Vehicle camera and vehicle

Abstract

The vehicle camera includes a first body, a second body coupled to the first body, an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body, a lens module coupled to the actuator, and a board assembly including an image sensor disposed opposite the lens module, wherein the actuator includes a bobbin to which the lens module is coupled, a first driver disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin, and a second driver disposed outside the first driver.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a vehicle camera and a vehicle. [Background technology]

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

[0003] As automobiles become more widespread, miniature cameras are increasingly being used in vehicles as well as in small electronic products, such as dashcam cameras for vehicle protection or to collect objective information on traffic accidents, rearview cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots at the rear of a vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and perimeter detection cameras that can monitor the area around a vehicle.

[0004] The camera may include a lens, a lens holder that accommodates the lens, an image sensor that converts an image of a subject captured by the lens into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted. The housing that defines the exterior of the camera has a completely sealed structure to prevent contamination of internal components from foreign matter, including moisture.

[0005] In the case of vehicle cameras, there is a problem that the image quality deteriorates due to the change in the focal length between the lens and the image sensor under various environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present embodiment is to provide a vehicle camera module and a vehicle that implements an AF (Auto Focusing) function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vehicle camera of this embodiment includes a first body, a second body coupled to the first body, an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body, a lens module coupled to the actuator, and a substrate assembly including an image sensor disposed opposite the lens module, and the actuator includes a bobbin to which the lens module is coupled, a first driver disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin, and a second driver disposed outside the first driver.

[0008] The actuator may include a cover can that houses the bobbin, and the cover can may be integrally formed with the first body by insert injection.

[0009] The cover can may be made of metal, and the first body may be made of plastic.

[0010] The substrate assembly may include a first substrate on which the image sensor is disposed, and an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate and the actuator.

[0011] The adhesive member may include epoxy.

[0012] The first driving unit may include a coil, and the second driving unit may include a magnet.

[0013] The lens module may be threaded onto the bobbin.

[0014] A first protrusion protruding downward may be disposed on a lower surface of the first body, and a second protrusion protruding upward may be disposed on an upper surface of the second body, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be fusion-bonded.

[0015] A groove may be arranged on the underside of the first body, the groove being recessed higher than other areas, the groove including an inclined surface that decreases inwardly from the actuator, and one area of ​​the second protrusion may be arranged within the groove.

[0016] Another embodiment of the vehicle camera includes a first body, a second body coupled to the first body, an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body, a lens module coupled to the actuator, a substrate assembly including an image sensor disposed opposite the lens module, and a glass disposed on the first body, wherein the actuator includes a cover can that accommodates a bobbin, and the cover can and the first body are formed to be in direct contact with each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This embodiment has the advantage that the AF function of the actuator can accommodate changes in resolution due to temperature changes in the external environment in which the vehicle camera is installed and changes in target position due to vehicle movement, thereby enabling high-quality photographs to be captured.

[0018] Furthermore, since the body that forms the outer shape of the vehicle camera module and the actuator are integrally formed by insert injection, there is an advantage that the actuator can be firmly fixed within the body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the glass in FIG. 2.

[0022] [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing a side of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be realized in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted and used within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted in a meaning that is commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms used in the examples of the present invention are intended to explain the examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] In this specification, unless otherwise specified in the phrase, the singular can also include the plural, and when it says "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it can include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0032] Furthermore, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and the terms do not limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0033] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it can include not only cases where the component is directly "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to the other component, but also cases where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by another component between the component and the other component.

[0034] Furthermore, when described as being formed or disposed "above (above)" or "below (below)" each component, "above (above)" or "below (below)" includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when described as "above (above)" or "below (below)," it can include not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component.

[0035] The "optical axis direction" used below is defined as the optical axis direction of the lens. On the other hand, the "optical axis direction" can correspond to the "up-down direction," the "z-axis direction," etc.

[0036] The "autofocus function" used below is defined as a function that automatically focuses on a subject by adjusting the distance to the image sensor by moving the lens module along the optical axis according to the distance to the subject so that a clear image of the subject can be obtained on the image sensor. On the other hand, "autofocus" can be used interchangeably with "AF (Auto Focus)."

[0037] The term "image stabilization function" used below is defined as a function that moves or tilts the lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis to offset vibrations (movements) that occur in the image sensor due to external forces. On the other hand, "image stabilization" can be used interchangeably with "OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)."

[0038] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 2, doors 3, glass 4, headlamps 5, taillamps 6, and a vehicle camera 10.

[0041] The body 2 may be an exterior member of the vehicle 1. The body 2 may have various shapes such as a frame type, a monocoque type, etc. One or more doors 3 may be attached to the side of the body 2. In addition, the glass 4 may be attached to the front and rear upper parts of the body 2 (parts where fillers are formed) and the doors 3. The head lamps 5 may be attached to the front lower part of the body 2. The tail lamps 6 may be attached to the rear lower part of the body 2.

[0042] A vehicle camera 10 may be installed on a side of the body 2 or on a front door among the one or more doors 3. The vehicle camera 10 may be installed in front of the glass 4 connected to the door 3. That is, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the side mirrors can be replaced with the vehicle camera 10.

[0043] The vehicle camera 10 can capture images of both rear sides of the vehicle. Images captured by the vehicle camera 10 can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. Therefore, the images captured by the vehicle camera 10 can be played on the display unit under the control of the electronic control unit (ECU).

[0044] An interior space for a driver may be formed inside the body 2. A display unit may be installed inside the body 2. The display unit may output images captured by the vehicle camera 10. The display unit may be installed on a dashboard (not shown) inside the body 2.

[0045] The installation form of the vehicle camera 10 in the vehicle 1 described above is an example, and the vehicle camera 10 may be used as one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera, and drive recorder of the vehicle 1.

[0046] Hereinafter, a vehicle camera module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 2 is an oblique view showing the appearance of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the glass in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the side of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded oblique view of a vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exploded oblique view of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 2 to 7, the vehicle camera module may include a first body 100. The first body 100 may be referred to as any one of a front body, an upper housing, and a first housing. The first body 100 may include a first region 110. The first body 100 may include a second region 120. The first region 110 and the second region 120 of the first body 100 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the first region 110 and the second region 120 may be formed separately.

[0049] The first region 110 may be coupled to the second region 120. The first region 110 may be formed integrally with the second region 120. The first region 110 may be made of a plastic material. The first region 110 may be disposed on a second body 200, which will be described later. The first region 110 may be coupled to the second body 200. A lower end of the first region 110 may be fixed to the second body 200. The first region 110 may be coupled to the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and heat welding. Alternatively, the first region 110 may be coupled to the second body 200 by an adhesive.

[0050] The first region 110 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open bottom. The corners of the first region 110 may be rounded. The first region 110 may include an upper plate 110a and a side plate 110b extending downward from the upper plate 110a. The upper plate 110a may be formed in a rectangular shape. The upper plate 110a may extend outward from the outer periphery of the lower end of the second region 120. The side plate 110b may extend downward from the outer edge of the upper plate 110a. A plurality of the side plates 110b may be provided. The side plates 110b may include four side plates. The side plates 110b may be formed in a rectangular plate shape. The side plates 110b may include a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate disposed opposite the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed opposite the second side plate. The side plate 110b may include first to fourth corners respectively disposed between the first to fourth side plates, and each of the first to fourth corners may have at least a portion that is rounded.

[0051] The first region 110 may include a first protrusion 111 (see FIG. 5). The first protrusion 111 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the side plate 110b. The first protrusion 111 may be coupled to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be fusion-bonded to the second body 200. At least a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be coupled to the second body 200 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and heat welding. Alternatively, the first protrusion 111 may be fixed to the second body 200 by an adhesive. Alternatively, a portion of the first protrusion 111 may be fusion-bonded to the second body 200, and the remaining portion may be coupled by an adhesive. The region where the first protrusion 111 and the second body 200 are coupled may be formed in a region that horizontally overlaps with an actuator 300, which will be described later.

[0052] A groove 115 recessed upward from other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the first body 100. The groove 115 may be formed on the lower surface of the first region 110. The groove 115 may be disposed inside the first protrusion 111. As shown in Fig. 5, the groove 115 may include an inclined surface that decreases inward from the actuator 300 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The groove 115 may facilitate a coupling process between the first body 100 and the actuator 300, which will be described later.

[0053] The first body 100 may include the second region 120. The second region 120 may be made of a plastic material. The second region 120 may extend upward from the top surface of the first region 110. The second region 120 may be formed integrally with the first region 110. Alternatively, the second region 120 may be coupled to the first region 110. In this case, the second region 120 may be fixed to the first region 110 by an adhesive. The second region 120 may accommodate a glass 190 inside.

[0054] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 120 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 110 .

[0055] A space 121 may be formed inside the first body 100. The space 121 may accommodate at least a portion of a lens module 500 and an actuator 300, which will be described later. The space 121 may be open upward and downward through holes formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first body 100, respectively.

[0056] 5, the space 121 may include a first space formed by an inner surface 128 of the first region 110 and a second space formed by an inner surface 127 of the second region 120. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first space may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second space. The first space and the second space may be in communication with each other. A corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface 128 of the first region 110 and the inner surface 127 of the second region 120 may be rounded.

[0057] In other words, a protrusion 127a that protrudes further inward than other areas may be formed on the inner surface 128 of the space 121, and the protrusion 127a can be understood to be formed inside the second area 120.

[0058] The glass 190 may be disposed on an upper surface of the first body 100. The glass 190 may be made of a transparent material and may be disposed to face a lens module 500 (described later) in the optical axis direction. The glass 190 may prevent foreign matter from entering the space 121.

[0059] A guide to which the glass 190 is coupled may be disposed on an upper surface of the first body 100. The guide may include a first guide portion 125, a second guide portion 123 disposed inside the first guide portion 125, and a guide groove 126 disposed between the first guide portion 125 and the second guide portion 123. A bottom surface of the guide groove 126 may be the upper surface of the second region 120.

[0060] The first guide part 125 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second region 120 more than other regions. The inner surface of the first guide part 125 may be disposed so that at least a portion of the inner surface overlaps with a side surface of the glass 190 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The upper surface of the first guide part 125 may be disposed higher than the upper surface of the second guide part 123. The upper surface of the glass 190 may be disposed higher than the upper surface of the first guide part 125.

[0061] The second guide part 123 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the second region 120 more than other regions. The upper surface of the second guide part 123 may support the lower surface of the glass 190. The upper surface of the second guide part 123 may contact the lower surface of the glass 190.

[0062] The guide groove 126 may be disposed between the first guide portion 125 and the second guide portion 123. When viewed from above, the guide groove 126 may have a groove shape. At least a portion of the guide groove 126 may be covered by the glass 190. An adhesive for bonding with the glass 190 may be disposed in the guide groove 126.

[0063] The vehicle camera 10 may include a second body 200. The second body 200 may be referred to as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The second body 200 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open top. The second body 200 may be formed of a plastic material. The second body 200 may be disposed below the first body 100. The second body 200 may be coupled to the first body 100. The second body 200 may be fusion-bonded to the first body 100. The second body 200 may be bonded to the first body 100 by any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and heat welding. Here, ultrasonic welding may refer to a process in which the first body 100 is pressurized and vibrated while the second body 200 is fixed, thereby fusing and integrating the fusion portions of the second body 200 and the first body 100. The second body 200 may form an internal space by being coupled with the first body 100 .

[0064] The second body 200 may include a bottom plate 201. The bottom plate 201 may face the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be spaced apart from the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100 in the optical axis direction. The bottom plate 201 may be parallel to the top plate 110a of the first region 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate 201 may be formed in a rectangular shape. In this case, at least some corners of the bottom plate 201 may be rounded.

[0065] The bottom plate 201 may include a hole through which a connector 690, which will be described later, passes. A connector lead-out portion 230 may be disposed in the hole. The connector lead-out portion 230 may pass through the hole. A bottom plate of a shield can 800, which will be described later, may be disposed on the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be in surface contact with the bottom plate 201. The bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be coupled to the bottom plate 201 by insert injection.

[0066] The second body 200 may include the side plate 202. The side plate 202 may extend from the bottom plate 201. The side plate 202 may extend from an outer edge of the bottom plate 201. The shield can 800 may be disposed on the side plate 202. The shield can 800 may be in surface contact with an inner surface of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be coupled to the side plate 202 by insert injection molding. An upper end of the side plate 202 may be coupled to the first body 100. An outer surface of the side plate 202 may be disposed flush with an outer surface of the side plate 110b of the first body 100.

[0067] The side plate 202 may include a first region in which a hole 223 is formed and a second region extending from the first region in which the hole 223 is not formed. The first region of the side plate 202 may be bonded to the shield can 800. The second region of the side plate 202 is not bonded to the shield can 800. The inner surface of the side plate 202 may include a step structure formed by the first region and the second region. The inner surface of the first region of the side plate 202 may be positioned outward from the inner surface of the second region of the side plate 202. The inner surface of the second region of the side plate 202 may protrude inward from the inner surface of the first region of the side plate 202.

[0068] The side plate of the shield can 800 may be disposed in a first region of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be bonded to the first region of the side plate 202. The side plate of the shield can 800 may be bonded to the first region of the side plate 202 in direct contact with the first region of the side plate 202. A coating layer of the shield can 800 may be bonded to the first region of the side plate 202. The side plate 202 may include a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the second side plate. The side plates may include a first corner disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, a second corner disposed between the second side plate and the third side plate, a third corner disposed between the third side plate and the fourth side plate, and a fourth corner disposed between the fourth side plate and the first side plate. The first to fourth corners of the side plates may be rounded.

[0069] The side plate 202 may include a second protrusion 221. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may protrude upward from an upper surface of the side plate 202. The second protrusion 221 may abut against the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be disposed to overlap the first protrusion 111 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second protrusion 221 may be disposed inside the first protrusion 111. In this case, an outer surface of the second protrusion 221 may be disposed to face an inner surface of the first protrusion 111. The outer surface of the second protrusion 221 may contact an inner surface of the first protrusion 111. In this case, the second protrusion 221 may be disposed spaced apart from an actuator 300, which will be described later. That is, an air gap may be formed between the second protrusion 221 and the actuator 300. The air gap has a function of blocking heat, and therefore, the air gap can minimize the transfer of heat from the outside or during fusion between the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 toward the actuator 300, thereby minimizing damage and axis displacement due to heat.

[0070] The second protrusion 221 may be coupled to at least a portion of the first protrusion 111 of the first body 100. The second protrusion 221 may be fusion-coupled to at least a portion of the first protrusion 111. Here, fusion may refer to any one of ultrasonic welding, laser welding, and heat welding. When the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 221 are fusion-coupled through laser welding, a laser must penetrate and fuse the inner surface of the first protrusion 111 and the outer surface of the second protrusion 221, so the thickness of the first protrusion 111 may be smaller than the thickness of the second protrusion 221.

[0071] The upper surface of the side plate 202 may have a groove shape in an outer region of the second protrusion 221 .

[0072] The side plate 202 may include a hole 223. The hole 223 may be formed in the side plate 202. The hole 223 may be formed to penetrate the outer surface and the inner surface of the side plate 202. The shield can 800 may be exposed to the outside through the hole 223. The hole 223 may expose at least a portion of the side plate of the shield can 800 to the outside. A plurality of the holes 223 may be provided and may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0073] The second body 200 may include a connector outlet 230. The connector outlet 230 may be coupled to the bottom plate 201. The connector outlet 230 may be disposed in a hole in the bottom plate 201. A connector 690 may be disposed inside the connector outlet 230. The connector outlet 230 may be made of a plastic material.

[0074] The vehicle camera module may include a shield can 800. The shield can 800 may be made of a metal material. The shield can 800 may include a bottom plate, side plates extending from the bottom plate, and corners disposed on the side plates. The bottom plate, the side plates, and the corners may be integrally formed.

[0075] A bottom plate of the shield can 800 may be in contact with a bottom plate 201 of the second body 200. A side plate of the shield can 800 may be in contact with a side plate 202 of the second body 200. A corner of the shield can 800 may be in contact with a corner of the second body 200. A hole may be formed in the bottom plate of the shield can 800 so that the connector 690 passes through.

[0076] The shield can 800 may be waterproofly coupled to the second body 200. Depending on the application, the waterproofing may meet a waterproof / dustproof rating of IP52 or higher, and when disposed outside the vehicle, may meet IP69K rating.

[0077] The shield can 800 may be integrally formed by molding a metal, that is, the bottom plate, side plates, and corners of the shield can 800 may be integrally formed by molding a metal.

[0078] The shield can 800 may be fixed to the second body 200 through insert molding. The insert injection or insert molding may refer to a molding method that integrates a metal member and a plastic member. Heat generated during the insert injection process may melt a portion of the second body 200 and flow into the pores (S) created during the pre-treatment process of the shield can 800.

[0079] The vehicle camera module may include a board assembly 600. The board assembly 600 may be disposed within the second body 200. The board assembly 600 may be disposed in an internal space formed by combining the first body 100 and the second body 300. At least a portion of the board assembly 600 may be disposed within the shield can 800.

[0080] The substrate assembly 600 may include a first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 610 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 612 may be disposed on the first substrate 610. In this case, the first substrate 610 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The first substrate 610 may include a first surface facing the first body 100 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The image sensor 612 may be disposed on the first surface of the first substrate 610. The first substrate 610 may be coupled to an actuator 300 (described below). The first substrate 610 may be coupled to the actuator 300 via an adhesive member 700.

[0081] The board assembly 600 may include a second board 620. The second board 620 may include a printed circuit board. The second board 620 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second board 620 may be disposed below the first board 610. The second board 620 may be spaced apart from the first board 610. The second board 620 may be spaced apart from the first board 610 in the optical axis direction. The second board 620 may supply power to the first board 610. The second board 620 may be disposed parallel to the first board 610. The second board 620 may be electrically connected to the connector 690. The second board 620 may include a first surface facing the first board 610 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The connector 690 may be disposed on the second surface of the second board 620.

[0082] The substrate assembly 600 may include a third substrate 630. The third substrate 630 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The third substrate 630 may electrically connect the first substrate 610 and the second substrate 620. One end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the first substrate 610, and the other end of the third substrate 630 may be connected to the second substrate 620. The third substrate 630 may have elasticity.

[0083] The substrate assembly 600 may include a spacer 650. The spacer 650 may be referred to as an electromagnetic wave shielding member. The spacer 650 may block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves. The spacer 650 may serve to space a plurality of substrates apart. The spacer 650 may be made of a metal material.

[0084] The spacer 650 may include protrusions and holes for supporting the first substrate 610 or the second substrate 620. A protrusion may be formed on a side surface of the first substrate 610 or a side surface of the second substrate 620, the protrusion being coupled to the hole of the spacer 650. The protrusion of the spacer 650 may support the surface of the first substrate 610 or the surface of the second substrate 620.

[0085] The spacer 650 may be disposed within the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from a bottom plate of the shield can 800 in the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be spaced apart from a side plate of the shield can 800 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The spacer 650 may be made of a metal material. The thickness of the spacer 650 may be thinner than the thickness of the side plate of the shield can 800. The spacer 650 may face the side plate of the shield can 800.

[0086] The board assembly 600 may include a connector 690. The connector 690 may be disposed on the second surface of the second board 620. The connector 690 may be fixed to the second surface of the second board 620. The connector 690 may be electrically connected to the second board 620.

[0087] The vehicle camera module may include a lens module 500. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may be coupled to an actuator 300. At least a portion of the lens module 500 may protrude above an upper surface of the actuator 300. The lens module 500 may include a lens barrel 530 (see FIG. 4 ) and at least one lens 520 disposed in the lens barrel 530.

[0088] The lens barrel 530 may include a space with open top and bottom surfaces, in which the lens 520 may be disposed. A first screw portion 510 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 530. The first screw portion 510 may include a thread or a screw groove, and the lens barrel 530 may be screwed to the actuator 300 via the first screw portion 510.

[0089] The lens 520 may be disposed within the lens barrel 530. A plurality of lenses 520 may be provided and disposed along the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be aligned with the image sensor 612. The lens 520 may be disposed to face the image sensor 612 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be disposed to face the glass 190 in the optical axis direction. The lens 520 may be moved in the optical axis direction by an actuator 300.

[0090] The vehicle camera module may include an actuator 300. The actuator 300 may be an AF (Auto Focusing) actuator using a voice coil motor to move the lens module 500 in the optical axis direction, but is not limited thereto, and an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) type may be applied in some embodiments, unlike the illustrated embodiment.

[0091] 7, the actuator 300 may include a bobbin 310, a coil 320, a magnet 330, a housing 340, a cover can 360, a base 350, and an elastic member 370. In addition, the actuator 300 may further include a position sensor 392, a circuit board 390, and a sensing magnet 380 for AF feedback driving.

[0092] The bobbin 310 has a cylindrical shape with open top and bottom surfaces, and a hollow 312 to which the lens module 500 is coupled may be formed at the center of the bobbin 310. A screw thread or a screw groove may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow 312 so that the lens barrel 530 may be screwed into the hollow 312 via the first screw portion 510. Thus, the lens module 500 may be screwed into the bobbin 310.

[0093] The bobbin 310 has a coil coupling part 315 formed on its outer circumferential surface to which the coil 320 is coupled. The coil coupling part 315 may have a groove shape recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 310 .

[0094] The coil 320 may be disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin 310. The coil 320 may be coupled to the coil coupling portion 315. The coil 320 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the substrate assembly 600. The coil 320 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 610. The coil 320 may be referred to as a first driving portion.

[0095] The housing 340 may be disposed outside the bobbin 310. The housing 340 may have a hexahedral shape with open top and bottom surfaces. A coupling groove 342 may be formed on the bottom surface of the housing 340, the coupling groove 342 being recessed upward relative to other regions. The coupling groove 342 may be formed on the outer surfaces of four corner regions of the housing 340. The housing 340 may be coupled to the base 350 via the coupling groove 342.

[0096] A magnet coupling part 344 to which the magnet 330 is coupled may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling part 344 may be formed in a corner region of the inner surface of the housing 340. The magnet coupling part 344 may have a groove shape. A plurality of the magnet coupling parts 344 may be provided and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0097] The magnet 330 may be disposed outside the coil 320. The magnet 330 may be coupled to the housing 340. The magnet 330 may be coupled to the magnet coupling part 344. Four magnets 330 may be provided, and the four magnets 330 may be disposed at corner regions of the inner surface of the housing 340, respectively. Therefore, the bobbin 310 may move in the optical axis direction together with the lens module 500 due to electromagnetic interaction between the coil 320 and the magnets 330. The magnet 330 may be referred to as a second driving part.

[0098] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the first driving unit is a coil and the second driving unit is a magnet, but this is not limited to this, and a magnet may be arranged on the outer surface of the bobbin 310, and a coil facing the magnet may be arranged on the housing 340.

[0099] The base 350 may support the lower surface of the housing 340. The base 350 may be disposed below the housing 340 and the bobbin 310. The base 350 may include a hole 352 through which the lens module 500 is exposed downward. The lens module 500 and the image sensor 612 may be disposed to face each other through the hole 352.

[0100] The base 350 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A protrusion 354 may be formed on an upper surface of the base 350 facing the coupling groove 342 of the housing 340. The protrusion 354 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 350 more than other regions. The protrusions 354 may be disposed at corner regions of the base 350. When the base 350 and the housing 340 are coupled together, the protrusions 354 may be coupled to the coupling groove 342.

[0101] The elastic member 370 may elastically support the movement of the bobbin 310. The elastic member 370 may include an upper elastic member 372 coupled to the upper surfaces of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340, and a lower elastic member 374 coupled to the lower surfaces of the bobbin 310 and the housing 340.

[0102] The upper elastic member 372 may include an inner elastic portion coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic portion coupled to the upper surface of the housing 340, and a connecting elastic portion connecting the inner elastic portion and the outer elastic portion. A protrusion for coupling with the upper elastic member 372 may be formed on the upper surface of the bobbin 310 or the upper surface of the housing 340.

[0103] The lower elastic member 374 may include an inner elastic portion coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 310, an outer elastic portion coupled to the lower surface of the housing 340, and a connecting elastic portion connecting the inner elastic portion and the outer elastic portion. A protrusion for coupling with the lower elastic member 374 may be formed on the lower surface of the bobbin 310 or the lower surface of the housing 340.

[0104] The cover can 360 may be disposed outside the housing 340. The cover can 360 may be made of a non-magnetic metal material. The cover can 360 may be formed in a box shape with an open bottom and including an upper plate 363 and a side plate 364. A hole 362 may be formed in the upper plate 363 of the cover can 360 so that the lens 500 passes through. Corners connecting the upper plate 363 and the side plate 364 may be rounded. The housing 340, the bobbin 310, and at least a portion of the lens module 500 may be disposed inside the cover can 360. A space capable of accommodating components inside the actuator 300 may be formed by coupling the cover can 360 and the base 350. A lower end of the cover can 360 may be coupled to the base 350.

[0105] The sensing magnet 380 may be disposed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310. A groove-shaped coupling region may be formed on the outer surface of the bobbin 310 to couple the sensing magnet 380. A plurality of the sensing magnets 380 may be provided and may be arranged to face each other with the hollow 312 of the bobbin 310 at the center.

[0106] The circuit board 390 may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 340 or the inner surface of the cover can 360. The circuit board 390 may be electrically connected to the board assembly 600. A position sensor 392 may be disposed on the surface of the circuit board 390 facing the sensing magnet 380. The position sensor 392 may sense the magnetic field of the sensing magnet 380, which changes as the bobbin 310 moves, to detect the position of the bobbin 310. The actuator 300, which is disposed to adjust the optical axis of the lens 520, may be driven by sensing the temperature via a temperature sensor (not shown) separately disposed on the board 390, or a temperature sensor (not shown) may be disposed on a board in the board assembly 600 and sense the temperature to drive the actuator 300. Alternatively, the image sensor 610 may include a function for adjusting resolution, which may be used to drive the actuator 300.

[0107] The actuator 300 and the substrate assembly 600 may be bonded to each other via an adhesive member 700. The adhesive member 700 may include epoxy. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between a lower surface of the actuator 300 and an upper surface of the first substrate 610. The adhesive member 700 may be disposed between a lower surface of the base 350 and an upper surface of the first substrate 610. By adjusting the thickness of the adhesive member 700, the distance between the image sensor 612 and the lens 520 in the lens module 500 may be adjusted. That is, the distance of active alignment (AA) for focusing the lens may be adjusted.

[0108] Meanwhile, the actuator 300 may be integrally formed with the first body 100 by insert molding. The cover can 360 of the actuator 300 may be coupled to the first body 100 by insert molding. This has the advantage that the cover can 360, which is made of a metal material, and the first body 100, which is made of a plastic material, are integrally coupled, thereby firmly fixing the actuator 300 within the first body 100. That is, since the lens module 500 is disposed inside the actuator 300, axial alignment may become an issue when the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are coupled together. To prevent this, the cover can 360 of the actuator 300 may be coupled to the first body 100 by insert molding, thereby integrally fixing the actuator 300 and the first body 100 and reducing the number of axial alignment points, thereby facilitating axial alignment. In this case, a portion of the protrusion 127a of the first body 100 may be disposed on the upper surface of the cover can 360.

[0109] When the actuator 300 and the first body 100 are coupled together, a side plate 364 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to an inner surface 128 of the space 121 in the first body 100. A top plate 363 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to a lower surface of the protrusion 127a of the space 121 in the first body 100. A corner region connecting the side plate 364 and the top plate 363 of the cover can 360 may be coupled to a corner surface 129 connecting the inner surface of the protrusion 127a and the inner surface of the space 121.

[0110] The cover can 360 and the first body 100 may be waterproofly coupled together, and for this purpose, the surface of the cover can 360 coupled to the first body 100 may be surface treated.

[0111] According to the above-mentioned structure, the AF function of the actuator can accommodate changes in resolution due to temperature changes in the external environment in which the vehicle camera is installed and changes in target position due to vehicle movement, thereby providing the advantage of being able to capture high-quality images.

[0112] Furthermore, since the body that forms the outer shape of the vehicle camera module and the actuator are integrally formed by insert injection, there is an advantage that the actuator can be firmly fixed within the body.

[0113] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] This modified example differs from the previous embodiment in the glass bonding area, and therefore, components having the same structure and function will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0115] 8, a glass 1390 may be disposed on the actuator 1300. The glass 1390 may be disposed on the upper surface of a cover can 1360. In this case, the lens module 500 may be housed in the space within the cover can 1360.

[0116] A cover plate 1365 may be disposed in the space within the cover can 1360, protruding inward from the inner surface of a side plate forming a side surface of the cover can 1360. A hole 1366 may be formed in the center of the cover plate 1365 so that the lens module 500 passes through the hole 1366. The lens module 500 may be disposed so that at least a portion of the lens module 500 passes through the hole 1366 and protrudes above the cover plate 1365.

[0117] According to this, the actuator 1300 can be integrally coupled to the inner surface 128 of the space 111 in the first body 100 (see FIG. 4) by insert injection molding. The side plate of the cover can 1360 of the actuator 1300 can be integrally coupled to the inner surface 128 by insert injection molding. Therefore, in this modified example, the protrusion 127 of the space 111 in the first body 100 in the above-described embodiment can be omitted.

[0118] The above structure has an advantage that it is possible to prevent external foreign matter from entering the space inside the actuator 1300 through the glass 1390 .

[0119] Meanwhile, an infrared blocking film may be attached to the surface of the glass 1390 to block infrared rays, or an infrared blocking agent may be applied thereto.

[0120] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

Claims

1. The first body, a second body coupled to the first body; an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body; a lens module coupled to the actuator; a substrate assembly including an image sensor disposed opposite the lens module; The actuator is a bobbin to which the lens module is coupled; a first driving unit disposed on an outer surface of the bobbin; a second drive unit disposed outside the first drive unit.

2. the actuator includes a cover can that houses the bobbin; The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the cover can is integrally formed with the first body by insert injection molding.

3. The cover can is made of metal, The vehicle camera module according to claim 2 , wherein the first body is made of plastic.

4. the substrate assembly includes a first substrate on which the image sensor is disposed; The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive member disposed between the first substrate and the actuator.

5. The vehicle camera module according to claim 4 , wherein the adhesive member includes epoxy.

6. the first drive unit includes a coil; The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the second driving unit includes a magnet.

7. The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the lens module is threadedly coupled to the bobbin.

8. a first protrusion protruding downward is disposed on a lower surface of the first body; a second protrusion protruding upward is disposed on an upper surface of the second body; The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are fusion-bonded.

9. a groove recessed upward relative to other regions is disposed on the lower surface of the first body; The vehicle camera module according to claim 8 , wherein the groove includes an inclined surface shaped such that a distance to the actuator decreases toward the center, and a region of the second protrusion is disposed within the groove.

10. The first body, a second body coupled to the first body; an actuator disposed inside the first body and the second body; a lens module coupled to the actuator; a substrate assembly including an image sensor disposed opposite the lens module; a glass disposed on the first body; the actuator includes a cover can that houses a bobbin; The cover can and the first body are formed to be in direct contact with each other.

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