Camera module

Abstract

To provide a camera module whose assembly process is minimized.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a camera module including a first body including a lens, a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion, and a sealing member and a grounding member disposed on the connecting portion of the second body, wherein the connecting portion includes a first region having a first hole and a second region having a second hole having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first hole, the sealing member is disposed in the second region, the ground member is disposed to be spaced apart from the sealing member, and the second region is located between the first region and the ground member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

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, notebooks, game consoles, etc.

[0003] As automobiles become more widespread, miniature cameras are increasingly used in vehicles as well as in small electronic products. For example, they are equipped with 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] Conventional camera modules have a rear body that is made up of two rear bodies, which results in lost assembly time and increased unit costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This embodiment aims to provide a camera module in which the assembly process is minimized by using one rear body.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera module that can be both waterproof and grounded through one hole, and does not require a separate component for preventing separation of the grounding member and the waterproof member.

[0007] In addition, the camera module is designed to reduce costs by unifying components and eliminating the four screws that were previously used to connect two rear bodies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The camera module according to this embodiment includes a first body including a lens, a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion, and a sealing member and a grounding member disposed at the connecting portion of the second body, the connecting portion including a first region having a first hole and a second region having a second hole having a diameter larger than that of the first hole, the sealing member disposed in the second region, the grounding member disposed spaced apart from the sealing member, and the second region located between the first region and the grounding member.

[0009] The inner circumferential surface of the second region of the connecting portion may be disposed with a step relative to the inner circumferential surface of the first region of the connecting portion.

[0010] The connecting portion may include a third region having a third hole having a diameter larger than that of the second hole, and an inner circumferential surface of the third region of the connecting portion may be disposed with a step relative to an inner circumferential surface of the second region of the connecting portion.

[0011] The third region may include a lower region extending from the second region, and an intermediate region extending from the lower region and having a rounded inner circumferential surface.

[0012] The third region may include an upper region extending upward from the middle region of the third region, and a width of the upper region of the third region may increase as it moves away from the middle region.

[0013] The inner circumferential surface of the middle region of the third region may be formed to be inclined.

[0014] The height of the second region of the connecting portion may be greater than the height of the third region of the connecting portion.

[0015] At least a portion of the ground member may overlap the step of the connecting portion in the optical axis direction.

[0016] The step of the connecting portion can limit downward movement of the ground contact member.

[0017] The middle region of the third region may guide the ground member so that it is inserted into the lower region of the third region.

[0018] The second body may include a substrate assembly disposed within the second body, the substrate assembly including a first substrate, a second substrate disposed below the first substrate, a third substrate electrically connecting the first substrate and the second substrate, a connector coupled to the second substrate, and a grounding member disposed on the connector, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second region of the hole of the second body, and the connector and the grounding member may be integrally formed.

[0019] The second body may be formed of a metal material, and an inner circumferential surface of the second region of the connecting portion of the second body may include a protective layer, and an inner circumferential surface of the third region of the connecting portion of the second body may not include a protective layer.

[0020] The metal material may include aluminum, and the protective layer may include an anodizer (Al2O3 layer).

[0021] The camera module according to this embodiment includes a first body including a lens, a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion, and a sealing member and a grounding member disposed in the connecting portion of the second body, wherein the connecting portion includes a first region having a first hole, a second region having a second hole having a diameter larger than that of the first hole, and a third region having a third hole having a diameter larger than that of the second hole, and the sealing member is disposed in the second region, and the grounding member is disposed in the third region, and the second region is located between the first region and the third region.

[0022] The lower end of the sealing member may contact a surface of the protrusion of the connector outlet portion that faces the sealing member.

[0023] The protrusion of the connector lead-out portion may be disposed outside the second region of the connecting portion of the second body.

[0024] The sealing member may be disposed in the first region of the connecting portion, and at least a portion of the grounding member may be disposed in the second region of the connecting portion, and the height of the first region of the connecting portion may be higher than the height of the second region of the connecting portion.

[0025] The camera module according to this embodiment includes a first body including a lens, a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion, a sealing member disposed on the connecting portion of the second body, and a grounding member disposed on the sealing member, wherein the connecting portion includes an inner surface defining a hole, the inner surface of the connecting portion includes a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface, and the sealing member is disposed between the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface.

[0026] The sealing member may be inserted into the hole of the connecting part from inside the second body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to this embodiment, a camera module can be provided in which the assembly process is minimized by using one rear body.

[0028] In addition, a camera module can be provided that is both waterproof and grounded through one hole, and does not require a separate component for preventing separation of the grounding member and the waterproof member.

[0029] In addition, costs can be reduced by unifying parts and eliminating the four screws that were previously used to connect the two rear bodies. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, seen from another angle. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partial configuration of the camera module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second body of the camera module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a partial configuration of the camera module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first body of the camera module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third sealing member according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and can be embodied in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention shall 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 predefined terms shall be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to explain the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0035] In this specification, the singular can include the plural unless otherwise specified in the context, and when it is stated as "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.

[0036] Furthermore, when 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 nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0037] Furthermore, when a component is described as being 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, this includes not only the case where the component is directly 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' to the other component, but also the case where the component is 'coupled', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0038] 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 additional components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when described as "above" or "below," it can include not only the meaning of an upper direction but also the meaning of a lower direction based on one component.

[0039] The 'optical axis direction' used below can be defined as the optical axis direction of a lens. Meanwhile, the 'optical axis direction' can correspond to any of the 'up-down direction', 'vertical direction', and 'z-axis direction'.

[0040] Hereinafter, a camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, seen from another angle. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second body of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first body of the camera module according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third sealing member according to the embodiment.

[0041] The camera module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a camera module for a vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a vehicle. The camera module 10 may be used as one or more of a front camera, a side camera, a rear camera, and a black box of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be coupled to a front or rear windshield of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may be disposed on the side of the vehicle. The camera module 10 may capture an image of an object and output the image to a display (not shown).

[0042] The camera module 10 may include bodies 100 and 200. The bodies 100 and 200 may form the exterior of the camera module 10. The bodies 100 and 200 may be formed in a hexahedral shape. However, the shapes of the bodies 100 and 200 are not limited thereto and may be variously changed.

[0043] The bodies 100, 200 may include a first body 100. The first body 100 may be referred to as a first housing or a front body. The first body 100 may be made of a metal material. The first body 100 may be a metal body. The first body 100 may be made of an aluminum material. The first body 100 may be disposed on the second body 200. The first body 100 may be coupled to the second body 200. The first body 100 may be coupled to the second body 200 with screws.

[0044] The first body 100 may include a first body portion 110. The first body portion 110 may include an upper plate 111 and a side plate 112 extending from the upper plate 111. The first body portion 110 may include the upper plate 111 and a plurality of side plates 112 extending downward from an outer edge of the upper plate 111. The first body portion 110 may include a plurality of corners disposed between the plurality of side plates 112. At least a portion of a lower end of the first body portion 110 may be spaced apart from the second body 200. The upper plate 111 may be spaced apart from the second body 200 in the optical axis direction.

[0045] The first body part 110 may include pillars 113 protruding downward from a lower end of the upper plate 111. The pillars 113 may protrude downward from corners of the first body part 110. The pillars 113 may be coupled to the second body 200. The pillars 113 may include four pillars 113 formed at four corners of the first body part 110. A region between the four pillars 113 at the lower end of the first body part 110 may be spaced apart from the second body 200 in the optical axis direction. The pillars 113 may include grooves 113a. The grooves 113a may be recessed from the lower ends of the pillars 113. The grooves 113a may be aligned with the holes 233 of the second body 200. The central axis of the grooves 113a may coincide with the central axis of the holes 233 of the second body 200. A coupling member 500 may be disposed in the grooves 113a. The inner circumferential surface of the groove 113a may include a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the coupling member 500. The inner circumferential surface of the groove 113a may be threaded. Alternatively, the groove 113a and the coupling member 500 may be fixed by an adhesive.

[0046] The first body part 110 may include a protrusion 114. The protrusion 114 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the upper plate 111 of the first body part 110. A length of the protrusion 114 in the optical axis direction may be smaller than a length of the pillar 113 in the corresponding direction. The protrusion 114 may be disposed more inward than the pillar 113. The protrusion 114 may not protrude downward than the pillar 113. The first substrate 310 may be disposed on the protrusion 114. The protrusion 114 may be coupled to the first substrate 310. The protrusion 114 may be coupled to an outer edge of the first substrate 310. The protrusion 114 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer edge of the first substrate 310. The protrusion 114 may overlap at least a portion of the second body 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0047] The first body part 110 may include a groove 115. The groove 115 may be recessed from the lower surface of the upper plate 111 of the first body part 110. The groove 115 and the second body 200 may be spaced apart in the optical axis direction. A third sealing member 600, which will be described later, may be disposed in the groove 115. A protrusion 610 of the third sealing member 600 may be disposed in the groove 115. The groove 115 may be disposed outward of the protrusion 114. The groove 115 may be formed between the side plate 112 and the protrusion 114.

[0048] The first body 100 may include a barrel portion 120. The barrel portion 120 may be a lens barrel. The barrel portion 120 may be made of a plastic material or a metal material. The barrel portion 120 may be coupled to the first body portion 110. The barrel portion 120 may be fixed to the first body portion 110 by adhesive. Alternatively, the barrel portion 120 may extend upward from an upper surface of the upper plate 111 of the first body portion 110. In this case, the barrel portion 120 and the first body portion 110 may be integrally formed. The barrel portion 120 may be coupled to a lens 130 (described below). The barrel portion 120 may accommodate the lens 130 therein. The barrel portion 120 may include a hole. The lens 130 may be disposed in the hole of the barrel portion 120. The inner circumferential surface of the hole of the barrel portion 120 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the lens 130. A lower portion of the barrel portion 120 may be inserted into the first body portion 110, and an upper portion of the barrel portion 120 may be exposed to the outside. The barrel portion 120 may include a first portion overlapping the first body portion 110 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a second portion extending upward from the first portion and not overlapping the first body portion 110 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, the second portion of the barrel portion 120 may be exposed to the outside.

[0049] The first body 100 may include a lens 130. The lens 130 may include a plurality of lenses 130. The lens 130 may include a plurality of lenses 130 with different diameters. The lens 130 may be coupled to the barrel portion 120. The lens 130 may be disposed in a hole in the barrel portion 120. The lens 130 may include spacers (not shown) disposed between the plurality of lenses 130. The lens 130 is aligned with an image sensor 340 (described below). The optical axis of the lens 130 may be aligned with that of the image sensor 340. The optical axis of the lens 130 may coincide with that of the image sensor 340. The first body 100 may include an infrared filter (IR filter) disposed between the lens 130 and the image sensor 340.

[0050] The first body 100 may include a first sealing member 140. The first sealing member 140 may be called either an O-ring or a waterproof member. The first sealing member 140 may be disposed between the first body portion 110 and the barrel portion 120. The first sealing member 140 may be disposed between the first body portion 110 and a first portion of the barrel portion 120. The first sealing member 140 may prevent moisture from penetrating between the first body portion 110 and the barrel portion 120. That is, the first sealing member 140 may perform a waterproofing function.

[0051] The camera module 10 may include a second body 200. The second body 200 may be referred to as any one of a rear body, a lower housing, and a second housing. The second body 200 may be made of a metal material. The second body 200 may be a metal body. The second body 200 may be formed in a rectangular shape with an open top. The second body 200 may be disposed below the first body 100. The second body 200 may be coupled to the first body 100. The second body 200 may be coupled to the first body 100 with screws. The second body 200 may form an internal space when coupled to the first body 100. A third sealing member 600, which will be described later, may be disposed on the upper part of the second body 200.

[0052] The second body 200 may include a bottom plate. The bottom plate may face the top plate 111 of the first body part 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate may be spaced apart from the top plate 111 of the first body part 110 of the first body 100 in the optical axis direction. The bottom plate may be parallel to the top plate 111 of the first body part 110 of the first body 100. The bottom plate may have a rectangular shape. In this case, at least some of the corners of the bottom plate may be rounded.

[0053] The second body 200 may include a protrusion 211 protruding upward from the bottom plate. At least a portion of the second connector 362 may be disposed within the protrusion 211. The second connector 362 may pass through the protrusion 211. A height (H3) of the protrusion 211 in the optical axis direction may be greater than a height (H1) in the corresponding direction of a second region 214 of a connecting portion 212 of the bottom plate of the second body 200, which will be described later. The protrusion 211 may include at least a portion of the second region 214 of the connecting portion 212 of the bottom plate of the second body 200, and a middle region 215b and an upper region 215c of the third region 215.

[0054] The second body 200 may include a connecting portion 212. The connecting portion 212 may be a connector lead-out portion or a cable lead-out portion. The connecting portion 212 may be formed on a bottom plate of the second body 200. The connecting portion 212 may be formed to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom plate of the second body 200. The connecting portion 212 may be formed on a protruding portion 211. The connecting portion 212 may be formed to penetrate the protruding portion 211 and the bottom plate of the second body 200. The connecting portion 212 may be connected to a hole 221 of a connector lead-out portion 220 (described below). The connecting portion 212 may include an inner surface defining the hole. The connecting portion 212 may include a first step surface 216 between an inner circumferential surface of the first region 213 and an inner circumferential surface of the second region 214. The connecting portion 212 may include a second step surface 217 between the inner circumferential surface of the second region 214 and the inner circumferential surface of the third region 215. The second sealing member 400 may be disposed between the first step surface 216 and the second step surface 217. A lower end of the second sealing member 400 may contact the first step surface 216. At least a portion of the ground member 370 may overlap the second step surface 218 in the optical axis direction.

[0055] The connecting portion 212 may include a first region 213 having a first hole. The first region 213 may be positioned lower than the second region 214. The first region 213 may be positioned lower than the bottom plate 210 of the second body 200. The inner circumferential surface of the first region 213 may be formed by a protrusion 222. The first region 213 may have a first diameter (d2). The first region 213 may have the first diameter (d2) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first diameter (d2) of the first region 213 may be smaller than the second diameter (d2) of the second region 214. The first diameter (d2) of the first region 213 may be smaller than the third diameter (d3) of the lower region 215a of the third region 215. The inner circumferential surface of the first region 213 may be positioned to have a step with the inner circumferential surface of the second region 214. The height (h4) of the first region 213 may be lower than the second height (h2) of the second region 214. The height (H4) of the first region 213 in the optical axis direction may be lower than the second height (h2) of the second region 214. The height (H4) of the first region 213 may correspond to the height of the protrusion 222 in the corresponding direction.

[0056] The connecting portion 212 may include a second region 214 having a second hole. The second region 214 may be referred to as a waterproof region. The second region 214 may have a second diameter (d2). The second region 214 may have a second diameter (d2) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second diameter (d2) of the second region 214 may be smaller than the minimum diameter of a third region 215 of the connecting portion 212 in the corresponding direction, which will be described later. The second diameter (d2) of the second region 214 may be smaller than a third diameter (d3) of a lower region 215a of the third region 215. The second region 214 may be formed below the third region 215. The second region 214 may not be spaced apart from the third region 215 in the optical axis direction. The height (H1) of the second region 214 in the optical axis direction may be greater than the height (H2) of the third region 215 in the optical axis direction. A second sealing member 400, which will be described later, may be disposed in the second region 214. The second region 214 may be located between the first region 213 and the ground member 370. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 214 in the optical axis direction may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 215 in the optical axis direction. This is because the second sealing member 400, which is disposed in a compressed state within the second region 214, fills the second region 214 to maximize waterproofing. In addition, since the grounding member 370 can perform a grounding function when only partially contacting the third region 215, which is the grounding region, the size of the third region 215, which is the grounding region, can be reduced and the size of the second region 214, which is the waterproof region, can be increased, thereby enabling grounding and waterproofing, as well as miniaturization of the camera module 10.

[0057] The inner circumferential surface of the second region 214 may be disposed with a step relative to the inner circumferential surface of the first region 213. The inner circumferential surface of the second region 214 may be disposed with a step relative to the inner circumferential surface of the third region 215. The second region 214 may be disposed between the third region 215 and the first region 213. The second region 214 may be formed between the lower region 215a of the third region 215 and the first region 213. A height (H1) of the second region 214 in the optical axis direction may be greater than a height (H2) of the lower region 215a of the third region 215 in the optical axis direction.

[0058] The connecting portion 212 may include a third region 215 having a third hole. The third region 215 may be referred to as a ground region. The third region 215 may extend upward from the second region 214. The third region 215 may be formed within the protrusion 211. The third region 215 may not overlap with the bottom plate of the second body 200 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The third region 215 may have a third diameter (d3). The third region 215 may have a third diameter (d3) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The third diameter (d3) of the third region 215 may be larger than the second diameter (d2) of the second region 214.

[0059] The inner circumferential surface of the third region 215 may be formed outward from the inner circumferential surface of the second region 214. The inner circumferential surfaces of the third region 215 and the second region 214 may form a stepped structure. The inner circumferential surface of the third region 215 may be disposed with a step relative to the inner circumferential surface of the second region 214. At least a portion of the grounding member 370 may overlap the step between the inner circumferential surface of the third region 215 and the inner circumferential surface of the second region 214 in the optical axis direction. This prevents the grounding member 370 from moving downward. That is, the grounding member 370 can be prevented from moving downward due to vehicle vibrations or the like and being disposed in the second region 214, which is a waterproof region. If the grounding member 370 moves downward, the grounding member 370 is stopped by the stepped structure between the second region 214 and the third region 215, preventing it from moving below the stepped structure. In addition, since the grounding member 370 cannot move below the step structure between the second region 214 and the third region 215, when the second sealing member 400 also expands upward due to compression, the grounding member 370 can prevent it from moving to the third region 215, which is the grounding region.

[0060] The third region 215 can include a lower region 215a. The lower region 215a can extend from the second region 214. The lower region 215a can extend upward from the second region 214. The lower region 215a can be disposed between the middle region 215b of the third region 215 and the second region 214.

[0061] The third region 215 may include a middle region 215b. The middle region 215b may extend upward from the lower region 215a. The middle region 215b may have an inner circumferential surface with a rounded shape 215d. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may be formed to be inclined. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may be formed to be inclined relative to the lower region 215a.

[0062] The intermediate region 215b may be separated from the second region 214 in the optical axis direction. The intermediate region 215b may be separated from the second region 214 in the optical axis direction by the lower region 215a of the third region 215. The intermediate region 215b may extend upward from the lower region 215a. The intermediate region 215b may be connected to the second region 214 and the lower region 215a. The intermediate region 215b may be formed between the lower region 215a and the upper region 215c. The diameter of the intermediate region 215b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the diameter (d2) of the second region 214 in the corresponding direction. The minimum diameter of the intermediate region 215b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the diameter (d2) of the second region 214 in the corresponding direction. The minimum diameter of the intermediate region 215b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be the same as the diameter (d3) of the lower region 215a in the corresponding direction. The diameter of the middle region 215b in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may increase as the middle region 215b moves away from the lower region 215a in the optical axis direction. The height of the middle region 215b in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the height (H1) of the second region 214 in the optical axis direction. The height of the middle region 215b in the optical axis direction may be smaller than the height (H2) of the lower region 215a of the third region 215 in the optical axis direction. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may include a rounded shape 215d. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may include a curved surface 215d. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may include a curvature. At least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may be rounded. The lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may be flush with the inner circumferential surface of the lower region 215a. The inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b may have a shape that is bent outward from the bottom end to the top end of the inner circumferential surface of the middle region 215b. This minimizes the impact on the boards 410, 420, and 430 when the grounding member 370 is inserted into the third region 215 of the connecting part 212. In the case of a conventional camera module, when the grounding member 370 is inserted into the third region 215 of the connecting part 212, the ends of the grounding member 370 are gathered together and inserted together with the connector 360. However, without the rounded shape of the middle region 215b, a strong force is applied to the boards when the grounding member 370 is inserted, which often results in damage to the boards 410, 420, and 430.However, in the case of the camera module 10 according to this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate region 215b is formed rounded, so that the grounding member 370 can be smoothly inserted into the third region 215 of the connecting portion 212, thereby minimizing the impact on the substrates 410, 420, and 430.

[0063] The third region 215 may have an upper region 215c. The upper region 215c may extend from the middle region 215b. The upper region 215c may extend upward from the middle region 215b. The width of the upper region 215c may increase as it moves away from the middle region 215b. The width of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may increase as it moves away from the middle region 215b.

[0064] The connecting portion 212 may include an upper region 215c. The upper region 215c may extend upward from the intermediate region 215b. The upper region 215c may be formed on the intermediate region 215b. The diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the diameter (d2) of the second region 214 in the corresponding direction. The maximum diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the diameter (d2) of the second region 214 in the corresponding direction. The diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the third diameter (d1) of the lower region 215a of the third region 215. The maximum diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be larger than the diameter of the third region 215 in the corresponding direction. The minimum diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may be the same as the maximum diameter of the intermediate region 215b in the corresponding direction. The diameter of the upper region 215c in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction may increase as it moves away from the middle region 215b. The inner circumferential surface of the upper region 215c may include an inclined surface 215e. The inner circumferential surface of the upper region 215c may be formed to incline outward as it moves away from the middle region 215b. This may allow the grounding member 370 to be guided when it is inserted separately together with the connector 360. In this case, impacts applied to the boards 410, 420, and 430 may be minimized.

[0065] A protective layer (not shown) may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 212. The protective layer may be an anodizing (Al2O3) protective layer. The protective layer may be formed on the second region 214, which is a waterproof region of the connecting portion 212, and may not be formed on the third region 215, which is a ground region. The protective layer is formed on the second body 200, which is a metal body, to form the waterproof region, and the protective layer may be removed from the third region 215, which is a ground region, to expose the metal body for grounding.

[0066] The second body 200 may include a connector outlet 220. The connector outlet 220 may be coupled to a bottom plate of the second body 200. The connector 360 may be disposed inside the connector outlet 220. The second connector 362 may be disposed inside the connector outlet 220. The connector outlet 220 may include a hole 221. The connector 360 may be disposed in the hole 221. The hole 221 may accommodate at least a portion of the connector 360. In this way, the connector outlet 220 may fix the connector 360. The hole 221 may be in communication with the connection portion 212 of the second body 200.

[0067] The connector outlet 220 may include a protrusion 222. The protrusion 221 may be formed to protrude from an inner circumferential surface of the hole 221 of the connector outlet 220. The protrusion 221 may be formed to protrude from a partial region of the inner circumferential surface of the hole 221 of the connector outlet 220. The protrusion 221 may be disposed below the connecting portion 212 of the second body 200. The protrusion 221 may be disposed below the second region 214 of the connecting portion 212 of the second body 200. The protrusion 222 may be disposed outside the second region 214 of the connecting portion 212. The protrusion 222 may be disposed at a position lower than the bottom plate 210 of the second body 200. The protrusion 222 may be disposed below the second sealing member 400. The protrusion 222 may overlap the second sealing member 400 in the optical axis direction. The protrusion 222 may support the second sealing member 400. The protrusion 222 may include a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces and parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the hole 221 of the connector outlet 220. The first surface of the protrusion 222 may face the second sealing member 400. The second connector 362 may be disposed on the first surface of the protrusion 222. The second sealing member 400 may be disposed on the first surface of the protrusion 222. This may prevent the second sealing member 400 from being removed in a direction opposite to the direction toward the lens 130. More specifically, the second sealing member 400 is inserted into the second region 214 of the connecting portion 212 of the second body 200 inside the second body 200 for assembly, and at this time, the second sealing member 400 may be prevented from being removed in a direction opposite to the direction toward the lens 130. In conventional camera modules, the sealing member is inserted and assembled through a hole in the connector outlet on the outside of the second body. In this case, a separate cover member is provided to seal the bottom end of the connector outlet to prevent the sealing member from coming off in the opposite direction to the lens, which leads to problems such as an increase in the number of parts, a complex structure, and an increase in assembly man-hours.In the camera module 10 according to this embodiment, the second sealing member 400 is inserted and assembled inside the second body 200, and is supported through the protrusion 222 formed on the inner surface of the hole 221 of the connector outlet portion 220, thereby preventing the second sealing member 400 from coming off even without a separate cover member.

[0068] The second body 200 may include side plates 210. The side plates 210 may extend upward from a bottom plate of the second body 200. The side plates 210 may include a first side plate, a second side plate, a third side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate, and a fourth side plate disposed on the opposite side of the second side plate. The second body 200 may include four corners formed between the first to fourth side plates.

[0069] The second body 200 may include a coupling portion 230. The coupling portion 230 is used when the camera module 10 is coupled to a vehicle or the like. The coupling portion 230 may include a first coupling portion 231 and a second coupling portion 232 disposed on the opposite side of the first coupling portion 231. The first coupling portion 231 may extend outward from an upper portion of a first side plate of the second body 200. The second coupling portion 232 may extend outward from an upper portion of a third side plate of the second body 200.

[0070] The second body 200 may include a hole 233. The hole 233 may be formed on an upper surface of the second body 200. The hole 233 may be formed in regions corresponding to the four corners of the second body 200. A coupling member 500 (described below) may pass through the hole 233. In this way, the coupling member 500 may couple the first body 100 and the second body 200. The central axis of the hole 233 may be concentric with the central axis of the groove 113a of the first body 100.

[0071] The camera module 10 may include a board assembly 300. The board assembly 300 may be disposed within the second body 200. The board assembly 300 may be disposed in an internal space formed by combining the first body 100 and the second body 200.

[0072] The substrate assembly 300 may include a first substrate 310. The first substrate 310 may include a printed circuit board. The first substrate 310 may include a rigid printed circuit board. An image sensor 340 may be disposed on the first substrate 310. In this case, the first substrate 310 may be referred to as a sensor substrate. The first substrate 310 may include a first surface facing the first body portion 110 of the first body 100 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The image sensor 340 may be disposed on the first surface of the first substrate 310. The first substrate 310 may be coupled to the first body 100. The first substrate 310 may be coupled to the protrusion 114 of the first body 100. An outer edge region of the first surface of the first substrate 310 may be coupled to the protrusion 114 of the first body 100.

[0073] The substrate assembly 300 may include a second substrate 320. The second substrate 320 may include a printed circuit board. The second substrate 320 may include a rigid printed circuit board. The second substrate 320 may be disposed below the first substrate 310. The second substrate 320 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 310. The second substrate 320 may be spaced apart from the first substrate 310 in the optical axis direction. The second substrate 320 may supply power to the first substrate 310. The second substrate 320 may be disposed parallel to the first substrate 310. The second substrate 320 may be electrically connected to the connector 360. The second substrate 320 may include a first surface facing the first substrate 310 and a second surface disposed on the opposite side of the first surface. The connector 360 may be disposed on the second surface of the second substrate 320. A first connector 361 may be disposed on a second surface of the second substrate 320. The second substrate 320 may be electrically connected to the first connector 361.

[0074] The substrate assembly 300 may include a third substrate 330. The third substrate 330 may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The third substrate 330 may electrically connect the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320. One end of the third substrate 330 may be connected to the first substrate 310, and the other end of the third substrate 330 may be connected to the second substrate 320. The third substrate 330 may have elasticity.

[0075] The substrate assembly 300 may include a shielding member 350. The shielding member 350 may be referred to as a spacer. The shielding member 350 may be referred to as a shielding can. The shielding member 350 may be referred to as an electromagnetic wave shielding member. The shielding member 350 may block electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic waves.

[0076] The shield member 350 may be disposed below the first substrate 310. The shield member 350 may be disposed above the second substrate 320. The shield member 350 may be disposed between the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320. The shield member 350 may space the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320 apart in the optical axis direction.

[0077] The board assembly 300 may include a connector 360. The connector 360 may electrically connect a cable (not shown) to the second board 420. The connector 360 may include a first connector 361 electrically connected to the second board 320 and a second connector 362 extending from the first connector 361 and electrically connecting the first connector 361 to a cable. The first connector 361 may be disposed on a second surface of the second board 320. The first connector 361 may be fixed to the second surface of the second board 320. The first connector 361 may be electrically connected to the second board 420. The second connector 362 may be electrically connected to the first connector 361. The second connector 362 may be electrically connected to a cable. The second connector 362 may be disposed in a connector outlet 220 of the second body 200. At least a portion of the second connector 362 may be disposed within the connector drawer 220 of the second body 200 , and the remainder of the second connector 362 may be disposed within the protrusion 211 of the second body 200 .

[0078] The board assembly 300 may include a grounding member 370. The grounding member 370 may include a washer. The grounding member 370 may be integrally formed with the connector 360. The grounding member 370 may be coupled to the first connector 361. The second connector 362 may be disposed inside the grounding member 370. One end of the grounding member 370 may be coupled to the first connector 361, and the other end of the grounding member 370 may not contact the first or second connectors 362. The grounding member 370 may function as a ground by having the other end, disposed opposite to the one end that contacts the first connector 361, contact a second region, which is a ground region. In this case, the grounding function may be performed by only having a portion of the entire region of the grounding member 370 contact the second region. Referring to FIG. 8, the other end of the grounding member 370 of the camera module 10 according to this embodiment may be disposed at a position that is half (1 / H2) of the height (H2) of the second region in the optical axis direction. However, without being limited thereto, as described above, the grounding member 370 may be grounded by only contacting a portion of the entire second region. The grounding member 370 may be formed in a circular ring shape. The grounding member 370 may include a first portion coupled to the first connector 361 and a second portion extending downward from the first portion. The first portion may be formed in a circular ring shape. The first portion may include an extension extending downward from a surface that contacts the first connector 361. The extension may contact the outer peripheral surface of the second connector 362. The extension may be engaged with a protruding portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the second connector 362. The diameter of the second portion may increase downward from the first portion. The second portion may be disposed to be inclined relative to the first portion. The second portion may be formed in a tapered shape relative to the first portion. The second portion may include multiple lobes. The multiple lobes may be spaced apart from each other. This allows the second portion to have elasticity. This allows the second portion to be gathered along the inclined surface 215e of the upper region 215c of the third region 215. The lower end of the second portion may include a portion bent in a direction toward the first portion.The bent portion of the second portion can come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower region 215 a of the third region 215 of the connecting portion 212 .

[0079] The grounding member 370 may be inserted into a hole of the connecting portion 212 inside the second body 200. The grounding member 370 may be inserted into the third region 215 of the connecting portion 212 inside the second body 200. The grounding member 370 may be fitted into the connecting portion 212 of the second body 200. The grounding member 370 may be fitted into the third region 215 of the connecting portion 212 of the second body 200. At this time, the second portion of the grounding member 370 may be inserted while being guided by the inclined surface 215e of the upper region 215c of the third region 215. At this time, the multiple lobes of the second portion may be gathered inward and inserted.

[0080] The camera module 10 may include a second sealing member 400. The second sealing member 400 may be a waterproof member. The second sealing member 400 may be formed of an elastic material. The second sealing member 400 may be disposed in a first region of the hole. The second sealing member 400 may be disposed in the first region in a compressed state. The second sealing member 400 disposed in the first region may fill the inside of the first region as the compressed state is relaxed. This may prevent moisture from penetrating between the second body 200 and the connector 360. The second sealing member 400 may be spaced apart from the ground member 370 in the optical axis direction. The second sealing member 400 may not be disposed in the second region. The second sealing member 400 may not overlap with the second region in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second sealing member 400 may overlap with the first region in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The second sealing member 400 may overlap the ground member 370 in the optical axis direction. A lower end of the second sealing member 400 may contact a surface of the protrusion 222 of the connector outlet 220 that faces the second sealing member 400. The second sealing member 400 may be inserted into a hole of the connecting portion 212 inside the second body 200. The second sealing member 400 may be inserted into the connecting portion 212 inside the second body 200.

[0081] The camera module 10 may include a coupling member 500. The coupling member 500 may couple the first body 100 and the second body 200 together. The coupling member 500 may couple the first body 100 and the second body 200 together using screws. The coupling member 500 may include a screw. An outer circumferential surface of the coupling member 500 may be formed with a screw thread.

[0082] The camera module 10 may include a third sealing member 600. The third sealing member 600 may be referred to as either a gasket or a waterproof member. The third sealing member 600 may be made of an elastic material. The third sealing member 600 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the groove 115 of the first body part 110. The third sealing member 600 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the first substrate 310. The third sealing member 600 may be larger than the outer edge of the first substrate 310. The third sealing member 600 may be disposed in the first body part 110 of the first body 100. The third sealing member 600 may be disposed between the first body 100 and the second body 200. The third sealing member 600 may be disposed in a space between the first body 100 and the second body 200. The height of the third sealing member 600 in the optical axis direction may be smaller after assembly than before assembly. That is, the third sealing member 600 is disposed between the first body 100 and the second body 200 in a compressed state in the optical axis direction, thereby providing a waterproof function. This prevents moisture from penetrating through the space between the first body 100 and the second body 200.

[0083] The third sealing member 600 may include a protrusion 610. The protrusion 610 may protrude from at least a portion of a surface of the third sealing member 600 facing the first body 100. The protrusion 610 may be inserted into the groove 115 of the first body part 110. The protrusion 610 and the groove 115 of the first body part 110 may prevent the third sealing member 600 from moving when the first body 100 and the second body 200 are assembled. That is, when the first body 100 and the second body 200 are assembled, the third sealing member 600 is placed on the first body 100 and the second body 200 is coupled to the first body 100. At this time, the third sealing member 600 may serve to guide the position of the third sealing member 600 so that it does not move out of place.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting.

Claims

1. a first body including a lens; a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion; a sealing member and a grounding member disposed at the connecting portion of the second body, the connecting portion includes a first region having a first hole, a second region having a second hole having a diameter larger than that of the first hole, and a third region connected to the second region; the sealing member is disposed in the second region; the third region includes a lower region extending from the second region and an intermediate region extending from the lower region and having an inner circumferential surface that includes a rounded shape; the third region includes an upper region extending upward from the middle region of the third region; The width of the upper region of the third region increases with increasing distance from the middle region, the intermediate region of the third region guides the grounding member so that it is inserted into the lower region of the third region; The ground member is fitted in the third region.

2. the grounding member is spaced apart from the sealing member, The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein an inner circumferential surface of the second region of the connecting portion is disposed with a step relative to an inner circumferential surface of the first region of the connecting portion.

3. the third region of the connecting portion has a third hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of the second hole; The camera module according to claim 1 , wherein an inner circumferential surface of the third region of the connecting portion is disposed with a step relative to an inner circumferential surface of the second region of the connecting portion.

4. a first body including a lens; a second body coupled to the first body and including a connecting portion; a sealing member and a grounding member disposed at the connecting portion of the second body, the connecting portion includes a first region having a first hole, a second region having a second hole with a diameter larger than that of the first hole, and a third region having a third hole with a diameter larger than that of the second hole, The sealing member is disposed in the second region, The grounding member is disposed in the third region, the second region is located between the first region and the third region, the third region includes a lower region extending from the second region and an intermediate region extending from the lower region and having an inner circumferential surface that includes a rounded shape; the third region includes an upper region extending upward from the middle region of the third region; The width of the upper region of the third region increases with increasing distance from the middle region, the intermediate region of the third region guides the grounding member so that it is inserted into the lower region of the third region; The ground member fits into the third region.

5. The camera module according to claim 4 , wherein the protruding portion of the connector lead-out portion is disposed outside the second region of the coupling portion of the second body.

6. The camera module according to claim 4 , wherein the height of the first region of the connecting portion is greater than the height of the second region of the connecting portion.

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