Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a body, a lens barrel coupled to the body, a lens disposed on one side of the lens barrel, a heat-generating member disposed outside the lens, a substrate module disposed spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction, and a connecting member connecting the substrate module and the heat-generating member, wherein the heat-generating member includes a heat-generating layer, a first electrode disposed on one side of the heat-generating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other side of the heat-generating layer, and the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This embodiment relates to a camera module. [Background technology]

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

[0003] As automobiles become more widespread, miniature cameras are being used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, they are used in dashcams to protect vehicles and provide objective information on traffic accidents, rearview cameras that allow drivers to monitor blind spots at the rear of the vehicle through a screen to ensure safety when reversing, and perimeter detection cameras that can monitor the area around the vehicle.

[0004] The camera may include a lens, a lens barrel that houses 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] Due to the nature of automobiles being outdoors, the temperature distribution inside and outside the automobile varies depending on the season. For example, the interior temperature may be higher than the exterior temperature in summer and may drop below zero in winter. Therefore, sudden temperature changes can cause condensation, including frost, on the camera lens and glass. This can result in unsatisfactory photographs or even product failure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] This embodiment provides a camera module that can prevent the occurrence of condensation including frost on the lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The camera module of this embodiment includes a body, a lens barrel coupled to the body, a lens arranged on one side of the lens barrel, a heat-generating member arranged outside the lens, a substrate module arranged spaced apart from the lens in the optical axis direction, and a connecting member connecting the substrate module and the heat-generating member, wherein the heat-generating member includes a heat-generating layer, a first electrode arranged on one side of the heat-generating layer, and a second electrode arranged on the other side of the heat-generating layer, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

[0008] The heat generating layer may include a resin or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) material.

[0009] The first bus bar and the second bus bar may be electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions.

[0010] The first bus bar and the second bus bar may have different polarities.

[0011] The first bus bar and the second bus bar may be spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0012] The first bus bar and the second bus bar may each be formed in plural, the plural first bus bars may include a 1-1 bus bar and a 1-2 bus bar, the plural second bus bars may include a 2-1 bus bar and a 2-2 bus bar, and the 1-1 bus bar may be disposed between the 2-1 bus bar and the 2-2 bus bar.

[0013] The first-1 bus bar and the second-1 bus bar do not have to overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel.

[0014] The plurality of connection portions may include a first connection portion connected to the first bus bar and a second connection portion connected to the second bus bar, and an upper end of the first connection portion connected to the bus bar and an upper end of the second connection portion may have different heights.

[0015] A camera module according to another embodiment includes a body, a lens barrel coupled to the body, a lens arranged on one side of the lens barrel, a heat-generating member arranged outside the lens, a substrate module arranged spaced apart from the lens in an optical axis direction, and a connection member connecting the substrate module and the heat-generating member, wherein the connection member includes a plurality of connection portions connected to the substrate module and a plurality of bus bars connected to the heat-generating member, and the plurality of bus bars include a first bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] This embodiment has the advantage that by compactly arranging the connecting members for connecting the heat-generating components to the board module within the body and lens barrel, it is possible to connect a stable power source to the heat-generating components while also improving the assembly of the camera module.

[0017] In addition, the heat generated from the heat-generating element is not concentrated on one side, but is generated in a uniform area over the entire heat-generating element, which has the advantage that frost formed on the lens can be removed uniformly over the entire area, rather than just in one area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 from another angle.

[0020] [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the top surface of the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG.

[0022] [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in FIG.

[0023] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. 6 from another angle.

[0025] [Figure 8] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply connection structure in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing a coupling structure between a body and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the top surface of the body and lens barrel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the underside of a body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first connection portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a power supply connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of D in FIG. 4.

[0033] [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Furthermore, when it is 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 it is expressed as "above (above)" or "below (below)", it can include not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 16, 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 camera module 10.

[0046] 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 pillars 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.

[0047] A camera module 10 may be installed on a side of the body 2 or on a front door among the one or more doors 3. The camera module 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 camera module 10.

[0048] The camera module 10 can capture images of both rear sides of a vehicle. Images captured by the camera module 10 can be electrically connected to a display unit (not shown) via an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. Therefore, the images captured by the camera module 10 can be played on a display unit under the control of the electronic control unit (ECU).

[0049] 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 camera module 10. The display unit may be installed on a dashboard (not shown) inside the body 2.

[0050] The above-described installation form of the camera module 10 in the vehicle 1 is an example, and the camera module 10 may be used as one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera, and drive recorder of the vehicle 1.

[0051] Hereinafter, a camera module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing FIG. 1 from another angle, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the top surface of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing A-A' in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing B-B' in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a view showing FIG. 6 from another angle, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a power supply connection structure in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the connection structure between a body and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a body according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a body according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first connection part according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the power connection structure within a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of D in FIG. 4.

[0053] 1 to 15, a camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 100, a lens barrel 200, a board module 300, a heat generating member, and a connecting member.

[0054] The camera module 10 may include a body 100. The body 100 may also be called a front body, an upper housing, or a first housing.

[0055] The body 100 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0056] The body 100 may include a body portion 110 and a barrel portion 120. The body 100 may include a space that penetrates from the top to the bottom. An image sensor 310 and a lens 280 (described later) may be disposed to face each other in the optical axis direction through the space.

[0057] The body part 110 may be disposed below the barrel part 120. The body part 110 may have a rectangular cross section. The body part 110 may have a flange shape that protrudes outward from a side surface of the body 100 more than other regions. A first space 112 may be formed inside the body part 110 to receive at least a portion of the lens barrel 200. The first space 112 may have a circular cross section. At least a portion of the first space 112 may be arranged to overlap the body part 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Another portion of the first space 112 may be arranged to overlap the barrel part 120 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0058] A guide groove 114 having a shape recessed outward from other regions may be formed on the inner surface of the first space 112. A plurality of guide grooves 114 may be provided and may be arranged symmetrically with respect to one another with respect to the center of the first space 112. The guide grooves 114 may be connected from the upper end to the lower end of the first space 112. Connection portions 514 and 544 (see FIG. 8) of a connection portion 500, which will be described later, may be coupled to the guide grooves 114.

[0059] A first protrusion 130 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the body part 110 may be formed. A plurality of first protrusions 130 may be provided and arranged to face each other with respect to the center of the body part 110. For example, the plurality of first protrusions 130 may be arranged adjacent to opposite corners of the bottom surface of the body part 110. The bottom surface of the first protrusion 130 may be in contact with the board module 300. The bottom surface of the first protrusion 130 may be in contact with the top surface of a second board 302 (described later). A screw hole 132 may be formed in the bottom surface of the first protrusion 130. The second board 302 may be screwed to the bottom surface of the body 100 through the screw hole 132.

[0060] A second protrusion 140 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the body 110 may be formed. The second protrusion 140 may be disposed inside the plurality of first protrusions 130. A corner region of the second protrusion 140 facing the first protrusion 130 may be connected to the first protrusion 130.

[0061] The second protrusion 140 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 140 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first substrate 301, which will be described later. At least a portion of the lower surface of the second protrusion 140 may contact the upper surface of the first substrate 301. At least a portion of the lower surface of the second protrusion 140 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction.

[0062] A connection portion guide 150 may be disposed on the lower surface of the body portion 110. The connection portion guide 150 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the lower surface of the body portion 110 more than other regions. The connection portion guide 150 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the side surface of the second protrusion 140 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. A plurality of connection portion guides 150 may be provided and arranged to face each other with respect to the second protrusion 140. The connection portion guide 150 may be formed integrally with the second protrusion 140. The connection portion guide 150 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0063] A guide groove 152 may be formed on the lower surface of the connection portion guide 150 to which lower ends 516 and 546 (see FIG. 8) of the connection portion 500, which will be described later, are coupled. The guide groove 152 may be recessed upward from other regions. The bottom surface of the guide groove 152 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction.

[0064] A fence portion 156 may be formed on the edge of the lower surface of the connector guide 150. The fence portion 156 may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the guide groove 152. The fence portion 156 may form the edge of the connector guide 150. At least one coupling groove 154 may be formed in the fence portion 156. The coupling grooves 154 may be arranged to divide the fence portion 156 into two or more regions. The bottom surface of the coupling groove 154 may be arranged to be flush with the bottom surface of the guide groove 152. The coupling groove 154 may be connected to the guide groove 152. A rib 518 of the connector 500, which will be described later, may be coupled to the coupling groove 154. A plurality of the coupling grooves 154 may be provided and arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0065] The barrel part 120 may be disposed on the upper part of the body part 110. The barrel part 120 and the body part 110 may be integrally formed. The barrel part 120 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the body part 110. The cross section of the body part 120 may be formed in a ring shape.

[0066] A second space 122 may be formed inside the barrel portion 120. The second space 122 may be in communication with the first space 112. The second space 122 and the first space 112 may be connected in the optical axis direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second space 122 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first space 112. A bottom surface of the second space 122 may form an upper surface of the barrel portion 120.

[0067] 11 , a protrusion 125 protruding upward from the other regions may be formed on the bottom surface of the second space 122. The protrusion 125 may have a ring shape with one side open in the radial direction. The protrusion 125 may be disposed at the upper end of the first space 112, and the inner surface may have the same curved surface as the inner surface of the first space 112. A second installation surface 126 may be formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 125, and the second installation surface 126 may be coupled with a lower surface of an upper end 542 of a second connection part 540 (described later). Meanwhile, any one of the guide grooves 114 formed on the inner surface of the first space 112 may extend to the inner surface of the protrusion 125.

[0068] The protrusion 125 may include an opening 127. The opening 127 may allow the protrusion 125 to have an arc shape. The opening 127 may have a shape that penetrates radially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the protrusion 125. At least a portion of a first connection portion 510, which will be described later, may be coupled to the opening 127. A guide protrusion 511 (see FIG. 13), which will be described later, may be coupled to the opening 127.

[0069] A first mounting surface 124 may be formed on the bottom surface of the second space 122 outside the protrusion 125. The first mounting surface 124 may be disposed to have a step in the optical axis direction with respect to a second mounting surface 126 formed on the upper surface of the protrusion 125. The first mounting surface 124 may be disposed below the second mounting surface 126. The first mounting surface 124 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The first mounting surface 124 may be flush with the bottom surface of the opening 127. An upper end 512 (see FIG. 8 ) of a first connection part 510 (described below) may be coupled to the first mounting surface 124. A lower surface of the upper end 512 may contact the first mounting surface 124.

[0070] The lens barrel 200 may be coupled to the body 100. At least a portion of the lens barrel 200 may be coupled to a space within the body 100, and another portion may be disposed to protrude upward from the body 100. The lens barrel 200 may include a first region 210 and a second region 240 disposed below the first region 210. A space 242 (see FIG. 4) may be formed inside the lens barrel 200 to couple a lens, which will be described later. The space 242 may have a shape that passes through the lens barrel 200 from the top to the bottom.

[0071] At least a portion of the first region 210 may be disposed in the second space 122, and another portion may be disposed on the body 100. The first region 210 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The first region 210 may be formed to have a larger cross-sectional area than the second region 240. The cross-sectional shape of the first region 210 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the second space 122. The first region 210 may be threadedly engaged with the inner surface of the second space 122. In this case, threads or thread grooves having shapes corresponding to each other may be formed on the outer surface of the first region 210 and the inner surface of the second space 122, respectively.

[0072] A sealing member coupling groove 212 to which a sealing member (not shown) is coupled may be formed on the outer surface of the first region 210. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may be recessed inward more than other regions. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The sealing member coupling groove 212 may be disposed to face the inner surface of the barrel portion 120. A sealing member is coupled to the sealing member coupling groove 212, thereby sealing the gap between the inner surface of the barrel portion 120 and the outer surface of the first region 210.

[0073] A first groove 211 (see FIG. 7) recessed downward from other regions may be formed on the top surface of the first region 210. A lens 280, which will be described later, may be disposed in the first groove 211. A partition wall may be formed outside the first groove 211 to surround the first groove 211.

[0074] A lens coupling part 218 having a shape that protrudes upward from other regions may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first groove 211. The lens coupling part 218 has a ring-shaped cross section and may support the lower surface of the lens 280. The upper surface of the lens coupling part 218 may contact the emission surface of the lens 280. The lens coupling part 218 may be disposed at the upper end of the space 242.

[0075] A first lower surface 222 and a second lower surface 226 may be formed on a lower surface 220 (see FIG. 6) of the first region 210, the first lower surface 222 and the second lower surface 226 being stepped in the vertical direction. The first lower surface 222 and the second lower surface 226 may each have a ring-shaped cross section. The first lower surface 222 may be disposed outside the second lower surface 226. The first lower surface 222 may be disposed below the second lower surface 226. The first lower surface 222 may be disposed to face the first mounting surface 124 (see FIG. 11) in the optical axis direction. The second lower surface 226 may be disposed to face the second mounting surface 126 in the optical axis direction. The second lower surface 226 may be referred to as a second groove because it is recessed upward relative to other regions.

[0076] The first region 210 may include a first hole 223 and a second hole 227 .

[0077] The first holes 223 may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first region 210. The first holes 223 may be formed to penetrate from the bottom surface of the first groove 211 to the first lower surface 222. A plurality of the first holes 223 may be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. For example, four first holes 223 may be provided and arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. A first bus bar 430, which will be described later, may be coupled to the first holes 223.

[0078] The second hole 227 may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first region 210. The second hole 227 may be formed to penetrate from the bottom surface of the first groove 211 to the second lower surface 226. A plurality of the second holes 227 may be provided and may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second holes 227 may be arranged inside the plurality of first holes 223. For example, four second holes 227 may be provided and may be arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. A second bus bar 440, which will be described later, may be coupled to the second holes 227.

[0079] The second region 240 may be disposed below the first region 210. The second region 240 may be disposed in the first space 112. The cross-sectional shape of the second region 240 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first space 112. The second region 240 may be threadedly engaged with the first space 112. To this end, threads or grooves for threading may be formed on an outer surface of the second region 240 and an inner surface of the first space 112, respectively.

[0080] A lens may be disposed in the space 242 within the lens barrel 200. A plurality of lenses may be provided and may be disposed spaced apart from each other based on the optical axis direction. The lens may be aligned with the image sensor 310. The lens may be disposed to face the image sensor 310 in the optical axis direction. The lens may be disposed to face a lens 280 (described below) in the optical axis direction. In this case, the lens 280 disposed on the lens barrel 200 may be referred to as an outermost lens or glass, and may be distinguished from the lens disposed in the space 242 within the lens barrel 200.

[0081] A lens 280 may be disposed on the lens barrel 200. At least a portion of the lens 280 may be disposed in the first groove 211, and another portion may be disposed to protrude upward from the lens barrel 200. As described above, the lens 280 may be referred to as an outermost lens or glass. The lens 280 has an incident surface and an exit surface, and the exit surface may be supported by an upper surface of the lens coupling part 218. The incident surface of the lens 280 may be exposed upward from the camera module 10.

[0082] The camera module 10 may include a retainer 290. The retainer 290 may be coupled to an upper portion of the lens barrel 200. The retainer 290 may be screwed onto the lens barrel 200. The retainer 290 may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the entrance surface of the lens 280.

[0083] The retainer 290 may include a first plate 292 and a second plate 294. The first plate 292 and the second plate 294 may be disposed perpendicular to each other. The first plate 292 may form the top surface of the camera module 10. The first plate 292 may include a hole 296 for exposing the lens 280 to the outside. At least a portion of the first plate 292 may be disposed to cover an edge of the incident surface of the lens 280.

[0084] Meanwhile, an inclined surface may be formed on the end surface of the first plate portion 292 that forms the inner surface of the hole 296. In this case, moisture caused by frost on the surface of the lens 280 can be prevented from re-entering the space within the camera module 10.

[0085] The second plate portion 294 may be bent downward and extend from an edge of the first plate portion 292. The inner surface of the second plate portion 294 may be disposed to surround a portion of the lens barrel 200. The inner surface of the second plate portion 294 may be screwed to the outer surface of the lens barrel 200.

[0086] The camera module 10 may include a board module 300. The board module 300 may be disposed under the body 100. The board module 300 may be coupled to the bottom surface of the body 100.

[0087] The substrate module 300 may include a first substrate 301 and a second substrate 302 .

[0088] The first substrate 301 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 301 may be disposed on the second substrate 302. An image sensor 310 may be disposed on the first substrate 301. The first substrate 301 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. An upper surface of the first substrate 301 may contact a lower surface of the second protrusion 140. A cross-sectional area of ​​the first substrate 301 may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the second substrate 302.

[0089] The image sensor 310 disposed on the first substrate 301 may be aligned with a lens disposed in the lens barrel 200. The image sensor 310 may be disposed to face the lens in the optical axis direction.

[0090] The second substrate 302 may be disposed below the first substrate 301. The second substrate 302 may be disposed spaced apart from the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 302 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 302 may supply power to a heat-generating member, which will be described later. The second substrate 302 may be disposed parallel to the first substrate 301. The second substrate 302 may be electrically connected to a connector (not shown) for electrical connection with an external terminal.

[0091] The second substrate 302 may be coupled to a lower surface of the body 100. The second substrate 302 may be screwed to a lower surface of the body 100. An upper surface of the second substrate 302 may be screwed to a lower surface of the first protrusion 130. A cross-sectional area of ​​the second substrate 302 may be larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the first substrate 301.

[0092] A connector 330 may be disposed on the second substrate 302. The connector 330 may be coupled to a connection member for electrically connecting the substrate module 300 and the heat-generating member. The connector 330 may be mounted on the second substrate 302. The connector 330 may be disposed so as not to overlap with the first substrate 301 in the optical axis direction. The connector 330 may be coupled to contact terminals 519 and 549 (see FIG. 4 ) of a connection unit 500, which will be described later. The contact terminals 519 and 549 may come into contact with the connector 330.

[0093] The connector 330 may include a first connector 332 (see FIG. 8) connected to a first connection unit 510 (described later) and a second connector 334 (see FIG. 8) connected to a second connection unit 540 (described later). The first connector 332 and the second connector 334 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the image sensor 310.

[0094] The board module 300 may include a third board that electrically connects the first board 301 and the second board 302, and the third board may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0095] Meanwhile, an additional body may be coupled to the lower part of the body 100, and thus the board module 300 may be disposed between the body 100 and the additional body. The additional body may be called any of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The board module 300 may be disposed in an internal space formed by coupling the body 100 and the additional body.

[0096] The camera module 10 may include a heat generating member. The heat generating member may provide heat to the lens 280, thereby removing frost formed on the surface of the lens 280. The heating temperature of the lens 280 via the heat generating member may be 100°C or less.

[0097] The heat generating member may include a heat generating layer and a plurality of electrodes 410, 420 disposed on the surface of the heat generating layer.

[0098] The heat generating layer may be disposed on the outer side of the lens 280. The heat generating layer may be disposed in the first groove 211. The heat generating layer may be disposed between the first groove 211 and the retainer 290.

[0099] The heat generating layer in the camera module 10 according to this embodiment may be a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater).

[0100] The heating layer may include a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) material. The heating layer may include a PTC element, an electrode plate, and an insulating plate. The heating layer may include heating ink or resin coated on a sheet on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heating layer may be disposed on the lens barrel 200. The heating layer may be disposed in the first groove 211. The heating layer may contact the inner surface of the retainer 290 or the side of the lens 280. The heating layer may generate heat when power is supplied via a connecting member, which will be described later.

[0101] The electrodes 410 and 420 may be formed on the surface of the heating layer. For example, the electrodes 410 and 420 may include a first electrode 410 disposed on the upper surface of the heating layer and a second electrode 420 disposed on the lower surface of the heating layer. The polarities of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 may be opposite to each other. According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , a plurality of electrodes 410 and 420 having opposite polarities are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, which is the optical axis direction, based on the heating layer, thereby forming a uniform electric field and electric flux density throughout the heating layer. This ensures uniform heating performance of the heating layer.

[0102] 8, the first electrode 410 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The first electrode 410 may be disposed on the upper surface of the heating layer. The first electrode 410 may be disposed in the first groove 211. The first electrode 410 may be disposed outside the lens 280. The first electrode 410 may be spaced apart from the second electrode 420 in the optical axis direction. The first electrode 410 may be coupled to a first bus bar 430, which will be described later. A lower surface of the first electrode 410 may contact an upper end of the first bus bar 430. The first electrode 410 may have a first polarity.

[0103] The second electrode 420 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The second electrode 410 may be disposed on a lower surface of the heating layer. The second electrode 420 may be disposed in the first groove 211. The second electrode 420 may be disposed outside the lens coupling portion 218 (see FIG. 7). In this case, it can be understood that the heating layer is disposed between the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 in the first groove 211. The second electrode 420 may be disposed spaced apart from the first electrode 410 in the optical axis direction. The second electrode 420 may be coupled to a second bus bar 440, which will be described later. A lower surface of the second electrode 420 may contact an upper end of the second bus bar 440. The second electrode 420 may have a second polarity different from the first polarity.

[0104] A through hole 425 may be formed in the second electrode 420. The through hole 425 may have a shape that penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface of the second electrode 420. A plurality of the through holes 425 may be provided and may be arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the second electrode 420. The first bus bar 430 may be disposed to pass through the through hole 425. As described above, since the first electrode 410 is disposed above the second electrode 420, the arrangement area of ​​the first bus bar 430 may be determined through the through hole 425.

[0105] The camera module 10 may include a connection member that electrically connects the heat-generating member to the substrate module 300. The electrical connection between the heat-generating member and the substrate module 300 via the connection member may provide power to the heat-generating member.

[0106] The connection members may include bus bars 430 and 440 and a connection portion 500 .

[0107] The bus bars 430 and 440 may electrically connect the electrodes 410 and 420 to the connection portion 500. The bus bars 430 and 440 may include a first bus bar 430 connecting the first electrode 410 to a first connection portion 510 (described later) and a second bus bar 430 connecting the second electrode 420 to a second connection portion 540 (described later). The bus bars 430 and 440 may be pogo pins. In this case, the bus bars 430 and 440 may include a body portion and pin portions disposed at upper and lower ends of the body portion and elastically movable relative to the body portion in the vertical direction. For example, the pin portions may include an upper pin portion disposed at an upper portion of the body portion and a lower pin portion disposed at a lower portion of the body portion, and the upper pin portion may contact the electrodes 410 and 420, and the lower pin portion may contact the connection portion 500. In addition, the bus bars 430 and 440 may include elastic portions disposed within the body portions and providing elastic force to the upper and lower pin portions, respectively. The elastic portions may be springs, thereby allowing the electrodes 410 and 420 to be elastically connected to the connection portion 500 via the bus bars 430 and 440.

[0108] The first bus bar 430 may electrically connect the first electrode 410 and the first connection portion 510. A plurality of first bus bars 430 may be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. Four first bus bars 430 may be provided and arranged to form 90° intervals between adjacent first bus bars 430 in the circumferential direction. The first bus bars 430 may have a first polarity. The first bus bar 430 may be coupled to a first hole 223 of the lens barrel 200. The first bus bar 430 may be arranged to pass through the first hole 223. An upper end of the first bus bar 430 may be arranged to protrude above a bottom surface of the first groove 211, and a lower end of the first bus bar 430 may be arranged to protrude below a bottom surface 220 of the first region 210. A lower end of the first bus bar 430 may protrude downward from a first lower surface 222 of the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the first bus bar 430 may contact an upper surface of a first connection portion 510, which will be described later.

[0109] The second bus bar 440 may electrically connect the second electrode 420 and the second connection portion 540. A plurality of second bus bars 440 may be provided and arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel 200. Four second bus bars 440 may be provided and arranged to form 90° intervals between adjacent second bus bars 440 in the circumferential direction. The second bus bars 440 may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second bus bar 440 may be coupled to a second hole 227 of the lens barrel 200. The second bus bar 440 may be arranged to pass through the second hole 227. An upper end of the second bus bar 440 may be arranged to protrude above a bottom surface of the first groove 211, and a lower end of the second bus bar 440 may be arranged to protrude below a bottom surface 220 of the first region 210. A lower end of the second bus bar 440 may protrude downward from a second lower surface 226 of the lower surface 220 of the first region 210. The lower end of the second bus bar 440 may contact an upper surface of a second connection portion 540, which will be described later. The lower end of the second bus bar 440 may be disposed higher than the lower end of the first bus bar 430.

[0110] 10, the plurality of first bus bars 430 and the plurality of second bus bars 440 may be arranged so as not to overlap one another in the radial direction. In this case, the plurality of second bus bars 440 may be arranged so as to overlap in the radial direction with an area that divides adjacent plurality of first bus bars 430 into half in the circumferential direction. With respect to a single first bus bar 430, the first bus bar 430 and the adjacent second bus bar 440 may be arranged to form 45° intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0111] For example, if the first bus bar 430 includes a first bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar in the circumferential direction, and the second bus bar 440 includes a second bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the second bus bar in the circumferential direction, the first bus bar can be understood to be disposed between the second bus bar and the second bus bar. In this case, the first bus bar and the second bus bar can be disposed so as not to overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel 200.

[0112] As described above, the body 100 and the lens barrel 200 may be coupled by a screwing method. At this time, due to the above-described arrangement structure of the plurality of first bus bars 430 and the plurality of second bus bars 440, when the lens barrel 200 is screwed into the body 100, there is no need to consider the direction of rotation for contact between the lower end of the first bus bar 430 and the upper surface of a first connecting portion 510 (described later) and the lower end of the second bus bar 440 and the upper surface of a second connecting portion 540 (described later), which is advantageous in that the assembly process may be performed more easily.

[0113] The connection member may include a connection part 500. The connection part 500 may include a first connection part 510 that electrically connects the first bus bar 430 and the substrate module 300, and a second connection part 540 that electrically connects the second bus bar 440 and the substrate module 300.

[0114] The first connection part 510 may include a first upper end part 512, a first lower end part 516, and a first central part 514. The first upper end part 512, the first lower end part 516, and the first central part 514 may be integrally formed. The first connection part 510 may have a first polarity.

[0115] The first upper end portion 512 may be disposed in the second space 122 (see FIG. 11 ) of the body 100. The first upper end portion 512 may be coupled to the first mounting surface 124 of the body 100. The first upper end portion 512 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The first upper end portion 512 may be disposed lower in the optical axis direction than a second upper end portion 542 (described later). The cross-sectional area of ​​the first upper end portion 512 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second upper end portion 542. The inner surface of the first upper end portion 512 may be disposed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 125 of the body 100. The upper surface of the first upper end portion 512 may contact the lower surface of the first bus bar 430.

[0116] The first lower end 516 may be coupled to a lower surface of the body 100. The first lower end 516 may be coupled to a lower surface of a connector guide 150 formed on the lower surface of the body 100. The first lower end 516 may be disposed parallel to the first upper end 512. The first lower end 516 may be disposed such that at least a portion of the first lower end 516 overlaps with the first upper end 512 in the optical axis direction.

[0117] The first lower end 516 may be coupled to a guide groove 152 formed on a lower surface of the connector guide 150. A cross-sectional shape of the first lower end 516 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 152. A lower surface of the first lower end 516 may be coupled to an upper surface of the first connector 332. A first contact terminal 519 may be formed on the lower surface of the first lower end 516, having a shape that protrudes downward more than other regions and coupled to the first connector 332. The first contact terminal 519 may have a protrusion shape.

[0118] The first connecting portion 510 may include a rib 518 coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 518 may have a region at least partially perpendicular to the first lower end 516. The rib 518 may include a first coupling region extending from the first lower end 516 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and a second coupling region extending upward in the optical axis direction from an end of the first coupling region. The rib 518 may be disposed to penetrate the fence portion 156 (see FIG. 12 ). The rib 518 may be coupled to the coupling groove 154. At least a portion of the rib 518 may contact a side surface of the connecting portion guide 150. Due to the rib 518 and the first lower end 516, the cross section of the lower end of the first connecting portion 510 may have a substantially inverted U shape.

[0119] The first central portion 514 may be disposed to connect the first upper end 512 and the first lower end 516. The first central portion 514 may be disposed perpendicular to the first upper end 512 and the first lower end 516. The first central portion 514 may be disposed within the first space 112. The first central portion 514 may be coupled to a guide groove 114 (see FIG. 11 ) within the first space 112. The first central portion 514 may have an upper end connected to the first upper end 512 and a lower end connected to the first lower end 516.

[0120] In addition, the first connecting portion 510 may include an extension 513 (see FIG. 13 ) connecting an upper end of the first central portion 514 and an inner surface of the first upper end portion 512. The extension 513 may be parallel to the first upper end portion 512 and the first lower end portion 516 and disposed perpendicular to the first central portion 514. The extension 513 may connect the first upper end portion 512 and the first central portion 514. The extension 513 may be coupled to the opening 127 of the protrusion 125 of the body 100. This may guide the position of the first connecting portion 510 within the second space 122.

[0121] The first connecting portion 510 may include a guide protrusion 511. The guide protrusion 511 may be disposed on the extension portion 513. The guide protrusion 511 may be coupled to the opening 127 of the body 100. An upper surface of the guide protrusion 511 may be disposed to form the same plane as an upper surface of the protrusion 125 (see FIG. 11 ). The guide protrusion 511 may reinforce the thickness of the first connecting portion 510 disposed in the opening 127.

[0122] The second connection portion 540 may include a second upper end portion 542, a second lower end portion 546, and a second central portion 544. The second upper end portion 542, the second lower end portion 546, and the second central portion 544 may be integrally formed. The second connection portion 540 may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0123] The second upper end 542 may be disposed in the second space 122 (see FIG. 11 ) of the body 100. The second upper end 542 may be disposed on the protrusion 125 of the body 100. The second upper end 542 may be coupled to the second mounting surface 126 of the body 100. The second upper end 542 may have a ring-shaped cross section. The second upper end 542 may be disposed above the first upper end 512 in the optical axis direction. The second upper end 542 may be disposed radially inward of the first upper end 512. A cross-sectional area of ​​the second upper end 542 may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the first upper end 512. An upper surface of the second upper end 542 may contact a lower surface of the second bus bar 440.

[0124] The second lower end portion 546 may be coupled to a lower surface of the body 100. The second lower end portion 546 may be coupled to a lower surface of a connector guide 150 formed on the lower surface of the body 100. In this case, the connector guide 150 to which the second lower end portion 546 is coupled may be different from the connector guide 150 to which the first lower end portion 516 is coupled. In consideration of this, the connector guide 150 to which the first lower end portion 516 is coupled may be referred to as a first connector guide, and the connector guide 150 to which the second lower end portion 546 is coupled may be referred to as a second connector guide. The second lower end portion 546 may be disposed parallel to the second upper end portion 542.

[0125] The second lower end 546 may be coupled to a guide groove 152 formed on a lower surface of the connector guide 150. The cross-sectional shape of the second lower end 546 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 152. The lower surface of the second lower end 546 may be coupled to an upper surface of the second connector 334. A second contact terminal 549 (see FIG. 4) may be formed on the lower surface of the second lower end 546, having a shape that protrudes downward more than other regions and coupled to the second connector 334. The first contact terminal 549 may have a protrusion shape.

[0126] The second connecting portion 540 may include a rib 548 coupled to the coupling groove 154. The rib 548 may have a region at least partially perpendicular to the second lower end 546. The rib 548 may include a first coupling region extending from the second lower end 546 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a second coupling region extending upward in the optical axis direction from an end of the first coupling region. The rib 548 may be disposed to penetrate the fence portion 156. The rib 548 may be coupled to the coupling groove 154. At least a portion of the rib 548 may contact a side surface of the connecting portion guide 150. Due to the rib 548 and the second lower end 546, the cross section of the lower end of the second connecting portion 540 may have a substantially inverted U shape.

[0127] The second central portion 544 may be disposed to connect the second upper end portion 542 and the second lower end portion 546. The second central portion 544 may be disposed perpendicular to the second upper end portion 542 and the second lower end portion 546. The second central portion 544 may be disposed within the first space 112. The second central portion 544 may be coupled to a guide groove 114 (see FIG. 11 ) within the first space 112. In this case, the guide groove 114 to which the second central portion 544 is coupled may be different from the guide groove 114 to which the first central portion 514 is coupled. The guide groove 114 to which the second central portion 544 is coupled and the guide groove 114 to which the first central portion 514 is coupled may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the first space 112. The upper end of the second central portion 544 may be coupled to the second upper end portion 542 and the lower end of the second central portion 544 may be coupled to the second lower end portion 546.

[0128] According to the above-described structure, the connecting members for connecting the heat-generating components to the board module are compactly arranged within the body and lens barrel, which has the advantage of enabling stable power connection to the heat-generating components while also improving the assembly of the camera module.

[0129] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, all components may be selectively combined and operate in combination with one another within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprise," "comprise," "have," and the like used above mean that the component in question may be inherent, and should be interpreted as not excluding other components but as including other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as dictionary-defined terms, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the present invention.

[0130] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention, if one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Body and a lens barrel coupled to the body; a lens disposed on one side of the lens barrel; a heat generating member disposed outside the lens; a substrate module disposed apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; a connecting member that connects the substrate module and the heat-generating member, the heat generating member includes a heat generating layer, a first electrode disposed on one surface of the heat generating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the heat generating layer; The camera module, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be spaced apart in the optical axis direction.

2. Body and a lens barrel coupled to the body; a lens disposed on one side of the lens barrel; a heat generating member disposed outside the lens; a substrate module disposed apart from the lens in the optical axis direction; a connecting member that connects the substrate module and the heat-generating component, the connecting member includes a plurality of connecting portions connected to the substrate module and a plurality of bus bars connected to the heat-generating member, The plurality of bus bars includes a first bus bar and a second bus bar spaced apart from the first bus bar.

3. The camera module of claim 1 , wherein the heat generating layer includes a resin or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) material.

4. The camera module of claim 2 , wherein the first bus bar and the second bus bar are electrically connected to the plurality of connection portions.

5. The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein the first bus bar and the second bus bar have opposite polarities.

6. The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein the first bus bar and the second bus bar are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

7. The first bus bar and the second bus bar are each formed in plural numbers, the plurality of first bus bars include a 1-1 bus bar and a 1-2 bus bar, the plurality of second bus bars include a second-1 bus bar and a second-2 bus bar, The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein the first-1 bus bar is disposed between the second-1 bus bar and the second-2 bus bar.

8. 8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein the first-1 bus bar and the second-1 bus bar do not overlap in the radial direction of the lens barrel.

9. the plurality of connection portions include a first connection portion connected to the first bus bar and a second connection portion connected to the second bus bar; The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein an upper end of the first connection portion and an upper end of the second connection portion connected to the bus bar are at different heights.

10. The camera module according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second connection portions is disposed in a space formed in the body.

Images