Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a cover including a front cover portion and having an accommodation space therein; the lens barrel is arranged in the accommodating space; an image sensor disposed at a rear region of the lens barrel along an optical axis direction of the lens barrel within the accommodation space; and a light emitting portion disposed around the lens barrel, in which the front cover portion is configured to have a groove portion disposed around a region corresponding to the lens barrel in an optical axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0002] Electronic cameras can be installed in vehicles to recognize the driving environment and the driver's face and record the environment inside the vehicle.

[0003] Since the interior of a vehicle may be dark, light-emitting components are embedded in these cameras to operate as lighting.

[0004] Furthermore, in a typical camera, a method of fixing a lens and a light emitting component to a cover made of a non-transmissive material and mounting a plate made of a transmissive material on an outer surface is implemented.

[0005] However, depending on the structure of the camera, light emitted by the light emitting component is reflected from the inside and enters the lens, thereby causing defects such as flare and ghosting, which may adversely affect image quality.

[0006] In addition, when a gap is formed between the opaque fixed body and the plate made of the external transmissive material due to poor management of design and size, there is also a risk that reflection may leak through the gap.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a camera module with an integrated cover that prevents internal reflections in the camera.

[0008] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of providing this utility model summary is to introduce a selection of concepts in a concise form, and these concepts will be further described in the following detailed description. This utility model summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In general, the camera module includes: a cover including a front cover portion and having an accommodating space in the cover; a lens barrel disposed in the accommodating space; an image sensor disposed in the accommodating space at a rear area of ​​the lens barrel along an optical axis direction of the lens barrel; and a light-emitting portion disposed around the lens barrel, wherein the front cover portion is configured to have a groove portion, and the groove portion is disposed around an area corresponding to the lens barrel in the optical axis direction.

[0011] The groove portion may be provided on an inner surface of the front cover portion facing the lens barrel.

[0012] The groove portion may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0013] The groove portion may have a stepped cross-sectional shape.

[0014] The groove portion may have a cross-sectional shape including a curved line.

[0015] The camera module may further include a light blocking portion in which a protrusion portion coupled with the groove portion is provided, wherein the light blocking portion may be provided to surround the lens barrel in a front region of the lens barrel along an optical axis direction within the accommodating space.

[0016] The protrusion portion may be configured to have a shape complementary to that of the recess portion.

[0017] The light blocking portion may extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction to surround the light emitting portion.

[0018] The light blocking portion may have an opening in which the light emitting portion is accommodated.

[0019] The light blocking portion includes a non-transmissive material.

[0020] The light blocking portion may be disposed to contact the lens barrel.

[0021] The front cover portion may include a surface treatment portion on an inner surface of the front cover portion, and the surface treatment portion may include a non-transmissive material.

[0022] The surface processed portion may be provided to surround an area corresponding to the lens barrel and the light emitting portion.

[0023] The front cover portion may include a transmissive material.

[0024] The camera module may further include: a first substrate disposed in the accommodation space and on which the image sensor is mounted; and a second substrate disposed on a side of the first substrate facing the front cover portion and on which the light emitting portion is mounted.

[0025] In general, the camera module includes: a cover including a front cover portion and having an accommodating space in the cover; a lens barrel disposed in the accommodating space; and a light-emitting portion disposed around the lens barrel, wherein the front cover portion is configured to have a groove portion, and the groove portion is disposed around an area corresponding to the lens barrel in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel.

[0026] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a portion of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0029] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0030] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0031] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a portion of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0034] Figure 8 Shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0035] Fig. 9 A top view of a front cover portion of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0036] Fig.10 Shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0037] Fig.11 Shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0038] Fig.12 A top view of a front cover portion of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0039] Throughout the drawings and detailed description, 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 sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, although examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0041] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader gain a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the methods, devices and / or systems described herein will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example, and except for operations that must occur in a specific order, it is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be changed, which will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0042] 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 to implement the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, a region, or a substrate is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element, or one or more other elements may be present between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, no other elements may be present between the element and the other element.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Although terms such as "first", "second" and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers or portions, these members, components, regions, layers or portions are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or portion from another member, component, region, layer or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first member, first component, first region, first layer or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as the second member, second component, second region, second layer or second portion.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as "above", "higher", "below", "lower", etc. may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe the relationship of one element relative to another element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to covering the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, these spatially relative terms are intended to also cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as being "above" or "higher" relative to another element will be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Therefore, 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 spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are only used to describe various examples and are not used to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well. The terms "include", "comprise" and "have" indicate the presence of the features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Variations in the shapes shown in the drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings but include variations in shapes that occur during manufacturing.

[0049] It should be noted that herein, use of the word “may” with respect to an example, such as regarding what an example may include or implement, means that there is at least one example in which such feature is included or implemented, and all examples are not limited thereto.

[0050] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, other configurations that will be apparent after understanding the present disclosure are also possible.

[0051] One or more examples provide a camera module that prevents defects such as flare and ghosting due to light reflection generated inside the camera module.

[0052] One or more examples provide a reduced-size camera module having an overall appearance including a transmissive material.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , an exemplary camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments will be described. Figure 1is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing a portion of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0054] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an exemplary camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may include a cover 110, a lens barrel 120, a first substrate 130, a second substrate 140, and a light blocking portion 150. In an example, the camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may be implemented in an apparatus that photographs or captures images and monitors vehicle occupants to prevent vehicle accidents.

[0055] The cover 110 configures the exterior of the camera module 10 and may house therein various components of the camera module 10. The cover 110 may block foreign particles such as moisture and dust from flowing into the camera module 10 and may protect components such as the lens barrel 120, the first substrate 130, and the second substrate 140 from external impact.

[0056] In an example, the cover 110 may have a polyhedral shape having a substantially quadrilateral cross-section and a predetermined height. However, the shape of the cover 110 is not limited to the polyhedral shape having a quadrilateral cross-section.

[0057] The cover 110 may include a front cover portion 111 and a rear cover portion 112. The front cover portion 111 may transmit external light into the camera module 10. The front cover portion 111 may include a transmissive material. In an example, the front cover portion 111 may have a shape integrated with a transparent material. The rear cover portion 112 is disposed at the rear of the front cover portion 111 and may be coupled to the front cover portion 111.

[0058] The cover 110 may have an accommodation space therein by coupling the front cover portion 111 and the rear cover portion 112. Components such as the lens barrel 120, the first substrate 130, and the second substrate 140 may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the cover 110.

[0059] The lens barrel 120 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 110. The lens barrel 120 may include a plurality of lenses disposed along an optical axis direction (eg, an X-axis direction).

[0060] The first substrate 130 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 110. The first substrate 130 may be disposed at the rear of the lens barrel 120 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 120, and the image sensor 131 may be mounted on the first substrate 130. The image sensor 131 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 110. The image sensor 131 may be disposed at the rear of the lens barrel 120 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 120. Light passing through a plurality of lenses included in the lens barrel 120 may be incident on the image sensor 131 disposed on the first substrate 130.

[0061] The second substrate 140 may be disposed on one side of the lens barrel 120 along the optical axis direction. For example, the second substrate 140 may be disposed at the front of the lens barrel 120 along the optical axis direction. The second substrate 140 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 110. In an example, a light emitting portion 141 may be mounted on the second substrate 140. The light emitting portion 141 may be disposed around the lens barrel 120. The light emitting portion 141 may be used as a lighting component of the camera module 10. In an example, the light emitting portion 141 may include a light emitting diode (LED) or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) as examples only.

[0062] The light blocking portion 150 may be disposed in the front region of the lens barrel 120 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 120. The light blocking portion 150 may be located within the accommodation space. The light blocking portion 150 may be disposed to surround the lens barrel 120. The light blocking portion 150 blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion 141 and reflected from the inside of the camera module 10 and unnecessarily incident on the lens barrel 120, thereby preventing defects such as flare and ghosting.

[0063] In an example, the light blocking portion 150 may be fixed to the front cover portion 111 by double molding such as an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or double injection.

[0064] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front cover portion 111 and the light blocking portion 150 are described in detail.

[0065] The front cover portion 111 may have a groove portion 1111 a provided around a region corresponding to the lens barrel 120 in the optical axis direction.

[0066] The groove portion 1111a may be provided on the inner surface of the front cover portion 111 facing the lens barrel 120. The groove portion 1111a may be provided to surround the area corresponding to the lens barrel 120 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 111. In an example, the groove portion 1111a may be provided to surround the area corresponding to the lens barrel 120 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 111 in a circular shape. The groove portion 1111a may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape. For example, the groove portion 1111a may have a cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge shape.

[0067] The light blocking portion 150 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction). For example, the light blocking portion 150 may be in a plate shape having at least one opening. The light blocking portion 150 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction to surround the light emitting portion 141.

[0068] The light blocking portion 150 may have an opening 152 in which the light emitting portion 141 is received. The light blocking portion 150 may include a non-transmissive material.

[0069] The protrusion portion 151a coupled to the groove portion 1111a may be located in the light blocking portion 150. The protrusion portion 151a may be located on one surface of the light blocking portion 150 facing the front cover portion 111.

[0070] The protrusion 151a may have a shape that matches the groove portion 1111a. In other words, the protrusion 151a may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove portion 1111a, and the front cover portion 111 and the light blocking portion 150 may be coupled so that the protrusion 151a and the groove portion 1111a may be coupled to each other. In an example, the protrusion 151a may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the groove portion 1111a. However, these examples are not limited thereto, and the protrusion 151a may have any shape that can be coupled to the groove portion 1111a.

[0071] As described above, since the protrusion portion 151a made of non-transmissive material can be complementarily connected to the groove portion 1111a of the front cover portion 111 made of transmissive material, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 141 can be prevented from penetrating the groove portion 1111a, thereby preventing the light from being reflected inside the front cover portion 111 and unnecessarily incident on the lens.

[0072] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Another embodiment of the groove portion 1111 a and the protrusion portion 151 a is described. Figure 4 and Figure 5 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 , an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is similar to the camera module according to reference Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary camera module 10 of the embodiment is described. Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 , and according to Figures 1 to 3 Unlike the camera module 10 of the embodiment shown in the embodiment, the groove portion 1111b of the camera module according to the present embodiment may have a stepped cross-sectional shape. In the example, the groove portion 1111b may have a stepped cross-sectional shape in which the height increases toward the center of the lens barrel 120. The protrusion 151b may have a shape that matches the groove portion 1111b. In other words, the protrusion 151b may have a shape that complements the shape of the groove portion 1111b. In the example, the protrusion 151b may have a stepped cross-sectional shape that complements the shape of the groove portion 1111b.

[0075] Reference Figure 5 The camera module according to this embodiment is similar to the camera module according to reference Figures 1 to 3 The camera module 10 of the embodiment is described. Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 , and according to Figures 1 to 3 Unlike the camera module 10 of the embodiment shown, the groove portion 1111c of the camera module according to the present embodiment may have a cross-sectional shape including a curve. In an example, the groove portion 1111c may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape in which the height increases toward the center of the lens barrel 120 and at least one edge is a curve.

[0077] The protrusion portion 151c may have a shape matching the groove portion 1111c. In other words, the protrusion portion 151c may have a shape complementary to the shape of the groove portion 1111c. In an example, the protrusion portion 151c may have a cross-sectional shape including a curve complementary to the groove portion 1111c.

[0078] As described above, by implementing the front cover portion 111 with corresponding groove portions 1111a, 1111b and 1111c on the inner surface, and implementing the light blocking portion 150 with corresponding protrusion portions 151a, 151b and 151c located on a surface facing the front cover portion 111, a higher quality camera module can be achieved by preventing defects such as flare and ghosting caused by light reflection inside the camera module.

[0079] In addition, a camera module having an integrated appearance can be realized.

[0080] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 9 An exemplary camera module 20 is described according to one or more implementations. Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 8 Shown along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of Fig. 9 A top view of a front cover portion of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0081] First, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the camera module 20 according to one or more embodiments may include a cover 210, a lens barrel 220, a first substrate 230, a second substrate 240, and a light blocking portion 250. In an example, the camera module 20 according to one or more embodiments may be implemented in an apparatus that photographs or captures images and monitors vehicle occupants to prevent vehicle accidents.

[0082] The cover 210 configures the exterior of the camera module 20 and may house therein various components of the camera module 20. The cover 210 blocks foreign particles such as moisture and dust from flowing into the interior of the camera module 20 and may protect components such as the lens barrel 220, the first substrate 230, and the second substrate 240 from external impact.

[0083] In an example, the cover 210 may have a polyhedral shape having a substantially quadrilateral cross-section and a predetermined height. However, the shape of the cover 210 is not limited to the polyhedral shape having a quadrilateral cross-section.

[0084] The cover 210 may include a front cover portion 211 and a rear cover portion 212. The front cover portion 211 may transmit external light into the camera module 20. The front cover portion 211 may include a transmissive material. In an example, the front cover portion 211 may have a shape integrated with a transparent material. The rear cover portion 212 may be disposed at the rear of the front cover portion 211 and may be coupled to the front cover portion 211.

[0085] The cover 210 may have an accommodation space therein by coupling the front cover portion 211 and the rear cover portion 212. Components such as the lens barrel 220, the first substrate 230, and the second substrate 240 may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the cover 210.

[0086] The lens barrel 220 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 210. The lens barrel 220 may include a plurality of lenses disposed along an optical axis direction.

[0087] The first substrate 230 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 210. The first substrate 230 may be disposed at the rear of the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 220, and the image sensor 231 may be mounted on the first substrate 230. The image sensor 231 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 210. The image sensor 231 may be disposed at the rear of the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 220. Light passing through a plurality of lenses included in the lens barrel 220 may be incident on the image sensor 231 disposed on the first substrate 230.

[0088] The second substrate 240 may be disposed on one side of the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis direction. For example, the second substrate 240 may be disposed at the front of the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis direction. The second substrate 240 may be disposed in the accommodation space of the cover 210. The light emitting portion 241 may be mounted on the second substrate 240. The light emitting portion 241 may be disposed around the lens barrel 220. The light emitting portion 241 may be used as a lighting component of the camera module 20. In a non-limiting example, the light emitting portion 241 may include an LED or a VCSEL.

[0089] The light blocking portion 250 may be disposed in the front region of the lens barrel 220 along the optical axis direction of the lens barrel 220. The light blocking portion 250 may be located within the accommodation space. In an example, the light blocking portion 250 may be disposed to surround the lens barrel 220. The light blocking portion 250 blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion 241 and reflected from the inside of the camera module 20 and unnecessarily incident on the lens barrel 220, thereby preventing defects such as flare and ghosting.

[0090] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 7 to 9 The front cover portion 211 and the light blocking portion 250 are described in detail.

[0091] The front cover portion 211 may have a groove portion 2111a, which is arranged around an area corresponding to the lens barrel 220 in the optical axis direction. The groove portion 2111a may be arranged on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211 facing the lens barrel 220. The groove portion 2111a may be arranged to surround an area corresponding to the lens barrel 220 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211. In an example, the groove portion 2111a may be arranged to surround an area corresponding to the lens barrel 220 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211 in a circular shape. In an example, the groove portion 2111a may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape. For example, the groove portion 2111a may have a cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge shape.

[0092] Reference Fig. 9 , the front cover portion 211 may include a surface treatment portion 2112 located on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211. The surface treatment portion 2112 may include a non-transmissive material. The surface treatment portion 2112 may be provided around regions A1, A2, and A3 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211, and the regions A1, A2, and A3 correspond to the lens barrel 220 and the light emitting portion 241, respectively. Specifically, the surface treatment portion 2112 may be provided around regions A1, A2, and A3 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 and the light emitting portion 241. In an example, on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211, the regions A1, A2, and A3 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 and the light emitting portion 241 may be transparent portions including a transmissive material, and the surface treatment portion 2112 provided around regions A1, A2, and A3 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 and the light emitting portion 241 may be an opaque portion including a non-transmissive material. Areas A1, A2, and A3 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 and the light emitting portion 241 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211 may be mirror-finished. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the light emitting portion 241 from being reflected from the inside of the front cover portion 211 and being incident on the lens unnecessarily.

[0093] The light blocking portion 250 may be disposed to contact the lens barrel 220. The light blocking portion 250 may protrude in the optical axis direction to surround the lens barrel 220.

[0094] The protrusion 251a coupled to the groove portion 2111a may be located in the light blocking portion 250. The protrusion 251a may be located on a surface of the light blocking portion 250 facing the front cover portion 211. The protrusion 251a may have a shape that matches the groove portion 2111a. In other words, the protrusion 251a may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove portion 2111a, and the front cover portion 211 and the light blocking portion 250 may be coupled so that the protrusion 251a and the groove portion 2111a may be coupled to each other. In an example, the protrusion 251a may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove portion 2111a. However, it is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 251a may have any shape that can be coupled to the groove portion 2111a.

[0095] As described above, since the protrusion portion 251a made of non-transmissive material is complementarily connected to the groove portion 2111a of the front cover portion 211 made of transmissive material, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 241 can be prevented from penetrating the groove portion 2111a, thereby preventing the light from being reflected inside the front cover portion 211 and unnecessarily incident on the lens.

[0096] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.10 and Fig.11 Another embodiment of the groove portion 2111 a and the protrusion portion 251 a is described. Fig.10 and Fig.11 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0097] Reference Fig.10 , according to one or more embodiments of the camera module is similar to the camera module according to reference Figures 6 to 9 A camera module 20 according to another embodiment is described. Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0098] Reference Fig.10 , and according to Figures 6 to 9 Unlike the camera module 20 of another embodiment shown in , the groove portion 2111b of the camera module according to this embodiment may have a stepped cross-sectional shape. In the example, the groove portion 2111b may have a stepped cross-sectional shape in which the height increases toward the center of the lens barrel 220. The protrusion 251b may have a shape that matches the groove portion 2111b. In other words, the protrusion 251b may have a shape that complements the shape of the groove portion 2111b. In the example, the protrusion 251b may have a stepped cross-sectional shape that complements the shape of the groove portion 2111b.

[0099] Reference Fig.11 , according to one or more embodiments of the camera module is similar to the camera module according to reference Figures 6 to 9 A camera module 20 according to another embodiment is described. Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0100] Reference Fig.11 , and according to Figures 6 to 9 Unlike the camera module 20 of another embodiment shown in , the camera module according to this embodiment may have a cross-sectional shape in which the groove portion 2111c includes a curve. In the example, the groove portion 2111c may have a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape in which the height increases toward the center of the lens barrel 220 and at least one edge is a curve. The protrusion 251c may have a shape that matches the groove portion 2111c. In other words, the protrusion 251c may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove portion 2111c. In the example, the protrusion 251c may have a cross-sectional shape that includes a curve that is complementary to the shape of the groove portion 2111c.

[0101] Fig.12 is a top view of a front cover portion of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0102] Reference Fig.12, according to one or more embodiments of the camera module is similar to the camera module according to reference Figures 6 to 9 A camera module 20 according to another embodiment is described. Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0103] Reference Fig.12 , and according to Figures 6 to 9 Unlike the groove portion of the camera module 20 of another embodiment shown in , the groove portion 2111' of the camera module according to another embodiment may be provided to surround the area A1 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211 in a substantially quadrilateral shape. However, this example is not limited thereto, and any shape may be used as long as it can surround the area A1 corresponding to the lens barrel 220 on the inner surface of the front cover portion 211.

[0104] As described above, by causing the front cover portion 211 to have corresponding groove portions 2111a, 2111b and 2111c on the inner surface, and causing the light blocking portion 250 to have corresponding protrusion portions 251a, 251b and 251c located on a surface facing the front cover portion 211, a higher quality camera can be achieved by preventing defects such as flare and ghosting caused by light reflection inside the camera module.

[0105] Furthermore, a small-sized camera module having an integrated appearance can be realized.

[0106] Although specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent after understanding the present 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 understood in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of the features or aspects in each example should be considered to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. If the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, device or circuit are replaced or supplemented in a different manner and / or by other components or their equivalents, appropriate results can still be achieved. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by 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 the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module comprises: a cover including a front cover portion and having a receiving space therein; A lens barrel is arranged in the accommodation space; an image sensor disposed in the accommodating space at a rear region of the lens barrel along an optical axis direction of the lens barrel; and A light emitting portion is disposed around the lens barrel, The front cover portion has a groove portion, and the groove portion is arranged around a region corresponding to the lens barrel in the optical axis direction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove portion is provided on an inner surface of the front cover portion facing the lens barrel.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The groove portion has a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The groove portion has a stepped cross-sectional shape.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove portion has a cross-sectional shape including a curved line.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera module further includes: a light blocking portion in which a protrusion portion coupled with the groove portion is provided, The light blocking portion is disposed to surround the lens barrel in a front region of the lens barrel along the optical axis direction within the accommodation space.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The protrusion portion is configured to have a shape complementary to that of the groove portion.

8. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The light blocking portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction to surround the light emitting portion.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The light blocking portion has an opening, and the light emitting portion is accommodated in the opening.

10. The camera module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The light blocking portion includes a non-transmissive material.

11. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The light blocking portion is disposed to contact the lens barrel.

12. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front cover portion includes a surface treatment portion on an inner surface of the front cover portion, and the surface treatment portion includes a non-transmissive material.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The surface processed portion is provided to surround a region corresponding to the lens barrel and the light emitting portion.

14. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The front cover portion includes a transmissive material.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The camera module further includes: a first substrate disposed in the receiving space, and the image sensor is mounted on the first substrate; and A second substrate is provided on a side of the first substrate facing the front cover portion, and the light emitting portion is mounted on the second substrate.

16. A camera module, characterized in that The camera module comprises: a cover including a front cover portion and having a receiving space therein; a lens barrel, disposed in the accommodation space; and A light emitting portion is disposed around the lens barrel, The front cover part has a groove part, and the groove part is arranged around a region corresponding to the lens barrel in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel.

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