Camera module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module comprising: a lens barrel; a sub-housing provided on one side of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel, in which a filter is mounted; an image sensor disposed on one side of the filter in the optical axis direction; and a substrate electrically connected to the image sensor. The sub-housing includes: a first surface facing an optical axis direction; a second surface facing a first direction intersecting the optical axis direction; a connecting portion connecting the first surface and the second surface; and a protruding portion protruding from the second surface to an outer side of the sub-housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description pertains to the camera module. Background Technology

[0002] With the trend towards miniaturization and thinning of portable electronic devices, including mobile phones, efforts are underway to reduce the size of components mounted on these devices, and there is ongoing research and development into integration technologies to enable various functions. For example, camera modules, as electronic components, are used in camera phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, and laptop computers. Camera modules can offer a variety of additional functions, such as autofocus (AF) and optical zoom, at relatively low manufacturing costs.

[0003] A camera module may include a sub-housing equipped with a filter and actuators for additional functions such as autofocus and optical zoom. The increased size of the actuators in the camera module increases the amount of adhesive required to secure the sub-housing, potentially causing adhesive leakage from the camera module.

[0004] The above information is presented as background information and is intended to aid in understanding this disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above content constitutes an application of prior art to this disclosure. Utility Model Content

[0005] This summary is provided to present the selection of concepts in a simplified form, while these concepts are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one general aspect, a camera module includes: a lens barrel; a sub-housing disposed on one side of the lens barrel along the optical axis, wherein a filter is mounted on the sub-housing; an image sensor disposed on one side of the filter along the optical axis; and a substrate electrically connected to the image sensor. The sub-housing includes: a first surface facing the optical axis; a second surface facing a first direction intersecting the optical axis; a connecting portion connecting the first surface and the second surface; and a protrusion projecting from the second surface to the outside of the sub-housing.

[0007] The protrusion can be configured to not overlap with the substrate in the optical axis direction.

[0008] The substrate may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion protrudes from a reference plane parallel to a second surface in a first direction, and the second portion is connected to the first portion and configured to overlap with the sub-housing in the optical axis direction. The second surface may have a first region connected to the first portion and a second region connected to the second portion, and a protrusion may be disposed in the second region.

[0009] The connecting portion can be located at both ends of the first surface in a first direction.

[0010] The camera module may also include adhesive components disposed on the connecting portion.

[0011] The adhesive component can be disposed on an edge region of the first surface.

[0012] The connecting part can be set at an angle relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis.

[0013] The connecting portion may include a connecting surface and a stepped surface, the connecting surface being connected to a second surface and extending in a plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the stepped surface connecting the connecting surface to a first surface.

[0014] The protrusion can be set to be tilted relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis.

[0015] One end of the protrusion can contact the connecting portion, and the other end of the protrusion can contact the second surface.

[0016] The groove portion provided on the connecting portion and the second surface can extend from the connecting portion to the protrusion.

[0017] The groove portion may include at least one curved portion.

[0018] The groove portion may also include a connecting groove that connects at least one curved portion to the protrusion and extends parallel to the protrusion.

[0019] The protrusion may extend in a second direction that intersects the optical axis direction and the first direction.

[0020] The protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions, and at least two of the plurality of protrusions may be configured to face each other in a first direction.

[0021] The camera module may also include: a housing having an internal space; and a reflection module housed in the internal space, and including a reflecting member configured to change the incident light path and a reflecting bracket configured to support the reflecting member, wherein the lens barrel is configured to allow light from the incident light path to pass through.

[0022] The camera module may also include: a housing having an internal space; and a lens module including a lens holder and a drive unit configured to drive a lens barrel fixed to the lens holder, wherein the lens barrel, the housing, and the image sensor are arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0023] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the implementation method.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the image sensor module according to the implementation method.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the image sensor module according to the implementation method.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the image sensor module.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged side view of a portion of the image sensor module.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a sub-shell according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a sub-shell according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an image sensor module according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged view of a portion of the image sensor module.

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged side view of a portion of the image sensor module.

[0035] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements unless otherwise described. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following text, although examples of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the examples are not limited thereto.

[0037] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but can be altered as will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0038] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways in which the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0039] Throughout the specification, when an element (such as a layer, region, or substrate) is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element, it may be directly "on," directly "connected to," or directly "attached to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element, there are no other elements in between.

[0040] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used in this document to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part mentioned in the examples described herein may also be referred to as a second component, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second part without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0042] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, these spatial relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element will consequently be “below” or “lower” relative to said other element. Therefore, the term “above” includes both upper and lower orientations, depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural meaning as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] The shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include shape variations that occur during manufacturing.

[0045] In this article, it is important to note that the term “may” is used with respect to examples. For example, regarding what an example may include or implement, it means that there exists at least one example that includes or implements this feature, but not all examples are limited to this.

[0046] As will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure, the features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have multiple configurations, other configurations are also possible, as will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure.

[0047] Throughout the specification, when referred to as a “plan view,” it means viewing the target element from above, and when referred to as a “sectional view,” it means viewing the target element vertically truncated from the side.

[0048] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the image sensor module according to the implementation method.

[0049] Reference Figure 1According to the embodiments, the camera module 10 may include a housing 20 having an internal space, a reflection module 30 disposed in the internal space of the housing 20, a lens module 40 including at least one lens barrel, an image sensor module 100, and a cover 21 covering the upper part of the housing 20.

[0050] The reflection module 30 can be configured to change the direction of travel of incident light. Light originating from an object (not shown) outside the camera module 10 can have its direction of travel changed by the reflection module 30 toward the lens module 40. For example, light incident in the thickness direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the camera module 10 through the opening 22 can have its path changed by the reflection module 30 to approximately match the optical axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the lens module 40, wherein the opening 22 is formed by at least a portion of the surface of the open cover 21. To change the light path, the reflection module 30 may include a reflective member 32 for reflecting light. The camera module 10 according to the embodiment can achieve optical image stabilization (OIS) by rotating the reflective member 32 included in the reflection module 30 about a rotation axis or by moving the reflective member 32 in various directions.

[0051] The camera module 10 may include a guide member 60 for guiding the movement of the reflection module 30. The guide member 60 may be disposed adjacent to the reflection module 30 and may guide the reflection module 30 to rotate about an axis or move in a direction. For example, the guide member 60 may include a ball member (not shown) or a pivot member (not shown) forming the axis of rotation of the reflection module 30, or it may include a track member (not shown) forming the path of movement of the reflection module 30.

[0052] The lens module 40 may include at least one lens barrel 41 and a drive unit 42. The at least one lens barrel 41 houses a lens through which light, whose path is altered by the reflection module 30, passes, and the drive unit 42 is configured to provide driving force to the lens barrel 41. Autofocus (AF) or optical zoom functions can be achieved when the lens barrel 41 moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) or when the gap is adjusted by the drive unit 42. Alternatively, the lens barrel 41 can be moved to achieve OIS (Optical Image Sensor) functionality.

[0053] Combination Figure 1 refer to Figure 2 The image sensor module 100 may be located at the rear of the lens module 40. The image sensor module 100 includes an image sensor 140 that converts light passing through the lens module 40 into electrical signals (see [link]). Figure 3 The image sensor module 100 may also include a filter 130 for filtering light incident through the lens module 40.

[0054] In the camera module 10 according to the embodiment, the reflection module 30 can be disposed in front of the lens module 40 based on the lens module 40 in the internal space of the housing 20, and the image sensor module 100 can be disposed at the rear of the lens module 40. Therefore, incident light from an object outside the camera module 10 can pass sequentially through the reflection module 30 and the lens module 40, and then be incident on the image sensor module 100.

[0055] The image sensor module 100 is electrically connected to the circuit board 50 and can transmit image information to the outside of the camera module 10 as an electrical signal.

[0056] On the other hand, the camera module 10 can be configured by combining a reflection module assembly including the reflection module 30 and a lens module assembly disposed adjacent to the reflection module assembly. For example, the reflection module assembly may include the aforementioned reflection module 30 and a housing having an internal space in which the reflection module 30 is movably housed. The lens module assembly may include a lens module 40, an image sensor module 100, and a housing having an internal space for accommodating them. The housings of the reflection module assembly and the lens module assembly may be integrally formed with each other or provided as separate housings. In this case, the separate housings may be interconnected to form the entire housing of the camera module 10.

[0057] The reflection module 30 can be housed within the housing 20 of the camera module 10 and can alter the incident light path. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the reflection module 30 can be accommodated adjacent to the lens module 40 within the housing 20 so as to change the incident light path in the thickness direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the camera module 10 to the optical axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the lens module 40.

[0058] The reflection module 30 may include a reflection member 32 that can change the path of the incident light, a reflection bracket 31 configured to support the reflection member 32, and a reflection drive unit 33 for moving the reflection bracket 31.

[0059] The reflective member 32 of the reflective module 30 can alter the path of incident light by refracting or reflecting it. For example, light incident on the reflective member 32 in the Y-axis direction can have its path altered by the reflective member 32 to the Z-axis direction, which intersects the Y-axis direction. The reflective member 32 is provided to reflect or refract incident light. For example, the reflective member 32 can alter the path of light incident from an external object to the optical axis direction of the lens module 40 (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The reflective member 32 can be a mirror or prism that reflects light, but is not limited to these, and can be any member capable of altering the path of light. In the following description, it is assumed that the reflective member 32 has a prism shape.

[0060] The reflective bracket 31 supports the reflective member 32 to make it movable. That is, the reflective member 32 can be supported by the reflective bracket 31 and can move within a predetermined range. For example, the reflective bracket 31 can rotate about a rotation axis passing through the reflective bracket 31 (e.g., an axis parallel to the X-axis), or it can reciprocate within a predetermined range. Therefore, the reflective member 32 supported by the reflective bracket 31 can rotate or reciprocate depending on the movement of the reflective bracket 31.

[0061] The reflector bracket 31 can be formed from an injection molding material that is easily formed by an injection molding process. The reflector bracket 31 can be formed from materials such as resin or plastic.

[0062] The reflection drive unit 33 of the movable reflector bracket 31 is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the reflector bracket 31. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the reflection drive unit 33 can be disposed at the end of the reflection bracket 31 in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the reflection drive unit 33 can be disposed at the end of the reflection bracket 31 in another direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The reflection drive unit 33 can be an electromagnetic actuator including a magnet and a coil, but is not limited thereto, and can be any unit capable of moving the reflection bracket 31 within a certain range.

[0063] On the other hand, the reflection module 30 may also include a position detection unit (not shown) for detecting the amount of movement of the reflection bracket 31.

[0064] The reflection module 30 can realize the OIS function by rotating or moving the reflection bracket 31 and the reflection member 32 supported by the reflection bracket 31 within the housing 20 through the driving force generated by the reflection drive unit 33.

[0065] The focal length can be adjusted by the reciprocating motion of the lens barrel 41 along the optical axis. A drive unit 42 can be disposed on one side of the lens barrel 41. For example, the drive unit 42 may include a magnet, a coil disposed facing the magnet, and a support portion configured to move the lens barrel 41. The lens barrel 41 can be moved along the optical axis by the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. The coil can be mounted on a circuit board 50 attached to the housing 20.

[0066] Multiple spherical components (not shown) may be arranged between the lens module 40 and the bottom surface of the housing 20. The bottom surfaces of the lens module 40 and the housing 20 may include multiple guide grooves for accommodating at least one of the multiple spherical components. The multiple guide grooves may extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the direction of movement of the multiple spherical components may be restricted to the extension direction of the multiple guide grooves (i.e., the optical axis direction).

[0067] In the following text, see references Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image sensor module 100 is described in more detail.

[0068] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the image sensor module according to the implementation method.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image sensor module 100 may include a substrate 110, a sub-housing 120 disposed on one side of the lens module 40 along the optical axis direction, a filter 130 mounted on the sub-housing 120, an image sensor 140 disposed on one side of the filter 130 along the optical axis direction, and an adhesive member 150.

[0070] The substrate 110 may be disposed on one side of the sub-housing 120 along the optical axis. The substrate 110 may be electrically connected to the image sensor 140. For example, the substrate 110 may include an image sensor mounting portion (not shown). The image sensor mounting portion may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the image sensor 140, and may have a generally quadrilateral shape.

[0071] Image sensor 140 can be mounted on substrate 110. Image sensor 140 can be located below lens barrel 41 in the optical axis direction. Image sensor 140 can convert light incident through lens module 40 into an electrical signal. For example, image sensor 140 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). The electrical signal converted by image sensor 140 can be output as an image through a display unit (not shown) of an electronic device equipped with camera module 10. Image sensor 140 can be fixed to substrate 110 and can be electrically connected to substrate 110. Image sensor 140 can have, for example, a rectangular shape. Image sensor 140 can have a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side.

[0072] The sub-housing 120 may include an opening, and light passing through the lens module 40 can pass through the opening of the sub-housing 120 and be received by the image sensor 140. The sub-housing 120 may have a rectangular shape with a long side and a short side.

[0073] The filter 130 can be mounted on the sub-housing 120. For example, the filter 130 can block light in the infrared range that passes through the lens module 40.

[0074] The adhesive member 150 can be used to bond the sub-housing 120 to the lens module 40. The adhesive member 150 can be applied to a surface of the sub-housing 120 to engage the sub-housing 120 to the lens module 40.

[0075] In the following text, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sub-shell 120 is described in more detail.

[0076] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the image sensor module, and Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 An enlarged side view of a portion of the image sensor module. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A magnified view of region A.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sub-housing 120 may have a first surface 120a facing the optical axis and a second surface 120b facing the X-axis direction intersecting the optical axis. The sub-housing 120 may include a connecting portion 120c connecting the first surface 120a and the second surface 120b. The sub-housing 120 may include a protrusion 121 protruding outward from the second surface 120b in the X-axis direction of the sub-housing 120.

[0078] For example, the first surface 120a may have a shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The second surface 120b may have a shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the first surface 120a. The connecting portion 120c may be disposed at both ends of the first surface 120a in the X-axis direction. The connecting portion 120c may extend along the shorter side of the sub-housing 120. The connecting portion 120c may include an inclined surface inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis.

[0079] The adhesive member 150 may be disposed on the first surface 120a. The adhesive member 150 may be disposed on an edge region of the first surface 120a. The adhesive member 150 may be disposed around the edge of the first surface 120a. The adhesive member 150 may be disposed on the connecting portion 120c.

[0080] During the process in which the lens module 40 and the sub-housing 120 are pressed together and joined, a portion of the adhesive member 150 may overflow and flow out of the sub-housing 120. The outwardly flowing adhesive member 150 may flow along the second surface 120b of the sub-housing 120. Here, the outflowing adhesive member 150 may be positioned on the protrusion 121. Therefore, it is possible to prevent appearance defects caused by the adhesive member 150 adhering to the outside of the camera module 10 or the side surface of the substrate 110.

[0081] Reference Figures 2 to 5The substrate 110 may include a first portion 110a and a second portion 110b. The first portion 110a protrudes from a reference plane parallel to the second surface 120b in the X-axis direction. The second portion 110b is connected to the first portion 110a and is configured to overlap with the sub-housing 120 in the optical axis direction. The second portion 110b may refer to a part of the substrate 110 on which the sub-housing 120 is disposed. The second portion 110b may have a shape corresponding to the sub-housing 120. Other areas of the substrate 110 besides the second portion 110b may be the first portion 110a. In other words, in the XY plane, the portion of the substrate 110 protruding outward from the sub-housing 120 may be the first portion 110a, and the portion covered by the sub-housing 120 may be the second portion 110b.

[0082] The second surface 120b of the sub-shell 120 can be divided into a first region 120b1 and a second region 120b2. The first region 120b1 may be a region connected to the first portion 110a. The first region 120b1 may be connected to the first portion 110a at one end. The second region 120b2 may be a region connected to the second portion 110b. The second region 120b2 may be connected to the second portion 110b at one end. A protrusion 121 may be located on at least a portion of the second region 120b2. In other words, the protrusion 121 may be configured not to overlap with the substrate 110 in the optical axis direction. The protrusion 121 may be configured not to overlap with the second portion 110b of the substrate 110 in the optical axis direction.

[0083] The protrusion 121 may extend in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction may be a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and the X-axis direction. The Y-axis direction may be a direction parallel to one edge of the second surface 120b. For example, multiple protrusions 121 may be provided. At least two of the multiple protrusions 121 may be provided facing each other in the X-axis direction.

[0084] Reference Figure 1 The lens module 40 may have a third surface, which is configured to face the first surface 120a of the sub-housing 120 at one end. The third surface may be parallel to the first surface 120a. The lens module 40 may have a fourth surface connected to the third surface and configured to face the connecting portion 120c. The fourth surface may be parallel to the connecting portion 120c. The fourth surface may be located at both ends of the third surface in the X-axis direction. An adhesive member 150 may be disposed between the first surface 120a of the sub-housing 120 and the third surface of the lens module 40. The adhesive member 150 may also be disposed between the connecting portion 120c of the sub-housing 120 and the fourth surface of the lens module 40.

[0085] In the following text, see references Figure 6Describes a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0086] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a sub-shell according to another embodiment.

[0087] Reference Figure 6 Camera module 10 and according to the above reference Figures 1 to 5 The camera module 10 described in the embodiment is similar. Detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted. Except that the sub-housing 120 has a recessed portion 122, Figure 6 Camera module 10 can be used with Figures 1 to 5 The camera module 10 is similar.

[0088] Reference Figure 6 , and according to Figures 1 to 5 Compared to the camera module 10 of the illustrated embodiment, the camera module 10 according to another embodiment may have a recessed portion 122 extending from the connecting portion 120c to the protrusion 121. The recessed portion 122 may be provided on the connecting portion 120c and the second surface 120b.

[0089] The groove portion 122 may have at least one curved portion 122a. When the adhesive member 150 disposed on the connecting portion 120c flows, the curved portion 122a may guide the adhesive member 150 to be positioned on the protrusion 121, thereby preventing the downward flow of the adhesive member 150 from causing appearance defects in the camera module 10. The adhesive member 150 may flow downward along the groove portion 122 and be disposed on the protrusion 121.

[0090] The recessed portion 122 may have at least one connecting recess 122b that connects the bent portion 122a to the protrusion 121. When multiple bent portions 122a are provided, the multiple bent portions 122a may be connected to the connecting recess 122b at one end. The connecting recess 122b may extend parallel to the protrusion 121. The connecting recess 122b may extend in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the adhesive member 150 flowing along the bent portion 122a may remain in the connecting recess 122b and may be prevented from overflowing from the protrusion 121.

[0091] In the following text, see references Figure 7 Describes a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0092] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a sub-shell according to another embodiment.

[0093] refer to Figure 7 According to another embodiment, the camera module 10 and according to the above reference Figures 1 to 5The camera module 10 described in the embodiment is similar. Detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted. Except for the shape of the protrusion 121, Figure 7 Camera module 10 can be used with Figure 1 Of Figure 5 The camera module 10 is similar.

[0094] Reference Figure 7 , and according to Figures 1 to 5 Compared to the camera module 10 of the embodiment shown, the camera module 10 according to another embodiment can be configured such that the protrusion 121 is inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis. The protrusion 121 can extend from the connecting portion 120c of the sub-housing 120 to the second surface 120b. One end of the protrusion 121 can contact the connecting portion 120c of the sub-housing 120. The other end of the protrusion 121 can contact the second surface 120b of the sub-housing 120. The height of one end of the protrusion 121 in the optical axis direction can be greater than the height of the other end. The height of the protrusion 121 relative to the substrate 110 can decrease from the outside to the inside of the sub-housing 120.

[0095] The adhesive member 150 disposed on the connecting portion 120c or the first surface 120a can flow along the slope of the protrusion 121 toward the substrate 110. Therefore, the protrusion 121 can guide the adhesive member 150 to be placed on the first portion 110a of the substrate 110. That is, the protrusion 121 can prevent the downward flow of the adhesive member 150 from causing appearance defects in the camera module 10.

[0096] In the following text, see references Figures 8 to 11 Describes a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0097] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another embodiment. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an image sensor module according to another embodiment. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 An enlarged view of a portion of the image sensor module, and Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 An enlarged side view of a portion of the image sensor module. Figure 10 and Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of region A.

[0098] Reference Figures 8 to 11 According to another embodiment, the camera module 10' and according to the above reference Figures 1 to 5 The camera module 10 described in the embodiment is similar. Specific descriptions of identical components are omitted. Except for the configuration and arrangement of the lens module 40' and the arrangement of the housing 20', Figures 8 to 11The camera module 10' can be used with Figures 1 to 5 The camera module 10 is similar. Furthermore, except that the camera module 10' does not include the reflection module 30, Figures 8 to 11 The camera module 10' can be used with Figures 1 to 5 The camera module 10 is similar.

[0099] Reference Figures 8 to 11 In the camera module 10' according to another embodiment, and according to Figures 1 to 5 Compared to the camera module 10 of the embodiment shown, the components and arrangement of the components of the camera module 10' may be different.

[0100] Reference Figure 8 According to another embodiment, the camera module 10' may include a housing 20', a cover 21', a lens module 40', a circuit board 50', and an image sensor module 100'. The lens module 40' may include a lens barrel 41', a drive unit 42', and a lens holder 43'.

[0101] The housing 20' may have an internal space. The housing 20' may accommodate the lens barrel 41', the drive unit 42', and the lens holder 43'. The housing 20' may have a polyhedral shape, having a substantially quadrilateral cross-section and a predetermined height. However, the shape of the housing 20' is not limited to a polyhedral shape with a quadrilateral cross-section. The housing 20' may be covered by a cover 21'.

[0102] The cover 21' can be attached to the housing 20' to cover the outer surface of the housing 20' and can also protect the internal components of the camera module 10'. In addition, the cover 21' can also shield electromagnetic waves.

[0103] The lens module 40' may include a lens barrel 41' and a drive unit 42' configured to provide driving force to the lens barrel 41', wherein the lens barrel 41' houses a lens through which light passes. As the lens barrel 41' moves along the optical axis (Z-axis) or the gap is adjusted by the drive unit 42', autofocus (AF) or optical zoom functions can be achieved. Alternatively, the lens barrel 41' may be moved to achieve OIS functionality.

[0104] The lens barrel 41' may have a hollow cylindrical shape, thereby accommodating at least one lens for imaging an object, and the at least one lens may be mounted within the lens barrel 41' along the optical axis. Depending on the design of the lens barrel 41', multiple lenses can be arranged as needed, and each lens may have optical characteristics, such as the same or different refractive indices. The lens barrel 41' may be moved along the optical axis or perpendicular to the optical axis by the driving force of the drive unit 42', while being housed within the housing 20'.

[0105] The drive unit 42' can provide the driving force required to drive the lens barrel 41'. For example, the drive unit 42' may include a magnet, a coil positioned to face the magnet, and a support portion configured to move the lens barrel 41'. The lens barrel 41' can be moved along the optical axis by the electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. The coil may be mounted on a circuit board 50' attached to the housing 20'.

[0106] The drive unit 42', which serves as a device for moving the lens barrel 41', may include an AF unit for adjusting the focus and an OIS unit for correcting hand shakiness or camera shake. For example, the drive unit 42' can adjust the focus or achieve optical zoom by moving the lens barrel 41' in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) using the AF unit. Furthermore, the drive unit 42' can correct hand shakiness or camera shake during image capture by moving the lens barrel 41' in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction (X-axis direction or Y-axis direction) using the OIS unit.

[0107] The lens tube 41' can be fixed to the lens holder 43'. The lens tube 41' can be inserted into and fixed in the lens holder 43'. A portion of the drive unit 42' can be disposed on one side of the lens holder 43'. The magnet of the drive unit 42' can be disposed on one surface of the lens holder 43'.

[0108] Including image sensor 140' (see Figure 8 The image sensor module 100' may be located at the rear of the lens module 40', wherein the image sensor 140' converts light passing through the lens module 40' into electrical signals. The image sensor module 100' may also include a filter 130' (see [link to image sensor module 40']). Figure 9 The filter 130' filters the light incident through the lens module 40'. The lens barrel 41' and the image sensor 140' can be arranged in the optical axis direction to receive light incident in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The lens barrel 41', housing 20' and image sensor 140' can be arranged in the optical axis direction.

[0109] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 11 The sub-housing 120' of the camera module 10' according to another embodiment is described in more detail.

[0110] Apart from the shapes of the substrate 110' and the sub-housing 120', another embodiment of the image sensor module 100' is similar to the above reference. Figures 1 to 5 The implementation of the image sensor module 100 described is similar. Detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted. Except for the shape and structure of the connection portion 120c', Figures 9 to 11 The image sensor module 100' can be with Figures 1 to 5The image sensor module 100 is similar. Furthermore, aside from the arrangement of the first portion 110a', the second portion 110b', the first region 120b1', the second region 120b2', and the shape of the protrusion 121', Figures 9 to 11 The image sensor module 100' can be with Figures 1 to 5 The image sensor module 100 is similar.

[0111] exist Figure 9 In the text, adhesive component 150 is omitted (see...). Figure 2 However, as in the camera module 10 according to the embodiment, an adhesive member 150 may be applied to one surface of the sub-housing 120' to bond the sub-housing 120' to the lens module 40'.

[0112] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The sub-housing 120' may have a first surface 120a' facing the optical axis and a second surface 120b' disposed intersecting the first surface 120a' and facing the X-axis. The sub-housing 120' may include a connecting portion 120c' connecting the first surface 120a' to the second surface 120b'. The sub-housing 120' may include a protrusion 121' located on the second surface 120b' and protruding outward from the sub-housing 120' in the X-axis direction.

[0113] For example, the first surface 120a' may have a shape extending into a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The second surface 120b' may have a shape extending into a plane perpendicular to the first surface 120a'. The connecting portion 120c' may extend along the edge of the sub-housing 120'.

[0114] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The connecting portion 120c' may include a connecting surface 120c1' and a stepped surface 120c2'. The connecting surface 120c1' connects to the second surface 120b' and extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The stepped surface 120c2' connects the connecting surface 120c1' to the first surface 120a'. A step may be present between the connecting surface 120c1' and the first surface 120a'. The stepped surface 120c2' may extend in a direction parallel to the second surface 120b'. The stepped surface 120c2' may be parallel to the second surface 120b'. Because the connecting portion 120c' has the stepped surface 120c2', the adhesive member 150 flowing out from the first surface 120a' can be placed on the stepped surface 120c2', thereby preventing the adhesive member 150 from being exposed to the outside of the camera module 10' and causing appearance defects.

[0115] Adhesive component 150 (see) Figure 2An adhesive member 150 may be disposed on the first surface 120a'. An adhesive member 150 may be disposed on an edge region of the first surface 120a'. An adhesive member 150 may be disposed around the edge of the first surface 120a'. An adhesive member 150 may be disposed on the connecting portion 120c'.

[0116] During the process in which the lens module 40' and the sub-housing 120' are pressed together and joined, a portion of the adhesive member 150 may overflow and flow out of the sub-housing 120'. The outwardly flowing adhesive member 150 may flow along the second surface 120b' of the sub-housing 120'. Here, the outflowing adhesive member 150 may be positioned on the protrusion 121'. Therefore, it is possible to prevent appearance defects caused by the adhesive member 150 adhering to the outer side of the camera module 10' or the side surface of the substrate 110'.

[0117] The substrate 110' may include a first portion 110a' and a second portion 110b'. The first portion 110a' protrudes from a reference plane parallel to the second surface 120b' in the X-axis direction, and the second portion 110b' is connected to the first portion 110a' and configured to overlap with the sub-housing 120' in the optical axis direction. The second portion 110b' may refer to the portion of the substrate 110' on which the sub-housing 120' is disposed. The second portion 110b' may have a shape corresponding to the sub-housing 120'. Other regions of the substrate 110' besides the second portion 110b' may be the first portion 110a'. In other words, in the XY plane, the portion of the substrate 110' protruding outward from the sub-housing 120' may be the first portion 110a', and the portion covered by the sub-housing 120' may be the second portion 110b'.

[0118] The second surface 120b' of the sub-shell 120' can be divided into a first region 120b1' and a second region 120b2'. The first region 120b1' can be connected to the first portion 110a'. The first region 120b1' can be connected to the first portion 110a' at one end. The second region 120b2' can be connected to the second portion 110b'. The second region 120b2' can be connected to the second portion 110b' at one end. The protrusion 121' can be located on at least a portion of the second region 120b2'. In other words, the protrusion 121' can be positioned so as not to overlap with the substrate 110' in the optical axis direction. The protrusion 121' can be positioned so as not to overlap with the second portion 110b' of the substrate 110' in the optical axis direction.

[0119] The protrusion 121' may extend in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction may be a direction intersecting the optical axis direction and the X-axis direction. The Y-axis direction may be a direction parallel to one edge of the second surface 120b'. For example, multiple protrusions 121' may be provided. At least two of the multiple protrusions 121' may be positioned facing each other in the X-axis direction.

[0120] Lens module 40' (see) Figure 8 The lens module 40' may have a third surface, which is configured to face the first surface 120a' of the sub-housing 120'. The third surface may be parallel to the first surface 120a'. The lens module 40' may have a fourth surface, which is connected to the third surface and configured to face the connecting portion 120c'. The fourth surface may be located at both ends of the third surface in the X-axis direction.

[0121] According to one or more embodiments, the camera module has a protrusion on one side of the sub-housing to prevent the adhesive components from flowing outward and to prevent defects in the appearance of the camera module.

[0122] One or more embodiments relate to a camera module that prevents appearance defects caused by adhesive components while ensuring adhesion between the sub-housing and the lens module.

[0123] While specific examples have been shown and described above, it will be apparent upon understanding this disclosure that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each example is to be applied to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents shall be construed as included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, include: Lens tube; A sub-housing is disposed on one side of the lens barrel along the optical axis direction, wherein a filter is mounted on the sub-housing; An image sensor is disposed on one side of the filter in the direction of the optical axis; and The substrate is electrically connected to the image sensor. The sub-shell includes: The first surface faces the optical axis direction; The second surface faces the first direction, which intersects with the optical axis direction; The connecting portion connects the first surface to the second surface; and A protrusion extends from the second surface to the outside of the sub-shell.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is configured not to overlap with the substrate in the direction of the optical axis.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion protruding from a reference plane parallel to the second surface in a first direction, and the second portion connected to the first portion and configured to overlap the sub-housing in the optical axis direction. The second surface has a first region connected to the first portion and a second region connected to the second portion, and The protrusion is located in the second region.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion is disposed at both ends of the first surface in the first direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An adhesive component is provided on the connecting portion.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adhesive member is disposed on an edge region of the first surface.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion is inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion includes a connecting surface and a stepped surface. The connecting surface is connected to the second surface and extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The stepped surface connects the connecting surface to the first surface.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is configured to be inclined relative to a reference line parallel to the optical axis.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, characterized in that, One end of the protrusion contacts the connecting portion, and the other end of the protrusion contacts the second surface.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove portion provided on the connecting portion and the second surface extends from the connecting portion to the protrusion.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The groove portion includes at least one curved portion.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The groove portion further includes a connecting groove that connects the at least one curved portion to the protrusion and extends parallel to the protrusion.

14. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion extends in a second direction that intersects the optical axis direction and the first direction.

15. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion includes multiple protrusions, and At least two of the plurality of protrusions are configured to face each other in the first direction.

16. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The shell has an internal space; A reflective module, housed within the internal space, includes a reflective member and a reflective support, the reflective member being configured to alter the incident light path, and the reflective support being configured to support the reflective member. The lens tube is configured to allow light from the incident light path to pass through.

17. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The shell has an internal space; as well as A lens module includes a lens holder and a drive unit, wherein the lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder, and the drive unit is configured to drive the lens barrel. The lens barrel, the housing, and the image sensor are arranged along the optical axis.

Images