Camera module

Abstract

The heat generating member includes an upper end portion connected to the lens, a lower end portion connected to the substrate module, and a connection portion connecting the upper end portion and the lower end portion, wherein the upper end portion includes a first region connected to a lower surface of the lens and a second region connected to a side surface of the lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This implementation relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, ultra-miniature camera modules have been developed and are widely used in small electronic products such as smartphones, laptops and game consoles.

[0003] As automobiles become increasingly common, ultra-compact cameras are widely used in vehicles and small electronic products. Examples include black box cameras that provide objective data for vehicle protection or about traffic accidents, rear-view cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots behind the vehicle via a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and ambient detection cameras that can monitor the vehicle's surroundings.

[0004] The camera may be equipped with a lens, a lens holder that houses the lens, an image sensor that converts the image of the object collected in the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing that forms the exterior of the camera is structured such that the entire area is sealed to prevent internal components from being contaminated by foreign substances containing moisture.

[0005] In the case of camera modules, because they are located outside the vehicle and are greatly affected by outdoor air, frost, dew, and ice often occur on the lenses in winter. When frost, dew, and ice occur on the lenses, there is a problem of significant degradation in the performance of the camera module. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0006] This embodiment provides a heating element and camera module that can quickly remove frost or ice that occurs on the surface of a lens through a heating function and can improve heating efficiency. Technical solution

[0007] The heating member according to this embodiment includes: an upper end portion connected to a lens; a lower end portion connected to a substrate module; and a connecting portion connecting the upper end portion and the lower end portion. The upper end portion includes a first region connected to the lower surface of the lens and a second region connected to the side surface of the lens.

[0008] The first region has an annular cross-section and may be provided with a plurality of second regions, wherein the plurality of second regions may be arranged to face each other relative to the first region.

[0009] The length of the second region can be half or less of the circumferential length of the first region.

[0010] The upper portion includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, and a heating layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The heating layer includes conductive particles, a polymer surrounding the conductive particles, and a plurality of electrodes disposed within the conductive particles. The plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode and a second electrode, the second electrode being disposed radially outside the first electrode and having a polarity different from that of the first electrode.

[0011] A first electrode is disposed in a first region, and a second electrode is disposed in both the first and second regions. The second electrode may include a second-first electrode disposed in the first region and a second-second electrode disposed in the second region.

[0012] The second electrode can be positioned along the edge of the second region.

[0013] The second electrode can be disposed in the region connecting the first region and the second region, and can have a separating portion, wherein the separating portion is a region in which the two ends are spaced apart from each other.

[0014] The second electrode can have multiple regions perpendicular to each other in the second region.

[0015] The second electrode may have a zigzag shape in the second region so as to have a region that bends at least once or more.

[0016] The camera module according to this embodiment includes: a first body; a lens module disposed in the first body and including a lens barrel and a lens disposed in the lens barrel; a substrate module disposed in the first body; and a heating member having one end connected to a surface of the lens and another end connected to the substrate module to provide heat to the lens, wherein the heating member includes an upper end portion connected to the lens, a lower end portion connected to the substrate module, and a connecting portion connecting the upper end portion and the lower end portion, and wherein the upper end portion includes a first region connected to the lower surface of the lens and a second region connected to the side surface of the lens. Beneficial effects

[0017] According to this embodiment, by forming heating regions on multiple surfaces of the lens using heating members, there is an advantage that the various regions of the lens can be heated more uniformly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle 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 a plan view illustrating a region of a heating member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 It's a diagram. Figure 3 The view captured by A-A'.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating a first modified embodiment of the arrangement structure of the second electrode in the second region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating a second modified embodiment of the arrangement structure of the second electrode in the second region according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more constituent elements can be selectively combined or replaced between the various embodiments.

[0026] Furthermore, unless explicitly defined and described, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as having meanings that are commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, may be described with reference to the context of the relevant art.

[0027] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for describing various embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0028] In this specification, unless specifically stated in the phrase, the singular form may include the plural form, and when described as “at least one (or more than one) of A, B and C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B and C.

[0029] Furthermore, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish components from other components, and they do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0030] Furthermore, when a component is described as “connected,” “linked,” or “interconnected” to another component, the component is not only directly connected, linked, or interconnected with other components, but may also include situations where the “connection,” “linking,” or “interconnection” is made due to another component between other components.

[0031] Additionally, when described as being formed or positioned "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" means not only that the two components are in direct contact, but also that one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning of an upward direction relative to a component, but also the meaning of a downward direction relative to a component.

[0032] In the following text, "optical axis direction" is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. However, "optical axis direction" can also correspond to "vertical direction," "z-axis direction," etc.

[0033] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 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.

[0036] The body 2 can be an external component of the vehicle 1. The body 2 can have various forms, such as a frame type, a monocoque type, etc. One or more doors 3 can be attached to the side surfaces of the body 2. In addition, glass 4 can be attached to the front and rear of the upper part of the body 2 (the part forming the pillar) and the doors 3. Headlights 5 can be mounted on the front of the lower part of the body 2. Taillights 6 can be mounted on the rear of the lower part of the body 2.

[0037] The camera module 10 can be installed on the side portion of the vehicle body 2 or on the front door of one or more doors 3. The camera module 10 can also be installed on the front of the glass 4 connected to the door 3. In other words, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the camera module 10 can replace the side mirror.

[0038] The camera module 10 can capture images of the two rear sides of the vehicle. Images captured by the camera module 10 can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, images captured by the camera module 10 can be controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) and displayed on the display unit.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The installation configuration of the camera module 10 in the vehicle 1 described above is exemplary, and the camera module 10 can be used for at least one of the front camera, side camera, rear camera, and black box of the vehicle 1.

[0041] In the following description, the camera module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating a region of a heating member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 It's a diagram. Figure 3 The view captured by A-A'.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 to Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 10 may include: a first body 100, a second body 200, a lens module 300, a lens holder 400, a substrate module 500, and a heating member 700.

[0044] The first body 100 can form the appearance of the camera module 10. The first body 100 can be referred to as the front body, the upper housing, and the first housing. A space can be formed in the first body 100 to accommodate the lens module 300, the lens holder 400, and the substrate module 500.

[0045] The first body 100 may include a body portion 110 and a protruding portion 120. The body portion 110 and the protruding portion 120 may be integrally formed.

[0046] The body portion 110 may be formed of a metallic material. The body portion 110 may be disposed on the second body 200. The body portion 110 may be connected to the second body 200. The lower end of the body portion 110 may be fixed to the second body 200. The body portion 110 may be connected to the second body 200 by welding. Alternatively, the body portion 110 may be connected to the second body 200 by adhesive or fusion bonding.

[0047] The body portion 110 can be formed into a rectangular shape with an open lower portion. In this case, the corners of the body portion 110 can be rounded. The body portion 110 may include an upper plate 112 and a first side plate 114 extending downward from the edge of the upper plate 112. The upper plate 112 can be formed into a rectangular shape. The upper plate 112 can extend outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the protruding portion 120. The first side plate 114 can extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate 112. Multiple first side plates 114 can be provided. The first side plate 114 can include four side plates. The first side plate 114 can be formed into a rectangular plate shape. As an example, the first side plate 114 may include a first-first side plate, a first-second side plate, a first-third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first-first side plate, and a first-fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first-second side plate. The first side plate 114 may include first-first corners to first-fourth corners respectively disposed between the first-first side plate to the first-fourth side plate. Each of the first to fourth corners may include a rounded shape in at least a portion thereof.

[0048] A spatial portion, separated from other areas, can be formed within the inner portion of the body part 110. The spatial portion may have an open lower portion, and the upper portion of the spatial portion may be covered by the protruding portion 120 and the lower surface of the lens module 300.

[0049] The first body 100 may include a protruding portion 120. The protruding portion 120 may be formed of a metallic material. The protruding portion 120 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The protruding portion 120 may be disposed on the body portion 110. The protruding portion 120 may extend upward from the upper surface of the body portion 110. The protruding portion 120 may be integrally formed with the body portion 110. As a modified embodiment, the protruding portion 120 may be coupled to the body portion 110. In this case, the protruding portion 120 may be fixed to the body portion 110 by an adhesive. The protruding portion 120 may accommodate a lens module 300 inside it. The space where the lens module 300 is coupled may be formed in the central portion of the protruding portion 120. The lens module 300 may be disposed in the space within the protruding portion 120.

[0050] The camera module 10 may include a second body 200. The second body 200 may be referred to as a rear body, lower housing, second housing, or rear cover. The second body 200 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open upper portion. The second body 200 may be formed of a metallic material. The second body 200 may be disposed below the first body 100. The second body 200 may be coupled to the first body 100. The second body 200 may form an internal space by being coupled to the first body 100. The second body 200 may include a space portion with an open upper surface.

[0051] The second body 200 may include a lower plate 220. The lower plate 220 may face the upper plate 114 of the first body 100 in the optical axis direction. The lower plate 220 may be spaced apart from the upper plate 114 of the first body 110 in the optical axis direction. The lower plate 220 may be parallel to the upper plate 114 of the first body 100. The lower plate 220 may be formed in a rectangular shape. In this case, the corners of the lower plate 220 may include a rounded shape in at least a portion thereof.

[0052] The second body 200 may include a second side plate 210. The second side plate 210 may extend from the lower plate 220. The second side plate 210 may extend upward from the outer edge of the lower plate 220. A shielding member (not shown) may be disposed on the second side plate 210. The shielding member may be in surface contact with the inner surface of the second side plate 210. The upper end of the second side plate 210 may be connected to the first body 100. The inner surface of the second side plate 210 may be configured to surround the outer surface of the first side plate 114. The inner surface of the second side plate 210 and the outer surface of the first side plate 114 may be joined together by at least one of welding, adhesive, and fusion.

[0053] The second body 200 may include a connector lead-out portion 290. The connector lead-out portion 290 may have a shape that projects downward from the lower surface of the lower plate 220. A connector 490, which will be described later, may be disposed in the connector lead-out portion 290. The connector lead-out portion 290 may be formed of a metallic material. The connector lead-out portion 290 may have a hollow tube shape therein.

[0054] The camera module 10 may include a lens module 300. The lens module 300 may be coupled to the first body 100. The lens module 300 may be coupled to a hole in the protrusion 120. At least a portion of the lens module 300 may be disposed inside the protrusion 120, and the remaining portion of the lens module 300 may be configured to protrude upward from the first body 100.

[0055] Lens module 300 may include lens barrel 310 and one or more lenses 330 housed within lens barrel 310. Lens 330 may be configured to face the image sensor in substrate module 500 (described later) along the optical axis. Lens 330 may be aligned with the image sensor along the optical axis. Multiple lenses 330 may be provided, and the multiple lenses 330 may be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis within lens barrel 310. The outermost lens of the multiple lenses 330 may be exposed above camera module 10.

[0056] The lens barrel 310 may include a space having an open upper and lower surface on its inner side. A lens 330 may be disposed within the space of the lens barrel 310. The lens barrel 310 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The barrel 310 may be formed of a metallic material. The lens barrel 310 may include a hole through which the connecting portion 730 of the heating member 700, described later, passes. The hole may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 330.

[0057] Lens module 300 may include a retainer 380. The retainer 380 may be coupled to the outer surface of lens barrel 310. The retainer 380 may be threaded onto lens barrel 310. Alternatively, the retainer 380 and lens barrel 310 may be coupled to each other using epoxy resin. The retainer 380 may be coupled to the upper end of lens barrel 310. At least a portion of the retainer 380 may be disposed within the first body 100. The incident surface of the outermost lens in lens 330 may protrude upward beyond the upper surface of the retainer 380.

[0058] The connection structure of the lens barrel 310 and the retainer 380 described above is exemplary, and the camera module 10 can be implemented as an integral structure in which the lens barrel 310 and the retainer 380 are integrated.

[0059] The retainer 380 may have an annular cross-section. At least a portion of the retainer 380 may be configured to cover the edge of the outermost lens. The retainer 380 may be configured to surround the edge of the outermost lens. The retainer 380 may be configured to cover the edge of the incident surface of the outermost lens. The retainer 380 may contact a portion of the incident surface of the outermost lens.

[0060] The retainer 380 may include a first region 382 and a second region 384. The first region 382 has a lower surface that supports the incident surface of the outermost lens, and the second region 384 extends downward from the edge of the first region 382. The second region 384 may be disposed between the lens barrel 310 and the first body 100. The first region 382 and the second region 384 may be disposed perpendicular to each other.

[0061] Camera module 10 may include a lens holder 400. The lens holder 400 may be disposed between the first body 100 and the lens barrel 310. The lens holder 400 may be configured to surround the outer surface of the lens barrel 310. The lens holder 400 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion extending from its upper surface to its lower surface. Threads or threaded grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the lens holder 400. Threaded grooves or threads may be formed on the outer surface of the lens barrel 310 facing the inner surface of the lens holder 400. The lens barrel 310 may be threadedly connected to the lens holder 400.

[0062] A substrate connection portion may be formed on the lower surface of the lens holder 400, to which the first substrate 510 of the substrate module 500 described later is connected. The substrate connection portion may have a groove shape that is recessed upwards beyond other areas.

[0063] The lens holder 400 can be omitted. In this case, the substrate module 500 can be connected in the space of the first body 100.

[0064] The camera module 10 may include a substrate module 500. The substrate module 500 may be disposed in the space within the camera module 10. The substrate module 500 may be disposed between the first body 100 and the second body 200.

[0065] The substrate module 500 may include: a first substrate 510, a second substrate 520 and a connecting substrate (not shown).

[0066] The first substrate 510 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). An image sensor may be disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 510. The image sensor may be disposed on the first substrate 510 so as to face the lens 330 in the lens module 300 in the optical axis direction. The first substrate 510 may be disposed in the substrate connection portion of the lens holder 400.

[0067] The second substrate 520 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate 520 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 510 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 520 may be disposed below the first substrate 510. A connector (not shown) may be attached to the lower surface of the second substrate 520. The upper end of the connector may be soldered to the lower surface of the second substrate 520.

[0068] Terminal 525 may be disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 520. Terminal 525 may be electrically and physically connected to the lower end of the heating element 700, as will be described later.

[0069] The second substrate 520 can be electrically connected to the first substrate 510. The second substrate 520 and the first substrate 510 can be electrically connected via a connecting substrate. The connecting substrate can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The upper and lower ends of the connecting substrate can be connected to the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 respectively, so that the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 are electrically connected.

[0070] The substrate module 500 may further include a shield (not shown) disposed between the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520. The first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction by the shield.

[0071] The heating structure of the lens according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0072] Camera module 10 may include a heating element 700. The heating element 700 can provide heat to the surface of lens 330. The heating element 700 can provide heat to the surface of the outermost lens among the plurality of lenses 330. Therefore, frost formed on the surface of lens 330 can be removed.

[0073] The heating element 700 can be a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater). One end of the heating element 700 can be connected to the surface of the lens 330, and the other end of the heating element 700 can be connected to the substrate module 500.

[0074] Specifically, the outermost lens 330 disposed on the lens barrel 310 may include: an incident surface 331 through which light enters; an exiting surface 333 facing the incident surface 331 through which incident light is emitted toward the image sensor; and a connecting surface connecting the incident surface 331 and the exiting surface 333. The connecting surface may include a first connecting surface 335 forming the lower surface of the lens 330 and a second connecting surface 337 forming the side surface of the lens 330. One end of the heating member 700 may be coupled to the first connecting surface 335 and the second connecting surface 337. The first connecting surface 335 and the second connecting surface 337 may be perpendicular to each other.

[0075] The first connecting surface 335 may include a plurality of surfaces arranged in a stepped manner relative to each other in the optical axis direction. The plurality of surfaces may include a first surface and a second surface disposed inside the first surface. The plurality of surfaces may include a first side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface. The first surface may be disposed above the second surface. One end of the heating member 700 may be coupled to the first surface. One end of the heating member 700 may be coupled to the first side surface.

[0076] The heating element 700 may have a film shape. The heating element 700 may be a substrate on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heating element 700 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0077] The heating member 700 may include an upper end portion 710, a lower end portion 720, and a connecting portion 730. The upper end portion 710 is disposed at the upper end of the heating member 700 and may be connected to the surface of the lens 330.

[0078] like Figure 3As illustrated, the upper portion 710 may include a first region 1710 and a second region 1730. The first region 1710 has an annular cross-section and is connected to a first connecting surface 335. The second region 1730 is disposed outside the first region 1710 and is connected to a second connecting surface 337. The first region 1710 and the second region 1730 may be arranged perpendicular to each other. A plurality of second regions 1730 may be provided, and the plurality of second regions 1730 may be arranged to face each other relative to the first region 1710. The second region 1730 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first region 1710, which has a circular cross-sectional shape. Each of the plurality of second regions 1730 may have a strip shape. The outer circumferential surface of the first region 1710 may be connected to the longitudinal center of the second region 1730.

[0079] The length L1 of each of the plurality of second regions 1730 may be half or less of the circumference of the outermost lens. The length L1 of each of the plurality of second regions 1730 may also be half or less of the circumference of the second connecting surface 337. Therefore, when the second regions 1730 are coupled to the second connecting surface 337, the end portions of the plurality of second regions 1730 may have regions spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. A gap may be formed between the two ends of the plurality of second regions 1730.

[0080] Alternatively, the length L1 of each of the plurality of second regions 1730 may be half or greater than the circumference of the outermost lens. The length L1 of each of the plurality of second regions 1730 may be half or greater than the circumference of the second connecting surface 337. Thus, the plurality of second regions 1730 may have regions that overlap with each other on the second connecting surface 337.

[0081] The lower end portion 720 can be disposed at the lower end of the heating member 700 and can be connected to the substrate module 500. The lower end portion 720 can be connected to the lower surface of the second substrate 520 of the substrate module 500. The lower end portion 720 can be connected to a terminal 525 disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 520. Therefore, power can be supplied to the heating member 700 from the substrate module 500, or drive signals can be sent and received.

[0082] The connecting portion 730 can connect the upper end portion 710 and the lower end portion 720. The connecting portion 730 may include an area that is bent at least once or more. At least a portion of the connecting portion 730 may be disposed between the outer surface of the lens barrel 310 and the inner surface of the first body 100. A hole may be formed in the lens barrel 310 such that the connecting portion 730 passes through the hole.

[0083] The upper portion 710 may include a plurality of electrodes 717 and 718 spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. Similarly, the connecting portion 730 may include a plurality of electrodes respectively connected to the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes 717 and 718 may include a first electrode 717 and a second electrode 718. The second electrode 718 may be disposed outside the first electrode 717. The polarities of the first electrode 717 and the second electrode 718 may be different from each other. For example, the first electrode 717 may have a positive (+) polarity, while the second electrode 718 may have a negative (-) polarity.

[0084] The first electrode 717 may be disposed in the first region 1710 of the upper end portion 710. The second electrode 718 may be disposed in the first region 1710 and the second region 1730 of the upper end portion 710.

[0085] In detail, a first electrode 717 extending from the connecting portion 730 may be disposed at the upper end portion 710 to form a circular cross-sectional shape with an internal space in which the two ends are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0086] The second electrode 718 extending from the connecting portion 730 may be disposed outside the first electrode 717 to form a concentric circle with the first electrode 717 in the first region 1710, and a portion of the second electrode 718 may extend into the second region 1730 and be disposed along the periphery of the second region 1730. In this case, the second electrode 718 may be defined as including a second-first electrode 718a disposed in the first region 1710 and a second-second electrode 718b disposed in the second region 1730. Meanwhile, in the region where the first region 1710 and the second region 1730 are connected, the second-second electrode 718b may have a spacer portion 718c in which two ends are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the lens 330.

[0087] According to the structure described above, by placing any one of the plurality of electrodes in the second region 1730 extending from the first region 1710, electrical short circuits between the plurality of electrodes in the second region 1730, where shape deformation occurs, can be prevented.

[0088] Meanwhile, it goes without saying that both the first electrode 717 and the second electrode 718 can be disposed in the second region 1730, and in this case, the first electrode 717 can be disposed inside the second electrode 718 in the second region 1730.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating a first modified embodiment of the arrangement structure of the second electrode in the second region according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 5The second electrode 718 may include multiple regions perpendicular to each other in the second region 1730. The second electrode 718 may include a first extension portion 718d extending from the second electrode 718 in the first region 1710, and a second extension portion 718e disposed perpendicular to the end portion of the first extension portion 718d and extending along the longitudinal direction of the second region 1730. In this case, the end portion of the first extension portion 718d may be connected to the longitudinal center of the second extension portion 718e.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating a second modified embodiment of the arrangement structure of the second electrode in the second region according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The second extension portion 718e of the first modified embodiment described above may include a region that is bent at least once or more. The second extension portion 718e may be formed in a zigzag shape. Therefore, the second extension portion 718e can be disposed in the second region 1730 at a higher density.

[0091] like Figure 3 As illustrated, one end of the upper end portion 710 is connected to the connecting portion 730, and the other end of the upper end portion 710 can be spaced apart from the connecting portion 730 by a first spacing distance d1. Therefore, when the heating member 700 is attached to the lens 330, assembly reliability can be ensured. The other end of the upper end portion 710 and the end of the electrode in the upper end portion 710 can be spaced apart by a second spacing distance d2. Therefore, the electrode in the upper end portion 710 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby improving the heat transfer reliability of the heating member 700.

[0092] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the heating component 700 may include: a first substrate 712, a second substrate 714, a heating layer 716, and an adhesive layer 750.

[0093] The first substrate 712 and the second substrate 714 are respectively formed in the shape of a film, and a space in which the heating layer 716 is formed can be formed between the first substrate 712 and the second substrate 714. The first substrate 712 can be positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens 330 than the second substrate 714. Therefore, the first substrate 712 and the second substrate 714 can be referred to as the upper substrate and the lower substrate, respectively.

[0094] The first substrate 712 and the second substrate 714 can be formed of different materials. As an example, the material of the first substrate 712 can be polyimide. The material of the second substrate 714 can be PET.

[0095] Based on the optical axis direction, the thickness t2 of the first substrate 712 can be less than the thickness t1 of the second substrate 714. As an example, the thickness t2 of the first substrate 712 can be 1 / 4 or less of the thickness t1 of the second substrate 714. The thickness t2 of the first substrate 712 can be 20 μm to 30 μm. The thickness t1 of the second substrate 714 can be 80 μm to 120 μm. According to the structure described above, by making the thickness of the first substrate 712, which is positioned relatively closer to the surface of the lens 330, thin, the heat generated from the heating layer 716 can be efficiently transferred to the surface of the lens 330. Furthermore, heat loss through the second substrate 714 can be prevented.

[0096] The thermal conductivity of the first substrate 712 can be greater than that of the second substrate 714. Therefore, heat can be concentrated into the lens 330 through the first substrate 712.

[0097] A heating layer 716 may be disposed between a first substrate 712 and a second substrate 714. The heating layer 716 may include a polymer, conductive particles 719 disposed within the polymer, and electrodes 717 and 718. The polymer may be configured to surround the conductive particles 719.

[0098] Electrodes 717 and 718 can be disposed on the surface of the polymer. The first electrode 717 and the second electrode 718 can be disposed on the surface of the polymer. The heating layer 716 can generate heat through the resistance change of the conductive particles 719 caused by the power supply from the substrate module 500. One surface of the first substrate 712 can directly contact the plurality of electrodes 718.

[0099] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the radial gap W1 from any of the plurality of electrodes 718 to the inner or outer surface of the heating layer 716 can be smaller than the gap W2 between the plurality of electrodes 718. Therefore, heat transfer can be performed more easily in the direction of the lens 330 than at the side surface of the heating member 700.

[0100] Furthermore, the thickness t5 of the electrode 718 in the optical axis direction can be greater than the diameter of the conductive particles 719. Therefore, heat transfer to the region between multiple electrodes 718 can be performed more easily.

[0101] The thickness t3 of the heating layer 716 can be greater than the thickness t2 of the first substrate 712, and can be less than or equal to the thickness t1 of the second substrate 714.

[0102] An adhesive layer 750 may be disposed on the first substrate 712. The adhesive layer 750 may be formed on a surface opposite to one surface of the contact electrode 718 of the first substrate 712. The adhesive may be disposed on the surface of the adhesive layer 750. The heating member 700 and the lens 330 may be connected via the adhesive layer 750. The thickness t4 of the adhesive layer 750 may be thicker than the thickness t2 of the first substrate 712. The thickness t4 of the adhesive layer 750 may be thinner than the thickness t1 of the second substrate 714. The thickness of the adhesive layer 750 may be from 40 μm to 60 μm. The material of the adhesive layer 750 may be alumina or a non-conductive carbon-based material.

[0103] The thermal conductivity of the adhesive layer 750 can be greater than that of the second substrate 714. The thermal conductivity of the adhesive layer 750 can also be greater than that of the first substrate 712. Therefore, heat can be concentrated towards the lens 330 through the adhesive layer 750.

[0104] Meanwhile, a release film (not shown) can be provided on the adhesive layer 750, and the strength of the heating member 700 can be enhanced by the release film.

[0105] According to the structure described above, and based on the thermal resistance formula which is inversely proportional to the path of heat movement, the heating member 700 of this embodiment can not only easily transfer heat toward the lens 330 by controlling the thickness of the first substrate 712 and the second substrate 714, but also has the advantage of improving the heating efficiency of the lens 330 by preventing heat loss to other areas.

[0106] In addition, by forming heating areas on multiple surfaces of the lens using heating components, there is an advantage that the various areas of the lens can be heated more uniformly.

[0107] In the above description, all components constituting embodiments of the present invention are described as being combined or operated into a single component; however, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, all components may selectively be operated in combination with one or more components. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms "comprising," "including," or "having" above mean that the corresponding component may be inherent and should therefore be understood to include other components rather than exclude them. Unless otherwise specified, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as consistent with the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formalized sense unless explicitly defined by the present invention.

[0108] The above description is merely an illustration of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the basic characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of the invention, but rather to describe the invention, 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 within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating element, comprising: The upper end portion is connected to the lens; The lower end portion is connected to the substrate module; as well as The connecting portion connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion. The upper end portion includes a first region connected to the lower surface of the lens and a second region connected to the side surface of the lens.

2. The heating component according to claim 1, in, The first region has an annular cross-section, and The system includes multiple second regions, which are positioned relative to each other with respect to the first region.

3. The heating component according to claim 2, in, The length of each second region in the second region is half or less of the circumference of the first region.

4. The heating component according to claim 1, in, The upper portion includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, and a heating layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The heating layer includes conductive particles, a polymer surrounding the conductive particles, and multiple electrodes disposed on the polymer. The plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the second electrode is disposed radially outside the first electrode and has a polarity different from that of the first electrode.

5. The heating element according to claim 4, in, The first electrode is disposed in the first region. The second electrode is disposed in both the first region and the second region, and The second electrode includes a second-first electrode disposed in the first region and a second-second electrode disposed in the second region.

6. The heating element according to claim 5, in, The second electrode is disposed along the edge of the second region.

7. The heating element according to claim 6, in, The second electrode is disposed in the region connecting the first region and the second region, and The second electrode has two spaced-out portions at its ends.

8. The heating element according to claim 5, in, The second electrode has multiple regions perpendicular to each other within the second region.

9. The heating element according to claim 7, in, The second electrode has a zigzag shape in the second region, and The second electrode includes at least one curved region.

10. A camera module, comprising: first ontology; A lens module, wherein the lens module is disposed within the first body and includes a lens barrel and a lens disposed within the lens barrel; A substrate module, wherein the substrate module is disposed within the first body; as well as A heating element having one end connected to the surface of the lens and another end connected to the substrate module. The heating component includes an upper portion connected to the lens, a lower portion connected to the substrate module, and a connecting portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper end portion includes a first region connected to the lower surface of the lens and a second region connected to the side surface of the lens.

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