Camera module

Abstract

The camera module includes a lens holder including a first hole, a lens module at least a portion of which is coupled to the first hole and protrudes above the lens holder, a mounting holder disposed on the lens holder and including a second hole in which a portion of the lens module is disposed, glass disposed on the mounting holder, a heat-generating member disposed on the surface of the glass, a substrate module disposed below the lens holder, and a connecting member connecting the heat-generating member and the substrate module.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] As automobiles become more widespread, miniature cameras are increasingly used not only in small electronic products but also in vehicles. For example, they are used in black box 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 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 includes 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 is entirely sealed to prevent contamination of the internal components from foreign matter, including moisture.

[0005] Due to the nature of automobiles being installed outdoors, the temperature inside and outside the automobile varies depending on the season. For example, in summer, the interior temperature may be higher than the exterior temperature, and in winter, the temperature may drop below freezing. 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 quickly remove frost or ice that occurs on the lens surface through a heating function and can more accurately sense the temperature of the lens surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The camera module of this embodiment includes a lens holder including a first hole, a lens module at least a portion of which is coupled to the first hole and protrudes above the lens holder, a mounting holder disposed on the lens holder and including a second hole in which a portion of the lens module is disposed, glass disposed on the mounting holder, a heat-generating member disposed on the surface of the glass, a substrate module disposed below the lens holder, and a connecting member connecting the heat-generating member to the substrate module.

[0008] The mounting holder may include a through hole in which a portion of the connecting member is disposed.

[0009] A protrusion to which one end of the connecting member is coupled may be disposed on an upper surface of the mounting holder.

[0010] The connecting member may include a first region and a second region having a width smaller than that of the first region, and the first region may be disposed on the protrusion.

[0011] The mounting holder may include a glass cover coupled on the mounting holder, with the glass coupled to an upper surface thereof.

[0012] The mounting holder may include a housing coupled to a lower portion of the mounting holder and configured to accommodate the substrate module and the lens holder therein.

[0013] At least a portion of the connecting member may be disposed outside the lens holder.

[0014] The lens holder includes a body portion and a support portion protruding from a side surface of the body portion, and one region of the connecting member can contact the support portion.

[0015] The support portion may include a guide groove having a recessed area, and one area of ​​the connecting member may be disposed in the guide groove.

[0016] A camera module according to another embodiment includes a substrate module, a connecting member electrically connected to the substrate module, a lens module disposed on the substrate module, a mounting holder having a plurality of holes through which the lens module and the connecting member pass, glass disposed on the mounting holder, and a heat-generating member disposed on the underside of the glass and electrically connected to the connecting member, wherein the mounting holder includes a base, a through-hole formed in the base through which a portion of the connecting member is disposed, and a protrusion formed on one surface of the base, wherein a region of the connecting member is disposed on the protrusion, and the region of the connecting member is in contact with the heat-generating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In this embodiment, the power supply connection structure to the heat-generating element for heating the surface of the glass is compactly arranged within the housing, which has the advantage that power supply and control to the heat-generating element can be performed in an integrated manner along with control of the camera module.

[0018] Furthermore, since the temperature sensor can be located near the glass and the temperature of the lens can be sensed more accurately, there is an advantage that heat-generating members can be controlled more efficiently.

[0019] Furthermore, when the glass is broken, only the glass cover and the glass can be replaced, which is advantageous in that maintenance and repair are easy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the glass, the glass holder, and the heat-generating member in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is a view showing FIG. 4 from a different angle. [Figure 6] 2 is a partially cutaway view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of a mounting holder, a lens module, and a substrate module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view illustrating one surface of a heat generating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting holder and a connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] 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 between the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that are commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art 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.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms used in the examples of the present invention are intended to describe the examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] In this specification, the singular can include the plural unless otherwise specified in the context, and when it is stated as "A 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.

[0026] Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are used to distinguish the components from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0027] It should be noted that 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.

[0028] Furthermore, when described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "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" or "below," it can include not only the meaning of the upward direction but also the meaning of the downward direction based on one component.

[0029] 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 also correspond to the "up-down direction," "z-axis direction," etc.

[0030] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body 2, a door 3, glass 4, headlamps 5, tail lamps 6 and a camera module 10.

[0033] The body 2 may be an exterior member of the vehicle 1. The body 2 may have various forms such as a frame type, a monocoque type, etc. One or more doors 3 may be attached to the side of the body 2. 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.

[0034] A camera module 10 may be installed on a side of the body 2 or on a front door among one or more of the 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 mirror may be replaced with the camera module 10.

[0035] The camera module 10 can capture images of both sides of the rear of the 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 the display unit under the control of the electronic control unit (ECU).

[0036] 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.

[0037] The above-described installation form of the camera module 10 in the vehicle 1 is an example, and the camera module 10 can be used as one or more of the front camera, side camera, rear camera and black box of the vehicle 1.

[0038] Hereinafter, a camera module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the glass, glass holder, and heat-generating member in FIG. 1 in an exploded view, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 4 from a different angle, FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a cutaway portion of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the connection structure of a mounting holder, a lens module, and a substrate module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating one side of a heat-generating member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting holder and a connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 1 to 9, a camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 100, a lens holder 210, a lens module 230, a substrate module 250, a mounting holder 300, a glass cover 150, a glass 190, a heat generating member 400, and a connecting member 500, but may be implemented without including some of these components, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0041] The camera module 10 may include a housing 100. The housing 100 may be referred to as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a first housing. The housing 100 may include a space 102 therein to accommodate the lens holder 210 and the board module 250. The space 102 may be open upward. The space 102 may be covered by the mounting holder 300. The housing 100 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The housing 100 may be formed in a box shape with an open top.

[0042] The housing 100 may include a first side plate 110 and a bottom plate 115. The first side plate 110 may form a side surface of the housing 100. The first side plate 110 may be bent from an end of the bottom plate 115 and extend upward. The first side plate 110 may include four side plates. Each of the four first side plates 110 may have a rectangular plate shape. A groove 112 may be formed in a corner region where the plurality of first side plates 110 are adjacent, the groove 112 being recessed more inward than other regions.

[0043] The bottom plate 115 may form a lower surface of the camera module 10 or the housing 100 and may be connected to lower ends of the four first side plates 110. A connector outlet 140 having a shape that protrudes downward from other regions may be disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 115. A connector (not shown), which will be described later, may be disposed inside the connector outlet 140. The lower end of the connector outlet 140 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the bottom plate 115. An external terminal may be coupled to the connector outlet 140, and thus the camera module 10 may be electrically connected to the external terminal via the connector. The camera module 10 may receive power and transmit / receive electrical signals related to the operation of the camera module 10 via the external terminal.

[0044] The housing 100 may have a coupling groove 132 formed on the top surface thereof, the coupling groove 132 being recessed downward from other regions. The coupling groove 132 may be disposed in each of four corner regions of the housing 100. A first coupling part 130 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the coupling groove 132. A threaded hole may be formed in the first coupling part 130 so that a screw can pass through. When screwing into the first coupling part 130, a fastening process may be performed through a groove 112 formed on the side surface of the housing 100. A second coupling part 340 of the mounting holder 300, which will be described later, may be coupled to the first coupling part 130.

[0045] The second coupling part 340 may be threadedly coupled to the first coupling part 130 via the screw.

[0046] The camera module 10 may include a camera 200 disposed in a space 102 within the housing 100. The camera 200 may include a lens holder 210, a lens module 230, and a substrate module 250.

[0047] The lens holder 210 may include a body part 211 and a barrel part 220. The body part 211 may be formed in a box shape with an open bottom. A plurality of side plates may be formed on the sides of the body part 211. The bottom of the body part 211 may be coupled to the top of a first substrate 252 of the substrate module 250, which will be described later. An adhesive member may be disposed between the bottom of the body part 211 and the top of the first substrate 252. The adhesive member may include epoxy. The distance in the optical axis direction between an image sensor 251 and the lens module 23, which will be described later, may be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the adhesive member.

[0048] A support portion 216 having a shape that protrudes outward from other regions may be formed on a side surface of the body portion 211. The support portion 216 may be formed on one of a plurality of side plates that form the side surface of the body portion 211. The support portion 216 may support the connecting member 500 within the housing 100. The inner surface of the connecting member 500 may contact the outer surface of the support portion 216.

[0049] Meanwhile, although not shown, a guide groove may be formed on the surface of the support portion 216, recessed inward from other regions, to be coupled with the coupling portion 530 of the coupling member 500. The guide groove may be recessed from the surface of the support portion 216, and one region of the coupling portion 530 may be coupled thereto.

[0050] A third coupling portion 212 may be formed on a side surface of the body portion 211. The third coupling portion 212 may have a shape that protrudes outward from the side surface of the body portion 211. The third coupling portion 212 may be disposed adjacent to an upper end of the body portion 211. A plurality of third coupling portions 212 may be provided, and the third coupling portions 212 may be disposed spaced apart from each other around the body portion 211. The third coupling portion 212 may include a hole. The third coupling portion 212 may be coupled to a fourth coupling portion 352 (see FIG. 5 ) of the mounting holder 300, which will be described later. The third coupling portion 212 may be coupled to the fourth coupling portion 352 using a screw.

[0051] The barrel part 220 may be formed to protrude upward from an upper surface of the body part 211. The barrel part 220 may have a circular cross section. A hole communicating with a space inside the lens holder 210 may be formed on an upper surface of the barrel part 220. The lens module 230 may be coupled to the hole. The hole of the lens holder 210 may be referred to as a first hole.

[0052] The lens module 230 may be coupled to a hole in the lens holder 210. At least a portion of the lens module 230 may be disposed in a space within the lens holder 210, and another portion may protrude above the lens holder 210. The lens module 230 may include a lens barrel 232 and a lens 234.

[0053] The lens barrel 232 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The lens barrel 232 may be cylindrical with open top and bottom surfaces. The lens barrel 232 may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. A screw thread or a thread groove may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 232. A screw groove or a screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the barrel portion 220 facing the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 232. The lens barrel 232 may be threadably coupled to the inner surface of the barrel portion 220.

[0054] A flange 233 (see FIG. 3) protruding outward from other regions may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the lens barrel 232. When the lens module 230 is coupled to the lens holder 210, the lower surface of the flange 233 may be disposed on the upper surface of the barrel part 220. Accordingly, the coupling region of the lens module 230 within the lens holder 210 can be guided.

[0055] The lens 234 may be disposed within the lens barrel 232. A plurality of the lenses 234 may be provided and disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other along the optical axis direction within the lens barrel 232. The lens 234 may be disposed so as to face the image sensor 251 (see FIG. 3) of the board module 250 in the optical axis direction.

[0056] The camera module 10 may include a substrate module 250 .

[0057] The substrate module 250 may be disposed on a lower surface of the lens holder 210. The substrate module 250 may be disposed in a space within the housing 100. The substrate module 250 may include a first substrate 252, a second substrate 254, a connecting substrate 258, and a shield member 260.

[0058] The first substrate 252 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The first substrate 252 may be coupled to an image sensor 251. The image sensor 251 may be disposed on the first substrate 252 and may be disposed to face the lens 234 of the lens module 230 in the optical axis direction. The lower surface of the lens holder 210 may be coupled to the upper surface of the first substrate 252 via an adhesive member.

[0059] The second substrate 254 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The second substrate 254 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first substrate 252 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 254 may be disposed below the first substrate 252. The connector may be coupled to a lower surface of the second substrate 254. A power connector 255 (see FIG. 6) may be disposed on a lower surface of the second substrate 254. The power connector 255 may be mounted on the lower surface of the second substrate 254. The power connector 255 may be coupled to a connector 500, which will be described later.

[0060] The second substrate 254 may be electrically connected to the first substrate 252. The second substrate 254 and the first substrate 252 may be electrically connected to each other via the connecting substrate 258. The connecting substrate 258 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The upper and lower ends of the connecting substrate 258 may be coupled to the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254, respectively.

[0061] The second substrate 254 may have a protrusion formed on a side surface thereof, the protrusion protruding outward from other regions.

[0062] The shielding member 260 may fix the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. At least a portion of the shielding member 260 may be disposed between the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. The shielding member 260 may be coupled to the first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254. The first substrate 252 and the second substrate 254 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the optical axis direction via the shielding member 260. The shielding member 260 may be made of a metal material. The shielding member 260 may also be referred to as a shield can.

[0063] The shield member 260 may include a fence portion disposed between the first board 252 and the second board 254, a coupling portion protruding downward from the lower surface of the fence portion and including coupling holes to couple with protrusions of the second board 254, and a contact portion protruding downward from the lower end of the coupling portion and contacting the inner surface of the housing 100. The second board 254 may be hook-coupled to the shield member 260 via the coupling portion. The contact portion has elasticity to press against the inner surface of the housing 100, and may achieve a grounding structure by contacting the inner surface of the housing 100. The upper surface of the fence portion may be coupled to the lower surface of the first board 252 using surface mount technology (SMT).

[0064] The camera module 10 may include a mounting holder 300. The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the housing 100. The mounting holder 300 may be disposed on the lens holder 210. The mounting holder 300 may have a rectangular plate shape with a predetermined thickness. The mounting holder 300 may include a base. The base may include a plurality of regions with different cross-sectional areas. The plurality of regions may be arranged in a vertical direction, which is the optical axis direction.

[0065] The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the housing 100. A second coupling portion 340 having a shape that protrudes downward from other regions may be formed on a lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The second coupling portion 340 may be disposed to face the first coupling portion 130 of the housing 100 in the optical axis direction. The second coupling portion 340 may be disposed in each of four corner regions of the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The second coupling portion 340 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 130. The second coupling portion 340 may be coupled to the coupling groove 132 of the housing 100. A threaded hole through which a screw passes may be formed on a lower surface of the second coupling portion 340. The screw may pass through a hole in the first coupling portion 130 and be threadedly coupled to the lower surface of the second coupling portion 340.

[0066] The mounting holder 300 may be coupled to the lens holder 210. A guide 350 (see FIG. 5) protruding downward from other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. The guide 350 may have a rectangular cross section. The guide 350 may be disposed inside the plurality of second coupling parts 340. The guide 350 may be disposed in the space 102 within the housing 100. A lower end of the guide 350 may be disposed below a lower end of the second coupling part 340. A lower surface of the guide 350 may contact an upper surface of the lens holder 210. A lower surface of the guide 350 may contact an upper surface of the body part 211 within the lens holder 210.

[0067] A fourth coupling portion 352 (see FIG. 5) protruding downward from other regions may be formed on the lower surface of the guide 350. The fourth coupling portion 352 may be disposed in each of four corner regions of the guide 350. The fourth coupling portion 352 may be disposed to face the third coupling portion 212 of the lens holder 210 in the up-down direction. The lower surface of the fourth coupling portion 352 may contact the upper surface of the third coupling portion 212. A threaded hole may be formed on the lower surface of the fourth coupling portion 352 so that a screw can pass through. The screw may pass through a hole in the third coupling portion 212 and be coupled to the threaded hole in the fourth coupling portion 352.

[0068] A fifth coupling portion 330 (see FIG. 2) may be formed on the upper surface of the mounting holder 300. The fifth coupling portion 330 may have a groove shape that is recessed downward from other regions. A screw hole may be formed on the bottom surface of the fifth coupling portion 330 so that a screw can pass through. A plurality of fifth coupling portions 330 may be provided, and each may be disposed in four corner regions of the upper surface of the mounting holder 300.

[0069] The mounting holder 300 may include a plurality of holes, through which the lens module 230 and the connecting member 500 may pass. In particular, the plurality of holes may include a second hole 302 through which the lens module 230 passes and a through-hole 318 through which the connecting member 500 passes.

[0070] The second hole 302 may be formed to penetrate from the top to the bottom of the mounting holder 300. The second hole 302 may be formed in a rectangular shape. At least a portion of the lens module 230 may be disposed inside the second hole 302. The lens module 230 may protrude upward from the mounting holder 300 through the second hole 302.

[0071] The through hole 318 may be disposed outside the second hole 302. The through hole 318 may be formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the mounting holder 300. A connecting portion 530 of a connecting member 500 (described later) may be disposed to penetrate through the through hole 318. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 318 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 530 disposed in the through hole 318.

[0072] The mounting holder 300 may include a protrusion 310. The protrusion 310 may have a shape that protrudes upward from an upper surface of a base of the mounting holder 300. The protrusion 310 may be disposed between the second hole 302 and the through hole 318. An upper surface of the protrusion 310 may be disposed above an upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300 with a step. The upper surface of the protrusion 310 may be formed to correspond to a cross-sectional shape of a stiffener 510 of the connecting member 500, which will be described later. A screw hole may be formed in the upper surface of the protrusion 310, and the stiffener 510 may be screwed onto the protrusion 310.

[0073] The height of the protrusion 310 from the top surface of the base of the mounting holder 300 may be greater than the height of the lens module 230 .

[0074] A sealing member coupling groove 306 (see FIG. 9) may be disposed on the upper surface of the mounting holder 300. The sealing member coupling groove 306 may be recessed downward from other regions on the upper surface of the base of the mounting holder 300. The sealing member coupling groove 306 may have a closed loop shape. The sealing member coupling groove 306 may be disposed outside the second hole 302. A first sealing member 610 (described later) may be coupled to the sealing member coupling groove 306.

[0075] The camera module 10 may include a glass cover 150. The glass cover 150 may be disposed on the mounting holder 300. The glass cover 150 may be coupled to an upper surface of the mounting holder 300. The glass cover 150 may include a third hole 155. The third hole 155 may be formed to penetrate the glass cover 150 from an upper surface to a lower surface. The third hole 155 may be disposed to overlap the lens module 230 and the second hole 302 in an optical axis direction. The lens module 230 may be exposed upward through the third hole 155.

[0076] The glass cover 150 may include a first body 160 and a second body 170 protruding upward from an upper surface of the first body 160 .

[0077] The first body 160 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape. A sixth coupling part 162 having a downwardly protruding shape may be formed on a lower surface of the first body 160. The sixth coupling part 162 may be disposed to face a fifth coupling part 330 formed on the mounting holder 300. The sixth coupling part 162 may be coupled to the fifth coupling part 330. A plurality of sixth coupling parts 162 may be provided and may be disposed in four corner regions of the lower surface of the glass cover 150, respectively. A screw hole is formed on a lower surface of the sixth coupling part 162, and a screw may pass through the screw hole of the fifth coupling part 330 and be screwed into the screw hole of the sixth coupling part 162.

[0078] The second body 170 may be formed to protrude upward from an upper surface of the first body 160. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second body 170 may be smaller than that of the first body 160. A fence 172 may be formed on the upper surface of the second body 170, protruding upward from other regions. The fence 172 may be disposed along the edge of the second body 170. The fence 172 may support a side of the glass 190. The glass 190 may be disposed inside the fence 172. When the glass 190 is disposed on the second body 170, the upper surface of the glass 190 and the upper surface of the fence 172 may form the same plane.

[0079] A glass-bonding surface 174 on which the glass 190 is disposed may be formed on an upper surface of the second body 170. The glass-bonding surface 174 may be disposed outside the third hole 155. The glass-bonding surface 174 may have a closed loop shape. The heat dissipation member 400 may be disposed on the glass-bonding surface 174.

[0080] The camera module 10 may include a glass 190. The glass 190 may be disposed on the mounting holder 300. The glass 190 may be disposed on the glass cover 150. The glass 190 may be made of a transparent material. The glass 190 may be disposed on the glass coupling surface 174. A side of the glass 190 may be supported by an inner surface of the fence 172. A sealing member (not shown) may be disposed between the side of the glass 190 and the inner surface of the fence 172. A lower surface of the glass 190 may be spaced apart from an upper surface of the lens module 230 in the optical axis direction.

[0081] The camera module 10 may include a heat generating member 400 for removing frost formed on the surface of the glass 190. The heat generating member 400 may provide heat to the glass 190. The heat generating member 400 may be a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater. The heat generating member 400 may generate heat. The heat generating member 400 may include a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) material and may be fabricated in the form of a semiconductor device. The heat generating member 400 may include a PTC element, an electrode plate, and an insulating plate. The heat generating member 400 may include heat generating ink applied to a sheet on which a circuit pattern is formed. The heat generating member 400 may be applied, coated, or adhered to the surface of the glass 190. The heat generating member 400 may be disposed between the lower surface of the glass 190 and the glass bonding surface 174. The surface of the glass 190 is heated by the heat generated by the heat generating member 400, thereby preventing condensation, including frost, from forming on the surface of the glass 190.

[0082] The heat generating member 400 may include a fourth hole 410. The fourth hole 410 may be disposed to penetrate from the top to the bottom of the heat generating member 400. The fourth hole 410 may be disposed to overlap the third hole 155 and the second hole 302 in the vertical direction, which is the optical axis direction.

[0083] 8, an electrode 420 may be disposed on the lower surface of the heat generating member 400. A plurality of electrodes 420 may be provided. The plurality of electrodes 420 may include a first electrode 422 and a second electrode 424. The polarity of the first electrode 422 may be different from the polarity of the second electrode 424. The first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. When the heat generating member 400 has a rectangular cross section, the first electrode 422 and the second electrode 424 may be disposed adjacent to each other on one of the four sides of the heat generating member 400. Power may be supplied to the heat generating member 400 through the connection between the electrode 420 and the connecting member 500.

[0084] The camera module 10 may include a connection member 500. The connection member 500 may electrically connect the substrate module 250 and the heat-generating member 400. A power source for heating the heat-generating member 400 may be provided through the connection member 500. The operation of the heat-generating member 400 may be controlled through the connection member 500.

[0085] The connecting member 500 may include a stiffener 510 and a connecting portion 530 .

[0086] The stiffener 510 may be disposed on the protrusion 310 of the mounting holder 300. The stiffener 510 may be formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness. The stiffener 510 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 310. The stiffener 510 reinforces the strength of one end of the connecting portion 530 placed on the protrusion 310, and can firmly maintain the connection state of the connecting portion 530 on the protrusion 310. The stiffener 510 includes a screw hole and can be screwed onto the protrusion 310.

[0087] The connecting unit 530 may have one end connected to the heat-generating member 400 and the other end connected to the second board 254 of the board module 250. The connecting unit 530 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). A plurality of terminals 540 (see FIGS. 2 and 9) and a temperature sensor 520 may be disposed on one end of the connecting unit 530 placed on the stiffener 510. The plurality of terminals 540 and the temperature sensor 520 may be mounted on one end of the connecting unit 530.

[0088] The plurality of terminals 540 may include a first terminal 542 coupled to the first electrode 422 of the heat generating member 400 and a second terminal 544 coupled to the second electrode 424 of the heat generating member 400. The first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may provide power of opposite polarities to each other. The first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may be elastically coupled to the heat generating member 400. The first terminal 542 and the second terminal 544 may each be a Z-clip having a "Z" shaped cross section.

[0089] The temperature sensor 520 may be disposed at one end of the connecting portion 530. The temperature sensor 520 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the terminals 540. The temperature of the area around the glass 190 can be sensed through the temperature sensor 520. According to this embodiment, since the temperature sensor 520 is disposed close to the glass 190, there is an advantage that the control for defrosting can be performed more efficiently.

[0090] The other end of the connecting portion 530 may be coupled to the power connecting portion 255 of the second board 254. At least a portion of the connecting portion 530 may contact the support portion 216 formed on the side of the lens holder 210. The connecting portion 530 may have a region that is bent at least once within the housing 100.

[0091] The connecting portion 530 includes a first region 532 having a first width and second regions 534, 536 having a second width smaller than the first width, the first region 532 forming one end of the connecting portion 530 that is placed on the protrusion 310 and the stiffener 510, and the second regions 534, 536 forming the other end of the connecting portion 530 that is coupled to the second substrate 254 and a central portion connecting one end of the connecting portion 530 to the other end. The second regions 534, 536 may be disposed within the through-hole 318 of the mounting holder 300.

[0092] The camera module 10 may include a sealing member. The sealing member may include a first sealing member 610 disposed between the glass cover 150 and the mounting holder 300 and a second sealing member 620 disposed between the mounting holder 300 and the housing 100. The first sealing member 610 may be coupled to a sealing member coupling groove 306 formed on the mounting holder 300 to seal the space between the glass cover 150 and the mounting holder 300. The second sealing member 620 may be disposed between a lower surface of the mounting holder 300 and an upper surface of the housing 100 to seal the space between the mounting holder 300 and the housing 100.

[0093] According to the above-mentioned structure, the power supply connection structure to the heat-generating element for heating the surface of the glass is compactly arranged within the housing, which has the advantage that the power supply and control to the heat-generating element can be performed in an integrated manner along with the control of the camera module.

[0094] Furthermore, since the temperature sensor can be located near the glass and the temperature of the lens can be sensed more accurately, there is an advantage that heat-generating members can be controlled more efficiently.

[0095] Furthermore, when the glass is broken, only the glass cover and the glass can be replaced, which is advantageous in that maintenance and repair are easy.

[0096] 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 this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operate in combination with one another. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprise," "comprise," "have," and the like used above mean that the relevant component may be inherently present, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms commonly used, along with dictionary-defined terms, should be interpreted in accordance with the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined in the present invention.

[0097] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein 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 following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a lens holder including a first hole; a lens module having at least a portion coupled to the first hole and protruding above the lens holder; a mounting holder disposed on the lens holder and including a second hole in which a portion of the lens module is disposed; a glass placed on the mounting holder; a heat generating member disposed on the surface of the glass; a substrate module disposed below the lens holder; a connecting member that connects the heat generating member and the substrate module.

2. a substrate module; a connecting member electrically connected to the substrate module; a lens module disposed above the substrate module; a mounting holder having a plurality of holes through which the lens module and the connecting member pass; a glass placed on the mounting holder; a heat generating member disposed on the lower surface of the glass and electrically connected to the connecting member, the mounting holder includes a base, a through-hole formed in the base and in which a portion of the connecting member is disposed, and a protrusion formed to protrude from one surface of the base; A camera module, wherein a region of the connecting member is disposed on the protrusion, and the region of the connecting member is in contact with the heat-generating member.

3. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting holder includes a through-hole in which a portion of the connecting member is disposed.

4. The camera module of claim 1 , wherein a protrusion is disposed on an upper surface of the mounting holder, to which one end of the connecting member is coupled.

5. the connecting member includes a first region and a second region having a width smaller than that of the first region; The camera module of claim 4 , wherein the first region is disposed on the protrusion.

6. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a glass cover coupled onto the mounting holder, the glass being coupled to an upper surface thereof.

7. The camera module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a housing coupled to a lower portion of the mounting holder and accommodating the substrate module and the lens holder therein.

8. The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the connecting member is disposed outside the lens holder.

9. the lens holder includes a body portion and a support portion protruding from a side surface of the body portion; The camera module according to claim 8 , wherein a region of the connecting member contacts the support portion.

10. The camera module according to claim 9 , wherein the support portion includes a guide groove having a recessed area, and the connecting member has a region disposed in the guide groove.

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