Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes: an optical filter; a substrate on which the image sensor is mounted; and a sub-housing in which the optical filter is disposed, the sub-housing including a main frame, a base portion extending from the main frame toward the substrate and contacting the substrate, and a protrusion protruding from the base portion. The protrusion includes a first portion protruding from the base portion toward an inner side of the sub-housing and having a height forming a first gap with the substrate, and a second portion protruding from the first portion toward the inner side of the sub-housing and having another height forming a second gap narrower than the first gap with the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to camera modules. Background Technology

[0002] Optical filters included in camera modules are assembled in various ways. Optical filters can be attached to a drive unit or a sub-housing, and in some instances, they can be assembled to the bottom of a lens. Currently, many optical filters are assembled into camera modules by attaching them to a sub-housing. This is because it is most advantageous in terms of unit cost or administration. The sub-housing is received on a circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. However, regarding the aforementioned manufacturing method, when force is applied to the bottom of the circuit board during assembly, the circuit board may bend between the gaps in the sub-housing, causing the mounted image sensor to also bend, resulting in a defect.

[0003] The above information is presented as background information and is intended to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination is made, and no assertion is made, regarding whether any of the above content is applicable to the prior art relative to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary portion of this invention is intended to provide a brief overview of the chosen concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description portion below. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one general aspect, the camera module includes: an optical filter; a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; and a sub-housing in which the optical filter is disposed, the sub-housing including a main frame, a base portion extending from the main frame toward and contacting the substrate, and a protrusion projecting from the base portion. The protrusion includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion projecting from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having a height forming a first gap with the substrate, and the second portion projecting from the first portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having a further height forming a second gap with the substrate narrower than the first gap.

[0006] The protrusions can be spaced apart from the substrate.

[0007] The protrusion can extend from the base portion toward the hollow space of the subshell.

[0008] The second gap can be equal to or less than 0.02 mm.

[0009] The first gap can be equal to or greater than 0.09 mm.

[0010] A protrusion may include at least two protrusions.

[0011] The second part can be longer than the first part.

[0012] In another general aspect, the camera module includes an optical filter; a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted; and a sub-housing housing that houses the optical filter and includes a main frame, a base portion extending from the main frame toward and contacting the substrate, and a protrusion projecting from the base portion. The protrusion includes a stepped portion with unevenly rising sides that project from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing.

[0013] The protrusions can be spaced apart from the substrate.

[0014] The protrusion may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion protruding from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having a height that forms a first gap with the substrate, and the second portion protruding from the first portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having another height that forms a second gap with the substrate that is narrower than the first gap.

[0015] The second gap can be equal to or less than 0.02 mm.

[0016] The first gap can be equal to or greater than 0.09 mm.

[0017] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of the external shape of a camera module according to an embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the sub-housing of the camera module shown.

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the rear surface of the sub-shell shown.

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the receiving portion of the sub-shell on the first substrate.

[0023] Figure 6 The rear surface of the sub-shell according to another embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged view of part A.

[0025] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the receiving portion of the sub-shell on the first substrate.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of suppressing substrate bending according to this embodiment.

[0027] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0029] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features well-known in the art may be omitted.

[0030] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0031] Throughout this specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, the element may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements between the element and the other element.

[0032] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items; similarly, “at least one” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items.

[0033] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, first part, first region, first layer, or first section mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second component, second part, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0034] Spatial relative terms such as “above,” “above,” “below,” and “under” may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “above” or “above” another element would be located “below” or “under” that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” covers both orientations of “above” and “below”. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0036] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0037] It should be noted that in this document, the term "may" is used relative to examples, such as regarding what an example may include or implement, meaning that there exists at least one example that includes or implements such a feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0038] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations that will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure are also possible.

[0039] Various embodiments and variations will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The height described below refers to the distance from the reference point defined in the optical axis direction, and this height should be understood as different from the thickness. The description of height may refer to a relative setting based on the optical axis direction (the z-axis direction in the drawings). That is, the description "A is higher than B" should be understood as meaning that A is set closer to the light incident direction than B in that direction.

[0040] Figure 1 A perspective view of the external shape of a camera module according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the camera module shown.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The camera module 10 according to this embodiment includes a lens barrel 100, a lens driving device 12 for moving the lens barrel 100, an image sensor 610 for converting light input through the lens barrel 100 into electrical signals, a first substrate 630 mounted on the image sensor 610, and a sub-housing 500 disposed on the substrate portion. The lens barrel 100, the lens driving device 12, and the sub-housing 500 are received in a housing 400. The housing 400 may be covered by a cover 700.

[0042] One or more lenses for photographing the subject can be mounted in the lens barrel 100. The lens barrel 100 can have a cylindrical hollow space and can accommodate one or more lenses. Depending on the design of the lens barrel 100, a desired number of lenses can be arranged in the lens barrel 100.

[0043] When arranging lenses, each lens can possess its own optical properties. For example, individual lenses can have different refractive indices. Some lenses can also have the same refractive index.

[0044] This embodiment can be described by defining an optical axis. The optical axis can be defined as the central axis of the lens received in the lens barrel 100. The direction of the optical axis indicates a direction parallel to the central axis of the lens. The optical axis is defined as the Z-axis. The X-axis and Y-axis are defined in directions perpendicular to the optical axis. The Z-axis can be defined as the direction in which light input through the lens travels in the camera module 10. For example, the direction of the optical axis can be from the housing 400 facing the first substrate 630. For better understanding and ease of description, in the figures, the direction of the arrow on the Z-axis will be defined as downward, and the opposite direction will be defined as upward. That is, the light input to the camera module 10 moves from top to bottom in the direction of the optical axis. In the figures, the planar direction is defined as a planar direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The planar direction is defined by a first direction and a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the optical axis direction and perpendicular to each other. The first direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the second direction is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0045] The lens barrel 100 can be received in the lens holder 220, and the lens holder 220 can be received in the support portion 300. The lens holder 220 includes a central opening into which the lens barrel 100 is inserted. The lens barrel 100 is coupled to and attached to the lens holder 220 through the central opening. The lens holder 220 and the support portion 300 can be received in the housing 400. For example, the lens holder 220 can have a frame shape with four corners. The housing 400 can have a frame shape with a central opening and four corners. The central openings of the lens holder 220 and the housing 400 can be arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0046] For example, the lens holder 220 can move relative to the support portion 300 in a first direction and a second direction. The support portion 300 can move relative to the housing 400 in the optical axis direction. The lens holder 220 and the support portion 300 can be moved by the lens drive device 12.

[0047] The lens drive unit 12 moves the lens barrel 100. The lens drive unit 12 includes an autofocus (AF) unit 14 and an optical image stabilization (OIS) unit 16. The AF unit 14 can move the lens barrel 100 along the optical axis. The OIS unit 16 can move the lens barrel 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis or Y-axis direction). For example, the lens drive unit 12 can use the AF unit 14 and can move the lens barrel 100 along the optical axis to adjust the focus or achieve a zoom function. The lens drive unit 12 can use the OIS unit 16 and can move the lens barrel 100 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (X-axis or Y-axis direction) to thereby correct for camera shake when capturing images.

[0048] The AF unit 14 may include a carrier 300 and an AF driver 140. The carrier 300 may receive the lens barrel 100. The AF driver 140 may provide a driving force that moves the carrier 300, which has received the lens barrel 100, in the optical axis direction. The AF driver 140 may include an AF driving magnet 142 and an AF driving coil 144.

[0049] When a power supply voltage is applied to the AF drive coil 144, an electromagnetic effect can be generated between the AF drive magnet 142 and the AF drive coil 144. Therefore, the support portion 300 can move in the optical axis direction. Since the support portion 300 receives the lens barrel 100, the lens barrel 100 can move in the optical axis direction through the movement of the support portion 300. Therefore, the focus can be adjusted.

[0050] The first rolling member 146 can be arranged between the support portion 300 and the housing 400. When the support portion 300 moves in the optical axis direction, the first rolling member 146 can reduce the friction between the support portion 300 and the housing 400. The first rolling member 146 can have a spherical shape.

[0051] A first guide groove 346 for receiving the first rolling member 146 may be provided in the support portion 300. The first rolling member 146 may include a plurality of first rolling members arranged parallel to each other in the first guide groove 346 in the optical axis direction. When multiple first rolling members 146 are formed, they may have different sizes. For example, in the first guide groove 346, the first rolling members 146 provided at the top and bottom may be larger than the first rolling members 146 provided between them.

[0052] The first guide groove 346 can be formed in multiple ways. For example, when there are multiple first guide grooves 346, two of the first rolling members 146 can be arranged in one first guide groove 346, and three of the first rolling members 146 can be arranged in another first guide groove 346.

[0053] The support portion 300 may have a frame shape with four side surfaces. The first guide groove 346 may be provided at the corner of the frame-shaped support portion 300. For example, the first guide groove 346 may be arranged at the corners on both sides of the side surface on which the AF drive magnet 142 is provided among the four side surfaces of the support portion 300.

[0054] The OIS unit 16 can correct image blur or video shake caused by factors such as user hand tremors when capturing images or videos. When shake occurs while capturing an image, the OIS unit 16 can provide a relative displacement corresponding to the shake to the lens barrel 100, thereby compensating for the shake. For example, the OIS unit 16 can move the lens barrel 100 in a first direction and a second direction to correct the shake.

[0055] OIS unit 16 includes a guide member 200 for guiding the movement of lens barrel 100 and an OIS driver 160 for providing driving force to the guide member 200. With the driving force provided by the OIS driver 160, the guide member 200 can move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0056] The guide member 200 includes a lens holder 220 and a support frame 240. The lens holder 220 and support frame 240 can be positioned along the optical axis and can be received in the support portion 300. The lens holder 220 and support frame 240 can interlock with each other and guide the movement of the lens barrel 100. The lens holder 220 and support frame 240 each have a central opening into which the lens barrel 100 is inserted. The lens barrel 100 can be coupled to and attached to the lens holder 220 through the central opening. For example, the lens holder 220 can have a frame shape with four corners, and the support frame 240 can have a frame shape corresponding to the shape of the lens holder 220.

[0057] OIS driver 160 includes a first OIS driver 170 and a second OIS driver 180. The first OIS driver 170 generates a driving force in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second OIS driver 180 generates a driving force in a second direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first direction. The first OIS driver 170 includes a first OIS driving magnet 171 and a first OIS driving coil 173, and the second OIS driver 180 includes a second OIS driving magnet 181 and a second OIS driving coil 183.

[0058] The first OIS driving magnet 171 and the second OIS driving magnet 181 can be mounted on the lens holder 220. The first OIS driving coil 173 and the second OIS driving coil 183 can be arranged in the housing 400. The first OIS driving coil 173 and the second OIS driving coil 183 can be mounted on the second substrate 410, and can be arranged in the housing 400 with the second substrate 410 as the medium. The first OIS driving magnet 171 and the first OIS driving coil 173 are arranged facing each other. The second OIS driving magnet 181 and the second OIS driving coil 183 are arranged facing each other.

[0059] The second substrate 410 can be coupled to the housing 400. The second substrate 410 can be a circuit board on which wire patterns are printed, such as a flexible printed circuit board or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board. For example, the second substrate 410 can be bent twice. For example, when the housing 400 has a frame shape with four side surfaces, the second substrate 410 can cover three of the four side surfaces of the housing 400.

[0060] The second rolling member 175 can be arranged between the lens holder 220 and the support frame 240. The second rolling member 175 can maintain a gap between the lens holder 220 and the support frame 240. The second rolling member 175 can guide the movement of the lens holder 220. The second guide groove 275 can be formed on the surface of the lens holder 220 facing the support frame 240 in the optical axis direction. The second rolling member 175 can be received in the second guide groove 275 and can be inserted between the lens holder 220 and the support frame 240. When the lens holder 220 is supported by the second rolling member 175 received in the second guide groove 275, the movement of the lens holder 220 in the optical axis direction and the second direction can be restricted, and it can move in the first direction. Through the movement of the lens holder 220, the movement of the lens barrel 100 in the optical axis direction and the second direction can be restricted, and it can move in the first direction.

[0061] A third rolling member 185 can be arranged between the support frame 240 and the support portion 300. The third rolling member 185 can maintain the gap between the support frame 240 and the support portion 300. The third rolling member 185 can guide the movement of the support frame 240. A third guide groove 385 can be formed on the surface of the support frame 240 facing the support portion 300 in the optical axis direction. The third rolling member 185 can be received in the third guide groove 385 and can be inserted between the support frame 240 and the support portion 300. When the support frame 240 is supported by the third rolling member 185 received in the third guide groove 385, the movement of the support frame 240 in the optical axis direction and the first direction can be restricted, and it can move in the second direction. Through the movement of the support frame 240, the movement of the lens barrel 100 in the optical axis direction and the first direction can be restricted, and it can move in the second direction.

[0062] The lens barrel 100 and the lens drive unit 12 are received within the interior space of the housing 400. For example, the housing 400 may have a box shape with its upper and lower parts open. The image sensor 610 may be disposed on the lower part of the housing 400.

[0063] Image sensor 610 converts light input through lens barrel 100 into electrical signals. Image sensor 610 can be positioned below lens barrel 100 along the optical axis. Image sensor 610 can be mounted on first substrate 630. Image sensor 610 can be electrically connected to first substrate 630. For example, image sensor 610 can be one of charge-coupled device (CCD), metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS), and charge-injection device (CID), but is not limited thereto. The electrical signals converted by image sensor 610 are output as images through the display unit of an electronic device.

[0064] The electrical signal generated by the image sensor 610 can be transmitted to the first substrate 630. The first substrate 630 may include a circuit board on which a pattern of electrical interconnects is printed, such as a rigid printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit board, or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board.

[0065] Camera module 10 may include connector 670 and connection substrate 650. Connector 670 may be electrically connected to first substrate 630. Connector 670 may include port 673 electrically connected to an external device. Connection substrate 650 may be electrically connected to first substrate 630 and connector 670. Connection substrate 650 may include a flexible printed circuit board.

[0066] The cover 700 can be combined with the housing 400 to surround the outer surface of the housing 400. The cover 700 can have a box shape with an opening at the bottom and four side surfaces. The cover 700 protects the internal components of the camera module 10. The cover 700 can be made of a sheet of metal material and can be made of a material with a low corrosion rate, such as stainless steel. The cover 700 can shield electromagnetic waves. For example, the cover 700 can shield electromagnetic waves so that electromagnetic waves generated by the camera module 10 do not affect other electronic components in the electronic device. The cover 700 can be combined with the first substrate 630 and can provide grounding. The cover 700 can have a central opening. The central openings of the lens holder 220, the housing 400, and the cover 700 can be arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0067] The sub-shell 500 can be disposed between the lens barrel 100 and the first substrate 630. Hollow space 521 (see...) Figure 3 The hollow space 521 of the sub-housing 500 can extend through the surface of the central portion of the sub-housing 500. The hollow space 521 of the sub-housing 500 can overlap with the image sensor 610 in the optical axis direction. The hollow space 521 of the sub-housing 500 can have a planar quadrilateral shape.

[0068] Optical filter 590 (see Figure 5The optical filter 590 can be mounted on the sub-housing 500. The optical filter 590 can be arranged to block the hollow space 521 of the sub-housing 500. The optical filter 590 can overlap with the image sensor 610. The optical filter 590 can block light with a specific frequency bandwidth from passing through the lens from entering the image sensor 610. The optical filter 590 can be arranged in a planar direction (or the XY-axis plane direction). The optical filter 590 may include an infrared cutoff filter. The optical filter 590 can be attached to the sub-housing 500 by various methods. For example, the optical filter 590 can be adhered and attached to the sub-housing 500 using a UV-curable adhesive material or a thermosetting adhesive material. The adhesive material may include an epoxy resin material. As another example, the optical filter 590 can be adhered and attached to the sub-housing 500 using tape.

[0069] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 as well as Figure 2 The sub-housing of the camera module according to this embodiment is described in detail.

[0070] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the sub-housing of the camera module shown. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the rear surface of the sub-shell shown.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sub-housing 500 includes a main frame 510, a receiving portion 520 in which an optical filter 590 is disposed, a base portion 530 bonded to a first substrate 630, and a protrusion 550 extending from the base portion 530. A hollow space 521 is formed on the central portion of the sub-housing 500, and the receiving portion 520 is arranged to surround the hollow space 521.

[0072] The main frame 510 can take various forms. For example, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main frame 510 can be substantially pentagonal or quadrilateral in shape. However, the form of the main frame 510 is not limited to this. The main frame 510 includes a first surface 510a facing the lens barrel 100 and a second surface 510b facing the first substrate 630.

[0073] A hollow space 521 is formed in the central portion of the main frame 510. The hollow space 521 penetrates the main frame 510 in the optical axis direction. The hollow space 521 can be enclosed by an optical filter. The image sensor 610 can be disposed below the hollow space 521. Light that has passed through the lens barrel 100 can pass through the hollow space 521 of the sub-housing 500 and can be transmitted to the image sensor 610.

[0074] The receiving portion 520 can be disposed on the edge of the hollow space 521. The receiving portion 520 can have a step on the first surface 510a. The receiving portion 520 can be recessed from the hollow space 521 and the first surface 510a at a predetermined depth in the downward optical axis direction. The depth of the receiving portion 520 in the optical axis direction can be equal to or greater than the thickness of the optical filter. Therefore, when the optical filter is arranged on the receiving portion 520, the optical filter can be disposed on the same plane as the upper part of the main frame 510, or it can be disposed below the upper surface of the main frame 510 in the optical axis direction.

[0075] The base portion 530 represents the part where the sub-housing 500 is joined to the first substrate 630. The base portion 530 contacts the first substrate 630. The base portion 530 may extend downward from the edge of the main frame 510 in the optical axis direction. The base portion 530 may extend from the edge of the main frame 510 to the first substrate 630. However, the entire base portion 530 may not correspond to the edge of the main frame 510, and may be partially formed to be further inward than the edge of the main frame 510. The base portion 530 may be formed on the lower edge of the main frame 510. The height of the base portion 530 in the optical axis direction may be greater than the depth of the receiving portion 520. The base portion 530 may be bonded to the first substrate 630 using an adhesive method such as adhesive or tape.

[0076] A protrusion 550 protrudes from the base portion 530 toward the inner side of the sub-housing 500. The protrusion 550 extends from the base portion 530 to the center of the sub-housing 500. The protrusion 550 extends along the second surface 510b from the base portion 530 to the hollow space 521. Viewed from another angle, the protrusion 550 can extend downward from the second surface 510b in the optical axis direction. That is, the protrusion 550 can extend from the second surface 510b toward the first substrate 630. The protrusion 550 can be disposed on the second surface 510b. The length of the protrusion 550 extending downward from the second surface 510b in the optical axis direction (i.e., the height of the protrusion 550) is less than the height of the base portion 530. Therefore, the protrusion 550 may not contact the first substrate 630, and a predetermined gap may be formed between the protrusion 550 and the first substrate 630. Therefore, the protrusion 550 can be spaced apart from the first substrate 630. Multiple protrusions 550 can be provided. There is no particular limitation on the length of the protrusion 550 measured in the planar direction.

[0077] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the receiving portion of the sub-shell on the first substrate.

[0078] Reference Figure 5The protrusion 550 can be spaced apart from the first substrate 630 by a predetermined distance a1. The protrusion 550 can suppress bending of the first substrate 630. That is, when the first substrate 630 is subjected to force and bends in the direction of the sub-housing 500, the protrusion 550 can act as a stop to prevent the side of the first substrate 630 from becoming higher than the distance a1. Therefore, the overall degree of bending of the first substrate 630 can be suppressed. When the degree of bending of the first substrate 630 is suppressed, bending of the image sensor 610 disposed on the first substrate 630 can also be suppressed.

[0079] Now refer to Figures 6 to 8 To describe the sub-housing of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0080] Figure 6 The rear surface of the sub-shell according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged view of part A. Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the receiving portion of the sub-shell on the first substrate. The sub-shell according to this embodiment and reference... Figures 2 to 7 The sub-shells are described similarly. Identical parts will not be described again.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The protrusion 560 may have a step. Regarding the step of the protrusion 560, the portion disposed near the outer side of the main frame 510 may be formed to be relatively low. In other words, the step of the protrusion 560 near the outer side of the main frame 510 may be further away from the first substrate 630. Regarding the step of the protrusion 560, the portion directly connected to the base portion 530 (i.e., the portion disposed near the base portion 530) may be further away from the first substrate 630.

[0082] refer to Figure 8The protrusion 560 includes a first portion 561 having a relatively large gap with the first substrate 630 and a second portion 562 having a relatively small gap with the first substrate 630 compared to the first portion 561. That is, the first portion 561 has a step in a direction opposite to the direction of the substrate relative to the second portion 562. In the example, the step may have a non-uniform or irregular rise, wherein the rise of the step has different heights. The first portion 561 is disposed between the second portion 562 and the base portion 530. The first portion 561 directly contacts the base portion 530, and the second portion 562 directly contacts the first portion 561. The first portion 561 can extend from the base portion 530 to the interior, and the second portion 562 can extend from the first portion 561 to the interior. That is, the first portion 561 can be disposed closer to the exterior of the sub-housing 500 than the second portion 562. The first portion 561 can engage with the base portion 530 from the interior direction of the main frame 510. Therefore, the protrusion 560 is disposed interiorly compared to the base portion 530. The first portion 561 represents the part where the mold is arranged when the protrusion 560 is formed. That is, the protrusion 560 can be formed through the first portion 561. When the mold is arranged on the first portion 561 and the protrusion 560 is formed, the second portion 562 can be formed closer to the first substrate 630. A curve can be formed on the first portion 561 according to the shape of the mold. A first gap a2 can be formed between the first portion 561 and the first substrate 630. For example, the first gap a2 can be equal to or greater than 0.09 mm. A second gap a3 can be formed between the second portion 562 and the first substrate 630. The first gap a2 is greater than the second gap a3. For example, the second gap a3 can be equal to or less than 0.02 mm. The second portion 562 does not contact the first substrate 630. The length of the second portion 562, measured in the planar direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the main frame 510), can be greater than the length of the first portion 561. As the second portion 562 becomes longer, bending of the first substrate 630 can be effectively suppressed. The length of the second portion 562, measured in a direction parallel to the main frame 510, can be greater than the length of the first portion 561. Regarding protrusions 560, the lengths of the second portions 562 can differ from one another. That is, when comparing the length of the second portion 562 of one protrusion 560 to the length of the second portion 562 of another protrusion 560, the lengths can be different. The length of the first portion 561, measured in a planar direction, can depend on the dimensions of the mold. For example, the length of the first portion 561 can be equal to or greater than 0.15 mm.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of suppressing substrate bending according to this embodiment.

[0084] The dashed line CU indicates that the first substrate 630 is bent. As indicated by the dashed line, the first substrate 630 can bend upwards when force is applied from the bottom. Although not shown, the image sensor 610 mounted on the first substrate 630 can bend upwards. A defect may occur when the image sensor 610 bends beyond an allowable reference. The second portion 562 of the protrusion 560 acts as a stop to limit the bending of the first substrate 630. That is, regarding the protrusion 560, since the second portion 562 is arranged closer to the first substrate 630, the bending of the first substrate 630 can be further suppressed by the second portion 562 when pressure is applied to the lower part of the first substrate 630 and the first substrate 630 bends upwards.

[0085] This disclosure aims to provide a camera module that incorporates a sub-housing to mitigate the bending effects on a circuit board.

[0086] According to at least one of the embodiments, protrusions are formed on the rear surface of the sub-housing to suppress bending of the substrate and prevent bending of the image sensor.

[0087] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. Camera module, including: Optical filters; A substrate, on which an image sensor is mounted and electrically connected; as well as The optical filter is disposed within a sub-housing, which includes a main frame, a base portion extending from the main frame toward the substrate and contacting the substrate, and a protrusion projecting from the base portion. The protrusion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion protrudes from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and has a height that forms a first gap with the substrate. The second portion protrudes from the first portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and has a height that forms a second gap with the substrate that is narrower than the first gap.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is spaced apart from the substrate.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion extends from the base portion toward the hollow space of the sub-shell.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The second gap is equal to or less than 0.02 mm.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The first gap is equal to or greater than 0.09 mm.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion includes at least two protrusions.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The second part is longer than the first part.

8. Camera module, including: Optical filters; A substrate, on which an image sensor is mounted and electrically connected; as well as The sub-housing houses the optical filter and includes a main frame, a base portion extending from the main frame toward the substrate and contacting the substrate, and a protrusion projecting from the base portion. The protrusion includes a stepped portion with uneven elevation that protrudes from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The protrusion is spaced apart from the substrate.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The protrusion includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion protruding from the base portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having a height forming a first gap with the substrate, and the second portion protruding from the first portion toward the inside of the sub-housing and having another height forming a second gap with the substrate that is narrower than the first gap.

11. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, The second gap is equal to or less than 0.02 mm.

12. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein, The first gap is equal to or greater than 0.09 mm.

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