Camera module and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The camera module includes: a holder including a first lens barrel portion, a second lens barrel portion, and a third lens barrel portion; a first lens module coupled to the first barrel portion and including a first flange; a second lens module coupled to the second barrel portion and including a second flange; a third lens module coupled to the third barrel portion and including a third flange; a housing provided at the rear of the holder; a first substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the first lens module in an optical axis direction; a second substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the second lens module in an optical axis direction; a third substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the third lens module in an optical axis direction; a first adhesive member provided between the holder and the first substrate module, between the holder and the second substrate module, and between the holder and the third substrate module; and a second adhesive member disposed between the first flange and the first lens barrel portion, between the second flange and the second lens barrel portion, and between the third flange and the third lens barrel portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, ultra-compact camera modules have been developed and widely used in small electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops and game consoles.

[0003] With the widespread use of automobiles, miniature cameras are now widely used not only in small electronic devices but also in vehicles. For example, vehicles are equipped with: dashcam cameras for user protection or to provide objective evidence in the event of a traffic accident; rearview cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots behind the vehicle on a screen to ensure safety when reversing; and peripheral detection cameras that can monitor the vehicle's surrounding environment.

[0004] The camera includes a lens, a lens barrel for housing the lens, an image sensor for converting the image of an object collected by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing forming the exterior of the camera is constructed as a completely sealed structure to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances, including moisture.

[0005] A problem with conventional camera modules is that the mechanical axis and optical axis cannot be precisely aligned during the assembly process between the lens and the retainer, resulting in unsatisfactory images. Summary of the Invention Technical topics

[0006] This embodiment provides a camera module that can acquire optimal images by precisely aligning the lens, retainer, and substrate without errors. Technical solution

[0007] A camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a retainer including a first lens barrel portion, a second lens barrel portion, and a third lens barrel portion; a first lens module connected to the first lens barrel portion and including a first flange; a second lens module connected to the second lens barrel portion and including a second flange; a third lens module connected to the third lens barrel portion and including a third flange; a housing disposed behind the retainer; a first substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the first lens module in the optical axis direction; a second substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the second lens module in the optical axis direction; a third substrate module disposed in a space within the housing and facing the third lens module in the optical axis direction; a first adhesive member disposed between the retainer and the first substrate module, between the retainer and the second substrate module, and between the retainer and the third substrate module; and a second adhesive member disposed between the first flange and the first lens barrel portion, between the second flange and the second lens barrel portion, and between the third flange and the third lens barrel portion.

[0008] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member may each be epoxy resin.

[0009] Preferably, but not necessarily, the rear surface of the retainer may include a rearwardly projecting guide that is connected to the front surfaces of the first substrate module, the second substrate module, and the third substrate module.

[0010] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first substrate module, the second substrate module, and the third substrate module may each include: a first substrate, on the front surface of which an image sensor is disposed; a second substrate disposed behind the first substrate; a connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; and a shielding cover disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0011] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first to third lens barrel portions may extend from the front of the retainer at different heights.

[0012] Preferably, but not necessarily, the front surfaces of the first to third lens modules can be configured in a stepped shape relative to each other along the optical axis.

[0013] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member may each have a closed-loop configuration.

[0014] Preferably, but not necessarily, the housing may include a connector that projects rearward from the rear surface of the second substrate, and the housing may include a connector pull-out portion that projects rearward from the rear surface to accommodate the connector therein.

[0015] A method for manufacturing a camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps: (a) aligning a lens module using a first light source, a first sensor, and a first clamping member; (b) aligning a retainer using a second light source, a second sensor, and a second clamping member; (c) connecting the lens module obtained in step (a) to the retainer obtained in step (b); (d) connecting a substrate module to the rear surface of the retainer according to step (c); and (e) aligning the optical axis between an image sensor in the substrate module and a lens in the lens module.

[0016] The method of manufacturing the camera module may further include the following steps: applying a first adhesive member between the substrate module and the holder before step (e); and curing the first adhesive member after step (e). Beneficial effects

[0017] With this implementation, since the lens module and the holder are aligned through their respective independent processes before being combined with the substrate module, and then the lens module is combined with the holder and the holder is combined with the substrate module using adhesive material, this approach offers the advantage of minimizing the occurrence of optical axis deviation caused by assembly tolerances between multiple components, compared to conventional camera modules that only perform alignment processes between the lens and the image sensor and the attached holder. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 It is observed from different angles. Figure 3 The view.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain the alignment process of the lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] 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 can be selectively combined or replaced between the embodiments.

[0028] Furthermore, unless explicitly defined and described, the terminology (including technical and scientific terms) used in embodiments of this invention may be interpreted as having meanings that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and may be generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, may be interpreted in the context of the relevant art.

[0029] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to explain the embodiments and not to limit the invention.

[0030] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated herein, the singular form may include the plural form, and in the case of describing “A and (and / or) B, C, at least one (or more) of A, B and C”, this may include one or more combinations of all combinations of A, B and C.

[0031] Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish components from other components and are not limited by the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0032] Furthermore, if any component is described as “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” to another component, then that component may be directly “connected,” “joined,” or “attached” to another component, as well as to yet another component located between that component and the other component.

[0033] Furthermore, when describing each component as being formed or arranged "above or below," "above or below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it can include both upward and downward directions based on a component.

[0034] The term "optical axis direction" as used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. "Optical axis direction" can also correspond to "vertical direction," "z-axis direction," etc.

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Reference Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include a body 2, a door 3, a glass 4, a headlight 5, a taillight 6, and a camera module 10.

[0038] The body 2 can be an external component of the vehicle 1. The body 2 can have various forms, such as a frame or a monocoque structure. One or more doors 3 can be attached to the side of the body 2. Furthermore, glass 4 can be attached to the upper front and upper rear portions (where the pillars form) of the body 2 and to the doors 3. Headlights 5 can be mounted at the front of the lower portion of the body 2. Taillights 6 can be mounted at the rear of the lower portion of the body 2.

[0039] The camera module 10 can be installed on the side of the vehicle body 2 or on one or more doors 3 located at the front. The camera module 10 can be installed in front of the glass 4 connected to the door 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the side mirrors can be replaced by the camera module 10.

[0040] The camera module 10 can capture images of the rear areas on both sides of the vehicle. The images captured by the camera module 10 can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, the images captured by the camera module 10 can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and reproduced on the display unit.

[0041] An interior space for the driver can be formed within the vehicle body 2. A display unit can be installed within the vehicle body 2. The display unit can output images captured by the camera module 10. The display unit can be installed on a dashboard (not shown) within the vehicle body 2.

[0042] The installation configuration of the camera module 10 in the aforementioned vehicle 1 is illustrative, and the camera module 10 can be used in one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera and black box of the vehicle 1.

[0043] In the following description, the camera module according to this embodiment is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 It is observed from different angles. Figure 3 The view.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 10 may include a housing 100, a retainer 200, a lens module 300, a substrate module 400, a first adhesive member 500, and a second adhesive member 600.

[0046] The housing 100 can form the external shape of the camera module 10. Based on the direction of light incidence, the housing 100 can be referred to as the rear body because it is positioned behind the retainer 200. The housing 100 can be formed as a box-shaped structure with an open top surface. A space 110 can be formed inside the housing 100. The substrate module 400 can be disposed within the space 110. The space 110 can be open towards the top.

[0047] A connector extraction (removal) portion 190 may be provided on the rear surface of the housing 100, which is formed in a shape that protrudes rearward relative to other areas of the housing. The connector extraction portion 190 may be formed in a tubular shape, and the connector 490, described later, may be accommodated therein. The connector extraction portion 190 is coupled to an external terminal, thereby enabling the external terminal to be electrically connected to the connector 490.

[0048] A sealing member 492 can be provided between the connector 490 and the connector extraction portion 190 to prevent external contaminants from entering the space inside the camera module 10 through the connector extraction portion 190.

[0049] A connecting groove 140 may be formed on the front surface of the housing 100 facing the retainer 200. The connecting groove 140 may be located at the front edge of the housing 100. The connecting groove 140 may have a closed-loop configuration. The connecting groove 140 may have a concave shape extending rearward from the front surface of the housing 100 relative to other areas of the housing. Specifically, a first protrusion 120 and a second protrusion 130 may be formed on the front surface of the housing 100, and the connecting groove 140 may be located between the first protrusion 120 and the second protrusion 130. As described below, a third protrusion 240 of the retainer 200 may engage with the connecting groove 140.

[0050] A protrusion 150 may be formed on the front surface of the housing 100. The protrusion 150 may have a shape that protrudes forward from the front surface of the housing 100 relative to other areas of the housing. Multiple protrusions 150 may be provided, and these protrusions 150 may be respectively provided at corner areas of the housing 100. The protrusion 150 may engage with a connecting hole 260 formed on the rear surface of the retainer 200, as described below.

[0051] The retainer 200, together with the housing 100, forms the external shape of the camera module 10. Because the retainer 200 is located at the front of the housing 100, it can be referred to as the front body. The retainer 200 can be connected to the lens module 300. The internal space of the camera module 10 formed by the connection of the retainer 200 and the housing 100 can accommodate the substrate module 400.

[0052] The retainer 200 may include a body portion 202. The body portion 202 may include a top plate and a side plate extending rearwardly from an edge of the top plate. A third protrusion 240, having a downwardly projecting shape relative to other areas, may be formed on the lower surface of the side plate. The third protrusion 240 may engage with a connecting groove 140. An adhesive (not shown) may be provided between the third protrusion 240 and the connecting groove 140. The adhesive may include epoxy resin.

[0053] A connecting hole 260 may be formed on the rear surface of the body portion 202. The connecting hole 260 may be formed by recessing forward from the rear surface of the body portion 202. The connecting hole 260 may be provided at each of the four corner regions of the rear surface of the body portion 202. The connecting hole 260 may engage with a protrusion of the housing 100.

[0054] A guide member 250 may be provided on the rear surface of the body portion 202. The guide member 250 may have a shape that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the top plate. The guide member 250 may have a closed-loop configuration. The guide member 250 may contact the front surface of the substrate module 400. The guide member 250 may contact the first substrate (412, see below) described later. Figure 3 The front surface of the lens module 300 is in contact with the optical axis. The guide 250 may include a first guide 252, a second guide 254, and a third guide 256, the number of which corresponds to the number of lens modules 300. The first guide 252, the second guide 254, and the third guide 256 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0055] The retainer 200 may include lens barrel portions. The lens barrel portions may have a shape that projects forward from the front surface of the upper plate. The lens barrel portions may include a first lens barrel portion 210, a second lens barrel portion 220, and a third lens barrel portion 230. The first lens barrel portion 210, the second lens barrel portion 220, and the third lens barrel portion 230 may be positioned a distance apart from each other from the front surface of the retainer 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Each of the first lens barrel portion 210, the second lens barrel portion 220, and the third lens barrel portion 230 may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0056] The first lens barrel portion 210 can be connected to at least a portion of the first lens module 310 described below. A first opening 212 can be formed on the inner side of the first lens barrel portion 210, and the first lens module 310 is connected to the first opening 212.

[0057] At least a portion of the second lens module 330, described later, can be connected to the second lens barrel portion 220. A second opening 222 can be formed on the inner side of the second lens barrel portion 220, and the second lens module 330 is connected to the second opening 222.

[0058] At least a portion of the third lens module 350, described later, can be connected to the third lens barrel portion 230. A third opening 232 can be formed on the inner side of the third lens barrel portion 230, and the third lens module 350 is connected to the third opening 232.

[0059] The lengths of the first lens barrel portion 210, the second lens barrel portion 220, and the third lens barrel portion 230 along the optical axis can differ from each other. Based on the front surface of the body portion 202, the protrusion heights of the first lens barrel portion 210, the second lens barrel portion 220, and the third lens barrel portion 230 can differ from each other. For example, the length of the second lens barrel portion 220 can be longer than the length of the first lens barrel portion 210 and shorter than the length of the third lens barrel portion 230. However, this is merely illustrative, and the lengths of the first lens barrel portion 210, the second lens barrel portion 220, and the third lens barrel portion 230 can, of course, be the same.

[0060] The lens module 300 may be disposed in front of the retainer 200. The lens module 300 may be coupled to the front surface of the retainer 200. The camera module 10 according to this embodiment may be a triple-lens camera including three lens modules 300. However, this is only illustrative, and the camera module 10 may also be a dual-lens camera including two lens modules, or the camera module 10 may include four or more lens modules.

[0061] The lens module 300 may include a first lens module 310, a second lens module 330, and a third lens module 350.

[0062] The first lens module 310 can be connected to the first lens barrel portion 210. The first lens module 310 may include a first lens barrel 312 and a first lens 316 disposed within the first lens barrel 312. The first lens barrel 312 is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends open, and a space for accommodating the first lens 316 may be formed inside the first lens barrel 312. The first lens 316 may include a plurality of lens elements, which may be disposed within the first lens barrel 312 along the optical axis.

[0063] A first flange 314 may be formed on the outer surface of the first lens barrel 312, protruding outward relative to other areas. The first flange 314 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The first flange 314 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first lens barrel portion 210.

[0064] The second lens module 330 can be connected to the second lens barrel portion 220. The second lens module 330 may include a second lens barrel 332 and a second lens 336 disposed within the second lens barrel 332. The second lens barrel 332 is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower surfaces open, and a space for accommodating the second lens 336 can be formed inside the second lens barrel 332. The second lens 336 may include a plurality of lens elements, which can be disposed within the first lens barrel 332 along the optical axis direction.

[0065] A second flange 334 may be formed on the outer surface of the first lens barrel 332, protruding outward relative to other areas. The second flange 334 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The second flange 334 may be disposed on the upper surface of the second lens barrel portion 220.

[0066] The third lens module 350 can be connected to the third lens barrel portion 230. The third lens module 350 may include a third lens barrel 352 and a third lens 356 disposed within the third lens barrel 352. The third lens barrel 352 is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower surfaces open, and a space for accommodating the third lens 356 can be formed inside the third lens barrel 352. The third lens 356 may include a plurality of lens elements, which may be disposed within the third lens barrel 352 along the optical axis.

[0067] A third flange 354 may be formed on the outer surface of the third lens barrel 352, protruding outward relative to other areas. The third flange 354 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The third flange 354 may be disposed on the upper surface of the third lens barrel portion 230.

[0068] The lengths of the first lens module 310, the second lens module 330, and the third lens module 350 in the optical axis direction may be different from each other. For example, the front surface of the third lens module 350 may be located in front of the front surface of the second lens module 330 and behind the front surface of the first lens module 310.

[0069] The substrate module 400 can be disposed within the space of the camera module 10. The substrate module 400 can be disposed within the space 110 of the housing 100. The substrate module 400 can be disposed behind the lens module 300. The substrate module 400 may include: a first substrate module 410 disposed behind the first lens module 310, a second substrate module 430 disposed behind the second lens module 330, and a third substrate module 450 disposed behind the third lens module 350. The first lens module 310, the second lens module 330, and the third lens module 350 can be arranged to be spaced apart by a distance in the space 110 within the housing 100 along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0070] The first lens module 310, the second lens module 330, and the third lens module 350 have the same configuration and structure; therefore, the following description will be based on the first lens module 310.

[0071] The first lens module 310 may include a first substrate 412, a second substrate 414, a connecting substrate 416, and a shielding cover 420.

[0072] The first substrate 412 may be a printed circuit board. An image sensor 413 may be disposed on the first substrate 412. The image sensor 413 may be configured to face the first lens module 310 in the optical axis direction. The image sensor 413 may be aligned with the first lens module 310 in the optical axis direction.

[0073] The second substrate 414 can be a printed circuit board. The second substrate 414 can be disposed behind the first substrate 412. The second substrate 414 can be disposed at a distance from the first substrate 412 in the optical axis direction. The connector 490 can be disposed on the rear surface of the second substrate 414.

[0074] A protrusion 415 may be formed on a side portion of the second substrate 414. The protrusion 415 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the side portion of the second substrate 414 relative to other areas. The protrusion 415 may be provided on three of the four sides of the second substrate 414.

[0075] The connecting substrate 416 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connecting substrate 416 can electrically connect the first substrate 412 and the second substrate 414. The two ends of the connecting substrate 416 can be connected to the first substrate 412 and the second substrate 414, respectively.

[0076] The shield 420 can be disposed between the first substrate 412 and the second substrate 414. The shield 420 can be spaced apart from the first substrate 412 and the second substrate 414 in the optical axis direction.

[0077] The shielding cover 420 may include an enclosure portion 424, a connecting portion 425, and a guiding portion 428. The enclosure portion 424 may be disposed between the first substrate 412 and the second substrate 414. The upper surface of the enclosure portion 424 may contact the lower surface of the first substrate 412. The enclosure portion 424 may be arranged to form four sides, and the connecting portion 422 may be disposed between adjacent enclosure portions 424.

[0078] The connecting portion 425 has a shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the enclosure portion 424 and may include a connecting hole 426. A protrusion 415 of the second substrate 414 may be connected to the connecting hole 426 of the connecting portion 425. The inner surface of the connecting portion 425 may be formed with a slope, such that its distance from the side of the second substrate 414 increases rearward. The connecting portion 425 may be provided on three sides of the enclosure portion 424.

[0079] The guide portion 428 may have an inwardly curved shape and extend from the lower end of the enclosure portion 424. The guide portion 428 may be disposed on a side of the enclosure portion 424 where the connecting portion 425 is not formed. The guide portion 428 may be formed within the placement area of ​​the connecting substrate 416. The connection of the connecting substrate 416 may be guided by the outer surface of the guide portion 428.

[0080] A first adhesive member 500 may be provided between the substrate module 400 and the holder 200. The first adhesive member 500 may be provided between the front surface of the first substrate 412 and the rear surface of the guide member 250. The first adhesive member 500 may be provided between the front surface of the first substrate 412 of the first substrate module 410 and the first guide member 252, between the front surface of the first substrate of the second substrate module 430 and the second guide member 254, and between the front surface of the first substrate of the third substrate module 450 and the third guide member 256.

[0081] The first adhesive member 500 may be epoxy resin. After the first adhesive member 500 is cured, the bond between the substrate module 400 and the retainer 200 can be firmly maintained. The alignment of the substrate module 400 with the retainer 200 and the alignment of the substrate module 400 with the lens module 300 achieved by the curing of the first adhesive member 500 will be described later.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first adhesive members 500 are described as being arranged in multiples and having a closed-loop shape, with their number corresponding to the number of lens modules 300; however, this is not limiting. The first adhesive members 500 can also be implemented as a single adhesive member with a closed-loop configuration, disposed between the retainer 200 and the housing 100.

[0083] A second adhesive member 600 may be provided between the lens module 300 and the retainer 200. The second adhesive member 600 may be provided between the first flange 314 and the upper surface of the first lens barrel portion 210, between the second flange 334 and the upper surface of the second lens barrel portion 220, and between the third flange 354 and the upper surface of the third lens barrel portion 230.

[0084] The second adhesive member 600 may be epoxy resin. Once the second adhesive member 600 has cured, the bond between the lens module 300 and the retainer 200 can be firmly maintained. The alignment of the lens module 300 and the retainer 200 achieved through the curing of the second adhesive member 600 will be described later.

[0085] The manufacturing process of camera module 10 will be described below.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a camera module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 These are illustrations used to explain the alignment process of the lens module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Reference Figures 5 to 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 10 may include: step S1 of aligning the lens module 300; step S2 of aligning the retainer 200; step S3 of combining the lens module 300 and the retainer 200; step S4 of combining the substrate module 400 with the retainer 200 to which the lens module 300 is combined; step S5 of aligning the image sensor in the substrate module 400 with the lens in the lens module 300; and step S6 of curing the first adhesive member 500.

[0088] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, a camera module manufacturing apparatus 1000 may include a lens module alignment portion 1100, a retainer alignment portion 1200, and a substrate connection portion 1300.

[0089] The lens module alignment part 1100 may include a first clamping member 1110, a first light source 1120, and a first sensor 1130. The lens module 300 may be connected to the first clamping member 1110. The first clamping member 1110 moves in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, thereby achieving the tilting of the lens module 300.

[0090] The first light source 1120 can irradiate light onto the lens within the lens module 300, which is connected to the first clamping member 1110. The light can be a laser. The light irradiated by the first light source 1120 can pass through the incident surface of the lens within the lens module 300 and exit through the exit surface.

[0091] The first sensor 1130 may be disposed behind the lens module 300 relative to the path of light irradiated from the first light source 1120. The first sensor 1130 may include a light receiving sensor or an image sensor. If the first sensor 1130 is an image sensor, the camera module manufacturing equipment 1000 may be provided with a test substrate (not shown) for mounting the first sensor 1130.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, before the first clamping member 1110, which is connected to the lens module 300, moves between the first light source 1120 and the first sensor 1130, the light emitted from the light source 1120 can be directed to the center of the first sensor 1130.

[0093] Next, with the lens module 300 positioned between the first light source 1120 and the first sensor 1130, light emitted from the first light source 1120 can pass through the lens within the lens module 300 and illuminate the first sensor 1130. In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown in ii), due to the misalignment of the lens module 300, the position of the light received by the first sensor 1130 may also be misaligned.

[0094] Therefore, based on the position information of the light received from the first sensor 1130, the controller (not shown) moves the position of the lens module 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or in the direction of the optical axis via the first clamping member 1110, thereby achieving the desired effect. Figure 6 As shown in iii), light irradiated from the first light source 1120 passes through the lens module 300 and is received at the center of the first sensor 1130.

[0095] The holder alignment portion 1120 can align the holder 200. The holder alignment portion 1120 may include a second clamp 1210, a second light source 1220, and a second sensor 1230. The second clamp 1210 engages with the holder 200 and tilts the holder 200 by moving it in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0096] The second light source 1220 can illuminate the holder 200. For example, the light illuminating the holder 200 can be directed to multiple points, such as the four corners of the holder 200.

[0097] The second sensor 1230 is capable of receiving light reflected from the second light source 1220 by the holder 200. Therefore, the controller can operate the second clamp 1210 based on the position information of the light received by the second sensor 1230 to align the position of the holder 200 along the optical axis.

[0098] Once the holder 200 is aligned, the aligned lens module 300 and the holder 200 can be joined together via the second adhesive member 600 through the lens module alignment part 1100.

[0099] The substrate connection portion 1300 can connect the substrate module 400 to the rear surface of the holder 200 to which the lens module 300 is connected. The substrate connection portion 1300 includes: a third clamping member 1310 connected to the substrate module 400, an alignment portion 1320 for aligning the position of the substrate module 400 by means of the third clamping member 1310, and an adhesive portion 1330 for applying and curing a first adhesive member 500 between the holder 200 and the substrate module 400. The curing of the first adhesive member 500 can be performed after applying uncured epoxy resin between the holder 200 and the substrate module 400 and after the alignment of the lens module 300 and the image sensor 413 in the optical axis direction is performed by means of the alignment portion 1320.

[0100] According to this embodiment, before connecting the substrate module, after aligning the lens module and the holder separately through a separate process, the lens module is connected to the holder and the holder is connected to the substrate module by an adhesive member. Compared to conventional camera modules that only perform the process of aligning the lens and image sensor with the attached holder, this approach provides the advantage of minimizing the occurrence of optical axis deviation caused by assembly tolerances between multiple components.

[0101] The foregoing description of the combination or synergistic operation of the components constituting embodiments of the present invention does not imply that the invention must be limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may optionally be combined and operated in one or more ways. Furthermore, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or “having” as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, imply that the component may be present and should therefore be interpreted as allowing the inclusion of other components, rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted according to their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0102] The foregoing description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to illustrate the technical concept of the invention, not to limit it, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts falling within their equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: A retainer, the retainer comprising a first lens barrel portion, a second lens barrel portion, and a third lens barrel portion; A first lens module, the first lens module being connected to the first lens barrel portion and including a first flange; A second lens module, which is connected to the second lens barrel portion and includes a second flange; A third lens module, the third lens module being connected to the third lens barrel portion and including a third flange; A housing disposed behind the retainer; A first substrate module is disposed in the space within the housing and faces the first lens module in the optical axis direction; The second substrate module is disposed in the space within the housing and faces the second lens module in the optical axis direction; A third substrate module is disposed in the space within the housing and faces the third lens module in the optical axis direction; A first adhesive member is disposed between the retainer and the first substrate module, between the retainer and the second substrate module, and between the retainer and the third substrate module; as well as The second adhesive member is disposed between the first flange and the first lens barrel portion, between the second flange and the second lens barrel portion, and between the third flange and the third lens barrel portion.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first adhesive component and the second adhesive component is made of epoxy resin.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The rear surface of the retainer includes a rearwardly projecting guide that is connected to the front surface of the first substrate module, the front surface of the second substrate module, and the front surface of the third substrate module.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first substrate module, the second substrate module, and the third substrate module includes: a first substrate, on the front surface of which an image sensor is disposed; a second substrate disposed behind the first substrate; a connecting substrate connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; and a shield disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first to the third lens barrel portions extend from the front of the retainer at different heights.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The front surfaces of the first lens module to the third lens module are configured in a stepped shape relative to each other along the optical axis.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first adhesive member and the second adhesive member may each have a closed-loop configuration.

8. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The second substrate includes a connector that projects rearwardly from the rear surface of the second substrate, and The housing includes a connector extraction portion that protrudes rearward to accommodate the connector.

9. A method for manufacturing a camera module, comprising: (a) The lens module is aligned using a first light source, a first sensor, and a first clamping element; (b) Align the retainer using a second light source, a second sensor, and a second clamping element; (c) Connect the lens module obtained in step (a) to the retainer obtained in step (b); (d) Connecting the substrate module to the rear surface of the holder according to step (c); and (e) Align the optical axis between the image sensor in the substrate module and the lens in the lens module.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Prior to step (e), a first adhesive member is applied between the substrate module and the retainer; as well as After step (e), the first adhesive component is cured.

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