Camera module

Abstract

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes: a housing including an internal space; a reflection module accommodated in the internal space; and a lens module provided to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflection module to pass therethrough, in which the reflection module includes: a reflection member configured to change a path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and a reinforcing structure at least partially embedded in the interior of the bracket and disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Cameras are implemented in portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), and laptop computers, and cameras for mobile terminals may perform autofocus operations, optical image stabilization operations, and zoom operations.

[0003] In addition, the camera module can be equipped with an actuator that directly moves the lens module or indirectly moves the reflective module including a reflective member for optical image stabilization. In addition, the actuator can generally move or rotate the lens module or reflective module in various directions by using a driving force generated by a magnet and a coil.

[0004] In addition to being driven by the actuator, the lens module or the reflective module may also rotate or move within the housing due to external impacts, such as shaking or dropping the camera module. In this case, since the size and weight of the actuator increase due to the higher performance of the camera module, the impact force transmitted to the reflective member increases, and cracks may occur in the reflective member, causing problems in ensuring reliability.

[0005] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a concise form, and these concepts will be further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In general, a camera module includes: a housing including an internal space; a reflective module accommodated in the internal space; and a lens module configured to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflective module to pass therethrough, wherein the reflective module includes: a reflective member configured to change the path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and a reinforcement structure at least partially embedded in an internal portion of the bracket and disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

[0008] The reflective member may include an inclined surface inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and the reinforcement structure may include an inclined portion parallel to the inclined surface of the reflective member and disposed to overlap the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0009] The inclined portion may include a first inclined portion provided on a first side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0010] The inclined portion may further include a second inclined portion provided on a second side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

[0011] The second inclined portion may include at least one first penetration hole penetrating the second inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the reflective member.

[0012] The reinforcement structure may include a first reinforcement member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflection member in the first direction; and a second reinforcement member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflection member in the first direction.

[0013] The reinforcement structure may further include a connecting member extending from a first side of the first reinforcement member to a first side of the second reinforcement member to connect the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member.

[0014] The second reinforcement member may include an expansion portion that expands in a plane parallel to the first direction and is disposed on one side of the reflective member; and an extension portion that extends from the expansion portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] The expansion portion may be provided in plural, and the plural expansion portions may be provided such that each expansion portion faces the second direction.

[0016] The expansion portion may include at least one second penetration hole penetrating in the second direction.

[0017] The bracket may include a seating portion on which the reflective member is seated, and a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the reflective member, and the seating portion may have a groove portion in which a portion of the bottom surface is recessed in the first direction.

[0018] The bracket may be configured to guide movement of a ball member disposed between the housing and the bracket, and may include a guide groove having an opening whose planar shape is a hexagon.

[0019] The lens module may include a plurality of lens barrels arranged in a third direction parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0020] The plurality of lens barrels may include a fixed lens barrel fixed to the housing; and a movable lens barrel configured to move relative to the housing.

[0021] The reinforcement structure may be configured to have a higher rigidity than that of the bracket.

[0022] The reinforcement structure may comprise stainless steel.

[0023] The reinforcement structure may include a damper extending from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

[0024] The damper may be configured to protrude from one side of the reinforcement structure through the bracket in the first direction.

[0025] The reflective member may include an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and the reinforcement structure may further include: a first reinforcement member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction; and a second reinforcement member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction, and the damper is arranged on a first side of the first reinforcement member.

[0026] The first reinforcement member may include a hole penetrating through one side of the first reinforcement member in the first direction, and the damper is inserted into the hole.

[0027] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera module is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflective module in an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A plan view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0036] Figure 9 The stress distribution of the reflection module in the comparative example after being impacted is shown.

[0037] Figure 10 FIG. 4 shows stress distribution of a reflection module after being impacted according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] 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 descriptions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following specific embodiments are provided to help the reader obtain a comprehensive understanding of the method, device and / or system described herein. However, various changes, modifications and equivalents of the method, device and / or system described herein will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application. For example, the order in the operation described herein and / or the order of the operation described herein are merely examples, and except for the order and / or the sequence of operations in the operation that must occur in a specific sequence, are not limited to the order set forth in this article, but can be changed, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the application. As another example, except for at least a portion of the order and / or the sequence of operations in the operation that must occur in a sequence (e.g., a specific sequence), the order in the sequence of operations and / or the operation can be performed in parallel. In addition, for greater clarity and brevity, the description of features known after understanding the disclosure of the application can be omitted.

[0040] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third," or A, B, (a), (b), etc., 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. Each of these terms is not intended to define, for example, the importance, sequence, or order of the corresponding member, component, region, layer, or portion, but is merely intended to distinguish the corresponding member, component, region, layer, or portion from other members, components, regions, layers, or portions. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, a first member, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion mentioned in these examples may also be referred to as a second member, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0041] Throughout this specification, when a component, element, or layer is described as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “engaged to” another component, element, or layer, it may be directly “on,” directly “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “engaged to” another component, element, or layer (e.g., in contact with another component, element, or layer), or one or more other components, elements, or layers may reasonably be present between the component, element, or layer and the other component, element, or layer. When a component, element, or layer is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly engaged to” another component, element, or layer, there are no other components, elements, or layers between the component, element, or layer and the other component, element, or layer. Similarly, expressions such as “between” and “directly between,” as well as “adjacent” and “directly adjacent,” may also be interpreted as described above.

[0042] 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 also include plural forms. As non-limiting examples, the terms "comprise", "include" and "have" illustrate the presence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations, or the presence of alternative features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations. In addition, although an embodiment can set forth the terms "comprise", "include" and "have" to illustrate the presence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations, other embodiments may exist in which one or more of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements and / or their combinations are not present.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more items. The phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. are intended to have a disjunctive meaning, and these phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," etc. also include examples in which one or more of A, B, and C can be present (e.g., any combination of one or more of A, B, and C), unless the corresponding description and implementation require that the enumeration (e.g., "at least one of A, B, and C") be interpreted as having a conjunctive meaning.

[0044] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the phrase “on a plane” refers to observing a target portion from the top, and the phrase “on a cross section” refers to observing a cross section formed by vertically cutting a target portion from the side.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when it is described that one component is “coupled” to another component, it includes not only “direct or physical coupling” but also “indirect or non-contact coupling” with another element interposed therebetween.

[0046] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. On the contrary, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, devices and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In this article, the use of the wording "may" with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., with respect to what an example or embodiment may include or implement) means that there is at least one example or embodiment in which such a feature is included or implemented, and all examples or embodiments are not limited thereto. The phrases "example" or "implementation" used herein have the same meaning (e.g., the phrase "in one example" has the same meaning as "in one embodiment", and "in one or more examples" has the same meaning as "in one or more embodiments").

[0047] One or more examples may provide a camera module capable of improving occurrence of cracks in a reflective member and ensuring reliability by reducing stress transferred to the reflective member.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0049] The camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments may include: a housing 20 provided with an internal space, a reflection module 100 provided in the internal space of the housing 20, a lens module 30 (31 and 32) including at least one lens barrel, an image sensor module (not shown), and a cover 21 covering an upper portion of the housing 20.

[0050] The reflection module 100 can be configured to change the direction of movement of incident light. The direction of movement of light originating from an object (not shown) outside the camera module 10 can be changed by the reflection module 100 so as to be guided to the lens module 30. For example, the path of light incident through the opening 22 in the thickness direction of the camera module 10 (e.g., the Y-axis direction) can be changed by the reflection module 100 to roughly match the optical axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the lens module 30, wherein the opening 22 is formed by opening at least a portion of the top surface of the cover 21. In order to change the light path, the reflection module 100 can be provided with a reflection member 120 that reflects light. The camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments can perform an optical image stabilization operation by rotating the reflection member 120 included in the reflection module 100 around a rotation axis or moving it in various directions.

[0051] The camera module 10 may be provided with a guide member 60 that guides the movement of the reflection module 100. The guide member 60 is provided adjacent to the reflection module 100 and may guide the reflection module 100 to rotate around a specific axis or move in a specific direction. In an example, the guide member 60 may be provided with a ball member 115 (see FIG. 1 ) that forms the rotation axis of the reflection module 100. Figure 3 ) or a pivoting member (not shown), or a track member (not shown) forming a movement path of the reflection module 100.

[0052] The lens module 30 includes one or more lens barrels 31 and 32 that house lenses through which light whose paths have been changed by the reflection module 100 passes. When the lens barrels 31 and 32 are moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) or when the interval between the lens barrels 31 and 32 is adjusted, an autofocus operation or a zoom operation can be achieved. Alternatively, each of the lens barrels 31 and 32 can be moved to perform a shake correction operation.

[0053] The lens module 30 may include a plurality of lens barrels 31 and 32 arranged in a third direction parallel to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The lens module 30 may include a fixed lens barrel 31 fixed to the housing 20 and a movable lens barrel 32 configured to move relative to the housing 20. In an example, one or more movable lens barrels 32 may be provided.

[0054] An image sensor module (not shown) including an image sensor that converts light passing through the lens module 30 into an electrical signal may be disposed behind the lens module 30. The image sensor module may further include an optical filter (not shown) that filters light incident through the lens module 30.

[0055] In the camera module 10 according to one or more embodiments, with the lens module 30 as the center, the reflection module 100 may be disposed in front of the lens module 30 in the internal space of the housing 20, and the image sensor module may be disposed behind the lens module 30. Therefore, incident light incident from an object outside the camera module 10 may sequentially pass through the reflection module 100 and the lens module 30 and then enter the image sensor module.

[0056] The image sensor module may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 50 and may be capable of transmitting image information to the outside of the camera module 10 in the form of an electrical signal.

[0057] Meanwhile, in one or more embodiments, the camera module 10 can be configured by combining a reflective module assembly including the reflective module 100 and a lens module assembly disposed adjacent to the reflective module assembly. In an example, the reflective module assembly can include the reflective module 100 and a housing having an interior space in which the reflective module 100 is movably accommodated as described. The lens module assembly can include the lens module 30, an image sensor module (not shown), and a housing having an interior space for accommodating the lens module 30 and the image sensor module (not shown). The housing of the reflective module assembly and the housing of the lens module assembly can be formed integrally with each other, or can be provided as separate housings. In this example, the separate housings can be combined with each other to form the entire housing of the camera module 10.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 may be housed within the housing 20 of the camera module 10 and may change the path of incident light. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the reflection module 100 can be housed inside the housing 20 adjacent to the lens module 30, and can change the path of the incident light incident in the thickness direction of the camera module 10 (for example, the Y-axis direction) to the optical axis direction of the lens module 30 (for example, the Z-axis direction).

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 includes a reflection member 120 capable of changing the light path, a bracket 110 supporting the reflection member 120, and a driver 130 for moving the bracket 110 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0060] The reflective member 120 of the reflective module 100 can change the path of light by refracting or reflecting the incident light. In an example, the moving path of light incident on the reflective member 120 in a first direction (Y-axis direction) can be changed to a Z-axis direction intersecting with the first direction (Y-axis direction) based on the reflective member 120. The reflective member 120 is configured to reflect or refract the incident light. In an example, the reflective member 120 can change the path of light incident from an external object to the optical axis direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the lens module 30. As an example, the reflective member 120 can be a reflective mirror or a prism that reflects light, but is not limited thereto, and can be any material that can change the path of light. In the following description, it is assumed that the reflective member 120 has the shape of a prism.

[0061] The support 110 supports the reflective member 120 so as to be movable. That is, the reflective member 120 is supported by the support 110 and can therefore move within a predetermined range. For example, the support 110 can rotate about a rotation axis passing through the support 110 (e.g., an axis parallel to the X-axis), or can reciprocate within a specific range. Therefore, the reflective member 120 supported by the support 110 can rotate or reciprocate according to the movement of the support 110.

[0062] The bracket 110 may be made of an injection molding material that is easily shaped by an injection molding process. The bracket 110 may be made of a material such as, but not limited to, resin or plastic.

[0063] At least some surfaces of the bracket 110 are provided with a driver 130 for moving the bracket 110. For example, Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the driver 130 may be provided at an end portion of the bracket 110 in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In addition, the driver 130 may be provided at an end portion of the bracket 110 in another direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The driver 130 may be a magnet (e.g., Figure 3 131) and coils (e.g., Figure 3 The electronic actuator formed by 132) in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto and may be any element that moves the bracket 110 within a specific range.

[0064] Meanwhile, in one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 may further include a position detector (not shown) that detects the amount of movement of the bracket 110 .

[0065] The reflection module 100 may perform a shake correction operation by rotating or moving the bracket 110 and the reflection member 120 supported by the bracket 110 within the housing 20 based on a driving force generated by the driver 130 .

[0066] As described above, the camera module 10 may include a driver 130 to perform a shake correction operation using the movably disposed reflective member 120. With the development of high-performance camera modules, the size and weight of the driver 130 have increased, and as a result, the impact force applied to the reflective member 120 when the camera module 10 is dropped may increase. Furthermore, it is of concern that it may become difficult to ensure the drop reliability of the reflective module 100 when evaluating its drop reliability. Therefore, in order to ensure the reliability of the reflective module 100 even when the size and weight of the driver 130 have increased, a reinforcement structure 140 may be inserted into the interior of the bracket 110.

[0067] In the following, reference is made to Figures 3 to 6 , the reflection module 100 according to one or more embodiments will be described.

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a reflective module in an exemplary camera module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bracket according to one or more embodiments, and Figure 6 is a plan view of a reflective module according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 is a plan view of the reflection module 100 in the XY plane.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 5 According to one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 may include a reflection member 120 capable of changing a light path, a bracket 110 supporting the reflection member 120, a driver 130 moving the bracket 110, and a reinforcement structure 140 at least partially embedded in the bracket 110 to be disposed between the reflection member 120 and the bracket 110.

[0070] The bracket 110 may have a seating portion 110a on which the reflective member 120 is seated. The seating portion 110a may have a surface that forms an angle with a line parallel to a first direction (Y-axis direction) that is a light incident direction. The seating portion 110a may have a shape in which at least one surface of the bracket 110 is concave.

[0071] The reflective member 120 may have an incident surface and an exit surface. The reflective member 120 may refract or reflect light incident on the incident surface and change the path of the light toward the exit surface and the lens module 30 disposed behind the exit surface.

[0072] The reflective member 120 may have an inclined surface 120a that is inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The inclined surface 120a may be a surface connected to the incident surface and the exit surface. The inclined surface 120a may have a shape corresponding to the placement portion 110a. The placement portion 110a may have a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface 120a. The inclined surface 120a is provided on the placement portion 110a so that the reflective member 120 can be mounted on the bracket 110. The placement portion 110a may have a groove portion 110b whose bottom surface is partially concave in the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0073] The driver 130 may include a magnet 131 provided in the bracket 110 and a coil 132 provided to face the magnet 131. However, the configuration of the driver 130 is not limited thereto, and may be configured with anything that can move the reflective module 100.

[0074] The reinforcement structure 140 may be disposed between the reflective member 120 and the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may be at least partially embedded in the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may be disposed to overlap a portion of the bracket 110 forming the seating portion 110a. In an example, the bracket 110 and the reinforcement structure 140 may be integrally formed by an insert molding method.

[0075] The reinforcement structure 140 may have higher rigidity than that of the bracket 110. The reinforcement structure 140 may include stainless steel.

[0076] The reinforcement structure 140 may have an inclined portion parallel to the inclined surface 120a. The inclined portion may be arranged to overlap with the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The reflective member 120 may include a first portion arranged on one side of the inclined surface 120a in the first direction (Y-axis direction) and a second portion arranged on the other side of the inclined surface 120a in the first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, according to the first direction (Y-axis direction), the first portion may be arranged at the upper portion, and the second portion may be arranged at the lower portion.

[0077] The reinforcement structure 140 may include a first reinforcement member 141 configured to support a first portion of the reflective member 120; a second reinforcement member 142 configured to support a second portion of the reflective member 120; and a damper 143 provided on one side of the first reinforcement member 141 and extending in a first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the first reinforcement member 141 may be configured to support an upper portion of the reflective member 120, and the second reinforcement member 142 may be configured to support a lower portion of the reflective member 120.

[0078] The inclined portion may include a first inclined portion 141a and a second inclined portion 142a. The first inclined portion 141a is configured to support the first portion of the reflective member 120, and the second inclined portion 142a is configured to support the second portion of the reflective member 120. The first inclined portion 141a may be disposed on a first side of the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The second inclined portion 142a may be disposed on a second side of the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the first reinforcement member 141 may include the first inclined portion 141a, and the second reinforcement member 142 may include the second inclined portion 142a. The first inclined portion 141a may have a plate shape parallel to the inclined surface 120a. The second inclined portion 142a may have a plate shape parallel to the inclined surface 120a.

[0079] The second inclined portion 142a may have at least one first penetration hole 142a1 that penetrates the second inclined portion 142a in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 120a. The weight of the reinforcing structure 140 can be adjusted by forming the first penetration hole 142a1 in the second inclined portion 142a. However, this is merely an example, and as will be described later Figure 8 As shown in FIG, no penetration hole may be formed in the second inclined portion 142 a.

[0080] The first reinforcement member 141 may further include a portion that is bent and extended from the first inclined portion 141a. As an example, the first reinforcement member 141 may further include a portion that is bent from the first inclined portion 141a and extends in a direction parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the first reinforcement member 141 may include a plane parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0081] The second reinforcing member 142 may include an extension portion 142b disposed on one side of the reflective member 120 and an extension portion 142c disposed in the groove portion 110b. The extension portion 142b may extend to a plane parallel to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142b may enhance the rigidity of the side surface of the reflective member 120 in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142b may protect the side surface of the reflective member 120 in the second direction (X-axis direction) from external impact.

[0082] The extension portion 142b may have at least one second penetration hole 142b1 that penetrates in the second direction (X-axis direction). The second penetration hole 142b1 may be formed in the extension portion 142b so as to be able to adjust the weight of the reinforcement structure 140. However, this is not restrictive, and no penetration hole may be formed in the extension portion 142b. In an example, the extension portion 142b may be provided in plurality. The plurality of extension portions 142b may be arranged so that each extension portion 142b faces the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0083] The extension portion 142c may extend from the expansion portion 142b in the second direction (X-axis direction). The extension portion 142c may enhance the rigidity of a portion of the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120. The extension portion 142c may protect the inclined surface 120a of the reflective member 120 from external impact. The extension portion 142c may be arranged to overlap with the groove portion 110b in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The extension portion 142c may be provided in plurality. The plurality of extension portions 142c may be arranged such that each extension portion 142c faces the first direction (Y-axis direction). Figure 5 , it is shown that the plurality of extension portions 142c are spaced apart from each other, but this is merely an example, and the plurality of extension portions 142c may extend to contact each other. In this example, the plurality of extension portions 142c may be integrally connected.

[0084] The reinforcement structure 140 may include a damper 143, which is arranged to extend from one side of the reinforcement structure 140 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The damper 143 may be located on one side of the first reinforcement member 141. The damper 143 may be provided on one side of the first reinforcement member 141 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). As an example, the first reinforcement member 141 may have a hole that penetrates one side of the first reinforcement member 141 in the first direction (Y-axis direction), and the damper 143 may be inserted into the hole of the first reinforcement member 141. However, this is merely an example, and the position of the damper 143 may be any position as long as the damper 143 protrudes from one side of the bracket 110 along the first direction (Y-axis direction) on the first reinforcement member 141.

[0085] The damper 143 may extend in a first direction (Y-axis direction). When the reinforcement structure 140 is inserted into the bracket 110, the damper 143 may protrude from one side of the reinforcement structure 140 in the first direction (Y-axis direction). The damper 143 may include an elastic resin material. When the reflective module 100 is impacted in the optical axis direction, the damper 143 may protect the reflective module 100 by absorbing the impact.

[0086] Reference Figure 6The bracket 110 may include a guide groove that guides the movement of the ball member 115 located between the housing 20 and the bracket 110 on one side in a third direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0087] The guide groove may include a first guide groove 110c and a second guide groove 110d. The first guide groove 110c may be located in an edge region of the bracket 110. The opening of the first guide groove 110c may have a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The inner wall surface of the first guide groove 110c may be inclined in a direction toward the bottom surface of the first guide groove 110c, and thus, the bottom surface of the first guide groove 110c may have a triangular flat shape.

[0088] The second guide groove 110d can be provided on another edge region opposite to the edge region provided with the first guide groove 110c in the second direction (X-axis direction). In the example, the second guide groove 110d can have a polygonal or circular cross-sectional shape, but is not limited thereto and can have any shape different from the first guide groove 110c. Even if the center of mass of the reflective module changes due to the addition of the reinforcing member, it can be easily adjusted by forming the first and second guide grooves of different shapes.

[0089] In the following, reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a reflection module 100 according to another embodiment will be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a reflective module according to another embodiment, and Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of a bracket according to another embodiment is shown.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , according to one or more embodiments, the reflection module 100 is similar to the above reference Figures 3 to 6 Detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0092] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , and according to Figures 3 to 6 Compared to the reflective module of the embodiment shown in , the reflective module 100 according to one or more embodiments may further include a protruding portion 110 e and a connecting member 144 .

[0093] The bracket 110 may have a protruding portion 110e on one side, which is configured to be inserted into the third penetration hole 142b3. The protruding portion 110e may be provided on one side of the bracket 110 facing the reflective member 120 in the second direction (X-axis direction). The protruding portion 110e may have a protruding shape that protrudes from one side of the bracket 110 in the second direction (X-axis direction). In an example, the protruding portion 110e may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of protruding portions 110e may be arranged to face each other in the second direction (X-axis direction). Since the reflective module has a protruding portion that can be inserted into the penetration hole, the reinforcing member can be guided to the desired position more stably.

[0094] The reinforcement structure 140 may further include a connecting member 144 configured to connect the first reinforcement member 141 and the second reinforcement member 142. The connecting member 144 may extend from one side of the first reinforcement member 141 to one side of the second reinforcement member 142. The connecting member 144 may be integrally formed with the first reinforcement member 141 and the second reinforcement member 142. Since the reflective module can be provided with the connecting member, the structural stability of the reinforcement member can be more easily ensured during external impact.

[0095] In the camera module according to the above-described embodiment, the rigidity of the reflective module is ensured, so that the reinforcing member and the bracket can withstand greater stress when evaluating drop reliability. Therefore, it is possible to improve the occurrence of cracks in the reflective member and ensure reliability by reducing the stress transmitted to the reflective member. In addition, it is possible to distribute the load applied to the reflective module by reducing bending deformation during external collisions. In addition, even when the size and weight of the reflective member in the camera module with excellent optical performance are increased, the reflective module can have high rigidity and structural reliability, and the generation of foreign matter can be resolved by promoting the absorption of impact force between injection-molded products.

[0096] In the following, reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the effect of stress distribution when the camera module 10 according to the embodiment receives an impact will be described. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Shown are simulation results of measuring stress applied to each position of the reflective module when the camera module is impacted.

[0097] Figure 9 shows the stress distribution when the reflection module in the comparative example is impacted, and Figure 10 FIG. 4 shows the stress distribution when the reflection module in the exemplary embodiment (the present invention example) is impacted.

[0098] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10, it can be confirmed that the bracket 110 and reinforcement structure 140 of the reflective module according to the exemplary embodiment are subjected to greater stress after being impacted, compared to the bracket 110' and reinforcement structure 140' of the reflective module according to the comparative example. Specifically, it can be confirmed that, in the exemplary embodiment, the areas subjected to greater stress are more widely distributed in the corner areas of the bracket 110 and reinforcement structure 140, compared to the bracket 110' and reinforcement structure 140' of the comparative example. When the bracket 110 and reinforcement structure 140 of the exemplary embodiment are subjected to greater stress, it can be confirmed that the stress transmitted to the reflective member 120 of the exemplary embodiment is reduced compared to the reflective member 120' of the comparative example. In other words, it can be confirmed that the bracket 110 provided with the reinforcement structure 140 of the exemplary embodiment has higher rigidity, thereby preventing the reflective member 120 from being damaged.

[0099] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application 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 purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may still be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in different ways and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents.

[0100] Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure includes the claims and their equivalents in addition to the above disclosure and all accompanying drawings, that is, all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module includes: a housing, including an interior space; a reflective module accommodated in the internal space; and a lens module configured to allow light whose path has been changed by the reflection module to pass therethrough, Wherein, the reflection module includes: a reflective member configured to change a path of incident light incident in a first direction; a bracket configured to support the reflective member; and A reinforcement structure is at least partially embedded in an interior portion of the bracket and is disposed between the reflective member and the bracket.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reflecting member includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a reference line parallel to the first direction, and The reinforcement structure includes an inclined portion that is parallel to the inclined surface of the reflective member and is disposed to overlap the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The inclined portion includes a first inclined portion disposed on a first side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The inclined portion further includes a second inclined portion disposed on a second side of the inclined surface of the reflective member in the first direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The second inclined portion includes at least one first penetration hole penetrating the second inclined portion in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the reflective member.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcement structure comprises: a first reinforcing member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction; and A second reinforcing member is configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The reinforcement structure further includes a connecting member extending from a first side of the first reinforcement member to a first side of the second reinforcement member to connect the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member.

8. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein: The second reinforcing member comprises: an expansion portion that expands in a plane parallel to the first direction and is provided on one side of the reflective member; and An extension portion extends from the expansion portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein: The extension part is provided in a plurality, and The plurality of expansion portions are arranged such that each of the expansion portions faces the second direction.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The expansion portion includes at least one second penetration hole penetrating in the second direction.

11. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The bracket includes a seating portion on which the reflective member is seated, and the bracket includes a bottom surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the reflective member, and The seating portion has a groove portion into which a portion of the bottom surface is recessed in the first direction.

12. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket is configured to guide movement of a ball member disposed between the housing and the bracket, and includes a guide groove having an opening whose planar shape is a hexagon.

13. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The lens module includes a plurality of lens barrels arranged in a third direction parallel to an optical axis direction.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of lens barrels include: a fixed lens barrel fixed to the housing; and A movable lens barrel is configured to move relative to the housing.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure is configured to have a higher rigidity than that of the bracket.

16. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure comprises stainless steel.

17. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement structure includes a damper extending from one side of the reinforcement structure in the first direction.

18. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: The damper is configured to protrude from one side of the reinforcement structure through the bracket in the first direction.

19. The camera module according to claim 17, wherein: The reflecting member includes an inclined surface inclined at an angle relative to a reference line parallel to the first direction, The reinforcement structure further comprises: a first reinforcing member configured to support a first portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction; and a second reinforcing member configured to support a second portion of the inclined surface of the reflecting member in the first direction, and The damper is disposed on a first side of the first reinforcement member.

20. The camera module according to claim 19, wherein: The first reinforcing member includes a hole penetrating one side of the first reinforcing member in the first direction, and The damper is inserted into the hole.

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