meaning of the downward direction relative to a component.

[0041] The "optical axis direction" used hereinafter is defined as the optical axis direction of a lens. At the same time, the "optical axis direction" may correspond to the "vertical direction", the "z-axis direction", etc.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to Figure 10 , a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vehicle body 2, a door 3, a glass 4, a headlight 5, a taillight 6, and a camera module 10.

[0045] The vehicle body 2 may be an external component of the vehicle 1. The vehicle body 2 may have different forms, for example, a frame type and a monocoque type. One or more vehicle doors 3 may be coupled to the side of the vehicle body 2. Additionally, glass 4 may be coupled to the front and rear (the parts with pillars) of the upper part of the vehicle body 2 and to the vehicle doors 3. Headlights 5 may be installed on the front side of the lower part of the vehicle body 2. Taillights 6 may be installed on the rear side of the lower part of the vehicle body 2.

[0046] The camera module 10 may be installed on the side of the vehicle body 2 or on the vehicle door 3 located at the front side among one or more vehicle doors 3. The camera module 10 may be installed in front of the glass 4 coupled to the vehicle door 3. That is, the side mirrors in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment may be replaced with the camera module 10.

[0047] The camera module 10 may capture images of the rear sides of both sides of the vehicle. The images captured by the camera module 10 may 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 module 10 may be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and played on the display unit.

[0048] An interior space for the 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 the images captured by the camera module 10. The display unit may be installed on the instrument panel (not shown) inside the vehicle body 2.

[0049] The installation form of the camera module 10 inside the vehicle 1 described above is exemplary, and the camera module 10 may be used as one or more of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle 1.

[0050] Hereinafter, a camera module according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a view showing Figure 1 the glass, the glass holder, and the heating member in a disassembled perspective view; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a view showing Figure 4 from different angles; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the combined structure of a mounting holder, a lens module, and a substrate module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8is a plan view showing one surface of a heating member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting holder and a connection member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 9 , the camera module 10 according to the present embodiment may include: a housing 100, a lens holder 210, a lens module 230, a substrate module 250, a mounting holder 300, a glass cover 150, a glass 190, a heating member 400, and a connection member 500, but may also be implemented with some configurations excluded or additional configurations not excluded.

[0053] The camera module 10 may include a housing 100. The housing 100 may be referred to as any one of a rear vehicle body, a lower housing, and a first housing. The housing 100 may include a space 102 for accommodating the lens holder 210 and the substrate module 250. The space 102 may be open upward. The space 102 may be covered by the mounting holder 300. The housing 100 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The housing 100 may be formed in a box shape with an open upper surface.

[0054] The housing 100 may include a first side plate 110 and a bottom plate 115. The first side plate 110 may form the side surface of the housing 100. The first side plate 110 may have a shape that bends from the edge of the bottom plate 115 and extends upward. The first side plate 110 may include four side plates. Each of the four first side plates 110 may have a square plate shape. A groove 112 that is more recessed inward than other regions may be formed in a region adjacent to the plurality of first side plates 110.

[0055] The bottom plate 115 may form the bottom surface of the camera module 10 or the housing 100, and may be connected to the lower ends of the four first side plates 110. A connector lead-out portion 140 having a shape that protrudes more downward than other regions may be provided on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 115. A connector (not shown) to be described later may be provided inside the connector lead-out portion 140. The lower end portion of the connector lead-out portion 140 may protrude downward more than the bottom surface of the bottom plate 115. An external terminal may be coupled to the connector lead-out portion 140, so that the camera module 10 may be electrically connected to the external terminal through the connector. The camera module 10 may receive power through the external terminal, or may transmit and receive electrical signals related to the driving of the camera module 10.

[0056] The upper surface of the housing 100 may be formed with a coupling groove 132 having a shape that is more recessed downward than other regions. Each of the four corner regions of the housing 100 may be provided with the coupling groove 132. The bottom surface of the coupling groove 132 may be provided with a first coupling portion 130. A screw hole may be formed in the first coupling portion 130 such that a bolt passes therethrough. When threadedly coupled to the first coupling portion 130, the fastening process may be performed through a groove 112 formed in the side surface of the housing 100. A second coupling portion 340 of the mounting holder 300, which will be described later, may be coupled to the first coupling portion 130. The second coupling portion 340 may be threadedly coupled to the first coupling portion 130 by a bolt.

[0057] The camera module 10 may include a camera 200 disposed in a space 102 inside the housing 100. The camera 200 may include a lens holder 210, a lens module 230, and a substrate module 250.

[0058] The lens holder 210 may include a main body portion 211 and a cylindrical portion 220. The main body portion 211 may be formed in a box shape with an open bottom surface. A plurality of side plates may be formed on the side surface of the main body portion 211. The bottom surface of the main body portion 211 may be coupled to the upper surface of a first substrate 252 of the substrate module 250, which will be described later. An adhesive member may be provided between the bottom surface of the main body portion 211 and the upper surface of the first substrate 252. The adhesive member may include epoxy resin. The distance in the optical axis direction between an image sensor 251 and the lens module 230, which will be described later, may be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the adhesive member.

[0059] On the side surface of the main body portion 211, a support portion 216 having a shape that protrudes more outward than other regions may be formed. The support portion 216 may be formed on any one of the plurality of side plates forming the side surface of the main body portion 211. The support portion 216 may support a connection member 500 in the housing 100. The inner surface of the connection member 500 may contact the outer surface of the support portion 216.

[0060] Meanwhile, although not shown, a guide groove to which a connection portion 530 of the connection member 500 is coupled may be formed by being recessed inward from other regions of the surface of the support portion 216. The guide groove may be formed to be recessed from the surface of the support portion 216 such that a part of the connection portion 530 can be coupled.

[0061] On the side surface of the main body portion 211, a third engaging portion 212 may be formed. The third engaging portion 212 may have a shape protruding outward from the side surface of the main body portion 211. The third engaging portion 212 may be provided adjacent to the upper end portion of the main body portion 211. The third engaging portion 212 may be provided in plurality and may be spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the main body portion 211. The third engaging portion 212 may include holes. The third engaging portion 212 may be engaged with a fourth engaging portion 352 of a mounting holder 300 (see Figure 5 ). The third engaging portion 212 may be threadedly engaged with the fourth engaging portion 352 using bolts.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 220 may be formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the main body portion 211. The cylindrical portion 220 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. A hole communicating with the space inside the lens holder 210 may be formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 220. The lens module 230 may be engaged with the hole. The hole of the lens holder 210 may be referred to as a first hole.

[0063] The lens module 230 may be engaged with the hole of the lens holder 210. At least a part of the lens module 230 may be disposed in the space inside the lens holder 210, and another part may protrude upward from the lens holder 210. The lens module 230 may include a lens barrel 232 and a lens 234.

[0064] The lens barrel 232 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The lens barrel 232 may have a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface and a lower surface. The lens barrel 232 may include a plurality of regions having different cross-sectional areas. A thread or a thread groove may be formed on the outer surface of the lens barrel 232. The thread groove or the thread may be formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 220 facing the outer surface of the lens barrel 232. The lens barrel 232 may be threadedly engaged with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 220.

[0065] A flange 233 (see Figure 3 ) protruding more outward than other regions may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 232. When the lens module 230 is engaged with the lens holder 210, the lower surface of the flange 233 may be disposed on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 220. Thus, the engagement area of the lens module 230 inside the lens holder 210 may be guided.

[0066] The lens 234 may be disposed inside the lens barrel 232. The lenses 234 are provided in plurality and may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the optical axis inside the lens barrel 232. The lenses 234 may be disposed to face an image sensor 251 of the substrate module 250 (see Figure 3 ) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0067] The camera module 10 may include a substrate module 250. The substrate module 250 may be disposed on the lower surface of the lens holder 210. The substrate module 250 may be disposed in a space within the housing 100. The substrate module 250 may include a first substrate 252, a second substrate 254, a connection substrate 258, and a shielding member 260.

[0068] The first substrate 252 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The first substrate 252 may be coupled with an image sensor 251. The image sensor 251 may be disposed on the first substrate 252 to face the lens 234 of the lens module 230 in the optical axis direction. The lower surface of the lens holder 210 may be coupled with the upper surface of the first substrate 252 with an adhesive material interposed therebetween.

[0069] The second substrate 254 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate 254 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first substrate 252 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 254 may be disposed below the first substrate 252. A connector may be coupled with the lower surface of the second substrate 254. A power connection portion 255 (see Figure 6 ) may be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 254. The power connection portion 255 may be mounted on the lower surface of the second substrate 254. The power connection portion 255 may be coupled with a connection member 500 to be described later.

[0070] The second substrate 254 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 252. The second substrate 254 and the first substrate 252 may be electrically connected through the connection substrate 258. The connection substrate 258 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The upper end portion and the lower end portion of the connection substrate 258 may be respectively connected to the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254.

[0071] A protrusion having a shape protruding more outwardly than other regions may be formed on a side surface of the second substrate 254.

[0072] The shielding member 260 may fix the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. At least a part of the shielding member 260 may be disposed between the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. The shielding member 260 may be coupled with the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. Through the shielding member 260, the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction. The shielding member 260 may be made of a metal material. The shielding member 260 may be referred to as a shielding can.

[0073] The shielding member 260 may include a fence portion disposed between the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254, a coupling portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the fence portion and includes coupling holes for coupling with protrusions of the second substrate 254, and a contact portion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the coupling portion and contacts the inner surface of the housing 100. The second substrate 254 may be snap-coupled to the shielding member 260 through the coupling portion. The contact portion has elasticity to apply pressure to the inner surface of the housing 100, and a grounding structure may be achieved by contacting the inner surface of the housing 100. The upper surface of the fence portion may be coupled to the lower surface of the first substrate 252 by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0074] The camera module 10 may include a mounting holder 300. The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the housing 100. The mounting holder 300 may be disposed on the lens holder 210. The mounting holder 300 may have a rectangular plate shape with a predetermined thickness. The mounting holder 300 may include a base. The base may include a plurality of regions having different cross-sectional areas. The plurality of regions may be vertically disposed in the optical axis direction.

[0075] The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the housing 100. A second coupling portion 340 having a shape that protrudes more downward than other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The second coupling portion 340 may be disposed to face the first coupling portion 130 of the housing 100 in the optical axis direction. The second coupling portion 340 may be disposed at each of the four corner regions of the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The second coupling portion 340 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 130. The second coupling portion 340 may be coupled to the coupling groove 132 of the housing 100. A screw hole through which a bolt passes may be formed on the lower surface of the second coupling portion 340. The bolt may be threadedly coupled to the lower surface of the second coupling portion 340 through the hole of the first coupling portion 130.

[0076] The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the lens holder 210. A guide portion 350 (see Figure 5 ) having a shape that protrudes more downward than other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The guide portion 350 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The guide portion 350 may be disposed inside the plurality of second coupling portions 340. The guide portion 350 may be disposed in the space 102 within the housing 100. The lower surface of the guide portion 350 may be disposed lower than the lower surface of the second coupling portion 340. The lower surface of the guide portion 350 may contact the upper surface of the lens holder 210. The lower surface of the guide portion 350 may contact the upper surface of the main body portion 211 within the lens holder 210.

[0077] A fourth coupling portion 352 (seeFigure 5 )。The fourth engaging portion 352 may be provided at each of the four corner regions of the guiding portion 350. The fourth engaging portion 352 may be arranged to face the third engaging portion 212 of the lens holder 210 in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the fourth engaging portion 352 may be in contact with the upper surface of the third engaging portion 212. The lower surface of the fourth engaging portion 352 may be formed with a threaded hole such that a bolt can pass through it. The bolt may pass through the hole of the third engaging portion 212 and engage with the threaded hole of the fourth engaging portion 352.

[0078] The upper surface of the mounting holder 300 may be formed with a fifth engaging portion 330 (see Figure 2 ). The fifth engaging portion 330 may have a groove shape that is more recessed downward than other regions. The bottom surface of the fifth engaging portion 330 may be formed with a threaded hole such that a bolt can pass through it. The fifth engaging portion 330 may be provided in plurality and arranged at each of the four corner regions of the upper surface of the mounting holder 300.

[0079] The mounting holder 300 may include a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be arranged such that the lens module 230 and the connecting member 500 pass through them. Specifically, the plurality of holes may include a second hole 302 through which the lens module 230 passes and a through hole 318 through which the connecting member 500 passes.

[0080] The second hole 302 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The second hole 302 may be formed in a square shape. At least a part of the lens module 230 may be disposed inside the second hole 302. The lens module 230 may protrude upward from the mounting holder 300 through the second hole 302.

[0081] The through hole 318 may be disposed outside the second hole 302. The through hole 318 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. A connecting portion 530 of the connecting member 500, which will be described later, may be arranged to pass through the through hole 318. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 318 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 530 disposed in the through hole 318.

[0082] The mounting holder 300 may include a protruding portion 310. The protruding portion 310 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300. The protruding portion 310 may be disposed between the second hole 302 and the through hole 318. The upper surface of the protruding portion 310 may be provided with a step upward from the upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300. The upper surface of the protruding portion 310 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of a reinforcing member 510 of the connecting member 500, which will be described later. The upper surface of the protruding portion 310 may be formed with a threaded hole, and the reinforcing member 510 may be threadedly engaged with the protruding portion 310.

[0083] With respect to the upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300, the height to the upper surface of the protrusion 310 may be higher than the height to the upper surface of the lens module 230.

[0084] The upper surface of the mounting holder 300 may be provided with a seal member coupling groove 306 (see Figure 9 ). The seal member coupling groove 306 may be formed to be more recessed downward than other regions of the upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300. The seal member coupling groove 306 may have a closed-loop shape. The seal member coupling groove 306 may be provided outside the second hole 302. A first seal member 610, which will be described later, may be coupled to the seal member coupling groove 306.

[0085] The camera module 10 may include a glass cover 150. The glass cover 150 may be provided on the mounting holder 300. The glass cover 150 may be coupled to the upper surface of the mounting holder 300. The glass cover 150 may include a third hole 155. The third hole 155 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the glass cover 150. The third hole 155 may be provided to overlap the lens module 230 and the second hole 302 in the optical axis direction. The lens module 230 may be exposed upward through the third hole 155.

[0086] The glass cover 150 may include a first body 160 and a second body 170 protruding upward from the upper surface of the first body 160.

[0087] The first body 160 may be formed in a square plate shape. A sixth coupling portion 162 protruding downward may be formed on the lower surface of the first body 160. The sixth coupling portion 162 may be provided to face a fifth coupling portion 330 formed on the mounting holder 300. The sixth coupling portion 162 may be coupled to the fifth coupling portion 330. The sixth coupling portion 162 may be provided as a plurality and provided at each of the four corner regions of the lower surface of the glass cover 150. A screw hole is formed on the lower surface of the sixth coupling portion 162, and a bolt may be threadedly coupled to the screw hole of the sixth coupling portion 162 by passing through the screw hole of the fifth coupling portion 330.

[0088] The second body 170 may be formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the first body 160. The cross-sectional area of the second body 170 may be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first body 160. A fence 172 having a shape protruding more upward than other regions may be formed on the upper surface of the second body 170. The fence 172 may be provided along the edge of the second body 170. The fence 172 may support the side surface of the glass 190. The glass 190 may be provided inside the fence 172. When the glass 190 is provided on the second body 170, the upper surface of the glass 190 and the upper surface of the fence 172 may form the same plane.

[0089] The upper surface of the second body 170 may be formed with a glass bonding surface 174 on which the glass 190 is disposed. The glass bonding surface 174 may be disposed outside the third hole 155. The glass bonding surface 174 may have a closed-loop shape. A heat dissipation member 400 may be disposed on the glass bonding surface 174.

[0090] The camera module 10 may include the glass 190. The glass 190 may be disposed on the mounting holder 300. The glass 190 may be disposed on the glass cover 150. The glass 190 may be made of transparent glass. The glass 190 may be disposed on the glass bonding surface 174. The side surface of the glass 190 may be supported by the inner surface of the fence 172. A sealing member (not shown) may be disposed between the side surface of the glass 190 and the inner surface of the fence 172. The lower surface of the glass 190 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the lens module 230 in the optical axis direction.

[0091] The camera module 10 may include a heating member 400 for removing frost formed on the surface of the glass 190. The heating member 400 may supply heat to the glass 190. The heating member 400 may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The heating member 400 may generate heat. The heating member 400 may include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material and may be manufactured in the form of a semiconductor element. The heating member 400 may include a PTC element, an electrode plate, and an insulating plate. The heating member 400 may include heating ink coated on a sheet on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heating member 400 may be coated, applied, or adhered to the surface of the glass 190. The heating member 400 may be disposed between the lower surface of the glass 190 and the glass bonding surface 174. Since the surface of the glass 190 is heated by the heat generated from the heating member 400, condensation including frost may be prevented from occurring on the surface of the glass 190.

[0092] The heating member 400 may include a fourth hole 410. The fourth hole 410 may be provided to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the heating member 400. The fourth hole 410 may be provided to overlap with the third hole 155 and the second hole 302 in the up-down direction which is the optical axis direction.

[0093] As Figure 8As shown, the lower surface of the heating member 400 may be provided with electrodes 420. The electrodes 420 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of electrodes 420 may include a first electrode 422 and a second electrode 424. The polarities of the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may be different. The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other. When the heating member 400 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may be provided to be adjacent to each other on one of the four sides of the heating member 400. Power may be supplied to the heating member 400 through the coupling of the electrodes 420 with the connection member 500.

[0094] The camera module 10 may include a connection member 500. The connection member 500 may electrically connect the substrate module 250 and the heating member 400. Power for heating the heating member 400 may be provided through the connection member 500. The operation of the heating member 400 may be controlled through the connection member 500.

[0095] The connection member 500 may include a reinforcement 510 and a connection portion 530.

[0096] The reinforcement 510 may be provided on the protrusion 310 of the mounting holder 300. The reinforcement 510 may be formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness. The reinforcement 510 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 310. The reinforcement 510 enhances the strength of one end of the connection portion 530 provided on the protrusion 310, such that the connection portion 530 can be firmly held in a coupled state on the protrusion 310. The reinforcement 510 includes a screw hole and may be threadedly coupled with the protrusion 310.

[0097] The connection portion 530 may have one end connected to the heating member 400 and another end connected to the second substrate 254 of the substrate module 250. The connection portion 530 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). A plurality of terminals 540 (see Figure 2 and Figure 9 ) and a temperature sensor 520 may be provided at one end of the connection portion 530 provided on the reinforcement 510. The plurality of terminals 540 and the temperature sensor 520 may be mounted at one end of the connection portion 530.

[0098] The plurality of terminals 540 may include a first terminal 542 coupled to the first electrode 422 of the heating member 400 and a second terminal 544 coupled to the second electrode 424 of the heating member 400. The first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may provide power having opposite polarities. The first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may be flexibly coupled to the heating member 400. Each of the first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may be a Z-shaped clip having a cross-section in a “Z” shape.

[0099] The temperature sensor 520 may be disposed at one end of the connection part 530. The temperature sensor 520 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the plurality of terminals 540. The temperature of the surrounding area of the glass 190 may be detected by the temperature sensor 520. According to the present embodiment, since the temperature sensor 520 is arranged close to the glass 190, there is an advantage that the control for removing frost can be more effectively performed.

[0100] The other end of the connection part 530 may be connected to the power connection part 255 of the second substrate 254. At least a part of the connection part 530 may be in contact with the support part 216 formed on the side surface of the lens holder 210. The connection part 530 may have a region bent at least once within the housing 100.

[0101] The connection part 530 includes: a first region 532 having a first width and second regions 534 and 536 having a second width smaller than the first width, wherein the first region 532 forms one end of the connection part 530 placed on the protrusion 310 and the reinforcement 510, and the second regions 534 and 536 may form the other end of the connection part 530 combined with the second substrate 254 and the intermediate part connecting one end and the other end of the connection part 530. The second regions 534 and 536 may be disposed within the through hole 318 of the mounting holder 300.

[0102] The camera module 10 may include a sealing member. The sealing member may include a first sealing member 610 disposed between the glass cover 150 and the mounting holder 300 and a second sealing member 620 disposed between the mounting holder 300 and the housing 100. The first sealing member 610 is combined with the sealing member engaging groove 306 formed on the mounting holder 300 and may seal the space between the glass cover 150 and the mounting holder 300. The second sealing member 620 may be disposed between the lower surface of the mounting holder 300 and the upper surface of the housing 100 and may seal the space between the mounting holder 300 and the housing 100.

[0103] According to the structure described above, since the power connection structure of the heating member for heating the glass surface can be compactly arranged within the housing, there is an advantage that the power supply and control of the heating member can be performed in an integrated manner together with the control of the camera module.

[0104] In addition, since the temperature sensor can be arranged close to the glass to more accurately detect the temperature of the lens, there is an advantage that the heating member can be more effectively controlled.

[0105] In addition, since only the glass cover and the glass can be replaced when the glass is damaged, there is an advantage that maintenance and repair are easy.

[0106] In the above description, all components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure are combined or operated in one embodiment, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. In other words, within the scope of the present disclosure, all components can be selectively combined and operated with one or more components. Additionally, unless specifically stated otherwise, the above terms "comprising", "including" or "having" indicate that the corresponding components may be inherent, and thus should be interpreted as not excluding other components, but further including other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical terms and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Unless explicitly defined in the present disclosure, commonly used terms (e.g., terms defined in a dictionary) should be interpreted as consistent with the context meaning of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0107] The above description is only an illustration of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make different modifications and changes without departing from the basic features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure, but to describe the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A lens holder, including a first hole; A lens module, at least a part of the lens module being combined with the first hole and the lens module protruding upward from the lens holder; A mounting holder, disposed on the lens holder and including a second hole in which a part of the lens module is disposed; Glass, disposed on the mounting holder; A heating member, disposed on the surface of the glass; A substrate module, disposed below the lens holder; And A connecting member for connecting the heating member and the substrate module.

2. A camera module, comprising: A substrate module; A connecting member, electrically connected to the substrate module; A lens module, disposed on the upper side of the substrate module; A mounting holder, having a plurality of holes through which the lens module and the connecting member pass; Glass, disposed on the mounting holder; and A heating member, disposed on the lower surface of the glass and electrically connected to the connecting member, wherein the mounting holder includes a base, a through hole formed in the base and in which a part of the connecting member is disposed, and a protrusion formed to protrude from one surface of the base, and wherein a part of the connecting member is disposed on the protrusion, and a part of the connecting member is in contact with the heating member.

3. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mounting holder includes a through hole in which a part of the connecting member is disposed.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the mounting holder is provided with a protrusion to which one end of the connecting member is coupled.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, Among them, The connecting member includes a first region and a second region having a width smaller than the width of the first region, and wherein the first region is disposed in the protrusion.

6. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A glass cover coupled to the mounting holder, and the upper surface of the glass cover is combined with the glass.

7. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A housing coupled to the lower part of the mounting holder and internally accommodating the substrate module and the lens holder.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the connecting member is disposed outside the lens holder.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, Among them, The lens holder includes a main body portion and a support portion protruding from the side surface of the main body portion, and wherein a part of the connecting member is in contact with the support portion.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, Among them, The support portion includes a part having a concave guiding groove, and wherein a part of the connecting member is disposed in the guiding groove.

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