Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: a main body; a lens barrel coupled to the main body; the lens is arranged on one side of the lens barrel; the heating component is arranged on the outer side of the lens; a substrate module disposed to be spaced apart from the lens in an optical axis direction; and a connecting member for connecting the substrate module and the heat generating member, in which the heat generating member includes a heat generating layer, a first electrode disposed on one surface of the heat generating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the heat generating layer, and the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The teachings of exemplary and non - limiting embodiments according to the present invention generally relate to a camera module. Background Art

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

[0003] As the popularity of automobiles has become more and more common, ultra - compact cameras are used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, there are black box cameras for protecting vehicles or for objective data regarding traffic accidents, rear - view monitoring cameras that allow a driver to monitor a blind spot behind the vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and surrounding detection cameras that allow monitoring of the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

[0004] A camera may be equipped with a lens, a lens barrel 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 made of a completely enclosed structure to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0005] Due to the characteristics of automobiles being placed outdoors, the temperature inside and outside the vehicle may vary according to the season. For example, in summer, the temperature inside the vehicle may be higher than the temperature outside the vehicle, and in winter, the temperature may drop below zero degrees Celsius. Therefore, due to sudden temperature changes, condensation water (including frost) may appear on components of the camera, including the lens and glass. This may result in an unsatisfactory image or product failure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] This exemplary embodiment aims to provide a camera module that can prevent condensation water (including frost) from appearing on the lens.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] A camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a main body; a lens barrel coupled to the main body; a lens disposed on one side of the lens barrel; a heating member disposed outside the lens; a substrate module disposed to be spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; and a connecting member connecting the substrate module and the heating member, wherein the heating member includes a heating layer, a first electrode disposed on one surface of the heating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the heating layer, and the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

[0010] Preferably, but not necessarily, the heating layer may include a resin or a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) material.

[0011] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be electrically connected to a plurality of connection parts.

[0012] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may have different polarities.

[0013] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0014] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may each be formed of multiple pieces. The plurality of first bus bars may include a 1-1 bus bar and a 1-2 bus bar, the plurality of second bus bars may include a 2-1 bus bar and a 2-2 bus bar, and the 1-1 bus bar may be disposed between the 2-1 bus bar and the 2-2 bus bar.

[0015] Preferably, but not necessarily, the 1-1 bus bar and the 2-1 bus bar may not overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel.

[0016] Preferably, but not necessarily, the plurality of connection parts may include a first connection part connected to the first bus bar and a second connection part connected to the second bus bar, and the heights of the upper ends of the first connection part connected to the bus bar and the upper end of the second connection part may be different.

[0017] A camera module according to another exemplary embodiment may include: a main body; a lens barrel coupled to the main body; a lens disposed on one side of the lens barrel; a heating member disposed outside the lens; a substrate module disposed to be spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; and a connection member connecting the substrate module and the heating member, wherein the connection member includes a plurality of connection parts connected to the substrate module and a plurality of bus bars connected to the heating member, and the plurality of bus bars include a first bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar.

[0018] Advantageous Effects

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages: The connection member for connecting the substrate module to the heating member in the main body and the lens barrel is compactly arranged, thereby improving the assembly of the camera module and at the same time providing a stable power connection to the heating member.

[0020] In addition, the heat generated by the heating member is not concentrated on one side, but is evenly distributed throughout the heating member, which has the advantage of evenly removing frost from the entire area of the lens rather than just one area. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a view from different angles of

[0023] Figure 3 is a top view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in

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

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a view from different angles of

[0028] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the power connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the bonding structure between the main body and the printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 is a top view showing the main body and the upper surface of the lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first connection portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 is a view for explaining the power connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 15 is Figure 4 a view in which D in

[0036] Figure 16is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or replaced.

[0039] In addition, unless clearly defined and described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having the meaning that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand, and have the meaning generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms (such as those defined in a dictionary) can be interpreted based on the context of the related art.

[0040] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, unless otherwise stated in the text, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and (and) B, C; A, B, and C", one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C may be included.

[0041] In addition, terms such as 1, 2, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe the components of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Such terms are only intended to distinguish a component from other components and are not limited by the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0043] Moreover, if any component is described as "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to another component, the component can be directly "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to the other component, and "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to another component between the component and the other component.

[0044] In addition, when it is described that each component is formed or arranged "above or below", above or below includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. In addition, when expressed as "up or down", it can include the meaning of the downward direction based on one component and the upward direction based on the one component.

[0045] The "optical axis direction" used hereinafter is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. In addition, the "optical axis direction" may correspond to the "vertical direction", the "z-axis direction", etc.

[0046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figure 16 , the vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle body 2, a door 3, a glass 4, a headlamp 5, a tail lamp 6, and a camera module 10.

[0049] 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 doors 3 may be attached to the side of the vehicle body 2. In addition, the glass 4 may be attached to the front and rear of the upper part (the part where a pillar is formed) of the vehicle body 2 and the door 3. The headlamp 5 may be installed in front of the lower part of the vehicle body 2. The tail lamp 6 may be installed behind the lower part of the vehicle body 2.

[0050] The camera module 10 may be installed on the side of the vehicle body 2 or in front of one or more doors 3. The camera module 10 may be installed in front of the glass 4 attached to the door 3. In other words, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the rearview mirror may be replaced by the camera module 10.

[0051] 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) via an electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, the images captured by the camera module 10 may be controlled by the ECU and played on the display unit.

[0052] An interior space for the driver may be formed inside the vehicle body 2. The 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.

[0053] The installation form of the camera module 10 in the vehicle 1 is exemplary, and the camera module 10 may be used for one or more of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle 1.

[0054] Hereinafter, the camera module according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a view at different angles of Figure 3 is a top view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is Figure 3A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 6 an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is Figure 6 a view of Figure 8 an exploded perspective view of a power connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a coupling structure between a main body and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a top view showing a main body and an upper surface of a lens barrel according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an upper surface of a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a lower surface of a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first connection part according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 is a view for explaining a power connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 is Figure 4 a view in which D in

[0056] Referring to Figures 1 to 15 , a camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 100, a lens barrel 200, a substrate module 300, a heat generating member, and a connection member.

[0057] The camera module 10 may include a main body 100. The main body 100 may be referred to as any one of a front main body, an upper housing, or a first housing.

[0058] The main body 100 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0059] The main body 100 may include a main body portion 110 and a lens barrel portion 120. The main body 100 may include a space having a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface. Through this space, an image sensor 310 and a lens 280, which will be described later, may be arranged to face each other in the optical axis direction.

[0060] The main body portion 110 may be provided below the lens barrel portion 120. The main body portion 110 may have a square cross-section. The main body portion 110 may have a flange shape that protrudes more outward from the side surface of the main body 100 than other regions. A first space 112 may be formed inside the main body portion 110 to couple at least a part of the lens barrel 200 thereto. The first space 112 may have a circular cross-section. At least a part of the first space 112 may be arranged to overlap with the main body portion 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Another part of the first space 112 may be arranged to overlap with the lens barrel portion 120 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0061] On the inner surface of the first space 112, guiding grooves 114 may be formed, and the guiding grooves 114 are shaped to be more recessed outward than other regions. The guiding grooves 114 may be provided in plurality and may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the first space 112. The guiding grooves 114 may be connected from the upper end to the lower end of the first space 112. The connecting portions 514, 544 (see Figure 8 ) of the connecting portion 500 to be described later may be combined with the guiding grooves 114.

[0062] The first protrusions 130 may be formed on the lower surface of the main body portion 110 to protrude downward more than other regions. The first protrusions 130 may be provided in plurality and may be arranged to face each other with respect to the center of the main body portion 110. For example, the plurality of first protrusions 130 may be arranged such that each of them is adjacent to two corner portions facing each other on the lower surface of the main body portion 110. The lower surface of the first protrusions 130 may be in contact with the substrate module 300. The lower surface of the first protrusions 130 may be in contact with the upper surface of the second substrate 302 to be described later. Threaded holes 132 may be formed on the lower surface of the first protrusions 130. The second substrate 302 may be threadedly coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100 through the threaded holes 132.

[0063] Second protrusions 140 may be formed on the lower surface of the main body portion 110 to protrude downward more than other regions. The second protrusions 140 may be provided inside the plurality of first protrusions 130. The corner regions of the second protrusions 140 facing the first protrusions 130 may be connected to the first protrusions 130.

[0064] The second protrusions 140 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second protrusions 140 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first substrate 301 to be described later. The lower surface of the second protrusions 140 may be in contact with at least a part of the upper surface of the first substrate 301. At least a part of the lower surface of the second protrusions 140 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the first substrate 301 by a predetermined distance in the optical axis direction.

[0065] Connecting portion guides 150 may be provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 110. The connecting portion guides 150 may have a shape that protrudes more outward from the lower surface of the main body portion 110 than other regions. The connecting portion guides 150 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the lower surface of the second protrusions 140 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The connecting portion guides 150 may be provided in plurality and may be provided to face each other with respect to the second protrusions 140. The connecting portion guides 150 may be formed integrally with the second protrusions 140. The connecting portion guides 150 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0066] The lower surface of the connection part guide 150 may be formed with a guide groove 152, and the lower parts 516, 546 (see Figure 8 ) of the connection part 500 described below are combined into the guide groove 152. The guide groove 152 may be a groove that is recessed upward compared to other areas. The bottom surface of the guide groove 152 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction.

[0067] A fence part 156 may be formed at the bottom edge of the connection part guide 150. The fence part 156 may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the guide groove 152. The fence part 156 may form the edge of the connection part guide 150. At least one or more engaging grooves 154 may be formed in the fence part 156. The engaging grooves 154 may be provided to divide the fence part 156 into two or more regions. The bottom surface of the engaging groove 154 may be provided to form the same height as the bottom surface of the guide groove 152. The engaging groove 154 may communicate with the guide groove 152. The engaging groove 154 may be connected to the rib 518 of the connection part 500 that will be described later. The engaging grooves 154 may be provided in a plurality, and may be provided in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0068] The lens barrel part 120 may be provided at the upper part of the main body part 110. The lens barrel part 120 and the main body part 110 may be formed as one body. The lens barrel part 120 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body part 110. The cross-section of the main body part 120 may be formed in a ring shape.

[0069] A second space 122 may be formed inside the lens barrel part 120. The second space 122 may communicate with the first space 112. The second space 122 and the first space 112 may communicate in the optical axis direction. The cross-sectional area of the second space 122 may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the first space 112. The bottom surface of the second space 122 may form the upper surface of the lens barrel part 120.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11 , a protrusion 125 that protrudes upward compared to other areas may be formed on the bottom surface of the second space 122. The protrusion 125 may have an annular shape with one side open radially. The protrusion 125 may be provided at the upper end of the first space 112, and its inner surface may be formed as the same curved surface as the inner surface of the first space 112. On the upper surface of the protrusion 125, a second mounting surface 126 may be formed, and the second mounting surface 126 engages with the lower surface of the upper part 542 of the second connection part 540 that will be described later. In addition, any one of the plurality of guide grooves 114 formed on the inner surface of the first space 112 may extend to the inner surface of the protrusion 125.

[0071] The protrusion 125 may include an opening 127. The protrusion 125 may have an arcuate shape due to the opening 127. The opening 127 may be shaped to penetrate from the inner surface to the outer surface of the protrusion 125 in the radial direction. At least a part of the first connection part 510 described below may be coupled to the opening 127. The guide protrusion 511 (see Figure 13 ) may be coupled to the opening 127.

[0072] On the outer side of the protrusion 125 in the bottom surface of the second space 122, a first mounting (assembly) surface 124 may be formed. The first mounting surface 124 may be arranged in a stepped manner in the optical axis direction with respect to a second mounting surface 126 formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 125. The first mounting surface 124 may be provided on the lower side of the second mounting surface 126. The first mounting surface 124 may have an annular cross section. The first mounting surface 124 may form a plane with the bottom surface of the opening 127. The upper part 512 of the first connection part 510 described below (see Figure 8 ) may be coupled to the first mounting surface 124. The lower surface of the upper part 512 may be in contact with the first mounting surface 124.

[0073] The lens barrel 200 may be coupled to the main body 100. The lens barrel 200 may be arranged such that at least a part of it is coupled to the space inside the main body 100, and the other part protrudes upward from the main body 100. The lens barrel 200 may include a first region 210 and a second region 240 provided on the lower surface of the first region 210. Inside the lens barrel 200 where a lens to be described later may be coupled, a space 242 (see Figure 4 ) may be formed. The space 242 may be shaped to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the lens barrel 200.

[0074] At least a part of the first region 210 may be provided in the second space 122, and the other part may be provided on the main body 100. The first region 210 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The first region 210 may be formed with a larger cross-sectional area than the second region 240. The cross-sectional shape of the first region 210 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the second space 122. The first region 210 may be threadedly coupled to the inner surface of the second space 122. In this case, threads or thread grooves with corresponding shapes may be formed on the outer surface of the first region 210 and the inner surface of the second space 122.

[0075] On an outer surface of the first region 210 to which a sealing member (not shown) is coupled, a sealing member coupling groove 212 may be formed. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may be formed to be recessed inward with respect to other regions. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may have an annular cross-section. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may be provided to face the inner surface of the lens barrel portion 120. The sealing member is coupled in the sealing member coupling groove 212, thereby sealing a space between the inner surface of the lens barrel portion 120 and the outer surface of the first region 210.

[0076] On an upper surface of the first region 210, a first groove 211 (see Figure 7 ) may be formed, and the first groove is formed to be recessed downward with respect to other regions. A lens 280 mentioned below may be disposed in the first groove 211. A partition wall may be formed outside the first groove 211 to surround an outer edge of the first groove 211.

[0077] On a bottom surface of the first groove 211, a lens coupling portion 218 having a shape protruding upward compared to other regions may be provided. The lens coupling portion 218 has an annular cross-section and may support a lower surface of the lens 280. An upper surface of the lens coupling portion 218 may be in contact with an exit surface of the lens 280. The lens coupling portion 218 may be provided at an upper end of the space 242.

[0078] A lower surface 220 of the first region 210 (see Figure 6 ) may be formed with a first lower surface 222 and a second lower surface 226 that are provided in a stepped manner in the vertical direction. The first lower surface 222 and the second lower surface 226 may each have an annular cross-section. The first lower surface 222 may be provided outside the second lower surface 226. The first lower surface 222 may be provided to be lower than the second lower surface 226. The first lower surface 222 may be provided to face the first mounting surface 124 (see Figure 11 ) in the optical axis direction. The second lower surface 226 may be arranged to face the second mounting (assembly) surface 126 in the optical axis direction. The second lower surface 226 may be referred to as a second groove because it is formed to be recessed upward compared to other regions.

[0079] The first region 210 may include a first hole 223 and a second hole 227.

[0080] The first hole 223 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface of the first region 210 to the lower surface of the first region 210. The first hole 223 may be formed to penetrate from the bottom surface of the first groove 211 to the first lower surface 222. The first hole 223 may be provided with a plurality of holes and may be arranged at intervals of each other along the circumferential direction. For example, the first hole 223 may be provided with four holes and may be arranged at a distance of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. The first hole 223 may be combined with the first bus bar 430 described below.

[0081] The second hole 227 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface of the first region 210 to the lower surface of the first region 210. The second hole 227 may be formed to penetrate from the bottom surface of the first groove 211 to the second lower surface 226. The second hole 227 may be provided as a plurality and may be arranged at intervals of each other along the circumferential direction. The plurality of second holes 227 may be provided inside the plurality of first holes 223. For example, the second hole 227 may be equipped with four holes, and the four holes may be arranged such that they are spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. The second hole 227 may be combined with the second bus bar 440 described below.

[0082] The second region 240 may be provided on the lower surface of the first region 210. The second region 240 may be provided in the first space 112. The cross-sectional shape of the second region 240 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first space 112. The second region 240 may be threadedly coupled to the first space 112. To this end, threads or thread grooves may be respectively formed on the outer surface of the second region 240 and the inner surface of the first space 112 for threaded coupling.

[0083] A lens may be provided in the space 242 inside the lens barrel 200. The lens may be provided with a plurality of lenses, and the plurality of lenses may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of the optical axis. The lens may be aligned with the image sensor 310. The lens may be provided to face the image sensor 310 in the direction of the optical axis. The lens may be provided to face the lens 280 described later in the direction of the optical axis. In this case, the lens 280 provided on the lens barrel 200 is the outermost lens, called glass, and it may be distinguished from the lens provided in the space 242 inside the lens barrel 200.

[0084] The lens 280 may be provided in the lens barrel 200. At least a part of the lens 280 may be provided in the first groove 211, and the other part may be provided to protrude upward from the lens barrel 200. As described above, the lens 280 may be referred to as the outermost lens, that is, glass. The lens 280 has an incident surface and an exit surface, and the exit surface may be supported by the upper surface of the lens coupling part 218. The incident surface of the lens 280 may be exposed in the upward direction of the camera module 10.

[0085] The camera module 10 may include a retainer 290. The retainer 290 may be coupled to the upper surface of the barrel 200. The retainer 290 may be threadedly coupled to the barrel 200. The retainer 290 may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the incident surface of the lens 280.

[0086] The retainer 290 may include a first plate portion 292 and a second plate portion 294. The first plate portion 292 and the second plate portion 294 may be arranged perpendicular to each other. The first plate portion 292 may form the upper surface of the camera module 10. The first plate portion 292 may include a hole 296 for exposing the lens 280 to the outside. At least a portion of the first plate portion 292 may be arranged to cover the edge of the incident surface of the lens 280.

[0087] In addition, an inclined surface may be formed on the end surface of the inner surface of the first plate portion 292 that forms the hole 296. In this case, it is possible to prevent moisture from re-entering the space inside the camera module 10 due to the formation of frost on the surface of the lens 280.

[0088] The second plate portion 294 may be formed to extend downward from the edge of the first plate portion 292. The inner surface of the second plate portion 294 may be arranged to surround a portion of the barrel 200. The inner surface of the second plate portion 294 may be threadedly coupled to the outer surface of the barrel 200.

[0089] The camera module 10 may include a substrate module 300. The substrate module 300 may be disposed on the lower surface of the main body 100. The substrate module 300 may be coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100.

[0090] The substrate module 300 may include a first substrate 301 and a second substrate 302.

[0091] The first substrate 301 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 301 may be disposed on the second substrate 302. An image sensor 310 may be disposed on the first substrate 301. The first substrate 301 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The upper surface of the first substrate 301 may be in contact with the lower surface of the second protrusion 140. The cross-sectional area of the first substrate 301 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second substrate 302.

[0092] The image sensor 310 to be disposed on the first substrate 301 may be aligned with the lens to be disposed in the barrel 200. The image sensor 310 may be arranged to face the optical axis of the lens.

[0093] The second substrate 302 may be disposed on the lower side of the first substrate 301. The second substrate 302 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 302 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 302 may supply power to the heating member, which will be described later. The second substrate 302 may be disposed parallel to the first substrate 301. The second substrate 302 may be electrically connected to a connector (not shown) for electrical connection to an external terminal.

[0094] The second substrate 302 may be coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100. The second substrate 302 may be threadedly coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100. The upper surface of the second substrate 302 may be threadedly coupled to the lower surface of the first protrusion 130. The cross-sectional area of the second substrate 302 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the first substrate 301.

[0095] A connector 330 may be provided on the second substrate 302. The connector 330 may be combined with a connection member for electrically connecting the substrate module 300 and the heating member. The connector 330 may be mounted on the second substrate 302. The connector 330 may be disposed such that it does not overlap with the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction. The connector 330 may be coupled to the contact terminals 519, 549 (see Figure 4 ) of the connection part 500 to be described later. The contact terminals 519, 549 may contact the connector 330.

[0096] The connector 330 may include a first connector 332 (see Figure 8 ) connected to the first connection part 510 described below and a second connector 334 (see Figure 8 ) connected to the second connection part 540 described below. The first connector 332 and the second connector 334 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the image sensor 310.

[0097] The substrate module 300 may include a third substrate electrically connecting the first substrate 301 and the second substrate 302, and the third substrate may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0098] In addition, an additional body may be coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100, and thus, the substrate module 300 may be disposed between the main body 100 and the additional body. The additional body may be referred to as a rear body, a lower housing, or a second housing. The substrate module 300 may be disposed in an internal space formed by the combination of the main body 100 and the additional body.

[0099] The camera module 10 may include a heating member. The heating member may supply heat to the lens 280. This may remove the frost formed on the surface of the lens 280. The heating temperature of the lens 280 by the heating member may be less than 100 degrees.

[0100] The heating component may include a heating layer and a plurality of electrodes 410, 420 disposed on the surface of the heating layer.

[0101] The heating layer may be disposed outside the lens 280. The heating layer may be disposed in the first groove 211. The heating layer may be disposed between the first groove 211 and the retainer 290.

[0102] The heating layer in the camera module 10 according to the present embodiment may be a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater).

[0103] The heating layer may include a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) material. The heating layer may include a PTC element, an electrode plate, and an insulating plate. The heating layer may contain a heating ink or resin coated on a sheet on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heating layer may be disposed on the barrel 200. The heating layer may be disposed in the first groove 211. The heating layer may be in contact with the inner surface of the retainer 290 or the side surface of the lens 280. The heating layer may generate heat by being supplied with power via a connection member described later.

[0104] The electrodes 410, 420 may be formed on the surface of the heating layer. For example, the electrodes 410, 420 may include a first electrode 410 disposed on the upper surface of the heating layer and a second electrode 420 disposed on the lower surface of the heating layer. The polarities of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 may be different. According to an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, a plurality of electrodes 410, 420 having different polarities may be disposed in the vertical direction (optical axis direction) with respect to the heating layer so as to form a uniform electric field and current density throughout the heating layer. This ensures the uniform heating performance of the heating layer.

[0105] As Figure 8 shown, the first electrode 410 may have an annular cross-section. The first electrode 410 may be disposed on the upper surface of the heating layer. The first electrode 410 may be disposed in the first groove 211. The first electrode 410 may be disposed outside the lens 280. In the optical axis direction, the first electrode 410 may be arranged in a direction away from (spaced apart from) the second electrode 420. The first electrode 410 may be coupled to a first bus bar 430 described later. The lower surface of the first electrode 410 may be in contact with the upper end of the first bus bar 430. The first electrode 410 may have a first polarity.

[0106] The second electrode 420 may have an annular cross-section. The second electrode 410 may be disposed on the lower surface of the heating layer. The second electrode 420 may be disposed in the first groove 211. The second electrode 420 may be disposed at the lens coupling portion 218 (see Figure 7) outside. In this case, the heating layer can be understood as being disposed between the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 provided in the first groove 211. The second electrode 420 can be arranged to be spaced apart from the first electrode 410 in the optical axis direction. The second electrode 420 can be combined with the second bus bar 440 described later. The lower surface of the second electrode 420 can be in contact with the upper end of the second bus bar 440. The second electrode 420 can have a second polarity different from the polarity of the first polarity.

[0107] Through holes 425 can be formed in the second electrode 420. The through holes 425 can be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the second electrode 420. The through holes 425 can be provided in plurality and can be arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the second electrode 420. The through holes 425 can be provided such that the first bus bar 430 passes through them. As described above, since the first electrode 410 is provided above the second electrode 420, the setting area of the first bus bar 430 can be set through the through holes 425.

[0108] The camera module 10 can include a connection member. The connection member can be electrically connected to the heating member and the substrate module 300. Power can be supplied to the heating member by means of the electrical connection between the heating member and the substrate module 300 via the connection member.

[0109] The connection member can include bus bars 430, 440 and a connection portion 500.

[0110] The bus bars 430, 440 can be electrically connected to the electrodes 410, 420 and the connection portion 500. The bus bars 430, 440 can include: a first bus bar 430 that connects the first electrode 410 to the first connection portion 510 described later; and a second bus bar 430 that connects the second electrode 420 and the second connection portion 540 described later. The bus bars 430, 440 can be pogo pins. In this case, the bus bars 430, 440 can include a main body portion and a needle portion that is elastically and reciprocally movable in the vertical direction with respect to the main body portion, and the needle portion is provided at the upper end and the lower end of the main body portion. For example, the needle portion can include an upper needle portion provided on the upper surface of the main body portion and a lower needle portion provided on the lower surface of the main body portion, and the upper needle portion can be in contact with the electrodes 410, 420, and the lower needle portion can be in contact with the connection portion 500. In addition to the above, the bus bars 430, 440 can include an elastic portion provided in the main body portion and providing elastic force to the upper needle portion and the lower needle portion respectively. The elastic portion can be a spring. Therefore, the electrodes 410, 420 and the connection portion 500 can be elastically connected by the bus bars 430, 440.

[0111] The first bus bar 430 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 410 and the first connection portion 510. The first bus bar 430 can be provided in a plurality, and can be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. Four pieces of the first bus bar 430 can be provided, and can be arranged to form a 90-degree interval with an adjacent first bus bar 430 in the circumferential direction. The first bus bar 430 can have a first polarity. The first bus bar 430 can be coupled to the first hole 223 of the lens barrel 200. The first bus bar 430 can be arranged to pass through the first hole 223. The upper end of the first bus bar 430 can be arranged to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the first groove 211, and the lower end of the first bus bar 430 can be arranged to protrude downward from the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the first bus bar 430 can protrude downward from the first lower surface 222 of the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the first bus bar 430 can contact the upper surface of the first connection portion 510 described later.

[0112] The second bus bar 440 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 420 and the second connection portion 540. The second bus bar 440 can be provided in a plurality, and can be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. Four of the second bus bar 440 can be provided, and can be arranged to form a 90-degree interval with an adjacent second bus bar 440 in the circumferential direction. The second bus bar 440 can have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second bus bar 440 can be coupled to the second hole 227 of the lens barrel 200. The second bus bar 440 can be arranged to pass through the second hole 227. The upper end of the second bus bar 440 can be arranged to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the first groove 211, and the lower end of the second bus bar 440 can be arranged to protrude downward from the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the second bus bar 440 can protrude downward from the second lower surface 226 of the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the second bus bar 440 can contact the upper surface of the second connection portion 540 described later. The lower end of the second bus bar 440 can be arranged above the lower end of the first bus bar 430.

[0113] As Figure 10 shown, the plurality of first bus bars 430 and the plurality of second bus bars 440 can be arranged such that they do not overlap with each other in the radial direction. In this case, the plurality of second bus bars 440 can be arranged to overlap in the radial direction in a region that bisects the plurality of adjacent first bus bars 430 in the circumferential direction. Based on a single first bus bar 430, the first bus bar 430 can be arranged such that it forms a 45-degree interval with the second bus bar 440 adjacent to the first bus bar 430 in the circumferential direction.

[0114] For example, if the first bus bar 430 includes a 1-1 bus bar and a 1-2 bus bar spaced apart from the 1-1 bus bar in the circumferential direction, and the second bus bar 440 includes a 2-1 bus bar and a 2-2 bus bar spaced apart from the 2-1 bus bar in the circumferential direction, then the 1-1 bus bar can be understood to be disposed between the 2-1 bus bar and the 2-2 bus bar. In this case, the 1-1 bus bar and the 2-1 bus bar can be arranged so that they do not overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel 200.

[0115] As described above, the main body 100 and the lens barrel 200 can be connected by screw engagement. At this time, due to the above arrangement of the plurality of first bus bars 430 and the plurality of second bus bars 440, the advantage is that when the lens barrel 200 is screwed into the main body 100, since there is no need to consider the rotation direction of the contact between the lower end of the first bus bar 430 and the upper surface of the first connecting portion 510 described below and the contact between the lower end of the second bus bar 440 and the upper surface of the second connecting portion 540 described below, the assembly process can be made easier.

[0116] The connecting member may include a connecting portion 500. The connecting portion 500 may include a first connecting portion 510 that electrically connects the first bus bar 430 and the substrate module 300 and a second connecting portion 540 that electrically connects the second bus bar 440 and the substrate module 300.

[0117] The first connecting portion 510 may include a first upper portion 512, a first lower portion 516, and a first intermediate portion 514. The first upper portion 512, the first lower portion 516, and the first intermediate portion 514 may be formed integrally. The first connecting portion 510 may have a first polarity.

[0118] The first upper portion 512 may be disposed in the second space 122 of the main body 100 (see Figure 11 ). The first upper portion 512 may be coupled to the first mounting surface 124 of the main body 100. The first upper portion 512 may have an annular cross-section. The first upper portion 512 may be disposed on a lower side than the second upper portion 542 described later in the optical axis direction. The cross-sectional area of the first upper portion 512 may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second upper portion 542. The inner surface of the first upper portion 512 may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the protrusion 125 of the main body 100. The upper surface of the first upper portion 512 may be in contact with the lower surface of the first bus bar 430.

[0119] The first lower part 516 can be coupled to the lower surface of the main body 100. The first lower part 516 can be coupled to the lower surface of the connection part guide 150 formed on the lower surface of the main body 100. The first lower part 516 can be arranged to be parallel to the first upper part 512. The first lower part 516 can be arranged such that at least a part of it overlaps with the first upper part 512 in the optical axis direction.

[0120] The first lower part 516 can be coupled to the guide groove 152 formed on the lower surface of the connection part guide 150. The cross-sectional shape of the first lower part 516 can be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 152. The lower surface of the first lower part 516 can be coupled to the upper surface of the first connector 332. The lower surface of the first lower part 516 has a shape that protrudes downward compared to other regions, and can form the first contact terminal 519, and the first contact terminal 519 is coupled to the first connector 332. The first contact terminal 519 can be in the shape of a protrusion.

[0121] The first connection part 510 can include a rib 518, and the rib 518 is coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 518 can have a region that is at least partially perpendicular to the first lower part 516. The rib 518 can include a first coupling region extending from the first lower part 516 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second coupling region extending upward in the direction of the optical axis from the end of the first coupling region. The rib 518 can be arranged to penetrate through the fence part 156 (see Figure 12 ). The rib 518 can be coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 518 can contact at least a part of the connection part guide 150 on its side surface. Due to the rib 518 and the first lower part 516, the cross-sectional shape of the lower end of the first connection part 510 can be generally of a shape.

[0122] The first intermediate part 514 can be arranged to connect the first upper part 512 and the first lower part 516. The first intermediate part 514 can be arranged perpendicular to the first upper part 512 and the first lower part 516. The first intermediate part 514 can be arranged within the first space 112. The first intermediate part 514 can be coupled to the guide groove 114 within the first space 112 (see Figure 11 ). The first intermediate part 514 can be connected to the first upper part 512 at the upper end and connected to the first lower part 516 at the lower end.

[0123] In addition, the first connection part 510 can include an extension part 513 that connects the upper end of the first intermediate part 514 and the inner surface of the first upper part 512 (see Figure 13)。The extension part 513 can be set to be parallel to the first upper part 512 and the first lower part 516 and perpendicular to the first middle part 514. The extension part 513 can connect the first upper part 512 and the first middle part 514. The extension part 513 can be combined with the opening 127 of the protrusion 125 of the main body 100. Thus, the position of the first connection part 510 in the second space 122 can be guided.

[0124] The first connection part 510 can include a guiding protrusion 511. The guiding protrusion 511 can be arranged on the extension part 513. The guiding protrusion 511 can be combined with the opening 127 of the main body 100. The upper surface of the guiding protrusion 511 can be set to form the same plane as the upper surface of the protrusion 125 (see Figure 11 ). The guiding protrusion 511 can increase the thickness of the first connection part 510 arranged in the opening 127.

[0125] The second connection part 540 can include a second upper part 542, a second lower part 546 and a second middle part 544. The second upper part 542, the second lower part 546 and the second middle part 544 can be formed integrally. The second connection part 540 can have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0126] The second upper part 542 can be arranged in the second space 122 (see Figure 11 ) of the main body 100. The second upper part 542 can be arranged on the protrusion 125 of the main body 100. The second upper part 542 can be combined with the second mounting surface 126 of the main body 100. The second upper part 542 can have an annular cross-section. The second upper part 542 can be arranged on the side higher than the first upper part 512 in the optical axis direction. The second upper part 542 can be arranged inside the first upper part 512 in the radial direction. The cross-sectional area of the second upper part 542 can be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first upper part 512. The upper surface of the second upper part 542 can be in contact with the lower surface of the second bus bar 440.

[0127] The second lower part 546 can be combined with the lower surface of the main body 100. The second lower part 546 can be combined with the lower surface of the connection part guide 150 formed on the lower surface of the main body 100. In this case, the connection part guide 150 combined with the second lower part 546 can be different from the connection part guide 150 combined with the first lower part 516. In view of this, the connection part guide 150 connected to the first lower part 516 can be called the first connection part guide, and the connection part guide 150 connected to the second lower part 546 can be called the second connection part guide. The second lower part 546 can be set to be parallel to the second upper part 542.

[0128] The second lower part 546 can be coupled to a guiding groove 152 formed on the lower surface of the connection part guide 150. The cross-sectional shape of the second lower part 546 can be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the guiding groove 152. The lower surface of the second lower part 546 can be coupled to the upper surface of the second connector 334. The lower surface of the second lower part 546 has a shape protruding downward compared to other regions, and can form a second contact terminal 549 coupled to the second connector 334 (see Figure 4 ). The first contact terminal 549 can be in the shape of a protrusion.

[0129] The second connection part 540 can include a rib 548, and the rib 548 is coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 548 can have a region at least partially perpendicular to the second lower part 546. The rib 548 can include a first coupling region extending from the second lower part 546 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and a second coupling region extending upward in the direction of the optical axis from the end of the first coupling region. The rib 548 can be arranged to penetrate the fence part 156. The rib 548 can be coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 548 can contact at least a part of the connection part guide 150 on its side surface. Due to the rib 548 and the second lower part 546, the cross-sectional shape of the lower end of the second connection part 540 can have a generally shape.

[0130] The second middle part 544 can be arranged to connect the second upper part 542 and the second lower part 546. The second middle part 544 can be arranged perpendicular to the second upper part 542 and the second lower part 546. The second middle part 544 can be arranged in the first space 112. The second middle part 544 can be coupled to a guiding groove 114 in the first space 112 (see Figure 11 ). In this case, the guiding groove 114 to which the second middle part 544 is coupled can be different from the guiding groove 114 to which the first middle part 514 is coupled. The guiding groove 114 to which the second middle part 544 is coupled and the guiding groove 114 to which the first middle part 514 is coupled can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the first space 112. The second middle part 544 can be connected to the second upper part 542 at the upper end and connected to the second lower part 546 at the lower end.

[0131] According to the above structure, the advantage of compactly arranging the connection member for connecting the main body, the heat generating member in the lens barrel, and the substrate module is that: the assembly of the camera module can be improved, and at the same time, a stable power connection can be provided to the heat generating member.

[0132] In the foregoing, without being necessarily limited to this embodiment, even if all the components constituting the embodiment of the present invention are described as being combined or operated by combining them into one body. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, all components can be selectively combined and operated with one or more components. In addition, unless otherwise clearly stated, the terms "comprising", "including" or "having" used herein shall be construed to mean that the component may be inherent and does not exclude other components, but includes other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical terms or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Unless clearly defined in the present invention, common terms (such as those defined in a dictionary) shall be interpreted according to their meanings in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0133] The above description is only an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the basic features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, but are intended to illustrate the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention shall be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A main body; A lens barrel, the lens barrel being coupled to the main body; A lens, the lens being disposed on one side of the lens barrel; A heating member, the heating member being disposed outside the lens; A substrate module, the substrate module being arranged to be spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; And A connection member, the connection member connecting the substrate module and the heating member, Wherein, the heating member includes a heating layer, a first electrode disposed on one surface of the heating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the heating layer, and The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

2. A camera module, comprising: A main body; A lens barrel, the lens barrel being coupled to the main body; A lens, the lens being disposed on one side of the lens barrel; A heating member, the heating member being disposed outside the lens; A substrate module, the substrate module being arranged to be spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; And A connection member, the connection member connecting the substrate module and the heating member, Wherein, the connection member includes a plurality of connection portions connected to the substrate module and a plurality of bus bars connected to the heating member, and The plurality of bus bars include a first bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The heating layer contains a resin or a PTC material, PTC being a positive temperature coefficient.

4. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The first bus bar and the second bus bar are electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions.

5. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The first bus bar and the second bus bar have different polarities.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein The first bus bar and the second bus bar are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The first bus bar and the second bus bar are each provided in plurality, Wherein, the plurality of first bus bars include a 1-1 bus bar and a 1-2 bus bar, Wherein, the plurality of second bus bars include a 2-1 bus bar and a 2-2 bus bar, and Wherein, the 1-1 bus bar is disposed between the 2-1 bus bar and the 2-2 bus bar.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The 1-1 bus bar and the 2-1 bus bar do not overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel.

9. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of connection portions include a first connection portion connected to the first bus bar and a second connection portion connected to the second bus bar, and Wherein, the upper ends of the first connection portion connected to the first bus bar and the upper ends of the second connection portion connected to the second bus bar have different heights.

10. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein, At least a part of each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is disposed in a space formed in the main body.

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